1. Gateway to the West

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis is situated on the western side of Missouri, along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. This vibrant city is a hub of culture, history, and entertainment, offering something for everyone. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the bustling nightlife of the Delmar Loop, St. Louis is a city that has something for everyone.

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2. The Birthplace of 7-Up

St. Louis is home to the birthplace of 7-up, the iconic lemon-lime soda. Invented in 1929 by Charles Leiper Grigg, the drink has been manufactured in the city ever since. It has become a beloved beverage around the world, and St. Louisans are proud to be the ones who brought it to life.

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3. "Meet Me in St. Louis": A 1904 World's Fair Tale.

The 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis was a momentous event that inspired the classic movie "Meet Me in St. Louis". This fair was the first of its kind to be held in the United States and featured over 1,500 buildings, including the iconic Palace of Fine Arts. It was attended by over 20 million people from around the world and showcased the latest in technology, art, and culture. The movie, released in 1944, was based on the events of the fair and featured Judy Garland as the main character. It was a huge success and is still beloved by many today.

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4. St. Louis' Love of Barbecue Sauce

St. Louis is renowned for its love of barbecue sauce, with more of the condiment consumed in the city than anywhere else in the United States. Whether it's slathered on ribs, poured over pulled pork, or used as a dip for chicken wings, St. Louisans can't get enough of the tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor of barbecue sauce. In fact, the city's passion for the sauce is so strong that it has become a staple of the local cuisine.

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5. The St Louis Gateway Arch: An Iconic Landmark

The St Louis Gateway Arch is an iconic landmark in the city, standing at an impressive 630 feet tall and making it one of the tallest in the world. It is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at its impressive size and admire the stunning views of the city from the top. The arch is a symbol of the city's history and culture, and is a must-see for anyone visiting St Louis.

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6. Chocolate on Your Pillow: A St. Louis Tradition

St. Louis is renowned for its hospitality, and this is exemplified by the fact that it was the first city to offer its hotel guests a chocolate on their pillow. This sweet gesture has become a staple of the hospitality industry, and is a great way to make guests feel welcome and appreciated. St. Louis hotels have been offering this delightful treat for decades, and it's a great way to make your stay in the city even more memorable.

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7. St. Louis Loves Company

Ringo Starr's song, "Missouri Loves Company", is a tribute to the city of St. Louis. The song was written and performed by Starr in recognition of the city's vibrant culture and its people. St. Louis is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Zoo, as well as its rich history and diverse population. The city is also home to a number of professional sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the St. Louis Blues hockey team. With its unique blend of culture, history, and sports, St. Louis is a city that Starr clearly loves and wanted to honor with his song.

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8. The First Kindergarten in America: A St. Louis Legacy

The city of St. Louis is home to a number of firsts, including the founding of the first kindergarten in the United States. This milestone was achieved by Susan Elizabeth Blow, a pioneering educator who was determined to provide children with a quality education. She opened the first kindergarten in St. Louis in 1873, and her work laid the foundation for the modern kindergarten system. Her legacy lives on in the city, and her impact on the education of children is still felt today.

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9. A Great Destination for Free Attractions

St. Louis is a great destination for tourists looking for free attractions. From the iconic Anheuser Busch Clydesdale horses to the many parks, museums, and other attractions, there's something for everyone. The city is home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, which can be seen at the Anheuser Busch Brewery. There are also plenty of parks and museums to explore, such as the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Gateway Arch. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a solo adventure, St. Louis has something for everyone.

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10. The History and Legacy of the St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis is home to three professional sports teams: the St. Louis Rams football team, the St. Louis Blues hockey team, and the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most successful major league baseball clubs in history. The Rams have been a part of the St. Louis sports scene since 1995, while the Blues have been a part of the city since 1967. The Cardinals, however, have been a part of St. Louis since 1882, making them the oldest professional sports team in the city. With a long and storied history, the Cardinals have won 11 World Series titles, the most of any National League team.

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