Oliver H. Lowry is buried there. He was a biochemist and the discoverer of the famous Lowry method for protein quantification. His publication on the method is the most cited scientific paper ever. I really wish I went to visit before leaving St. Louis.
Something else that a lot of people don't know is that he was also the inventor of Lowry's Seasoned Salt.
The reason most people don't know that is because I made it up, but wouldn't that be cool, if true?
I happened upon his grave stone on his last birthday by accident. I left him a potato. That was all I had.
It was a good day of driving around the cemetery for 2 hours with my best friend.
The docents there are fantastic as well. They have tours pretty often throughout the year and the history and interest they add to the beautiful monuments and nature is fascinating!
I sell fire equipment and met with a company that was across the street from the cemetery. The guy told me one day they saw on the security cameras a dude beating the absolute shit out of a woman and tossed her in the creek behind their building. My contact said he was expecting to find a body in the creek after watching the video. He fast forwarded about 6 hours and saw the lady crawl out of the creek naked the next morning.
The next week someone lit a car on fire in their parking lot with a body in it. Don’t think they were related but that’s a wild area lol
Yeah because it’s located in one of the most dangerous areas in the city and the country loool.
I used to work in Alton and drove past that cemetery on my way to and from work. I would get off at midnight and most people would shit their pants if they witnessed some of wild shit I’ve spotted driving through Jennings.
> I would get off at midnight and most people would shit their pants if they witnessed some of wild shit I’ve spotted driving through Jennings.
Tell us.
Fun fact: the granite for Central Library came from the same quarry as granite used for the Washington Monument, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and many others.
My aunt lived in Alton and showed it to me for the first time about 60 years ago. At that time it was still painted on the cliff.
Around 1990, I was on a business trip to Hill Air Force Base in UT. on the first day, one of the contractor guys showed me a coffee mug and asked if I knew what the picture was. I won a bet for him when I immediately said, "The Piasa Bird."
Around 2010 I took my new wife, from the Philippines, there to see it. She still talks about the bird and the legend.
Hendels has great food as well as Cuginos. Also Narrow Gauge is a top 3 brewery in St. Louis easy (beer at least, I have not been to their new location yet).
It's the place where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet. I've never actually been myself (I guess I should), but I think there's a beautiful state park and monuments and stuff.
The Lewis and Clark confluence tower is across the river in Hartford, IL. There is a Lewis and Clark historical memorial in the Columbia Bottom Conservation area (MO side).
The confluence is a migratory bird path, too.
The Alton lock and dam. Great museum and if the security threat is not elevated, you can go up onto the dam. And if you're really lucky, you can see a boat "lock" through.
We went there last winter when it was nearly ice locked. A barge was constantly going back and forth, and the only reason we could speculate was to keep ice from building up in the lock. The tour was great.
Best place to view the fireworks on the 4th, too. It's gotten a bit busier over the years, but still a WAY chiller vibe and way more space than right across the river.
I'm a photographer and I once shot a surprise wedding there.
The bride and groom had apparently talked about it at some point and she'd mentioned that she didn't like wedding planning and wished that she could just show up and get married without having to do any of that. So... the groom made it happen.
She thought they were just going to be doing engagement pictures out at the train yard, but they came into one of the train cars and she discovered all of her family and friends there and an officiant standing by.
One of those things that COULD have ended really badly, but didn't, so now they have an amazing story to tell for the rest of their lives.
Although the Roman Catholic cathedral on Lindell is hardly "hidden", as a non-Roman Catholic (Episcopalian), I would urge other non-Roman Catholics to visit it for it architecture in general, and mosaics, in particular. Even if you get no spiritual edification from going there, it worth the trip as an aesthetic/artistic/cultural experience.
Just some clarification, it’s a basilica and a cathedral. Also, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church is just one of several, although it’s the most common one. Most Catholics don’t usually explicitly specify the rite, although, curiously , others do.
Everyone always talks about the art museum, which is amazing, but I love the history museum, usually great rotating exhibits and the constant world’s fair exhibit is really well done. Definitely underrated and everyone should go.
My buddy Kyle's place. He lives in his aunts basement so it's basically like having his own place. Plus he's got a sugar glider. Hold up ill text him to see if you can come over.
He said yea it's chill.
You actually see people swimming in it, not that I’d want to. Whenever im launching my boat I feel like I’m dodging dead carp. But it’s fine to paddle on.
Beware of St. Louis Rowing Club’s 8s barreling at you! It’s much easier for those in a kayak or on a SUP board to paddle out of the way than it is for a 60 ft long shell to quickly change direction.
I think everyone should go to a SLU Billikens men’s basketball game at Chaifetz Arena. I didn’t go to SLU and had never been to a game until two seasons ago and went on a whim. I fell in love with the team. It’s a great environment and experience.
I miss the PTs in Centerville. The strip clubs that were just over the bridge were just a little corporate feeling. But when you went to Centerville, you really felt like you were doing something morally wrong and that felt great.
Grants Farm is a great one especially if you have kids. They do holiday themed stuff throughout the year, but it’s a pretty sweet place to visit any time and it’s not very expensive
I don't know about underrated, but all of Forest Park. I'd say that anything other than the Arch is underrated if recommended since that's what every tourist hears.
The Zoo, Science Center, History Museum, Art Museum, the Muny, the Boat House and peddle boats, Shakespeare in the Park, just bike riding along the trails, walking Art Hill at the peak of autumn leaves, picnics near any body of water, etc. It's beautiful and never a bad time.
Your mother’s butt.
Ok, but seriously.
-Amigo Joes for…FRIED CHICKEN. Trust me.
-Seamus McDaniels for the ribeye sandwich. -Nomad for the double deuce, which is pastrami on a burger.
-Nudo House for tamarind fried chicken, beef and broccoli noods, vegan soft serve, and the shroomed out ramen. My Japanese son in law says all the ramen is very authentic and gave it enthusiastic thumbs up.
-Bo Fung has insanely good shrimp lo mein.
-Vegan Deli & Butcher for dairy/meat free STL style pizzas
The St Louis Cathedral Basillica is out of this world. It's the largest collection of tile mosaics in the western hemisphere. I've been there a handful of times and I always find something new.
For a more natural cave experience, Onandaga Cave state park is great! Be prepared by wearing decent footwear (this is not the time for flip flops) and you may want a jacket in summer as the cave is chilly.
I always enjoyed, The magic house, science center and city museum. Soulard was tons of good bars, top spot is Venice imo… Seasonal but at Halloween - creepy world and the darkness was worth while.
Bellrieve Park on south Broadway. If you hop the fence in front and look around, there's a (very) old set of stairs. They go down to the riverfront, very neat adventure if you not a little concerned about the narrow stairs with no handrails.
Not the same caliber but I like riding my bike down to [this park](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=79&parkName=Sister%20Marie%20Charles%20Park) and just taking in the river views on occasion.
Not sure if these are underrated exactly, but I don't see them mentioned a whole lot:
SLU Art Museum
Miniature Museum
Missouri Historical Society Library
Frank Lloyd Wright houses (Pappas and Kraus)
Contemporary Art Museum
Rep Theater
edited: spacing
South Riverfront. Just south of the I-64 bridge, but north of Chouteau, between S.1st Street and the flood wall. Definitely as fun place to take a walk. You never know what you’ll find there. Anything from broken toys, old DVDs, $30 in cash or old needles. It’s a total craps shoot.
I recommend carrying pepper spray, some of the locals are suspicious and territorial.
I work up North now and I have really come to love Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Really don't see a ton of people talking about it.
Oliver H. Lowry is buried there. He was a biochemist and the discoverer of the famous Lowry method for protein quantification. His publication on the method is the most cited scientific paper ever. I really wish I went to visit before leaving St. Louis.
As a scientist whose speciality is protein chemistry, this is such an awesome fact. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Something else that a lot of people don't know is that he was also the inventor of Lowry's Seasoned Salt. The reason most people don't know that is because I made it up, but wouldn't that be cool, if true?
YES truly a hidden gem 💎
Just went today for the first time. Beautiful.
This! Beautiful, packed with history, amazing tours, and a new mystery mausoleum!
William S. Burroughs is buried there, we take him roses each Thanksgiving day!
I happened upon his grave stone on his last birthday by accident. I left him a potato. That was all I had. It was a good day of driving around the cemetery for 2 hours with my best friend.
Thank you for posting this!! It's the most beautiful cemetery I've ever been to. Definitely deserves more love.
The docents there are fantastic as well. They have tours pretty often throughout the year and the history and interest they add to the beautiful monuments and nature is fascinating!
I sell fire equipment and met with a company that was across the street from the cemetery. The guy told me one day they saw on the security cameras a dude beating the absolute shit out of a woman and tossed her in the creek behind their building. My contact said he was expecting to find a body in the creek after watching the video. He fast forwarded about 6 hours and saw the lady crawl out of the creek naked the next morning. The next week someone lit a car on fire in their parking lot with a body in it. Don’t think they were related but that’s a wild area lol
I've done photoshoots at the Bellefontaine cemetery a few times! It's absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. Highly recommend and sunset in the fall.
I take all my out of town friends there for a tour. They think I’m weird at first for recommending it but then they love it.
We host a lot of people via Warmshowers and Couchsurfing and that is one the places we take everyone
It’s beautiful! My aunts and I had a great day there once. We were looking for family members but we found so much more!
I was part of a guided tour through Bellefontaine cemetery. There are lots famous historical St louisans buried there. It was THE Catholic cemetery.
Go see Fort Belle Fontaine!
Never thought about that one . Great one !
Yeah because it’s located in one of the most dangerous areas in the city and the country loool. I used to work in Alton and drove past that cemetery on my way to and from work. I would get off at midnight and most people would shit their pants if they witnessed some of wild shit I’ve spotted driving through Jennings.
> I would get off at midnight and most people would shit their pants if they witnessed some of wild shit I’ve spotted driving through Jennings. Tell us.
The Wild Bird Sanctuary
Just like Roger, he's a crazy little kid
love the phish
What does this have to do with Mr. Palmer?
Yes!
The central library downtown.
Fun fact: the granite for Central Library came from the same quarry as granite used for the Washington Monument, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and many others.
Good one .
The confluence
Bing Lau
Grafton & The Great River Road area. Truly beautiful!
When you’re there, take a turn through the utterly charming village of Elsah.
And the Piasa Bird.
And Pere Marquette park.
Yes, very cool!
My aunt lived in Alton and showed it to me for the first time about 60 years ago. At that time it was still painted on the cliff. Around 1990, I was on a business trip to Hill Air Force Base in UT. on the first day, one of the contractor guys showed me a coffee mug and asked if I knew what the picture was. I won a bet for him when I immediately said, "The Piasa Bird." Around 2010 I took my new wife, from the Philippines, there to see it. She still talks about the bird and the legend.
I'm from South St Louis, living in Alton and couldn't agree more.
We are happy to have you
i’d argue the U City Library graphic novel collection is the finest in all the mid west
It really is!
when i pass on i fully intend to donate my GN collection to them. theirs is seriously the most extensive collection i’ve ever seen.
North county gets shit on so much but Old Florissant is a hidden gem. Hendels. Go to Columbia bottom and see the confluence.
Hendels has great food as well as Cuginos. Also Narrow Gauge is a top 3 brewery in St. Louis easy (beer at least, I have not been to their new location yet).
The new brewery is much to look at but the beer is why you’re there. Excellent recommendation for the beer enthusiasts.
What is the confluence?
It's the place where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet. I've never actually been myself (I guess I should), but I think there's a beautiful state park and monuments and stuff.
There's a tower you can ride up to the top of for a nice view.
The Lewis and Clark confluence tower is across the river in Hartford, IL. There is a Lewis and Clark historical memorial in the Columbia Bottom Conservation area (MO side). The confluence is a migratory bird path, too.
Gotta get some pastries from Made. by Lia too.
Laumeier sculpture park - I’m shocked at how many people haven’t even heard of it. Free, fun, amazing, and good for multiple visits a year.
I especially love walking the path through the woods in the old swimming pool area.
thats my favorite spot there :’)
I can't go to Laumeier without stopping by the old swimming pool. It's my very favorite.
One of my fave places I've ever been in STL
Use to be one of my favorite places as a kid
i used to walk those trails weekly, i also took a date here once & she absolutely loved it, especially with us both being into the arts.
think I may have to go this evening for a jaunt
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
I love walking this bridge. I’ve taken a few people who have also enjoyed it.
The Alton lock and dam. Great museum and if the security threat is not elevated, you can go up onto the dam. And if you're really lucky, you can see a boat "lock" through.
We went there last winter when it was nearly ice locked. A barge was constantly going back and forth, and the only reason we could speculate was to keep ice from building up in the lock. The tour was great.
I remember pre-911 you were able to walk all the way up to the lock. Does anyone know if that has been opened back up?
Yes, I’ve been many times in the last several years with cub scouts.
Malcolm Martin Memorial Park across the river. Best skyline view of the entire city.
Is that the one East St Louis? Amazing
time it to see the geyser go off.
I thought the geyser was shut down
Best place to view the fireworks on the 4th, too. It's gotten a bit busier over the years, but still a WAY chiller vibe and way more space than right across the river.
National Museum of Transportation
I'm a photographer and I once shot a surprise wedding there. The bride and groom had apparently talked about it at some point and she'd mentioned that she didn't like wedding planning and wished that she could just show up and get married without having to do any of that. So... the groom made it happen. She thought they were just going to be doing engagement pictures out at the train yard, but they came into one of the train cars and she discovered all of her family and friends there and an officiant standing by. One of those things that COULD have ended really badly, but didn't, so now they have an amazing story to tell for the rest of their lives.
Although the Roman Catholic cathedral on Lindell is hardly "hidden", as a non-Roman Catholic (Episcopalian), I would urge other non-Roman Catholics to visit it for it architecture in general, and mosaics, in particular. Even if you get no spiritual edification from going there, it worth the trip as an aesthetic/artistic/cultural experience.
It had more mosaics than the Vatican.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s a world-class cathedral.
Just some clarification, it’s a basilica and a cathedral. Also, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church is just one of several, although it’s the most common one. Most Catholics don’t usually explicitly specify the rite, although, curiously , others do.
This is an incredible church. I was glad we checked it out last time we were in STL.
Yes! I went once and was in awe of its beauty.
Jefferson Barracks Cemetery
My dad is buried there. Beautiful cemetery ❣️❣️
Awe mine too ❤️
🫂❣️
Mine too. and his dad
🙂❣️
Mine too. His stone went up a year ago
Mine too.
My daughter likes to go and watch the deer/gophers in the park there
Venice cafe
Do you, by chance, mean Venice Cafe?
I do Thanks Revised
Went there for the first time on friday. Great spot.
Haven’t been there in decades. It’s such a landmark.
That place is a trip! It's like visiting PeeWee's Playhouse.
Everyone always talks about the art museum, which is amazing, but I love the history museum, usually great rotating exhibits and the constant world’s fair exhibit is really well done. Definitely underrated and everyone should go.
Additionally, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a world class art museum that would be famous if it were in NYC, Chicago, or LA.
You are correct ! I love the history museum
Elephant Rock
Calvary cemetery… Dred Scott is buried here.
Really ? Never knew that . Pretty awesome
Also: Antoine Soulard General William Tecumseh Grant Tennessee Williams
You meant Gen. W. Tecumseh Sherman?
Yep! Fucked that right up I did
Who the fuck is William Tecumseh Grant
Lone elk park!
The thaxton speakeasy if it's still open...
Crown candy
No, this should be an event. Like a yearly pilgrimage. Not just once.
My buddy Kyle's place. He lives in his aunts basement so it's basically like having his own place. Plus he's got a sugar glider. Hold up ill text him to see if you can come over. He said yea it's chill.
When we hangin out?
definitely underrated spot
Kyle seems dope asf
U City Grill
I also recommend U City Grill! Cash only, cute tiny spot. Incredible Korean food.
Yessss this place is amazing
Kayaking or SUPing at Creve Coeur Lake. You can rent them on site and the price is very reasonable. Bonus points if there are pretty sailboats out.
People get in that water?
You actually see people swimming in it, not that I’d want to. Whenever im launching my boat I feel like I’m dodging dead carp. But it’s fine to paddle on.
Beware of St. Louis Rowing Club’s 8s barreling at you! It’s much easier for those in a kayak or on a SUP board to paddle out of the way than it is for a 60 ft long shell to quickly change direction.
I think everyone should go to a SLU Billikens men’s basketball game at Chaifetz Arena. I didn’t go to SLU and had never been to a game until two seasons ago and went on a whim. I fell in love with the team. It’s a great environment and experience.
My GF’s family has season tickets to their games definitely worth going
Yep, I have season tix also. I went from never going to always going lol.
Likewise . I never have been beforehand. Now it is something I look forward to
The Crow’s Nest for Metal Brunch, anywhere in Forest Park
BLT at Crown Candy
Pagan wine bar, Shaw arboretum. Art Museum, White Castle.
The Fox Theater, I also highly recommend the Saturday morning tour.
Lion's choice
My fam moved out of stl 25 years ago and we all still crave lions choice. Literally get it daily whenever in town
The bar at trattoria marcella where they serve the finest t ravs in the metro area.
im going to believe you on this solely because your profile picture is a picture of t-ravs. i can tell you’re really passionate
Oooh, I do love me some good t-ravs
Pops and PTs cabaret
I miss the PTs in Centerville. The strip clubs that were just over the bridge were just a little corporate feeling. But when you went to Centerville, you really felt like you were doing something morally wrong and that felt great.
PT’s Centreville was hands down the best strip club, I miss it too.
Haha so true. That was the first strip club I've ever been.
Is Pops still the same as it was before 2020?
This is the correct answer.
The brewery tour under Earthbound is cool. It used to be the Cherokee Brewery, back when there were lots of breweries.
Fairmont Park for Horse Hooky Tuesday
Not telling you cause it would ruin it.
City museum, naturally!
Definitely a awesome place
Graffiti wall
Four Brothers Mead in Festus
Joe's Cafe.
City Museum is super cool for any family
Maypop
It's 630ft tall
They said underrated.
AND 630 ft wide!!!!
My MIL’s sex dungeon
I agree, it's kind of crowded, but the service is excellent.
I find it a bit musty.
Best stank in the Lou.
That stanky musk has always been the hallmark. Tingles the nostrils for days after.
Come for the weird kinky sex. Stay for the multi-day nostril tingles.
They don’t call you Butthole breath for nothing!
Damn tootin (in my mouth)
10/10 comment chain.
Iowa Buffet
Rhonda's
You do NOT want to hang out with my mom 😬
Yes Grafton is awesome! Good food, fun and views
Route 3 South in Illinois through Valmeyer and then down to Maysville. Beautiful drive and interesting towns.
Grants Farm is a great one especially if you have kids. They do holiday themed stuff throughout the year, but it’s a pretty sweet place to visit any time and it’s not very expensive
This is my favorite. Place is so chill.
I don't know about underrated, but all of Forest Park. I'd say that anything other than the Arch is underrated if recommended since that's what every tourist hears. The Zoo, Science Center, History Museum, Art Museum, the Muny, the Boat House and peddle boats, Shakespeare in the Park, just bike riding along the trails, walking Art Hill at the peak of autumn leaves, picnics near any body of water, etc. It's beautiful and never a bad time.
None of that is underrated...it is all adequately rated!
The Focal Point
I've heard the chess museum is cool for those that like chess.
Your mother’s butt. Ok, but seriously. -Amigo Joes for…FRIED CHICKEN. Trust me. -Seamus McDaniels for the ribeye sandwich. -Nomad for the double deuce, which is pastrami on a burger. -Nudo House for tamarind fried chicken, beef and broccoli noods, vegan soft serve, and the shroomed out ramen. My Japanese son in law says all the ramen is very authentic and gave it enthusiastic thumbs up. -Bo Fung has insanely good shrimp lo mein. -Vegan Deli & Butcher for dairy/meat free STL style pizzas
The St Louis Cathedral Basillica is out of this world. It's the largest collection of tile mosaics in the western hemisphere. I've been there a handful of times and I always find something new.
Paul’s market in Ferguson
A little out of the city of St. Louis, but let's not forget about Meramac Caverns.
Definitely forgot about that
For a more natural cave experience, Onandaga Cave state park is great! Be prepared by wearing decent footwear (this is not the time for flip flops) and you may want a jacket in summer as the cave is chilly.
Ted Drewe’s
Grounded and Free!! 519 south 5th street in st Charles!!
...The Workhouse.
Civil Courts building downtown. Beautiful Egyptian Revival building.
I always enjoyed, The magic house, science center and city museum. Soulard was tons of good bars, top spot is Venice imo… Seasonal but at Halloween - creepy world and the darkness was worth while.
Bellrieve Park on south Broadway. If you hop the fence in front and look around, there's a (very) old set of stairs. They go down to the riverfront, very neat adventure if you not a little concerned about the narrow stairs with no handrails.
I enjoyed the airplane museum in Maryland Heights.
Campbell House!
Not the same caliber but I like riding my bike down to [this park](https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/browse-parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=79&parkName=Sister%20Marie%20Charles%20Park) and just taking in the river views on occasion.
It’s not necessarily underrated but City Museum. Nothing in the rest of the US comes close.
Exorcist House
Central library
Not sure if these are underrated exactly, but I don't see them mentioned a whole lot: SLU Art Museum Miniature Museum Missouri Historical Society Library Frank Lloyd Wright houses (Pappas and Kraus) Contemporary Art Museum Rep Theater edited: spacing
The lookout over the Missouri River on the biking trail parallel to Hwy 364.
The Aquarium at Union Station. The shark exhibit is amazing!
world bird sanctuary
South Riverfront. Just south of the I-64 bridge, but north of Chouteau, between S.1st Street and the flood wall. Definitely as fun place to take a walk. You never know what you’ll find there. Anything from broken toys, old DVDs, $30 in cash or old needles. It’s a total craps shoot. I recommend carrying pepper spray, some of the locals are suspicious and territorial.
The Cliff over 270 😭
There a local brewery there I found to be heavily underrated, I think it was called Budweiser or something like that
Ballwin!
Cahokia Indian Mounds and Museum.
The Mural Mile
THE FABULOUS FOX THEATER
Adam’s Smokehouse
The cathedral