EVEN MORE ST. LOUIS ART AND CULTURE

We're outdoors for awhile as we ride through the Missouri Botanical Garden said to be the oldest public garden in the United State and founded by English immigrant Henry Shay. It's also considered as on of the top three public gardens in the world. The New York Botanic Gardens is one of the other three. The landscape houses a collection of important sculptures from around the world. Highlights of this 79-acre-Eden include: a tropical rain forest inside the Climatron geodesic dome that features endangered plant species: a Victorian garden; Chinese garden; Seiwa-En, the largest authentic Japanese garden in North America and an elaborate Missouri Adventure-themed Children's Garden.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 98-acre park containing a collection of more than 80 contemporary sculptures in internationally acclaimed artists. It specializes in interpretive exhibitions and education programs. Hiking trails will take you to many of the works. As for me, I toured areas around the main entrance.

One more art museum, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, located near the Fox Theatre. On the first Saturday of every month they host, "Feast Your Eyes", to combine art and food that features creative, art-inspired tastings by a local chef. Then we got to view the connection between the culinary dishes and works by CAM's current exhibiting artists.

Then there was this movable chess board with white pieces having something to do with Yoko Ono.

The night that I dined at The Hill, I went to see Victor/Victoria at a theatre company called Stages, in the Chesterfield area of St. Louis. The show itself is entertaining in regards to the book and music. I mean you have the music by Henry Mancini and Frank Wildhorn with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn. However, I can't say that the performance lived up to my expectations in regards to talent. Many were good but the leading lady ruined it for me.

One other side trip was a quick view of the LGBT area known as The Grove. For those who are couch potatoes, it's also the locale for a show called Sweeties, a soul food restaurant. I'll be back next year to take in the Pride Parade.