The bustling city of Clayton is full of unique finds. Tomsich Fine Art gallery is no exception. Tomsich curators carefully select artworks by 19- and 20-century American regionalist painters. The rare, unique and historic pieces can be enjoyed in the public gallery or purchased for amusement of a more clandestine nature. Bring in a treasured painting from a private collection and let the staff frame it with one of their beautiful, fine frames. If an old painting has been damaged, restoration is also offered. - Cathryn D. Blue

Visitors to St. Louis can feast their eyes here on what the city has to offer in terms of contemporary craft. Educating the locals since 1964, Craft Alliance has held numerous exhibitions and sales in the past, including Glass-Wear, Leandra Spangler and Rimas VisGirda, and Realities and Illusions. The gallery also promotes art by lesser-known and upcoming artists. Other areas of interest include sales and volunteer work. Check the website for detailed information on these.

This still functioning cemetery has an amazing history. Founded in 1816, it became a very popular tourist attraction as a result of not only its beauty and history, but also because of the role that it played before the Civil War. The Old Meeting House located on the grounds of the Des Peres Presbyterian Church and Cemetery was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Thousands of slaves found their ways to freedom as a result of the work that abolitionists selflessly engaged in at this site. A marker that commemorates the struggles of the victims of the American slave trade who were buried in the cemetery without grave markers is left for passers by to see. Since the cemetery is a religious site, it is advised that all visitors come with a sense of reverence and respect. Many people visit the cemetery and leave with a sense of connection with the earth and its past. -Cathryn D. Blue

The beautiful Van Dyke home was built in 1854, in the style of Quebec City's French Chateau. This home is a widely known point of interest in the city of Frontenac, just west of St. Louis. The entire neighborhood is immaculate and elegant, with acres of pristine land and homes in the area that are worth over USD1 million. The history of the location and of the Van Dyke home as well as the incredible mid 19th-century architecture and design make the site a great one for an afternoon drive with a significant other or with the family. The Van Dyke home is near the old Des Peres Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, which holds an incredible history and legacy. Take a visit to Frontenac and explore the Van Dyke home as well as the many other historic landmarks in this incredible suburb. -Cathryn D. Blue

The Laumeier Sculpture Park provides an excellent artistic avenue for young, budding artists and established ones to exhibit their works. It is a favorite venue for exhibitions of drawing, painting, ceramics, glass and photographic displays. Exhibitions are held around the year, both indoors and outdoors in the surrounding park. The park has an outdoor collection of around 75 sculptures in the midst of natural greenery and woodlands. Classes, workshops and guided tours are conducted to help create a greater understanding and self expression for art. The park offers rental facilities for weddings, picnics, reunions and picnics. The museum shop also offers a good collection of art, children's educational books and their own branded items. The library is a treasure house of art and sculpture books and is open to the public. The doors open at 8a daily.

Whether a seasoned traveler or an inexperienced one, these tour operators take extra care to see to it that the place you explore becomes real for you. They guide you around making your sojourn a comfortable one, and also educate you about the culture and history of the place. Choose your mode of transport-you can enjoy the comforts of a private jet or take a cruise. They offer both small ship and river cruises. If you are an independent traveler, your best option would be the Customized South African trip; you are allowed to create your own itinerary by choosing which place you would like to visit and when.

If Sindbad the sailor has left a lasting impression on your mind and you would like to undertake a little harmless voyage yourself, then why not come aboard. The Clipper Adventurer, a 122-passenger vessel, will take you to those remote places, where you can find the peace and solace you were looking for. The Clipper Odyssey is a 128-passenger ship sailing from exotic places like the Far East to beautiful destinations like Australia. Go ahead and book your voyage.

The district is named after Pierre Laclede, the man who founded St. Louis. Amuse yourself by walking on the cobblestone streets or, if you are feeling bold, take a horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the view of the riverboat casinos on the Mississippi. There are several restaurants to choose from, and when the weather permits, you can dine outside and listen to the street musicians. Partake in a dinner theater show at the Royal Dumpe, which is actually a lot better than the name implies.

Named after the builder, Eads Bridge is a combination road and railway bridge over the Mississippi River. It joins St. Louis with East St. Louis in Illinois. At 6,442 ft, it was the bridge with the longest arch in the world, constructed of steel arch spans, and was the first bridge to use this material. This was also the deepest sunk bridge, and one of the first to use the cantilever support method and pneumatic caissons. It is still open for road and pedestrian traffic, and only light rail traffic passes over it.

The St. Louis garment district has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Among the businesses that have thrived here throughout the past 180 years are many new studios, galleries and cafes. Some buildings have been rehabbed as loft apartments. The loft district, as it is known, is home to many artists who have made their livings from the very buildings that once housed garment plants. These historic buildings now serve well both as studio lofts and as homes to families. The loft district is worth a visit from travelers.