St. Louis, Missouri - The Show Me State

Where Game Recognizes Game

I've touched on this in past blog posts and LinkedIn updates, but my journey with St. Louis began back in the late 1990s while I was in Arkansas, either attending or pretending to attend Arkansas State University. At that time, St. Louis was simply "the closest big city" to northeastern Arkansas (sorry, Memphis—you’re loved too). My connection to the city was largely through watching the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the only Major League teams you could follow in Arkansas, alongside the Dallas Cowboys. It was an exciting time, with Mark McGwire of the Cardinals and Sammy Sosa of the Cubs chasing the single-season home run record.

That was my entire understanding of St. Louis back then. I think a lot of people still see it through a similar lens: a baseball town, a beer town, and home of the Gateway Arch aka the symbol of westward migration. When I moved here in 2002, those impressions remained, but I added one more, it was now home to my employer, The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency or NGA.

Fast forward 23 years, and my understanding of St. Louis has been completely transformed, not because the city itself changed (everything evolves, after all), but because I learned to see beyond my own limitations. What once seemed fixed is now a landscape of possibility, shaped as much by perspective as by progress.

My perspective on St. Louis has completely shifted and I’ve come to understand how unique St. Louis truly is through a combination of personal and professional experiences.. More importantly, I’ve gained friends in the Show-Me State who are showing me what it really means to be a St. Louisan.

No other “big small town” boasts the kind of neighborhood diversity that St. Louis does. The city alone has 79 official neighborhoods, and the broader metro area is made up of over 200 municipalities, each with its own distinct communities and character. This creates a unique dynamic: strong neighborhood bonds, communities that are forced to collaborate due to their geographic closeness, and governance structures that can shift from one baseball mound to the next.

I get it now, this place is called the Show-Me State for a reason. You need someone to show you how St. Louis is the ultimate underdog in the race to become a top-tier innovation hub. You need a friend to show you how to navigate the city’s incredible cultural centers, each neighborhood bringing something unique to the table. You need a friend to show you the deep, complex history of a city built by immigrants, shaped by resilience, and still pushing forward through a blend of past and future.

Geographically, St. Louis tells its own story. Centrally located in the Northern Hemisphere, this river town was once a major hub for rail, air, and river commerce in the 19th century. It was the place everyone had to pass through to go anywhere else, the true 'Gateway to the West.' That legacy of movement, connection, and exchange of ideas still shapes the city today.

Back when I was younger, I didn’t have the internet the way we do now. I didn’t have access to the endless resources we take for granted. And yet, even now, something about Midwestern culture keeps St. Louis underrated. Maybe that’s what makes this city so special. Those who take the time to see it for what it is, who let it show them its potential, are the ones who truly understand its power.

Why St. Louis Deserves Your Attention

As we head into conference season with major events like TechSTL’s Tech Week and USGIF’s 2025 GEOINT Symposium, many of you will be visiting, considering moving here, or bringing business opportunities to St. Louis. So let me share why I think this city is not just cool, but special beyond the professional opportunities.

Earlier this year, I visited St. Louis CITY SC headquarters and saw a massive graphic on the first floor, a word cloud capturing many of the incredible neighborhoods that make up the city and county of St. Louis. (Someone pointed out that Kirkwood was missing, don’t worry, we see you!)

These neighborhoods are often overlooked unless you live here, but they are filled with amazing people, restaurants, bars, parks, events, schools, museums, and endless entertainment. They are defined by their people, assets, and unique identities. We refer to these areas as downtown, midtown, south county, north county, west county, south city and we even define them as innovation districts. St. Louis isn’t just a city, it’s a collection of vibrant, distinct communities that include but are not limited to:

• Central West End – is a dynamic hub for young professionals, medical students, and affluent residents, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. With elegant turn-of-the-century homes, upscale apartments, and a bustling nightlife, the neighborhood thrives on its vibrant energy. Its walkable streets are lined with top-tier restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural hotspots, all set against the backdrop of world-class medical and research institutions like Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine.

• The Grove – A dynamic, LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood bursting with creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural vibrancy. Known for its bold street art, thriving nightlife, and an eclectic mix of locally owned businesses, The Grove is a hub for innovation, inclusivity, and community-driven revitalization.

• The Ville - is a historic and resilient community that has long been a beacon of Black excellence, culture, and education. Home to legendary institutions like Sumner High School, it has nurtured icons such as Tina Turner, Chuck Berry, and Annie Malone. The Ville’s legacy includes the pioneering Homer G. Phillips Hospital, which trained generations of Black physicians, and figures like Madame C.J. Walker, the first Black millionaire. This neighborhood embodies the spirit of activism, achievement, and innovation, shaping history while continuing to inspire future generations.

• The Hill – A historic Italian-American enclave renowned for its rich cultural heritage, family-owned restaurants, and strong sense of community. Famous for its authentic Italian cuisine, charming delis, and decades-old bakeries, The Hill is a St. Louis gem where tradition and hospitality thrive.

• Dogtown – The heart of St. Louis’ Irish community, Dogtown traces its roots back to the 19th century when Irish immigrants settled in the area, later playing a crucial role in building Forest Park for the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, it remains a lively neighborhood known for its rich heritage, local pubs, and the city’s most spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With a mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy, Dogtown offers a welcoming atmosphere that blends tradition with a strong sense of community.

• Soulard – One of St. Louis’ oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, Soulard is famous for its historic 19th-century red-brick architecture, lively blues music scene, and the iconic Soulard Farmers Market, the oldest public market west of the Mississippi. Known for its strong French heritage, this neighborhood is home to some of the best Cajun and Creole-inspired cuisine in the city. It also hosts St. Louis’ largest and most spirited Mardi Gras celebration, drawing visitors from across the region and the country for its parades and festivities. Soulard seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern energy, making it a beloved hub for food, music, and culture.

• Cherokee Street – The beating heart of St. Louis’ Latino community, Cherokee Street is a lively hub of culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Lined with authentic taquerias, panaderías, and mercados, it offers some of the city’s best Mexican cuisine. The neighborhood is also a haven for artists and makers, featuring colorful murals, independent boutiques, and vintage shops. Throughout the year, Cherokee Street comes alive with events like the Cinco de Mayo festival, showcasing its rich heritage and diverse, welcoming spirit.

As my friend and all-around amazing human, St. Louis native Chaz Mason, puts it: “There’s a place for everyone, but it’s not the only place. Each of these areas has its own personality, but there’s incredible and inviting overlap.”

More Than Just Neighborhoods: St. Louis' Unmatched Events

Beyond its neighborhoods, St. Louis hosts incredible annual events that bring people together:

• Soulard Mardi Gras (Feb/March) – One of the largest outside of New Orleans.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Run (March) – Draws 250,000+ people to the Dogtown area.

• Fair St. Louis (July 4th) – Fireworks, concerts, and air shows at the Arch.

• Festival of Nations (Aug) – A celebration of cultural diversity featuring vendors from 70+ backgrounds held on the grounds of Tower Grove Park.

• Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden (Labor Day) – One of North America’s largest, featuring sumo, tea ceremonies, and traditional performances.

• St. Nicholas Greek Festival - Typically occurring over Labor Day Weekend, Hosted by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, this festival features Greek food, live music, dance performances, and church tours

• Forest Park Balloon Race (Sept) – A 50+ year tradition with a mesmerizing Balloon Glow, The largest metropolitan balloon race in the country.

Landmarks & Attractions

St. Louis is famous for its iconic sites, but each offers much more than meets the eye:

• Gateway Arch – the most iconic symbol of St. Louis, stands 630 feet tall, making it the tallest monument in the U.S. and the world’s tallest stainless-steel structure. As part of Gateway Arch National Park, it represents America’s westward expansion and offers visitors a breathtaking ride to the top with panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.

• Mississippi River – the second-longest in North America, has long been a vital artery of trade, exploration, and history. It played a crucial role in U.S. expansion, served as a major route for Native Americans and early settlers, and remains one of the world’s busiest commercial waterways, transporting over 500 million tons of goods annually. The river also holds deep historical significance as part of the Underground Railroad, where enslaved people sought freedom by crossing its waters.

• Anheuser-Busch Brewery – offers visitors a chance to tour its historic facility, learn the craft of brewing, and even sample fresh beer while admiring the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. But St. Louis is more than just Budweiser, it’s a thriving beer city with over 50 craft breweries, including Schlafly, Urban Chestnut, 4 Hands, Perennial, and Side Project, each offering unique and innovative brews.

• Busch Stadium & Ballpark Village – are at the heart of St. Louis’ rich sports culture, home to the Cardinals, who hold the second-most World Series titles in MLB history, behind only the Yankees. The city also boasts a passionate fan base for the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, the UFL’s Battlehawks, and Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC, making it a true sports town.

• Forest Park – Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and bigger than Central Park in NYC, is a cultural and recreational gem. Home to the 1904 World’s Fair, it houses top attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center, all free to the public. The park also features The Muny, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, and the historic Forest Park Golf Course.

Food & Drink

St. Louis has a distinct culinary identity, with must-try specialties:

• Toasted Ravioli – Invented by accident at Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill.

• St. Louis-Style Pizza – Imo’s is famous for this thin, cracker-like crust with Provel cheese.

• Gooey Butter Cake – A ridiculously addictive and beloved local dessert.

• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – A South City classic. Nothing better than TD on a summer evening.

• Crown Candy Kitchen – Famous for its epic BLT (there’s no shortage on the B), milkshakes, and nostalgic charm.

• Cathy’s Kitchen – A Ferguson gem, owned and operated by an amazing couple with a menu that’s inspired by a 15-state road trip exploring culinary diversity.

Looking for a wine pairing? Missouri was America’s wine capital before Napa, with Augusta and Hermann offering historic wineries just 45 minutes from the city. Not into wine or beer? St. Louis boasts a thriving craft distillery scene, featuring bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, and moonshine. Local favorites like StilL 630, Switchgrass Spirits, and Nobletons Distilling House emphasize grain-to-glass craftsmanship with Missouri-grown ingredients. Many offer tastings, tours, and exclusive small-batch releases, much like Anheuser-Busch.

Spoiler Alert: Nothing, and I mean nothing compares to a night at The Thaxton Speakeasy with friends.

Tucked away in the historic Art Deco Thaxton Building, this hidden Prohibition-era gem in downtown St. Louis feels like a different world. Whether you’re enjoying a single expertly crafted cocktail or indulging in a few, you won’t find a more incredible ambiance or better-mixed drinks anywhere in the city.

And let’s talk about the owner, one of the most incredible humans you’ll ever meet, deeply passionate about her craft, her guests, and creating an unforgettable experience. Bonus: It’s also the perfect spot for private events and weddings.

Simply put, The Thaxton Speakeasy is a world-class experience. It’s my number one for drinks!

Culture & The Arts

Looking for a touch of culture? St. Louis has you covered! The city is home to world-class museums like the St. Louis Art Museum, National Blues Museum, City Museum, National Museum of Transportation, and the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve. You can also catch incredible performances at The Muny, Stifel Theatre, and The Fabulous Fox Theatre. It’s no surprise that St. Louis has produced legends like Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, Nelly, Miles Davis, and Josephine Baker, as well as actors like Jon Hamm, Cedric the Entertainer, and John Goodman.

A City of Opportunity

At the heart of St. Louis, and much of the Midwest are values like humility, kindness, and being a good neighbor. For a long time, I thought that’s why we don’t brag more. But it runs deeper than that, it’s just not in our DNA. What is in our DNA is the Show Me mentality: don’t just talk about it, be about it. Some will say that actions speak louder than words. Or, as my favorite saying goes… “Game recognizes Game.”

My goal with this blog was to “Show You”, and I haven’t even touched on affordability, job growth, top-tier universities, geospatial innovation, or St. Louis’ central location. I’ll dive into all of that leading up to the GEOINT Symposium.

Like every major city, St. Louis has challenges, but its advantages far outweigh them. To close, I’ll paraphrase Congressman Wesley Bell, who recently honored the entire St. Louis region on the House floor where he said and I’m paraphrasing.

“St. Louis is more than our food, beer, and traditions—it’s about the resilience and bonds that define our community. Our city reflects both beauty and struggle, from economic inequality to racial injustice, but we’ve never backed down from hard truths or necessary change. 314 Day reminds us of the power of unity, from our diverse neighborhoods to thriving businesses. St. Louisans rise in the face of adversity, organizing for justice and rebuilding together. Today, we recommit to our city’s spirit—turning challenges into opportunities for growth, justice, and meaningful change.”

So, next time you're in town, or considering St. Louis for business, an event, or even a new home, look beyond the beer and baseball. You’ll be surprised at what you find. See you in St. Louis!