Safety in St. Louis

[Aesa]

Bruce, I use MetroLink. I've never had a single problem, and I even took my kids when they were in their single digits.

In any urban setting there will be crime. All you have to do is avoid looking like a victim. Those cowards want to prey on people that look like they can't resiprocate, and they're as some would have believe.

As plentiful as some would have you believe. Gawd I need to improve my proofreading

You nailed it TF. I have ridden Metro for a couple of decades from Hanley Station to Enterprise and back with only one problem, some punk (donkey) hood rat with a battery operated speaker, hanging around his neck, blasting (c)rap music full blast even after several riders politely asked him to turn it down. One of them finally hit the intercom and complained to the train operator who told him to turn it off or she would have the police waiting for him at the next station. He complied at that point.

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

We call it Metro-Stink.

Everything is sticky and nasty. Don't touch anything Bruce (if you ride it).

[bruceglazer99]

Thank you, everyone. I now have more than enough responses.

And to those who always look for trouble, I only asked an innocent question. It was not intended to be political or negative.

Bruce

[Sunny's Teeth]

All good dude. I'm the same way, I'm fairly well-traveled, and you grow to realize that no matter where you are, a little bit of common sense and trusting your gut goes a long way. However, it's important to realize that not everyone has had the opportunity to do what you've done (or the mindset, which is totally fine), so not everyone who asks about safety deserves to be mocked. And I wouldn't read too much into his headline, that's just semantic, he was literally asking about safety in St. Louis so don't take too much offense to it . Folks outside of STL are bombarded with info about how dangerous it is here, and it is indeed a town where you don't want to stray too far off the beaten path at the wrong time of day...so it's a reasonable question to ask if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Anyway, I enjoy reading your thoughts on prospects and looking forward to seeing which of them might surprise us this season!!

Also - I consider Seattle to be fairly dangerous, but that's only because every time I'm there I generally get so high I can't see straight. So I'm a danger to myself and others

Haha not a problem I will be mindful about your reply I am capable of strong opinions that bump into others’ and I’m not right every time. Very fallible. Came to my position honestly and through intention.

We are closer to Tacoma than Seattle but I picked for alliteration and to avoid taco. Near the Chambers Bay golf course

Not for traditionalists, but lord that’s my favorite golf course I’ve ever played.

[BalotelliMassive]

Thank you, everyone. I now have more than enough responses.

And to those who always look for trouble, I only asked an innocent question. It was not intended to be political or negative.

Bruce

You have a consensus amongst locals that metrolink isn't the best option and that anywhere around union station/the arena is very safe. Nobody should look down for asking legit questions...

The bad rep comes from politicians that weren't friendly to police and they're gone...the city is bouncing back strong but it's still in the early stages.

[blues2112]

When we were kids, took bus from South Side to baseball games and back; bust stop was at Tucker and Chouteau. Ditto for Blues games.

In high school, would park several south of the Arena/Checkerdome and walk. Never had a problem. Then again, we were really dumb back then, and maybe lucky.

Have been to several games in Denver. No issues there either.

The Cardinal bus - growing up used to ride it up Gravois from Affton. $1 fare, $1 for bleacher seat. I didn't drink beer until I graduated from high school but then the beer vendors invariably served me no questions asked. Ah, the good old days.

My dad occasionally got Cards tickets from work. Saw Lou Brock single and steal a base!

[Old_Goat]

My wife and I will be traveling to St. Louis (from MA) this season for two Blues games. My concerns are about safety. Is it safe to use the Metro train to/from Lambert Field and also for the Gateway Arch? Is Uber a better alternative?

Also, is it safe to walk from the Drury Inn (at Union Station) to/from Enterprise Center, or should we take an Uber?

Bruce

Many fans park in the Union Station parking lot and the lots right next to the Drury for games. So, walking to & from the game, you will be very safe. Just like in any city and situation, pay attention and trust your gut if there are not folks around, or it's dark.
And right there in the ground basement of the Drury is Lombardo's Trattoria. A very fine Italian restaurant, run by the Lombardo Family. Their first restaurant in North County was opened almost 100 years ago. It's rumored that they actually made the first "Toasted Ravioli" by accident, that St. Louis is well known for (don't know if that is truth). Excellent food, service and atmosphere at a reasonable price. They also have Carmine's Steakhouse in the Drury between Busch Stadium and the Arch, as well as Lombardo's Restaurant in the Drury at the airport.
An interesting fact: The local Chapter of the National Football Foundation named as the "Tom Lombardo St. Louis Chapter of the National Football Foundation." It was dedicated in his name about 30 years ago. He was the starting Quarterback for the great Army National Champions football teams in the 1940s, in the same backfield as Heisman Trophy Winners Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis. Tom was killed in combat during the Korean War, one-month before he was scheduled to rotate out of the area. The restaurants are now run by the sons & daughter of Tom's youngest brother Carmen.
Finally, I avoid the Metrolink. But if you must ride it, then sit up forward as close to the driver as possible. And avoid getting off to transfer to another line. Those stations are where the greatest chance of problems arise. Getting on/off at airport not bad. Getting on/off near Union Station, Enterprise Center, Busch Stadium are okay during game times or busy daytimes. For me, if it involves a transfer, then I'm not riding it.
Enjoy your visit, use common sense. Yes the crime situation is a big concern. Unfortunately the statistics in general for the metropolitan area are adversely skewed by the fact that the City is not in any County, thus whole area is painted with the broad brush. Like any major metro, the crime is generally predominant in one area...it just so happens that area mostly falls in the actual StL City Limits, but the majority of the population is around the outside.

My son and I stayed at the Drury Hotel for the Winter Classic in 2017. Great location. Easy walking to Busch Stadium and the rink. Both restaurants are great. My son still talks about the steak he ate at Carmine's. Even when the streets were deserted we didn't feel nervous. We found a taxi driver who gave us his phone number to call if we were going to venture outside the area. Very friendly.

My wife and I stayed at a hotel at the airport for the SC parade and celebration. No issues anywhere during the events and afterwards. The hotel shuttle driver from the airport, when he heard we were going to take the Metrolink downtown for the celebration, recommended we do not go beyond the downtown and over the river on it. Guess the east side is a little rougher...

That's great! I'm glad you had a good time and experiences at those events. I live here and did not get to attend either, but thoroughly enjoyed watching the parade on TV. It was great day in the World of Hockey!

[seattleblue]

I admire this trembly little guy coming back to label me as someone who always looks for trouble

[dhsux]

My adult daughter and her husband and young son recently took a tourist spin through St. Louis with another family. They stayed by the ballpark and, walking, stayed in the Union Station-Old Courthouse corridor. With lille kids they did not stay out late at night, took in a ballgame, drove to zoo and some other sights around Forest Park. We all agree in this mode St. Louis has quite a bit of tourist appeal.

Once, introducing my son-in-law to St. Louis, in two days we hit the Arch/Riverfront, Union Station, Shaw's Gardens, Zoo, Art Museum, Grant's Farm, The Hill to eat, and (no trip is complete without it) Ted Drewes. It was quite a whirlwind, no kids.

Ted Drewes is really something special. Go on a nice afternoon or evening and get out of your car! Milling around while you eat the best frozen custard in the world you'll meet some of the most friendly people in the world. You might encounter a wedding party (with a not too much in a hurry bride and groom) or even a busload of Nuns and theology students. Lots of parents and kids, plenty of older adults, too. It's a monument to traditional St. Louis family culture that marches on through the generations.

Not to derail anything, but I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve yet to see the fascination with Ted Drewes. I mean it’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see it as head and shoulders above any other place.

My taste buds tell a different story by a long shot against the competition.

The few times I go it's always a quart of vanilla to go...soft. The first night is always the best.

[netboy65]

My adult daughter and her husband and young son recently took a tourist spin through St. Louis with another family. They stayed by the ballpark and, walking, stayed in the Union Station-Old Courthouse corridor. With lille kids they did not stay out late at night, took in a ballgame, drove to zoo and some other sights around Forest Park. We all agree in this mode St. Louis has quite a bit of tourist appeal.

Once, introducing my son-in-law to St. Louis, in two days we hit the Arch/Riverfront, Union Station, Shaw's Gardens, Zoo, Art Museum, Grant's Farm, The Hill to eat, and (no trip is complete without it) Ted Drewes. It was quite a whirlwind, no kids.

Ted Drewes is really something special. Go on a nice afternoon or evening and get out of your car! Milling around while you eat the best frozen custard in the world you'll meet some of the most friendly people in the world. You might encounter a wedding party (with a not too much in a hurry bride and groom) or even a busload of Nuns and theology students. Lots of parents and kids, plenty of older adults, too. It's a monument to traditional St. Louis family culture that marches on through the generations.

Not to derail anything, but I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve yet to see the fascination with Ted Drewes. I mean it’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t see it as head and shoulders above any other place.

My taste buds tell a different story by a long shot against the competition.

The few times I go it's always a quart of vanilla to go...soft. The first night is always the best.

And that’s cool, I realize I’m in the minority by far. Maybe it’s because I don’t live even remotely close to one so every time I’ve had it it’s been the pre-packaged version.

[Aesa]

Not sure how many of you have heard of Skeeter's but it has been a "go to" spot for frozen yogurt for almost as long as Ted Drewes.

It's located on Lackland Ave in Overland. Personally, I think it is just as good, or better, than Ted's.

They keep odd hours so I would recommend calling or checking the web before making a trip.

[blues2112]

When we were kids, took bus from South Side to baseball games and back; bust stop was at Tucker and Chouteau. Ditto for Blues games.

In high school, would park several south of the Arena/Checkerdome and walk. Never had a problem. Then again, we were really dumb back then, and maybe lucky.

Have been to several games in Denver. No issues there either.

The Cardinal bus - growing up used to ride it up Gravois from Affton. $1 fare, $1 for bleacher seat. I didn't drink beer until I graduated from high school but then the beer vendors invariably served me no questions asked. Ah, the good old days.

There was a restaurant on Gravois (somewhere around Dairy Queen, maybe acrss the street?) that advertised something like crocodile sandwiches.
Does that ring a bell?

[seattleblue]

In a situation where it would get reported if Blues fans were being preyed on en route to and from games, and that is absolutely not a thing, this question was risibly framed IMO.

I think Bruce deserves the benefit of doubt.

Perhaps .... and then he generalized didn't he? There was one person objecting and look how inaptly he labeled that. Part and parcel with this guy. Bruce is someone who doesn't look too closely. He's a generalizer, and he's afraid, which isn't merely a pitiful state of emasculation it's also a toxically evil combination in this world. It's everyone's responsibility to not be some afraid little bi tch because then you hurt people behind your little ignorant fears. We already know this about people, it's evident constantly now, it is utterly risible

[Mr.Snuggleupagus]

Hey Bruce, make sure you take a trip down to Crown Candy. The bi-state bus goes down that way (just jump on at Natural Bridge and head east, right near the airport), a couple transfers may be needed. Better than Ted Drewes & Skeeters. You won't regret it.

[Hooking]

Thank you, everyone. I now have more than enough responses.

And to those who always look for trouble, I only asked an innocent question. It was not intended to be political or negative.

Bruce

Just know that literally tens of thousands of people go to events in downtown STL all the time. They take all forms of transportation to get in and out of downtown. You will be fine and have a great time!

[BalotelliMassive]

In a situation where it would get reported if Blues fans were being preyed on en route to and from games, and that is absolutely not a thing, this question was risibly framed IMO.

I think Bruce deserves the benefit of doubt.

Perhaps .... and then he generalized didn't he? There was one person objecting and look how inaptly he labeled that. Part and parcel with this guy. Bruce is someone who doesn't look too closely. He's a generalizer, and he's afraid, which isn't merely a pitiful state of emasculation it's also a toxically evil combination in this world. It's everyone's responsibility to not be some afraid little bi tch because then you hurt people behind your little ignorant fears. We already know this about people, it's evident constantly now, it is utterly risible

This is straight trash - you're the first poster here to claim the op is racist by asking this question - you seem to be the only poster here that has a problem with the question while every local actually provided valid feedback because we know the area. Let it go already....this is a bad look.