Downtown St. Louis

One day (back on May 11th) Michael and I went to see some of the sights in downtown St. Louis. We decided to take a tour of the Old Courthouse. It was here that the first hearings for the famous Dred Scott case took place. When we first got there we just wandered around a bit, then one of the Park Rangers (it is actually part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, as well as the Arch), started a tour that we joined. He shared lots of interesting facts about the courthouse- like that it has been added onto like 4 times! He showed us some of the restored court rooms, told us about the beautiful dome, and neat facts about the architecture and restoration process.

Looking up from the 1st level. I had fun trying to recall the architectural styles I learned in my Interior design class a couple years ago. 

Up on one of the upper level balconies. 

We were walking up a little spiral stair case and all of a sudden I saw  the Arch perfectly framed in this skylight. The picture doesn't do it justice! 

I thought these swinging doors were so neat. They were made out of leather  (I think) and had neat brass stud accents. 

My handsome hubby!

After our visit at the Courthouse we took a walk down the street to the Arch. We just walked around the grassy area and took a couple of pictures. We actually just learned a couple of days ago that there is a free museum underground! Looks like we will be stopping by there one last time before we head back next month.

Looking back at the Courthouse from the Arch. They were doing some restoration work on the outside.

Talking to my Momma 

A passerby offered to take a picture of us. Just glad they didn't get  my hand in the picture, I was still holding my phone with my mom on the other end :) 

Since we were in the area we decided to hit up a local bbq place that we had heard lots of great things about. It was even featured on Man vs. Food! Pappy's definitely lived up to its reputation! The staff was super friendly, asking if it was our 1st visit and where we were from. The ribs were super tender and sweet potato fries were to die for. Michael has already decided that when we go back he is getting a double order of the fries. We thought it would have been pretty crowded since there was a Cardinals game that night/a weekend, but it was a perfect. We have tried some other bbq places since we went to Pappy's, but Michael still thinks this one is the best. We can't wait to go back again soon!!

Yummy, yummy Pappy's!! 

So excited for that delicious food! The cole slaw didn't end up being that good. Side note: all over the walls were copies of their menu with notes from famous people who had eaten there. Made for some fun reading while waiting for our grub.