Monday, April 30, 2012

Where to stay, what to do


Sparta has limited lodging outside of the Holiday Inn Express. If you are flying in for the wedding, you might consider staying Friday night in St. Louis. There is lots to do, great places to stay and only 45min from Sparta.

If you are staying in St. Louis, any of the hotels in city are decent, but have a few recommendations if you are planning to do some sightseeing.

The Delmar Loop is a great area to check out and has the Moonrise Hotel that offers an excellent rooftop bar with views of downtown. It is located across the street from the famous Blueberry Hill restaurant and the Tivoli Theater.
http://www.moonrisehotel.com/
www.blueberryhill.com

If staying downtown, check out the Millennium hotel. It is reasonably priced and offers great views from the revolving restaurant on the top floor. 
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumstlouis/index.html

You cant visit St. Louis without stopping by the great treasures of St.Louis, and the only treasure of North St.Louis. A place where bacon is served by the pound and milkshakes are the only refreshment that you can legitimately order. And if you are still not satisfied, stop by their homemade candy shop for a seasonal treat. crowncandykitchen.net/


Another fav of ours and all St. Louisans alike is Ted Drews frozen custard. October is the perfect time to stop by Ted Drews. Their pumpkin pie concrete is a popular fall best seller and Ben's personal favorite. Kelly's favorite is the strawberry shortcake concrete.   
http://www.teddrewes.com/home/default.aspx

Another neighborhood to check out is Soulard, in South St. Louis. If you have time, Anheuser- Busch offers tours of the brewery as well as free samples. Just a few blocks west is Benton Park Cafe, which offers a great brunch/lunch menu and the best eggs-benedict you can find.

If your in the mood for some good Midwestern BBQ, try Pappys Smokehouse. http://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/

If you are staying in Sparta we recommend the Holiday Inn Express or a few local Bed-n-Breakfasts.
There is a group rate for the Holiday Inn Express. Please make reference to the following group code for the GERLACH HOVLAND WEDDING during your communication with the hotel: EG2

GROUP RATES
Date                    Room Type                       Rate
14/Oct/2011             2 QUEEN BEDS            $86.00USD
15/Oct/2011             2 QUEEN BEDS            $86.00USD
16/Oct/2011             2 QUEEN BEDS            $86.00USD

The activities in Sparta are somewhat limited, however prior to visiting, please rent the movie "In the Heat of the Night". The Oscar winning movie was filmed in Sparta and continues to be a lasting legacy of the area. We also host the World Trapshooting facility that host numerous trapshooting events and is also open to the public.
(Sidney Poitie Rod Steiger outside the depot )

If you have come to Sparta looking for a little culture, you have come to the wrong place, however the Roscoe Misselhorn Museum displays the artwork of one of Sparta's most famous citizens. The Museum, which is the old train depot, was also used during the filming of "In the Heat of the Night" and is also a tribute to the movie.
http://www.misselhorngallery.com/

There are a few good spots to grab a bite to eat in town. Doreens offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and great milkshakes for dessert. The menu is large and random and you can't go wrong with your choice.

Southside BBQ has a solid pulled pork and offers a typical bbq menu, as well as a full bar. Also, Tequilas is an above average Mexican restaurant and favorite of the Gerlach family.