I live in the metro area...tell your wife not to worry. Any of the cafes and bistros (in the hotel and in the area nearby) won't bat an eyelash at jeans, shorts, tees, and athletic shoes. For restaurants a step up from that or any of the more sophisticated bars and lounges, you would feel more comfortable in khakis, Dockers type pants, polos or a button up shirt, and any shoes other then athletic or beach flip flops. I've seen many people wearing jeans at the Fox theater so I wouldn't spend a second agonizing over it. Your wife would fit right in with any of those choices along with casual dresses and skirts. It's usually miseribly hot here in August, so dress for comfort! If you would like to have a special evening out in a more formal "white tablecloth" restaurant, then think daytime wedding or church attire. Very few would expect a tie and it will state that on their website and at the door.
I hope you get to take in a Cards game and eat on The Hill while you're in town. If you want to go up in the Arch while you're here, be sure and check out the dates and times on their website and order tickets in advance. They tend to sell out in the summer and you don't want to show up and find they are already booked for that day. Same thing goes for any special exhibits at the museums. You might really enjoy a show at the Muny while you are here if it isn't 1000 degrees the nights you are in town lol. Tickets are inexpensive and they even have freebie seats in the top section...first come, first serve.
Enjoy your mini vacation! 
sidewinder wrote:Thanks everyone for your replies.Thanks for your suggestion Optimistic.You're welcome and I hope your family has a great time!We are taking the kids to the zoo the day we arrive in STL and figured we'd be worn out so decided to stay overnight. We've always drove home after the zoo before, but this time we plan to arrive early and stay the entire day.Smart plan! The heat and humidity in August will wipe you out, so I hope you catch a break while you're here. My personal coolant of choice while at the zoo is Dippy Dots lol. At least you know you have a nice cool room and a pool to return to instead of a long drive home.We had thought about the arch and the science center the next day. We haven't made up our mind on that part yet.Your kids will love the Science Center. The Magic House is another excellent option, but it's a little further South (Kirkwood) so it may not be handy for you location wise. But it's lots of fun for the elementary school set if you are entertaining any other options.Some friends suggested the Muny as well."My One & Only" is playing through August 3. Then "Fiddler on the Roof" begins (last show of the season) and runs August 4-10.We aren't going to catch a Cards game this time. Some friends are traveling up to STL to see the Cards play on Aug 2nd? I think it is.Phillies are in town that weekend so I hope your friends have a great game to look forward to! At least those are all night games that weekend, so hopefully they won't melt too much.Thanks everyone.
@llecs wrote:To add I just came back from a weekend stay at a Sheraton Four Season in Greensboro. It was our zillionth stay at this hotel and I was in a suit for most of the weekend, but I've dined there early in the morning or during a Saturday afternoon in the past and I have no problem showing up in jeans and a T-shirt. Doesn't bother me or anyone else at all.And to come think of it, I have been to other Sheraton properties and casual is the norm. Especially during a busy biz week.
Message Edited by llecs on 07-21-2008 12:28 AM
Nice to have you back!!!
Though I don't begrudge you a vacation (even if only for the weekend), I have to say I sure did miss you!!
Thanks. I'll be busy for a couple more days, but after then I'll kick back, sip a FICOtini, and post again.
@Anonymous wrote:Nice to have you back!!!
@llecs wrote:To add I just came back from a weekend stay at a Sheraton Four Season in Greensboro. It was our zillionth stay at this hotel and I was in a suit for most of the weekend, but I've dined there early in the morning or during a Saturday afternoon in the past and I have no problem showing up in jeans and a T-shirt. Doesn't bother me or anyone else at all.And to come think of it, I have been to other Sheraton properties and casual is the norm. Especially during a busy biz week.
Message Edited by llecs on 07-21-2008 12:28 AM
Though I don't begrudge you a vacation (even if only for the weekend), I have to say I sure did miss you!!