Traveling to St Louis - worried about crime (St. Louis, Chesterfield: rental, how much)

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by WestCoDude

East St. Louis can also be a fulfilling experience--but most visitors prefer touring the area with a piece and and a can of mase. But...hey...to each his own, right?

You just aint right, LOL!
I have always loved shopping on Cherokee St, such an interesting mix of shops.

[Northwoods Voyager]

Crime stats do not include St. Louis County. Only the city itself. Therefore, not a true picture of the entire area. All one would have to do is ask questions. Check with those at the desks. Whenever I have been in a city that I have not been familiar with, I have always received good advice and suggestions from the hotel desk clerks and management regarding shopping, dining, and entertainment. Good luck on your stay in one of the best cities. St. Louis has much to offer the traveler.

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by Northwoods Voyager

Crime stats do not include St. Louis County. Only the city itself. Therefore, not a true picture of the entire area. All one would have to do is ask questions. Check with those at the desks. Whenever I have been in a city that I have not been familiar with, I have always received good advice and suggestions from the hotel desk clerks and management regarding shopping, dining, and entertainment. Good luck on your stay in one of the best cities. St. Louis has much to offer the traveler.

A lot of hotels also offer concierge service for their guests. The concierges are a wealth of information, and will make reservations, etc, for you.

[Keni]

Wow, I've never participated in a forum, so this has been very helpful. Thanks so much for your help!!! I really would like more information about the best places to shop - no touristy places. I come from a place where everything is expensive, so if I can find really good deals, in a safe place !!

Also, is it difficult to drive around St. Louis?

thanks again!
Keni

[kshe95girl]

Originally Posted by Keni

Wow, I've never participated in a forum, so this has been very helpful. Thanks so much for your help!!! I really would like more information about the best places to shop - no touristy places. I come from a place where everything is expensive, so if I can find really good deals, in a safe place !!

Also, is it difficult to drive around St. Louis?

thanks again!
Keni

first of all, when is your trip? How long are you planning on being in STL? The more info, the better we can help!

[jojojohnson76]

Just remember; Don't go to Union Station.

[kshe95girl]

LOL, we wont let her, too many other things to do!

[bronte16]

Here's some quick feedback from someone who lives in downtown St Louis: First, I absolutely agree with the folks who encourage you to avoid Union Station. There was a time when this wasn't a bad place to go shopping but now ... I think there are better places! (But there is some cool architecture -- and history -- there so it might be worth a quick peek!).

So where to go? As already suggested, there are some cool spots downtown along Washington Avenue. I love Good Works, most obviously a furniture store, but there are some gift-like items here as well (and you are supporting a local business!). Just walking up Washington Avenue, you should encounter some other small shops, most independently-owned. (My personal favorite is the London Tea Room, a little further west on Washington, but still within walking distance). If you are looking for anything St Louis-related, there is an architecture giftshop not too far from Goodworks and the book stores in the Old Courthouse and the Arch have some cool local books and the like.

When I want to do the mall-thing, I head out to the Galleria, a mall that sits next to a Metrolink station. I do have a car but I like using our light rail system as much as possible. The Galleria has the usual stores, but there is also a Crate and Barrel nearby and there might be stores in the mall that you would find interesting.

Also along the Metrolink is the Delmar Loop and there are tons of cool stores and restaurants. Lots of original stores with interesting art work and fashion. Lots of students are in this area because of nearby Washington University so the prices are pretty good.

So far, all of my suggestions have been within walking distance of downtown or along the Metrolink stystem. I have never had any problems with crime although I take the usual precautions that I would take in any city (i.e. I don't dangle my purse around or show the huge wads of cash that I don't really have anyway!). BUT -- there are some great spots that are more easily gotten to by car. Downtown Edwardsville (in Illinois) has some cute little shops (including one of my favorites, Beyond Timbuk Too) and downtown historic St Charles in St Charles County also has some cute, little shops. There are several other malls in the area including the outlet mall, St Louis Mills. Anyway, hope these comments help a little! Good luck and have fun in St Louis!

[Rocketdoggy]

Don't go to East St Louis (in IL), and avoid most of North St Louis (in MO). Be smart, don't help the bums downtown as they do put on little "help me, I'm hurt" scams, and you will be just fine. St Louis is safe!

[Keni]

Thanks again for all the great information! I'm feeling a little better, although when you all say things like, "avoid North St. Louis" I don't know what this means. Relative to downtown, how far away is this? I went on line and saw The Boulevard and Chesterfield Mall. Is this in a safe region?

I'll be there next week. Which takes me to the next question. Whats the weather like? I heard there was flooding, and if this is the case, how bad is it? I am actually considering cancelling my trip.

I am coming from sunny HAWAII, and I don't know how to dress. 70 degrees over here is pretty cold for me, and I can't imagine what kind of clothes I need to pack either!!!

Mahalo (thanks!)
Keni