What should George Clooney do while he’s in town?
George Clooney
As we brainstormed this idea in the newsroom, my colleague Amanda St. Amand had a quick answer: George Clooney should visit her house! Put aside the fact that Mandy is married. She’d be happy to send him a MapQuest link to her abode.
But with the hunky movie star coming to town to film Up in the Air, we thought it would be fun to recommend stuff Clooney should be sure to do while he’s in the area. Crews were supposed to start setting up yesterday and production could be going on for about five months.
No idea yet how long Clooney will be in the ‘hood. But let’s assume it’ll be for a few months, on-and-off. Besides the Arch and the brewery tour (which I shared with my brother’s family over Christmas), what else would you recommend?
Oh, and one last thing: If you think this is a dumb topic, keep your thoughts to yourself and go over here, where I’m sure you can find a nice discussion about Iraq, or the banking crisis.
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
I think GC seems like the type of guy who likes to just hang out and relax, none of that pretentious nonsense, he should head out to St. Paul Mo, about 45 minutes west of St. Louis and come out to Dog Prairie tavern and enjoy some of the coldest beer around! VERY nice no frills establishment that also serves a tasty burger and lots of great conversation from the long time owner Gene.
I live alone, so GC is welcome to stay with me and avoid all the groupies and photo seekers. I don’t think they’d look for him in a middle-class county subdivision.
He can use my extra, large master bedroom/bath, have full privacy, and two beautiful dogs he can pet; my home cooking when he gets tired of dining out, and I’ll even do his laundry. He’ll be safe with this almost old woman, and he can hide from the young things chasing him when he gets tired. I’ll give him a list of the cool things to see and do and leave a light on for him until he gets home at night. Is this a great deal, or what???
.. have Georgy get a harmonica .. go down to 1860’s Hardshell Saloon in the Soulard ‘hood on a Sunday night .. and sit in with Jimmy Lee and the Joint Jumpers while Jimmy plays “Dust My Broom” ..
I can think of so many places……..the old watertower, the climatron, the zoo, Crown Candy, the old courthouse, Soulard farmers market. that little bakery that has the most scrumptious cream horns in the world (that is about any bakery in the city)…..Kiel auditorium didn’t Aunt Rosemary sing there at one time? and Grants Farm.
I have not had the chance to see my home town in depth in more than 40 years just a brief visit here and there but this is what I would do if I had a month to spend! I know there is a lot of new places but these seem to endure the test of time.
Everyone that lives somewhere other than St. Louis probably knows about all the food choices that are only available here. Imo’s pizza, toasted raviolis, and great family owned restaurants around town. One of my favorites is Casa Gallardo, a Mexican restaurant off of Lindbergh Rd. Also, the City Museum would be a great place to go. It’s fun and cool to look at and even though he may not be a 8 year old, I know he will love it. Oh, and love you George!
city museum, is one of the worlds most unique spaces. He could always grab a drink in their cabin, hit some slides, and try to get someone to give him a private tour of the crazy rooftop.
he should no doubt soak in the madness that is CITY MUSEUM.
I think he should try 1) City Museum 2) Magic House (I know he doesn’t have children but it is still a unique part of the city) 3) the restaurants on The Hill; 4) a Blues hockey game; 5) Ameristar and Lumiere (the later being classier, the former being more unique); 6) Historic Main Street in St. Charles; 7) Katy Trail;
enjoy the Central West End on Friday or Saturday night; 9) try midnight bowling at one of the bowling alleys with the cool blacklights.
Shaw’s Gardens - ranked among the top three research gardens in the world and home to the largest Japanese Garden in North America.
He should call Alton Brown from the Food Network and get his ideas on where to eat, i.e. the Donut Drive-in, Ted Drews, etc., etc.