St. Louis' version of grand funk and bohemia.. The Scene
Delmar Boulevard in the Loop is truly a scene, with hipsters and scenesters mingling with Washington University grad students and professors. The pierced and tattooed hang here, as do musicians, writers, artists and parents with toddlers. In good weather the sidewalk is crowded with cafe tables at virtually all the restaurants up and down the way. Starbucks and the St. Louis Bread Co. compete for the coolest coffee scene.

The Stores
In addition to a healthy global dining experience (American, Ethiopian, Lebanese, Persian, Mexican), the Loop is home to a wonderful mix of shopping opportunities. Craft Alliance's art gallery offers handmade fine crafts. Meli-Melo has home accessories, jewelry and quirky toys. The city's best shoe store, Soul, is on Delmar, as is Ziezo, great for hip chick clothes. Faru has imported goods (masks, candles, objets d'art), and Good Works and Intaglia have very cool furniture and accessories.…