Author Archives: Website Manager

Experience All There Is to Do in and Around the Gateway Arch in St. Louis

By Website ManagerMay 16, 2019St. Louis

With summer finally entering the atmosphere, it’s that time of year again for folks to embark on vacations and adventures across the country. A popular tourist attraction is the Gateway Arch. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Arch is the largest man-made monument in the entire U.S. It stands astonishingly tall and is the perfect subject for photography.
Below, we’ve listed a few different things you can do if you plan to visit the Arch this summer.

Tram Ride to the Top

Ever want to see St. Louis from 630 feet above the ground? If so, you’ll want to hop on a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. After touring the rest of the Arch, you can hop onboard a tram car that will take you 630 feet up in the air, the perfect place to grab some photos for Instagram and take in the view. The tour lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. It’s an amazing experience that simply can’t be passed on.

Helicopter Tour

If trams or stairs aren’t your thing, you can always sign up to take a helicopter tour of the Gateway Arch and see it up close. You’ll sore a good distance above the Mississippi River and get one of the best views possible of the Arch. Rides are available from April to November and cost $43 per person.

Top 4 Quinessential Barbecue Restaurants in St. Louis, MO

By Website ManagerMay 2, 2019St. Louis

You don’t have to travel very far to enjoy your favorite fresh BBQ dishes. In fact, you can stay right here in the St. Louis, Missouri, area and check out these top BBQ restaurants right at home.

Sugarfire Smoke House

The many awards that the Sugarfire Smoke House has won is just one reason you should consider trying it. Another is the fresh, chef-created menu that is sure to get your mouth watering. Sugarfire Smoke House takes traditional BBQ and adds a unique twist, giving St. Louis its own type of BBQ.
Just a few of the most popular dishes on the menu include the pulled pork and brisket. You can also eat lighter with one of the fresh salads including the smoked chicken Caesar salad or the chef salad. Finish off your meal with an ice cream soda float or a pie shake. Dine in, carry out, or have your favorite dishes delivered right to your front door.

A Fine Swine

A Fine Swine focuses on traditional BBQ and uses only the best low and slow techniques to create each of their menu items. Ingredients are fresh, food is served hot, and A Fine Swine is sure to become a favorite of yours. Start your meal off with an appetizer like the white cheddar cheese curds. Then, choose from one of the popular entrees including the championship pulled pork or the authentic Texas brisket.
If you can’t choose just one, go with the sampler which comes with pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Make sure you also try one of the fresh desserts like the Texas sheet cake or the fresh blackberry cobbler. You can also order bulk BBQ items off of the take-out menu for your next event.

Find Your New Favorite Book at a St. Louis Indie Bookstore

By Website ManagerApril 25, 2019St. Louis

There is just something relaxing about visiting a local, small-town bookshop. St. Louis, Missouri, is home to many quaint bookshops that are worth checking out.
AIA St. Louis Bookstore
Located in downtown St. Louis in the landmark Lammert Building is the AIA (American Institute of Architects) St. Louis Bookstore. Both architectural enthusiasts and locals of St. Louis are sure to find the AIA bookstore interesting. The bookstore has a large collection of architectural information about many of the local neighborhoods and attractions including the Forest Park Highlands amusement park and the Gateway Arch.
In fact, many St. Louis locals use the AIA as a resource for learning about the city. Former president Bill Clinton was once enticed by the bookshop’s interesting front window and requested that his driver pull over. He visited the shop, walking away with an assortment of St. Louis items.
The Book House
Whether you are looking for a particular book or you are just in the mood to browse, the Book House has something for you. With over 350,000 books in their inventory, you will never grow tired of browsing their ever-changing collection of books. You will find children’s, non-fiction, out-of-print publications, and even first editions.
Books are available at all price points and some of their inventory can be shopped online. One of its oldest books currently in inventory dates back to 1590. Need help choosing a book? Just ask one of the staff members for a recommendation.

Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition

By Website ManagerApril 18, 2019Toyota, Toyota features

The Land Cruiser has been a popular choice for over 60 years. Toyota is celebrating this vehicle’s long-standing reputation with the release of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition. Check out a few features that you can expect from this highly-anticipated cruiser vehicle.
Exterior Design
Land Cruiser loyalists will enjoy the traditional cues of the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition. Drivers who are new to the Land Cruiser lineup will enjoy the modern accents. With 18-inch wheels, a distinctive front grille, and the recognizable Toyota Land Cruiser logo on the D-pillars, its design is as appealing as its performance. Toyota proudly displays its name on many of the exterior accents including the tire caps and front grille.
The blackened accents and fog lights with chrome surrounding help to give the 2020 Land Cruiser a unique appeal, setting it apart from other SUVs on the road. Even the exterior side mirrors are outlined in a chrome color. If you put the 2020 Land Cruiser Heritage Edition next to the traditional Land Cruiser, you will also notice the lack of running boards and side molding. This gives it a sleeker and more enigmatic look. The Heritage Edition will come in two color patterns which include the Midnight Black Metallic or the Blizzard Pearl.

Comparison: 2019 Toyota Highlander vs. 2019 4Runner

By Website ManagerApril 11, 20194Runner, Toyota, Toyota features

The 2019 Toyota Highlander and 4Runner are both great options for the more adventurous driver. Consider a few of the biggest differences between the two when determining which SUV is right for your driving needs.
Exterior Design
The first difference that you are likely to notice between the 2019 Highlander and the 4Runner is the exterior design. The Highlander is slightly longer with projector beam LED headlamps and 18-inch standard wheels. The 2019 4Runner, built for off-roading, features a boxier stance with standard roof rails and an optional TRD logo. The 4Runner also comes with standard 17-inch wheels. Both have an optional power-tilted moonroof with power sunshade.
Performance
The 2019 Highlander is equipped standard with a 2.7-liter six-speed engine. Drivers can also upgrade to the available 3.5-liter V-6 eight-speed engine. The 2019 4Runner comes with one engine option which is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine with a dual independent variable valve timing system. The 2019 Highlander is rated as an ultra-low emission vehicle compared to the 4Runner which is a level two low-emission vehicle.
There are a few differences in capability that are also worth noting. The Highlander is only available in a front-wheel-drive powertrain while the 4Runner comes standard with a part-time four-wheel-drive system with active traction control and an optional upgrade to full-time four-wheel drive. The 4Runner also comes with additional off-roading features including higher ground clearance, hill start assist control, and a reinforced body-on-frame construction design.

4 Top Reasons to Visit the Arch During Spring

By Website ManagerMarch 28, 2019St. Louis

Visiting the famous Gateway Arch is a must-see attraction while staying in St. Louis. While you can see this iconic landmark any time of the year, springtime is the best season. Not only is the weather perfect, affording you gorgeous views, but there are many other events taking place in St. Louis to participate in after you have taken a tour of the Arch. Let’s look at four reasons why visiting the Gateway Arch in the spring is the best time.
The Views From the Arch Are Spectacular With Clear Skies
One of the most iconic landmarks gracing the St. Louis, Missouri, skyline is the famous Gateway Arch. The 630-foot monument, built in 1963, is one of the most famous man-made monuments in the world.
When you enter the base of the Arch, you are invited into the beautiful visitors center where you can take the time to learn about the history of the design and build of the Arch. From there, you enter into one of the trams that takes you to the top where you will see spectacular sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the lovely and historic city of St. Louis.

5 Reasons You'll Love the New Toyota Tundra

By Website ManagerMarch 21, 2019Toyota, Tundra

What if you could own a powerful pickup and still enjoy all the frills of a luxury sedan? That is what the new 2019 Toyota Tundra offers and more. With unbeatable off-road capabilities, immense towing power, a spacious crew cab, and driver assistance features, the new Tundra pickup is worth every dime.
Toyota keeps updating the Tundra with innovative features and functions, and you can choose from a wide range of colors and two engine types. If you are looking for a new pickup with an impressive city and country road performance, here are five reasons that will endear the new Toyota Tundra to you.
Exceptional Performance
The new Tundra is available in two engine models. The 4.6 liter V-8 engine delivers 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque while the optional 5.7 liter V-8 version produces 381 hp with 401 lb-ft of torque. Both engines offer enough power to handle most medium-duty tasks, and the six-speed transmission makes accelerating on city and country roads as seamless as possible.

Does the 2019 Highlander Get Good Fuel Mileage?

By Website ManagerMarch 14, 2019Toyota, Toyota features

SUVs are notorious fuel guzzlers. These vehicles offer more space and power, but the higher capabilities come at a price-fuel economy. In its class, the 2019 Toyota Highlander offers exceptional fuel economy, making it a first choice for families looking for a big-sized vehicle that also comes with impressive safety features, a reliable engine, and impeccable interiors.
Over the years, the Toyota Highlander has seen several redesigns and upgrades culminating in a more compact, capable, and roomy SUV with unbelievable fuel frugality. While the 2019 Highlander has shrunk outside, the interior space has increased and there is a third row of seats where the kids can strap in and enjoy the ride.
Excellent Fuel Economy
Regarding fuel economy, the 2019 Toyota Highlander, particularly the hybrid version, is a winner. Other models of the 2019 Highlander offer modest fuel economy, but considering that SUVs consume far more fuel than cars, the numbers are impressive.

4 Backroads to Travel Near Saint Louis

By Website ManagerMarch 7, 2019St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri is a beautiful place with picturesque natural attractions and majestic rivers. If you love an American road trip, St. Louis offers iconic backroads to explore the scenic landscape of this part of the country. Whether you want to see historic landmarks, manmade wonders, humongous farms, or breathtaking bodies of water, this place offers a spectacular list of scenic drives that will blow you away. The roads here are not only beautiful, but the speed limit is generous. If you love to explore the Midwest in your car, here are five scenic backroads to drive in Saint Louis.
The Great River Road
The Great River Road links St. Louis to Alton, Illinois. This scenic drive offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. The winding road runs between the bank of the mighty Mississippi River and huge limestone bluffs.
There are many attractions on the road, including the painting of the Piasa Bird, the Pere Marquette State Park and its famous log lodge, and the Center of American Archeology in Jamesville. You can have lunch beside the river or hike the trails under the limestone cliffs to see more of the surroundings. Every inch of this beautiful road is like traveling back in time and the views are mind-blowing!
Route 94 to Augusta, Missouri
If you are looking for the American alternative to the Rhine River Valley, Route 94 offers amazing views of Missourian wine country. The scenic road links St. Louis to Augusta and Hermann. From the top of the bluffs above the Missouri River Valley, you can soak in the beautiful expanse of wineries below. Route 94 takes you across the Missouri River past verdant vineyards heavy with Concord and Norton grapes. If you enjoy rock and blues music, stop at the Montelle Winery at the end of the valley for a taste of old Midwestern hospitality.

Hit the Road in the 2019 Toyota Highlander: 5 Adventure-Ready Features

By Website ManagerFebruary 28, 2019Toyota, Toyota features

People who love road tripping have special needs when they buy a vehicle. Safety is obviously a priority for anyone, but things like convenience and utility are also important when traveling. This is why the new Toyota Highlander is such a popular choice for people who love exploring the world. These are some of the adventure-ready features you can look forward to in the 2019 Toyota Highlander.

Safety

The new Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P. This suite includes the following advanced technologies:

Lane departure alert with steering assist.
Dynamic radar cruise control.
Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
Automatic high beams.

Entertainment

If in-vehicle entertainment is vital, simply add the available rear-seat Blu-ray player when building your Highlander. This adds a 9-inch display screen with RCA jacks. A remote control and two wireless headphones are included as well. Also, every trim comes with a quality sound system and touch screen. The premium option, standard on the Limited, is an 8-inch display paired to upgraded JBL speakers.