8/28/17 – Historic Laclede’s Landing Eager to Welcome Influx Of Visitors

The opening of the North Arch Grounds earlier this spring was a welcome milestone for the businesses and attractions in the adjacent nine-block historic Laclede’s Landing. Now, as St. Louis natives and visitors alike return to the St. Louis riverfront to check out all the improvements to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, there is great anticipation that those same individuals will make time to rediscover the wealth of easy-to-access offerings right next door in St. Louis oldest district and only riverfront and dining destination.

With visitor traffic expected to grow from 2.3 million to 2.7 million once the remaining work on the Gateway Arch grounds is complete, the newly developed Purina Dog Park, eight (8) restaurants, museums, entertainment

venues and casino lining the cobblestoned streets of The Landing are eager to welcome them and help turn their visit to the Arch into an all-day experience. Served by the Riverfront Trail and MetroLink, and offering the most convenient place to park for easy access to the Gateway Arch, the hope is that visitors will consider The Landing as home base for their visit and round out their “Journey to the Top” with stops at one of the great restaurants and other unique attractions just a few steps away.

“While the renovation of the Arch grounds was underway, we were making improvements of our own to help enhance the experience for our visitors,” noted John Clark, president of the Laclede’s Landing Community Improvement District. “Chief among those is completion of phase 1 to renovate and re-build our infamous cobblestone streets to improve the surface for both pedestrians and automobiles.”

Originally surveyed by Pierre Laclede in 1763, many of the historic cobblestones have been re-set to allow visitors to soak up the history with a smoother ride in a horse drawn carriage, or even walk gracefully in high heels as they experience the vibrant nightlife, while being careful to preserve and enhance their historic appeal. Work on Second St. has already been completed, and the remaining cobblestones along First St. and adjoining sidewalk and streetscape will be completed in the coming years.

“Once a hub for manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping on the riverfront, The Landing is rich in St. Louis history dating back to the 1700s,” said Clark. “The preservation of the streets and architecture help to tell the great stories of our city’s past and create an inviting environment to experience all that The Landing has to offer today.”

It all starts with the variety of food and beverage options. For a relaxing yet exciting scene, Joey B’s and Big Daddy’s are great spots for a bite or drink during the day or a lively night out in the evening. The Old Spaghetti Factory is a perennial favorite and Last Call on the Landing and Morgan Street Brewery also offer natives and tourists a change of atmosphere to satisfy their taste buds as they continue to enjoy the riverfront.  Factor in the various dining options at the nearby Lumiere Place casino and the plans currently in the works for several new eateries that are expected to open on The Landing in the coming months, and visitors will be hard pressed not to find something that pleases their palate.

Visitors can even bring their dogs onto many of the dining patios, or for a spin by the recently renovated Purina Dog Park, helping to ensure The Landing entices dog owners and animal lovers alike with its pet friendly environment.  On the weekends, pet sitting reservations are available so those visiting with their four-legged friends can still take in the abundance of attractions to keep people of all ages entertained.

The Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum, a national historic landmark, offers history buffs, movie fans, and thrill seekers a chance to see an incredible array of life-size figures. The Landing is also home to a children’s aquarium where learning, fun, and animal interactions are the priority. Those who are more athletically inclined will want to take advantage of easy access from The Landing to Great Rivers Greenway’s Riverfront Trail which is part of the Mississippi Greenway for an extended cycling option.

While there’s plenty to do on The Landing itself, it’s also an ideal spot to start or wind down any other Downtown St. Louis adventure. A complimentary shuttle takes visitors to Busch Stadium and Scottrade Center on game nights, while the Gateway Arch Riverboat cruises and scenic helicopter rides depart just a short walk down Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd.

“We are excited to reintroduce visitors to Laclede’s Landing and all that it has to offer,” said Clark. “With a rich history, numerous dining and entertainment options, and an accessible, safe downtown location, The Landing continues to shine as one of St. Louis’s best places to visit.”

To learn more about all the great experiences that can be found on Laclede’s Landing, visit www.lacledeslanding.com.

Laclede’s Landing is downtown St. Louis’ oldest district and only riverfront entertainment/dining destination. The nine-block area features unique restaurants, bars, and nightclubs as well as a variety of retail shops, attractions, and businesses. Just steps away from the Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing offers a historical experience with charming cobblestone streets and century-old buildings overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

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For more information, contact:
Julie Hauser
(314) 436-9090