2026 U.S. Nationals in St Louis

[moonvine]

Planning to get tickets - actually affordable. But I would probably not rent a car for the week (just to drive from whichever airport I fly from with points - probably 3-4 hr drive or train). Wondering which hotels they used last time/or are likely to use & if they would likely have a shuttle to any of them [I don't need to know which ones specifically, just whether that may be an option]? I know they did in Columbus and hotels here look further away. Also, is there food nearby or will I be ubering a lot?

OYO hotel is within 10 minutes walking. Maggie O'Briens is 10 blocks. Ballpark Village which has different places to eat and stay is about 5 blocks. All this is per my brother in law. Also check out Union Station How walkable it is going to be is depending on the weather. We were snowed in for 8 days within the past couple of weeks and I wasn't walking anywhere. 4 inches of snow over 3 inches of ice. This is highly unusual. I have lived here for 10 years and this is the first time it ever happened. Schools were out for a week. Walmart was not delivering and was out of most things people want anyway. USPS was not delivering. The trash did not run for a week. I finally paid a guy $40 to tow me out of my driveway.
If you take the train it'll let you out in that general area.
I hate parking in St Louis. If you park at the Union Station hotel it is like 20 dollars a night. If I'm going to something I will typically find a parking place with Spot Hero and then Uber to the venue.
If my plans for next year work out, which who knows, I will get a friend to drop me off there so I don't have to drive and can visit Boitano's lounge.

Any other questions, if I cannot answer them I will consult my BIL, who has lived here most of his life.

 

[moonvine]

I’m picturing you loading up the car with stuffies each day. The garage will be completely cleared out by the end of the event!

USFS has no idea what they are in for. They better engage twice the usual number of sweepers

Here's the goal. I hope the sweepers aren't as aggressive as the ones in Allen.

Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss on Jan. 5, 2025

The Hershey Bears are ringing in the New Year with the heartwarming event that sees thousands upon thousands of teddy bears and stuffed animals flying through the air in an incredible act of generosity and charity. It will be Sweet Cuddly Mayhem as furry and fuzzy stuffies of all kinds will be...

stories.hersheypa.com

 

[iluvtodd]

We ordered 2 tickets. Now we have to decide whether to drive (a two day road trip each way) or fly.

 

[moonvine]

We ordered 2 tickets. Now we have to decide whether to drive (a two day road trip each way) or fly.

You should do what you want of course but 2 days in a a killer for me. And you have two drivers I’m assuming.

 

[moonvine]

People arriving early may want to check out Union Station, even if you don’t stay there. I love the aquarium.

 

[iluvtodd]

You should do what you want of course but 2 days in a a killer for me. And you have two drivers I’m assuming.

I think driving through the Midwest would be problematic during the winter (although we did it for 2019 Detroit Nationals - the PA & Ohio turnpikes were clear all the way through). I have a feeling that we will check out the flight options & do that (and save some time).

 

[Arriba627]

I think driving through the Midwest would be problematic during the winter (although we did it for 2019 Detroit Nationals - the PA & Ohio turnpikes were clear all the way through). I have a feeling that we will check out the flight options & do that (and save some time).

It's about a six hour drive.for me. I won't risk it though. I'll fly. Weather too unpredictable.

 

[noskates]

Just a cautionary note - downtown St. Louis is not necessarily a place you want to be walking very far at night. So if you do book a hotel "within walking distance" make sure it's a very short walk!

 

[Seven Sisters]

Just a cautionary note - downtown St. Louis is not necessarily a place you want to be walking very far at night. So if you do book a hotel "within walking distance" make sure it's a very short walk!

I have heard this as well, from a friend who travels there for business. FWIW

 

[moonvine]

Just a cautionary note - downtown St. Louis is not necessarily a place you want to be walking very far at night. So if you do book a hotel "within walking distance" make sure it's a very short walk!

Yes my brother is blind so he’s used to it. But when I go into the city he usually goes along to protect me

 

[noskates]

Another note about the weather - what we've experienced in the past couple of weeks was relatively unprecedented. Yes we get snow but it usually isn't as much and the temperatures are not as severe. If you've been to Boston Worlds it isn't much different. Moon - not sure what you meant by your brother being blind and used to it. It's not safe!!

 

[moonvine]

Another note about the weather - what we've experienced in the past couple of weeks was relatively unprecedented. Yes we get snow but it usually isn't as much and the temperatures are not as severe. If you've been to Boston Worlds it isn't much different. Moon - not sure what you meant by your brother being blind and used to it. It's not safe!!

He’s legally blind so he can’t drive but he has some vision.
And yes the weather has been insane.