The Loop, Saint Louis

After finding the centre of town somewhat cold and empty, this is where the city seems to live.

I could only see it under the strong sun, but understood the promises for the mild nights.

It surely deserved some more time, that I couldn’t dedicate.

I wrote about Delmar Avenue as a Night Life Spot already. On a nice day, especially on the weekend, it is crowded with people of all ages. Musicians play on the sidewalk. Yesterday, a guy was singing a song about peanut butter, with his acoustic guitar! People shop, eat and stroll. See people of all kinds, always interesting if you like people, as I do.
In Summer there's a small farmer's market, too. University City's nice library is here also. They have a very good travel book section & many comfortable chairs.

There has been a lot of development of urban areas in St. Louis lately, turning tired old neighborhoods into hip places to hang out. But the Loop has always been a hip place to hang out. It's proximity to Washington University probably helps.

There are interesting bars and restaurants, coffee shops, clothing botiques, homegoods shops, tatoo parlors, salons, music stores, and a Landmark movie theater - all within walking distance.

They're attempting to restore the trolley line you may be familiar with from the movie "Meet Me in St. Louis" - which was used to get people to the 1904 World's Fair in nearby Forest Park. If restored, the trolley will run down Delmar street, in the heart of the Loop.

Oh, and the brass stars you see on the sidewalk honor famous St. Louisans.

Here's a good article in the University News:
http://www.unewsonline.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/10/24/417bd9803231b

Is a vibrant six-block area along the 6000-6600 blocks of Delmar Blvd. Conviently located in the heart of University City and St. Louis Mo. There is about 120 specialty shops including 40 restaurants ,galleries, clothing store and other shops. Trendy and fun.

The Loop is a 6 block strip in St. Louis (technically, most of it is in University City), where there is a concentration of specialty shops and restaurants.

My highlights of the Loop include Blueberry Hill restaurant, the Pageant nightclub, Craft Alliance Gallery and Plowsharing Crafts.

For 4 blocks, the sidewalk is decorated with star-shaped plaques honoring famous St. Louisians.

The Loop. This area of University City is really interesting for its ethnic restaurants, walk of fame (the original!) and interesting art shops. On one end you can see the lions from Back to the Future (the director was from the area and had them taken to the set). You'll see a lot of people doing rubbings of the stars (you'll be amazed how many famous musicians and actors come from our humble city. Check out the Tivoli - cool old movie theater. Great place for people watching. Also, Vintage Vinyl is a record store with a bit of a cult following and is usually quite packed - great place to find hard to find music and see some guest appearances.