by Lauren Von Lehe

Created on: August 10, 2008   Last Updated: April 16, 2011

My first memory of St. Louis was staring towards the heavens at the looming Gateway Arch. You could see it from standing on almost any spot in the city. This same architectural extravagance stretches across almost any postcard of the cityscape. Just like this arch, St. Louis is a bustling city of excitement and intrigue.

A childhood friend had invited me to the city to spend a day exploring the sights and re-living old memories. I had been to that part of the country and thought I'd seen it all. Little did I know that this was St. Louis not those other places.

I found the people to be happy and friendly, fueled no doubt by the beautiful summer weather that struck everyone into a festive mood. Our waitress glided around her tables, chatting with patrons and expertly juggling orders, plates, and drinks. We grabbed a table by the window and watched what rivaled a circus performance outside the glass. It's one of my favorite pastimes- people-watching. Uninhibited by public opinion, locals rode home-made contraptions that most closely resembled a bicycle. A few women were in wildly elaborate outfits. One man drove by, a tame monkey peering out the passenger seat. Amid the chaos was a horse-drawn carriage and top-hat driver that signified a bygone era as it clattered over cobblestone side streets.

We had arrived in a whole other culture.

From my experience it comes as no surprise to know the Nearly Naked in the St. Louis Night is hosted in this city. I can envision the attitude: Want to ride your bike naked through the dark streets? Sure! We can do it together! Better yet, let's make an event out of it!

Coming from Seattle where we have our own version of the bicycle race in the buff, it isn't much of a culture shock. What IS unique is that St. Louis can pull off such a feat of inhibition in the middle of heartland America, where conservative ideals abound and hedge in the idea of such an exhibition. But in my opinion, if you do have the desire and find the thrill alluring, to each his own thrill of adventure.

Our breezy waitress returned with our local fare. We noshed on St. Louis-style pizza, a thin crusted pizza with Provel cheese, round and cut into squares. Earlier we had flipped over the menu where we browsed other foods created in St. Louis. Some had first showcased at the World Fair. Culinary innovations included peanut butter, the waffle cone, toasted ravioli, and a breakfast sandwich called 'The Slinger' that boasts two eggs, hash browns, and a hamburger patty, all covered in chili- not a morning jumpstart for the faint of stomach.

The rest of the day was devoted to sightseeing. There was much more than could be enjoyed in the confines of a twenty-four hour period, but such a short time was all we needed to leave with the imprint of St. Louis. Historically a place of innovation, the city continues to boast entertainment as it moves ahead with the times. Like me maybe you think you've seen Missouri- But not if you haven't breathed in St. Louis. There's nowhere else like St. Louie.

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