The wonderfully scalped arch’s of McDonald’s are more well known than perhaps any other icon in the world. Yet, they still pale in comparison to the gateway arch of St. Louis Missouri!
Located dead center in the busiest section of downtown, the gateway arch specs out at a womping 630 ft in height (or approximately 192 meters) and length. It stands proudly overlooking the Mississippi River. It’s construction was completed in 1935 and was commissioned under the belief that the United States of America is a gateway between the two great oceans- the Atlantic and Pacific. Thomas Jefferson emboldened this vision, and in turn, this monument was constructed to symbolize and give life to his vision of a free world.
I recently visited this cite after a wedding shoot I had done for some clients. Prior to visiting Missouri I had no knowledge of the arch’s existence, nor did I care. However, when you visit it in person it is absolutely breathtaking!
There is an ongoing joke between the locals and visitors alike who have visited this city. Missouri= misery. The association is comical and accurate in one aspect.... the weather. The weather in this city is bipolar in every aspect of the word. In the morning there could be rain and temperatures reaching near freezing, and then in the afternoon it could be blazing temperatures and high humidity. When I visited last winter there were days where it was sunny and warm, and then later that evening temperatures would drop below freezing!!!!! In the summer it usually stays really warm to hot with high humidity. So for those of you whom are not well acquainted with such weather, it can take a lot of getting used to.
However, as is the case in many middle America cities, the locals are an absolute gem! They are kind and hospitable; a frequent characteristic in this part of the States. The downtown area looks fantastic with sweeping views of skyline to green grassy parks. There is something for everyone in this city. It is both a tourist destination and a good place to raise a family. If you have not visited this city I highly recommend it.
The Arch, with the vision of United States of America and what it truly stands for, captures the heart and soul of this city. That, in and of itself, is a good enough reason to mark this city as your next travel destination. Happy steeming!
Have any of you been to St. Louis Missouri?
Have you ever seen the massive gateway arch in person?
God bless and shalom for the new year!
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Happy steeming!!!