9 Ways St. Louis Quietly Became The Coolest City In The Midwest

St. Louis has always welcomed visitors and new arrivals with open arms. But we have often been considered a more conservative city than other similar sized metropolitan areas. That idea seems to be changing, as St. Louis grows into a more open and more artistic based region.

Some of the items on this list are just a part of the growing awareness of the need to include basic services. Others on this list are reflective our entrepreneurial spirit, and still another one will leave you wondering why anyone would ever want to do it. Following are 9 ways our beloved St. Louis quietly became the coolest city in the Midwest:

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis - Yelp

We have one of the finest traditional art museums in the world here in St. Louis. But we also have many independent art galleries and art co-ops showcasing the incredible artists of St. Louis. Almost any weekend night you can find an art show somewhere here, and most are completely free to attend.

Lindsey S. - Yelp

The new generation of beer makers in St. Louis create a product with the focus on quality, rather than quantity, as was the case for much of the beer making history in St. Louis. Perennial Artisan Ales, Schlafly, Side Project Brewing, and High Heel Brewing have all won national awards for their beer craft. These artisans are putting St. Louis on the national map of best beer markers in the country.

Sweetart - Yelp

There is no better place to get community support for your small business than St. Louis. When the option is to buy from a huge box store or visit a local shop, the people of St. Louis will choose handmade quality over bulk pricing every time. This has helped local, small business flourish here in St. Louis. We have independent small businesses opening everywhere in the city, selling everything from handmade soap, chocolates, and baked goods.

Paul Sableman - Wiki Commons

St. Louis has embraced the idea of the food truck like no other city. You can find just about any kind of food offered from our long list of food truck vendors. And if your favorite food truck isn't near you on any particular day, you can track them down with an easy to use app.

Andrea D - Yelp

There was a time, not long ago, that you just couldn't find anything vegan if you went out to eat. And if you did, it was picking items from a regular menu and hoping your order came out right. Now we have pizza, cupcakes, and full dinner options - in restaurants that are completely vegetarian.

Here are a few of the great places in St. Louis you can get vegan and vegetarian food, 100% vegan pizza at Pizza Head, 3196 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118, vegan baked goods at PuraVegan Cafe & Yoga, 307 Belt Ave, St. Louis, MO 63112, and the Tree House Restaurant, 3177 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118, offers a full vegetarian menu.

Gateway Streets - Flickr

St. Louis came to the idea of bike lines later than other cities, we are the kind of town where everybody has a car, after all. But now almost any road is bike friendly, with some bike lanes giving riders the option to use the full street, as well as the side of the roadway.

Neeta Lind - Wiki Commons

St. Louis has progressed a lot in the last few years, with less conservative ideals becoming the norm. But even for those who are laid back, the idea of being naked on a street in St. Louis seems, well, very progressive! The Naked Bike Ride happens each year, in July, and is a worldwide event. You really can ride your bike completely naked through the streets of St. Louis, but the city asks that you cover up the important parts at the after gatherings.

Ali Moradi - Flickr

The people of St. Louis have always been there for each other in times of need, but now businesses large and small are incorporating giving back in their business plans. And creating whole businesses based on helping, Mauhaus in Maplewood is a great example.

Partnering with Stray Haven Rescue, Mauhaus is cat cafe, where you can interact with the feline residents and adopt one if you wanted to bring the kitty home. Mauhaus can be found at: 3101 Sutton Blvd, Maplewood, Missouri 63143.

Dave Herholz - Flickr

If there is something to celebrate, there is probably an organized gathering with amazing food, local beer, and music happening somewhere in St. Louis. While New Orleans draws people from far and wide for their Mardi Grads celebration, people come to St. Louis all year long to attend our music festivals, Oktoberfest, food fairs, the V.P. fair, and our own Madri Gras celebrations. You can't get much cooler than being known for hosting a great party.

We have always, and with good reason, been pretty fond of ourselves here in St. Louis, but being known for how cool we are is a great distinction too. Can you think of more reasons we are the coolest place in the Midwest? Share it with us in the comments.

St. Louis isn’t the only place known for being cool, check out 12 of the coolest attractions in Missouri.