St. Louis County

THE COUNTY IS COMPRISED of more than a dozen towns, with Route 66 having many different alignments in or around the city of St. Louis. The old Route 66 follows the towns of Maplewood, Brentwood, Kirkwood, Des Peres, and Ballwin, while the 1932 realignment west of St. Louis trails from St. Louis to Eureka, Allentown to Pacific.

The former Coral Court Motel, St. Louis

Shellee Graham

St. Louis, considered the Gateway to the West, has a plethora of sights and attractions and warrants a couple of days of exploration. Chain of Rocks Bridge, the Gateway Arch, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, the wonderful Saint Louis Zoo, and numerous museums are just some of the must-see attractions. If the day is sunny, and it usually is, Route 66 State Park features classic hiking and biking trails and is a great way to experience the spirit of St. Louis. Be sure to check out the visitor center housed in the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. The visitor center has exhibits and unique factoids on display about the historic route that will both educate and entertain you. It is worth a stop.

Museum of Transportation, Kirkwood

The Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis

Ted Drewes, St. Louis

Des Peres Brentwood

Allentown

KIRKWOOD ROUTE 66 FESTIVAL: CARS & GUITARS

Kirkwood This outdoor festival, held downtown, features live music and vintage vehicles. The Cars and Guitars theme speaks to the transportation and music history of the region. Held annually on the second Saturday of June. For more info: KirkwoodMo.org/carsandguitars

GOOD TO KNOW: The Gateway Arch is 630-feet (192-meters) long and just as wide. It was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. Completed in 1965, it was constructed to withstand earthquakes and high winds.

MY ST. LOUIS COUNTY CHECKLIST

• Chain of Rocks Bridge • Calvary Cemetery • The Gateway Arch • Donut Drive-In • Ted Drewes • Coral Court Motel • Museum of

Transportation • Route 66 State Park • Paramount Jewelers ROUTE 66 KICKS

Founded in 1854, Calvary Cemetery, located near Interstate 70 and the West Florissant Avenue exit, is the second oldest cemetery in the Archdiocese.