After leaving your St. Louis Toyota dealer take a drive back in time. The city of Waterloo is located a scenic 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis and is surrounded by rich farmland east of the Mississippi River. Drive along the Great River Road through gentle rolling hills and tree-lined streets adorned with century old buildings, stately city parks, golf courses, antique shops, numerous historic sites, and unique restaurants with delicious menus.
The strong German and French heritage has been preserved through the years by the citizens of Waterloo. They have preserved heritage while adding contemporary elements to the town, such as, the City Hall building, the Harrisonville Telephone Co., and the enlarged Morrison-Talbott Library.
Be sure to take a drive down to the Waterloo Winery. It is housed in an historic old log and field stone dwelling that was once a dairy farm built in 1818. It is surrounded by old, tall growth trees that proudly guard the bit of history from encroaching subdivisions and commercial buildings. There are cellar tours and wine tastings available.
When driving through town, make note of the Belle Fontaine House. It is a restored building that houses the Monroe County Historical Society. It name means “beautiful spring.” This fertile agricultural area was the site of the first American settlement in Illinois after the Revolutionary War. The first five settlers were, Captain James Moore, Shadrach Bond, Sr., James Garretson, Larkin Rutherford, and Robert Kidd. Captain James Moore built a fort as protection from Indian attacks at the spring. It is theorized that the kitchen portion of the Belle Fontaine House is the original Moore log cabin.
In 1825 Waterloo became the county seat of Monroe County. Today its population has climbed to over 7,000. The city has prospered with a lively business community and modern amenities drawing more and more tourists and inhabitants every year.
The Cahokia Mounds, located near Collinsville Illinois, have been preserved to tell a story of the most prehistoric Indian civilization north of Mexico. Visitors and tourists are free to explore the life of the prehistoric Mississippian Indians who lived there from about AD 800 to AD 1400. The population during that time seemed to peak at 20,000 people from AD 1100 to AD 1200. The fate of the culture is thought to have come about through possible climate change. That change would have effected crop production, plant and animal resources, possible war, disease, and even, social unrest.
In 1982, Cahokia Mounds was designated as a World Heritage Site for its importance in the understanding of prehistory in North America.
The mounds were constructed solely for ceremonial activities for the people. Originally there were 120 mounds; today only about 68 are visible. It is assumed that the mounds originally covered about 6 square miles.
The museum on the grounds features an elaborate display of the Mississippian people and their community with a site model in the main lobby, colorful wall murals, a life-size diorama of Cahokia around AD 1200, exhibit islands, archaeology wells, and a gift shop.
Upon arrival to the Cahokia Mounds via your hybrid Toyota, you can take a self-guided tour of the area. This may include the Plaza area, Mound 72, Monks Mound, the Stockade and Woodhenge, a reconstructed sunrise horizon calendar. In addition, a 6 mile Nature, Culture hike and Volksmarch trail are available for your enjoyment.
They hold special programs and family activities year round. Some activities include: storytelling, Indian art Shows, Archaeology Day, lectures and educational programs, Indian craft and tool demonstrations, equinox and solstice sunrise observances. The picnic areas and playgrounds available will ensure you and your family have a fun and fulfilling day.
With the air growing crisper and the days growing shorter, it may be hard to take your certified Toyota on trips far outside of St Louis. You may wish to stay near to Hazelwood or St. Peters, and fortunately they are plenty of things to do in the area. One of the most entertaining ways to spend a Missouri day is to spend some time at Grant’s Farm.
Grant’s Farm, named after Ulysses S. Grant, is a 281 acre area that today houses over 1,000 animals from over six continents. With a Deer Park housing deer, bison, antelope, and zebra, you will be able to experience the majesty of these animals first hand. The Tier Garten has tortoises, kangaroos, birds, and elephants, as well as a wide range of other mammals and reptiles. There are animals shows offered that educate the St Louis guests about the different animals and where they come from. There is even a petting zoo where some of the animals are available to be gently petted and fed.
With today’s economy, you’ll find that one of the best parts about taking a trip to Grant’s Farm is that admission is free. There is a nominal charge to park your pre-owned certified Toyota, but access to the land and the animals is complimentary. Grant’s Farm even offers concerts for St. Charles and Florissant locals during the balmy months, with local bands and traveling performers offering great live music at no charge so long as you park your certified Toyota on site.
There’s also some local history on the Farm. A cabin Ulysses S. Grant built for his wife, as well as an extensive Bavarian farm house, exist on the property. Both of these buildings are available for tours as you explore the grounds and experience the fun of Grant’s Farm.
So, are you ready to get in your certified Toyota and have some fun? You’re not far from this great St Louis attraction, and with no entry fee, the price can’t be beat.
St Louis, MO has some great cultural attractions, and your hybrid Toyota can get you there. No matter if you are looking for ballet, theatre, or music, St Louis is a cosmopolitan city that has a lot to offer. One of its best bets, however, is the St Louis Symphony Orchestra. With a variety of performers and offerings, you’re sure to enjoy the music and the atmosphere of their fine performances.
If you haven’t driven your new or used hybrid Toyota to see the St Louis Symphony Orchestra yet, you are in for a treat. You can experience world renowned masterpieces performed live in front of you. There are percussion performances coming up, as well as works by well known composers such as Tchaikovsky or Bach. Equally exciting are the upcoming choral events where you can hear the full range and beauty of the human voice as it sings in harmony with other voices, creating an amazing work of art.
If you’re looking for more modern entertainment, in early November there’s some excitement you can get in on. Featuring the work of John Williams, there will be music offered from a variety of blockbuster movies. From Star Wars to Superman to Harry Potter, hop in your hybrid Toyota and check out these orchestral pieces. Performed live, you can experience the glory and majesty of these compositions right in St Louis. Just sit back in the luxurious amphitheatre, and let your senses be carried away by the sound.
St Louis, MO has a lot to offer in the way of arts and culture, and your hybrid Toyota can take you there. It’s not a long drive from O’Fallon or Ballwin, and you can enjoy the excitement of hearing world class performances right at home. With so many exciting performances scheduled, now is the time to take a listen to this gem of the city.
If you’re looking for a bit of local excitement, your Toyota dealer has a great idea for you. When was the last time you went to a ball game? As the home to the St Louis Cardinals, you can take in some first class baseball, enjoy the game, and cheer on the players along with sports fans from around the country without leaving town. The stadium is just a short drive in your new or used vehicle from anywhere in the area, so why not head on over and enjoy some major league baseball?
Your Toyota dealer has learned that the St Louis MO Cardinals have been around for quite a few years. Originally formed in 1882 as the St Louis Brown Stockings, they became the Cardinals in 1900 and have been making history ever since. With ten World Series wins, they are the oldest professional sports team west of the Mississippi River. With their extensive history and fine sportsmanship, you’re sure to find yourself in the middle of an exciting game as you cheer on the home team.
Another interesting tidbit from your Toyota dealer is that the logo of the St Louis Cardinals has changed less than almost any other professional baseball team. Since 1920, it has shown two Cardinal birds perched upon a baseball bat with the team name displayed below it. The “C” in the word Cardinals is always hooked around the image of the bat above it. Easily recognizable, this logo has changed very little over time. Every now and again it is updated, but the basic image has remained the same, and has come to represent an important piece of Missouri history.
While the history of the team is intriguing, your Toyota dealer knows that you’re not just headed to the park for the game. Sure, it’s exciting and fans can get really riled up. All the same, part of the joy of baseball is taking in some of the many concessions offered at the stadium. While beer, soda, and hot dogs are of course available, there are also some food items there that are unique to the St Louis area. You can get toasted ravioli and pork steak sandwiches, and make a meal of some of the finest concession fare in the area.
So, take it from your St Louis Toyota dealer—there’s never been a better time to check out some local sports. With a grand history and a winning team, you’re sure to have a great day at the ballpark.
If you’re a football fan, it may be time to take your pre-owned certified Toyota on a little trip to go and see the St Louis Rams. Football season is just starting up, and there’s plenty of excitement on the field. With a new season and an exciting team ready to play, you can experience first class sportsmanship without having to leave the St Louis area. Just hop into your certified Toyota and head to the stadium!
The <a href="http://www.stlouisrams.com/"> St Louis Rams have a long and interesting history. This football team has been together since 1936, and has actually been affiliated with many different cities over the years. In 1995, however, the Rams came to St Louis MO, and have enjoyed the support of their Missouri fans ever since. No matter where you are in the St Louis area, you can make it to the stadium in your certified Toyota with just a short drive and take in the game as well as the atmosphere.
Located in East St Louis, the Rams have really become a part of Missouri life. Regardless of whether you are driving your certified Toyota in from Ballwin, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, or Florrisant, you’re sure to enjoy the Rams as they compete against teams from their division. Fans from across the country come to St Louis to see the games, and to cheer on their favorite teams. With their iconic blue and gold uniforms and logo, you’ll be able to spot the team with ease. Even better, why not wear the colors yourself in support of the Rams as you watch the action?
So, are you ready to head to the stadium to catch a game? Summer is nearly over, and the football season has just begun. Nothing says autumn quite like crisp leaves and football, and you can enjoy some concessions in the stands while you cheer on the home team. Just hop into your pre-owned certified Toyota and make your way to the stadium. The Rams are now a piece of St Louis MO, and you can be part of the game as well.
If you’re looking to get away in your pre-owned certified Toyota, why not consider boating?
You can get out onto a lake and enjoy time in the sun with cool breezes at your back. Whether you choose to stroll the lake or just float peacefully, there are so many options, and most of them are just outside of the St Louis area. So, just what type of experience are you looking for? When you’re going boating, you can choose from small hand paddled boats or larger engine powered boats with room to sit down at a table. You don’t even have to own your own boat or borrow one from a friend. Many of Missouri’s lakes offer boat rental services, so you can take a boat out on the lake and enjoy your day without having to haul anything behind your certified Toyota. If you enjoy fishing, a small boat with paddles will probably suffice. You can drift along a river or in a lake and take your time catching a meal and communing with nature. If you’re looking for water sports, you’ll want a boat with a bit more kick. Be sure that you understand how to operate a motorboat and how to safely attach a lead, and take some friends out water skiing. You can still enjoy the water and the environment even if you aren’t into fishing. When the day is done, you can return the boat you rented to the marina and be done with it. If it’s your boat, just hook it back onto your pre-owned certified Toyota and get ready for the drive back to O’Fallon. You’ll have plenty of memories of your day in the sun where the water was clear and full of excitement.
Your St Louis Toyota dealer knows that sometimes you just need to get away. Kirkwood and Florrisant are great towns, but if you’re aching to stretch your wings and get back to nature, it may be time to drive your new or used vehicle to the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Lake of the Ozarks is one of Missouri’s most beautiful natural places. With over 1,150 miles of shoreline, your Toyota dealer knows it’s a destination that shouldn’t be missed. You can take the time to boat on the lake and enjoy a variety of water sports. If fishing is your game, you have all of the space and time you need to cast a line and enjoy the beautiful views.
The land surrounding the Great Glaize Arm of the lake is also known as Lake of the Ozarks National Park. As Missouri’s largest national park, you’ll find that there are places to hike and bike, as well as to camp. You can pack up your supplies and your family and arrive in this beautiful area of the country in just a morning’s drive. Take it from your Toyota dealer—it’s well worth the trip!
Once you’ve spent a few days in the great outdoors, you may be looking for a less wild setting. With a variety of towns in the area you’ll find plenty of places to dine, to shop, and even to golf.
No matter where your travels take you, you’ll be sure to have a great time taking a trip in a vehicle from your Toyota dealer. Just mind the rules of the road, pack plenty of supplies, and enjoy all that beautiful Missouri has to offer!
It’s time for another Toyota dealer trip suggestion. With so many exciting locations to visit in Missouri, it can be difficult to decide where to go. If you like history, however, and enjoy a good read, why not visit the birthplace of Mark Twain? It’s a short road trip from St Louis, Hazelwood, or St Peters, and you can experience not only his place of birth but also the surrounding state park.
Mark Twain, the pen name of Samuel Clemens, is well known as one of America’s most famous writers. Sometimes what he wrote was humorous, and sometimes it was serious, but it always cut to the heart of the pulse of the nation. From Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to A Confederate in King Arthur’s Court, his works are still in print and we regularly see our customers reading them when they visit their Toyota dealer.
At Mark Twain State Park you can visit the rustic two-room cabin where he was born in 1835. There are exhibits including manuscripts, first editions, and furniture Twain owned later in his life. While many of these items were considered important after his death in 1910, it wasn’t until the 1920s that an effort was made to save the home of his birth. It was protected over the decades until 1960 when the house, as well as the surrounding land, was turned into one of Missouri’s National Historic Sites.
Once you’ve experienced this historic site, you can enjoy the state park that bears his name. With camping, hiking, fishing, and boating, there’s enough of nature for everyone to enjoy after the peaceful drive to the park. After all, the journey is part of the fun! Your Toyota dealer knows that the world is wide open with adventures down every road. Why not take the time to see all that Missouri has to offer?
As a Toyota dealer, we know that there’s not much that’s more iconic to America’s history of the road than the legendary Route 66. It’s been the subject of songs and stories, and even now in an age of freeways and highways it sill holds a place in popular culture. What you may not know is that in Missouri there is the Route 66 State Park, which celebrates the history and vibrancy of this American icon.
Route 66 was built in the golden era of American road trips. A straight shot from Chicago to Los Angeles, this two-lane highway coasted through many large towns and beautiful views. If you’re interested in taking a look, it still runs through St Louis. While we at your Toyota dealer have noticed that Route 66 no longer appears on most modern maps, with a bit of sleuthing you can still find it and appreciate all of the history it holds.
It can be a great family trip to take Route 66 all the way to the state park that bears its name. At the park you’ll be able to explore the visitor center, which was converted from an old roadhouse. There are exhibits about the history of the highways, as well as memorabilia from when this highway was the bustling “Main Street of America”. After you’ve toured the center, you can spend some time exploring the park. Take it from your Toyota dealer, you won’t find a better picnicking spot! With acre upon acre of trees, hiking, and bird watching available, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Route 66 State Park.
No matter how much times change, here at your St Louis Toyota dealer we know that some things stay the same. A comfortable ride, a reliable vehicle, and all the style Toyota has to offer will still be here for all the years to come.
