Thanks for the replies. First, I would love to meet you guys and see your craft. Rick - I have friends up in Troy, so would love to swing by sometime at Greenfield. Don - will definitely get over to Alton, too. Phillip - definitely a visit to 1H0 is in order.
Not sure what EAA chapters serve the area - I live in Eureka, and closest airports are SUS, 1H0, and out at Washington/Marthasville (sadly, I think St. Clair is shutting down, long a target of the mayor).
Another Q - what rental options do I have? The High Altitude FLying Club at Creve Coeur (1H0) looks viable, and there are a couple share/ownership options at SUS in 172's. Mainly looking at the rental market. There is also St Charles Flying Service, which is attractive in that they have a Diamond DA-40 with the Garmin G1000, but it will be about 45 minutes to get up there.
Many thanks, and look forward to meeting you.
Carl