by Grayling Holmes

What makes St. Louis, well, St. Louis? Let me count the ways. They are as myriad as the colors produced while holding a kaleidoscope through one of the windows at the Gateway Arch. Since I’ve never lived anyplace else, I know this city like I know my own family. St. Louis IS my family. Everybody seems to know somebody that somebody else knows and so on and so on. And moreover, we know the things to do, what to eat, and ways to have fun that only you can do in St. Louis. St. Louis is the city of the 3 1 4. And 314 Day, March 14th, is the special day that we celebrate all things St. Louis.

Ever since area codes were first used after World War II, St. Louis has had the number 314. No, not because we were associated with the mathematical ratio Pi, 3.1459, but because the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) created a numbering plan. It divided North America into 86 regions. All calls for the St. Louis geo area were routed to 314.

The 314 area code was one of the first established. It reduced the dialing time and wear on rotary phones. It was assigned to the eastern part of Missouri, which included St. Louis.

Although are code 636 and 557 have also been added as an overlay area code for the region due to a shortage of numbers, the 314 area code remains synonymous with St. Louis.

314 Day was created by Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk in 2006 with the goal to bolster St. Louis spirit and support. 19 years later, the regional holiday is more robust than ever, with metro area business, restaurants, cultural institutions, and more offering their own twists on the festivities.

Other than an Arch tram ride, chatting with the gathered South City crowd on Chippewa with a cup of Ted Drewes, going to The Hill for some toasted ravioli, ordering some Imo’s for delivery, or watching the Cards on TV during a spring training game, here are some ways to celebrate the holiday…

4 Hands Brewery

Celebrate 314 Day and our amazing city at the 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room on Friday, March 14th, starting at 3pm! In addition to a killer selection of beers, hard seltzers, cocktails and NA drinks, we'll have the good people of Frenchtown Tattoo Company available for 314 Day and STL tattoos and a Hawley Trucker Hat Bar for custom airbrushed caps. DJ Makossa will be here spinning tunes all evening as well.

City Museum

Did you know the City Museum was the former home to the International Shoe Company? Celebrate our St. Louis roots with a “314 Day Hunt for the Golden Heels!” Hidden throughout the museum are 314 gold-painted leather shoe heels. If you’re lucky enough to find one, bring it to the front desk for a special prize! Be sure to visit Art City on the 4th floor for a special 314 Day art project. Museum admission is required.

Eclipse

The Eclipse restaurant at Moonrise Hotel will be featuring $3.14 select shots, appetizers, and spritzers! Their famous pork chop dinner will have a special price that night of $31.40.

Hearth & Soul

Cheers to you St. Louis! Join Hearth & Soul at their Ladue boutique on Friday, March 14th to sample Anheuser Busch favorites + enjoy 15% savings on all locally made products!

Ali B. - Local Artist Partner

Art & textile inspired by fashion, pop culture & world issues, blended with words, statements and ideas to depict a whole new reality. Shop Ali’s work in-store through the end of March.

Millis Meadows Apiary Creamed Honey

A creamy and opaque honey, a crystallized form of wildflower honey, is easy to spread with a knife and scoop with a spoon

AABIII Seasoning

This secret Busch family recipe combines organic salt, garlic and pepper to deliver an unmatched flavor sensation! You'll find yourself wanting to add this special seasoning to everything ...steak, pork, veggies and even eggs!

Martin Goebel Cutting Boards

Created in small batches or one-off custom, their products are bench made in the industrial heart of the City of Saint Louis.

St. Louis Tea Towel

100% Cotton tea towel printed with original artwork by St.Louis local, Jessica Hitchcock.

Rungolee Francesca Blouse

Anjali Kamra's journey began amid the kaleidoscope of color and culture in Calcutta, India. Since launching Rungolee in 2007, her designs have redefined global chic couture. Anjali continues to travel the world, seeking inspiration in every corner, from the bustling souks of Morocco to the iconic streets of Paris.

Adam Foster Jewelry

Born & raised in St.Louis, Adam creates pieces that are both organically inspired and visually arresting, with a touch of whimsy here and there.

Flamingo Bowl

Bowling plus shoe rental are only $3.14 all day at Flamingo Bowl downtown! Enjoy $3.14 toasted raviolis as well.

Puttshack

Puttshack St. Louis is ready to celebrate 314 Day! Puttshack, known for bringing high-tech mini golf and a lively food-and-drink experience to downtown St. Louis, is thrilled to join in on the city’s biggest day of local pride with exclusive deals and a special giveback initiative.

Here’s how Puttshack will be getting in on the fun on March 14:

Buy One Game, Get One for $3.14 – Guests can book online using promo code 314DAY to get a second round of mini golf for just $3.14.
$3.14 Urban Chestnut Drafts – Enjoy a rotating seasonal brew from one of St. Louis’ favorite local breweries at a special 314 Day price.
St. Louis-Inspired Bites – Featuring Toasted Ravioli and the St. Louis Tailpipe (a BBQ chicken spring roll with Riplets aioli).
Giveback Initiative – Puttshack will donate $3.14 from every Tailpipe order to a local cause.

McArthur's

Stop by McArthur’s Bakery on Lemay Ferry or Pioneer Cafe in Kirkwood. While supplies last, grab a delicious 8X8 gooey butter cake from McArthur’s Bakery (3055 Lemay Ferry Road) and Pioneer Bakery Cafe (210 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood) for only $3.14 on 314 Day. The St. Louis dessert is available at both the Kirkwood and Lemay Ferry locations for walk-ins only, no preorders.

Plus, resident Magician “Magic Amanda” will perform strolling magic from 6p-8p on March 14!

Magic Mini Golf in The Loop

Putt-putt on over to The Delmar Loop and enjoy $3.14 mini golf and shuffleboard all day long!

SqWires

Stop into SqWires Restaurant & Market to get these great local products for $3.14 all day long:

Dubuque Whole Bean Coffee (half pound)
House Baked Cookies (6 pack)
16 oz 4 Hands or Urban Chestnut cans
Big Heart Tea Box
Bridge Bread Loaf
$3.14 mixed house drinks or house wine

Reedy Press

Enjoy the biggest discount of the year! 30% off all books at ReedyPress.com (excluding pre-orders) on March 14 only. Explore the history of our great city, learn about a new neighborhood and cheer on our sports teams! Use code 314DAY25 at checkout.

Union Station

314 Day on The St. Louis Wheel & St. Louis Carousel. On March 14 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm, take $3.14 off the price of a ride on the 200-foot-tall St. Louis Wheel at Union Station. While you’re there, ride the St. Louis Carousel for just $3.14.

314 Day Defines the Kaleidoscope that is St. Louis