The Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a modern, well-landscaped complex that remains undiscovered by many vacationing families. Anheuser-Busch is the producer of the world's most popular beers. The world-famous lines of Budweiser, Michelob, Busch and even a non-alcoholic beer, O'Doul's, are just some of the brands created by Anheuser-Busch.

The brewery tour is fun for all ages. Visitors can proceed at their own pace on self-guided tours through a maze of ramped, open-air galleries that offer a bird's-eye view of the equipment and machinery in action. Along the sides of the walls are interesting displays with grain and plant samples, photographs and illustrations that trace the history of the brewing dynasty, the Busch family and the process of making beer. It's more than a history lesson; it's a fascinating look at how the beer industry took root in America.

As you enter the first room on the tour, you're greeted by a warm aroma. The first thing you notice are the steeping tanks, where huge, dome-topped cooker vats that resemble flying saucers are conditioning the barley malt and rice. As you continue down the corridor, you arrive at the video area. A short film chronicles the history of the Busch family and Busch beer. It's both interesting and informative.

After viewing the video, you walk on to the Hall of History. This area features attractive displays filled with trivia tidbits related to beer. Some of the information will surprise you. You then arrive at the hospitality room, a cozy place with comfortable sofas, easy chairs and a bar. Anheuser-Busch knows the proof is in the tasting, so every tour visitor of age is offered two beers. Children are offered soft drinks.

When you've spent enough time relaxing by the fireplace, you can enter the bottling belt. With incredible speed and precision, each bottle of beer is filled, capped and whisked along the conveyor belt to be packaged and shipped off to thirsty consumers. If the kids try counting the bottles, just tell them there are certainly more than 99 bottles of beer on the wall.

The next stop is the gift shop where Busch memorabilia abounds, including plastic models of its television commercial characters -- the frogs and lizards. Of course, you'll also find Clydesdale horse souvenirs, T-shirts, caps and a wide assortment of unique novelties that you'll be tempted to bring home. The last area you see is the beechwood aging room where the final step in brewing takes place.

By the end of your tour, you'll know enough about beer to be able to amaze your friends when you open your next six pack of Bud.