AFISHA LIFE
St Louis
Explore
Food & Drinks
Hidden History and Local Flavors of the Central West End

Hidden History and Local Flavors of the Central West End

Overview

Join a local historian as they unironically butcher the French language as only a native St. Louisan can, while telling the complex, chaotic and often unjust history of St. Louis through the eclectic food and hidden rollercoaster history of its most populous neighborhood. From its pastoral beginnings to the Gilded Age - from Prohibition to Depression - from epicenter of society to party central to den of vice and back again; the artifacts of its complicated history remain visible to the naked eye if you just know where to look.
Discover why this beautiful turn-of-the-century neighborhood was named one of the “Great Places in America”, and hear the forgotten (and often unsavory) history and epic struggles that kept the CWE alive as much of the city decayed around it. Enjoy the perennially popular food and pastimes that locals cherish, a few laughs and a tiny bit of exercise as you hopefully fall in love with the neighborhood we love to call home.

City: St Louis

Wed 09 Apr

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

Wed 09 Apr

Starting at $79.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

We'll sample 6-8 small bites from local favorites and neighborhood mainstays along the tour route.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Holy Corners District

Some of the most impressive architecture from the World's Fair era still remains, and it's completely outside of Forest Park. Hear hidden history and see artifacts from the early days of this "Valley of the Giants" listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

St. Louis' European chapter began with the settlement of French Catholics, bolstered by the arrival of thousands of Irish Catholics throughout the 19th century. One can barely speak of any element of the history of St. Louis where the presence of the Catholic community was not felt, and the enormity of St. Louis' importance to the church was eventually made manifest in one of the great churches of the western world.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews (2)

rileycL6302GE

Mar 2025

A lot of information very professional a lot of walking but very much worth the time and effort Mike is a very nice guy and very knowledgeable

Response from Host

Mar 2025

It was my pleasure introducing you both to the CWE! Thanks for visiting STL and please come again anytime!

williamsN8080OK

Mar 2025

I was greatly impressed with the quality of the historical content in Mike Nichols' Tour of St. Louis' Central West End neighborhood. The information is fascinating and the story telling he includes enhances ones understanding of the social context in which the neighborhood developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Response from Host

Mar 2025

It was such a treat to share this tour with you! Thank you so much for sharing your deep knowledge of the CWE and elevating the tour for all future patrons. MN