Day 10 - A Four State Day (St. Louis)

Driving from Louisville to St. Louis we crossed through four states today: Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and ending up in Missouri.  The big highlight was an hour long stop in Santa Claus, Indiana. Yes, it really does exist. About 1800 people live there in a cute little community. There are two industries: a fairly decent amusement/water park with a large roller coaster, and of course Santa. We spent time in the biggest Christmas store. It’s 102 degrees outside and air conditioned inside complete with trees, the REAL Santa himself, and every decoration imaginable. Of course x-mas carols are the only music allowed to be played. I asked one of the workers, a girl about 19 or so, if she ever got tired of Christmas. I was hoping she’d say something like, “ Of course not, here in Santa Claus, Indiana.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

    We like to think it’s Christmas everyday.” But instead she looked around to make sure no one from the town was looking, and then looked at me with a look that said, “ Are you crazy- of course I do!!” Kind of ruined the atmosphere for me.

At any rate, we got to St. Louis, and found our hotel was 40 feet from the Jones Dome, where the NFL Rams play, and about a 8 block walk to Busch Stadium, where we will go tomorrow night. Pam and I took a walk to the downtown area. Right away we walked by the Arch. If you’ve seen it in pictures, you can’t believe how big it is in person. Looking forward to going up it tomorrow. Walking around the ballpark was neat. There was a game last night as well so Cardinal fans were everywhere. As in most of the cities we have been to, there is very little to do downtown in the evening except for the sports parks. But on game nights, there are people everywhere. On non-game nights, downtown seems like a ghost town. We ate dinner at Joe Bucks’, a famous announcer who has his own restaurant. Pretty darn good. The beer was served in a glass etched with the St. Louis skyline. Pam wanted to take the glass home, but I made her leave it in the restaurant. Silly girl.

Big day tomorrow - up to the top of the Arch, an hour ride cruise on the mighty Mississippi River, and then the game at seven. Unfortunately, it’s off to Chicago and home tomorrow night.