• McPherson Avenue & North Euclid Avenue - Gather near Writer’s Corner at a beloved brewpub, a Central West End staple since 1980, to try a unique sandwich that impressed Guy Fieri so much he suggested, “Tear up the rest of the menu - you don’t need it!” As you savor your first bites, your guide will share the early history of St. Louis, leading to the Central West End’s rise as a hub of wealth during the Gilded Age, culminating in the 1904 World’s Fair in nearby Forest Park, celebrating global achievements.

• Holy Corners District - Just a stone’s throw from the Delmar Divide, discover remarkable architecture from the World’s Fair era, located outside Forest Park. Learn hidden histories and view artifacts from this “Valley of the Giants,” listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We’ll explore the contrasts of life in St. Louis, including the long-term effects on the 32 neighborhoods known as the “Northside,” north of Delmar Boulevard, which have experienced disinvestment and neglect.

• The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis - Stroll past mansions where future presidents stayed, brewing heirs reveled, and where the “Spirit of St. Louis” was conceived. After sampling local snacks, delve into the star-studded history of the iconic Chase Park Plaza hotel and enjoy one of St. Louis’ delightful culinary accidents.

• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis - St. Louis’ European chapter began with French Catholic settlers, later joined by thousands of Irish Catholics in the 19th century. The Catholic community’s influence is evident throughout St. Louis’ history, culminating in the creation of one of North America’s great churches.

• Maryland Plaza - Visit the premier venue for American chess, the birthplace of the “cocktail party,” and savor some of St. Louis’ renowned cuisine, including a unique cheese exclusive to the city. Conclude the tour with a final taste honoring our sister city, where St. Louis’ founders once lived, at a well-known bistro and music venue celebrated for its food and jazz.

• Mahler Ballroom - Return to St. Louis’ roots with a culinary tribute to our French sister city downstream. Before that, visit a historical landmark dating back to 1860, which became the launchpad for a world-famous dance troupe.

• Cooling towels for hot weather
• Bottled water
• Snacks

• Alcoholic beverages

Join a local from St. Louis for a relaxed 2-mile stroll through the Central West End, where America’s wealthiest families constructed their grand homes at the dawn of the 20th century. This “Taste of Two Cities” tour offers a glimpse into both sides of St. Louis. Experience unique local flavors such as toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and St. Louis-style pizza topped with the distinctive Provel cheese, along with other delights from beloved neighborhood spots. Many participants find they don’t need dinner afterward.

As you savor these treats, you’ll hear stories often overlooked by guidebooks — tales of how a Gilded-Age area of beer barons, shoe tycoons, and railroad heirs set the stage for the 1904 World’s Fair, early aviation milestones, the youth of T.S. Eliot, and the enduring influence of American wealth, race, and power that continues to shape the city. The tour doesn’t shy away from the challenging aspects: displacements, redlining, and events that captured national attention. This is not a Chamber-of-Commerce tour. Come eager to discover the authentic story of a genuine American neighborhood.

• This tour runs about 3 hours, covers roughly 2 miles of walking on city sidewalks, and happens mostly outdoors. On hot days we bring cooling towels and build in shaded breaks. History and food get roughly equal weight — if you’re looking for strictly food-focused stops with short narration between, this isn’t that tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.