secondary education

INNOVATION Gateway of

How St. Louis is making a name for itself in the tech world, and the new developments coming to the city.

St. Louis is quickly becoming the next Silicon Valley. With outstanding resources and a blossoming technology community, the city is emerging as a hub for innovation. Technology and innovation centers are popping up all over the region, making St. Louis the perfect location for developing startups. Responsible for leading the technology revolution is the Cortex and Innovation Center. Founded in 2002, Cortex is a 200-acre hub of innovation and opportunity. Cortex focuses on the idea of collaboration and community. By providing state-of-the-art resources to big-idea problem solvers, startups are finding it easier than ever to launch their ideas. Nestled between the historic Central West End and Forest Park neighborhoods, the availability of resources seem endless. Nationally-ranked research facilities such as BJC and Washington University border Cortex, which make it the perfect location for startups because of the highly trained workforce and experts nearby. While research and technology are the main focus, any business can lease office space. Companies in the community can expect an endless array of resources within Cortex such as funding, education and mentorship. The “innovation centers” help make the process

Cortex Commons north-facing view. Photography by Cortex staff

Venture Café Thursday Gathering at 4240. Photography by Cortex staff

of starting a new business a little easier. Also within the community are amenities available to those working or visiting Cortex. Several restaurants and cafes, gyms, and a new tech-forward hotel operate in Cortex, which makes the community a gathering place for those looking to work and play. Cortex is expanding its reach within the community with The City Foundry. The addition, opening in 2020, is slated to be St. Louis’ newest destination for entertainment and dining. Formerly known as the historic Century Electric building, the complex is being reimagined to be the city’s first food hall. Based on Cortex’s core principles of fostering innovation and community growth, The City Foundry is allowing chefs to showcase their biggest ideas in food. Ranging from the flavors of Buenos Aires to fresh poke bowls, gourmet sit-down dinners to fast-casual cafes, the complex has a spot for everyone to enjoy. Several unique entertainment venues also include a draft house cinema and an authentic German beer hall. St. Louis is a bustling, tech-savvy city full of opportunity. For those wanting to live in a growing city, then St. Louis is the perfect place to call home.

OUT & ABOUT IN STL

With myriad must-see attractions throughout the city, the options in entertainment and exploration are endless.

*Please call or visit these attractions' websites for information on days and hours of operation, changes in admission and parking fees, etc.

Steinmeyer/Endangered Wolf Center.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery. A St. Louis landmark since its founding in 1852, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers daily free tours, which take visitors through the historic Budweiser Clydesdale stables, Beechwood Aging Cellars, historic Brew House and Bevo Packaging Facility. 12th & Lynch streets, 314-577-2626, www.budweisertours.com.

Blueberry Hill

Blueberry Hill has been entertaining customers in the Delmar Loop since 1972. Enjoy classic American food in the restaurant-museum hybrid, filled with entertainment and pop culture memorabilia. Catch a concert at the intimate 340-capacity music venue, known for housing the monthly Chuck Berry concerts. www.Blueberryhill.com, 6504 Delmar in the Loop, 314-727-4444 Citygarden. A garden oasis in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Citygarden offers expansive, lush landscaping, 24 pieces of sculpture by internationally renowned artists, three water features, an innovative audio tour, a glass pavilion café and more. Free to the public. 801 Market Street, 314-241-3337, www.citygardenstl.org.

Photography by Justin Barr.

City Museum. What was once a 600,000-square-foot shoe factory is now a playground for the imagination, with countless unique activities and exhibits made of reclaimed materials from around the city. 701 N. 15th Street, 314-231-CITY, www.citymuseum.org. Endangered Wolf Center.. Encounter majestic creatures at the Endangered Wolf Center. Tour the animal habitats where you’ll learn about and observe wolves, foxes and wild dogs. Adopt a wolf as a sponsor and you’ll truly become part of the pack. www.endangeredwolfcenter.org, 6750 Tyson Valley Rd., 636-938-5900 Fitz’s Bottling Company. Sip a root beer from a frosty mug at Fitz’s Bottling Company. Known for their draft root beer, Fitz’s has been hand-crafting soda since 1993. Dine-in at their two restaurant locations for all-American food while watching them bottle the world-famous soda. www.fitzsrootbeer.com, 314-726-9555, 6605 Delmar Blvd, 5244 Lindbergh Blvd

The Fox Theatre. Catch a Broadway show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Grand Center. For tickets, call 800-293-5949. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 314-534-1678, www.fabulousfox.com.

Grant’s Farm. Ranked as the seventh-best family attraction nationwide by the U.S. Family Travel Guide Zagat Survey®, this Busch family estate, which was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, features animal shows, a petting area and a tram ride through a wildlife preserve. Open mid-April through November. 10501 Gravois Road, 314-843-1700, www.grantsfarm.com. Laumeier Sculpture Park. Expanding the context of contemporary sculpture beyond the traditional confines of a museum, Laumeier Sculpture Park is an internationally recognized open-air museum. Free to the public; however, admission is charged for some special events. 12580 Rott Road, 314-615-5278, www.laumeiersculpturepark.org.

The Magic House – St. Louis Children’s Museum.

Participate in hundreds of fun, educational and interactive exhibits and activities for the whole family. You and your child can touch an electrically charged ball, create a three-dimensional impression of yourself, experience the sensation of racing a wheelchair and so much more. 516 S. Kirkwood Road, 314-822-8900, www.magichouse.org.

Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Photography by Sam Fentress.

Missouri Botanical Garden. Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation and is a National Historic Landmark. See 79 acres of horticultural displays, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, the Climatrom® conservatory and more. See website for admission prices. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 314-577-5100, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Missouri History Museum. Discover St. Louis’ history, from the city’s founding in 1764 to the present, in the "Seeking St. Louis" continuing exhibit. General admission is free; however, a fee is charged for some special exhibitions. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 314-746-4599, www.mohistory.org. The Moto Museum. See a collection of rare and vintage motorcycles, many from European manufacturers before 1975, and some even dating back to around 1900. Free to the public, but donations are appreciated. 3441 Olive Blvd., 314-446-1805, www.themotomuseum.com.

Photography by Kari R. Frey, FREYtography.

Six Flags, St. Louis.

Photography courtesy of Six Flags. The Muny in Forest Park. The nation’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre, The Muny in Forest Park is a fan favorite during the summer months in St. Louis. The 2021 Summer season runs July 5 and closes September 5. The 2021 season includes Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (July 5 – 11), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (July 14 – 22), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (July 25 – 31), The Sound of Music (August 3 – 9), Sweeney Todd (August 12 – 18), On Your Feet! (August 21 – 27) and Chicago (August 30 – September 5). One Theatre Drive, 314-361-1900, www.muny.org. Saint Louis Art Museum. Admire exceptional works of art from nearly every culture and time period throughout history at the Saint Louis Art Museum, one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums. General admission is free. Fine Arts Drive, 314-721-0072, www.slam.org. Saint Louis Science Center. Explore the fascinating world of science at this hands-on museum, which offers more than 700 exhibits geared toward children and adults of all ages. Investigate an array of exciting exhibits; or, for an additional fee, watch an informative show in the impressive Omnimax Theater and stargaze indoors at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. General admission is free. 5050 Oakland Ave., 314-289-4400, www.slsc.org. Saint Louis Symphony at Powell Hall. The Grammywinning Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra has been inspiring St. Louis since 1976. Concerts vary throughout the year, ranging from elegant, classical evening performances to family-friendly afternoon shows. For tickets, call 314-534-1700. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 314-533-2500, www.slso.org. Saint Louis Zoo. Located in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is a family-friendly destination that is home to nearly 19,000 animals from more than 655 species. General admission is free; however, certain attractions charge a fee, such as the Children’s Zoo. One Government Drive, 314-781-0900, www.stlzoo.org. Six Flags St. Louis. A constant favorite among families all over the Midwest, this expansive theme park features a variety of fun rides and thrills, including an attached water park, that kids and parents alike are sure to love. Six Flags St. Louis, which is open April through October, also hosts several concerts by popular musicians each season, as well as annual celebrations, such as “Fright Fest,” which takes place through the entire month of October. 636-938-5300, 4900 Six Flags St. Louis Rd., www.sixflags.com.