CDP Theme Day: Stylish

It's the first of the month, theme day on the City Daily Photo calendar. This month the topic is "stylish." That, thank heavens, rules out selfies on this blog.

Close call between these two recent pictures. The first was at Earth Day, the second at the People's Joy Parade. Fortunately for the ladies in the top photo it was a beautiful day. Imagine the outfit on the left in the rain. The one on the right could be a pretty good lightening rod. And as for the one below, well, puuuurrrrrr.

Check out styles worldwide on other CDP members' blogs here.

Saints Peter and Paul, Soulard

The beauty of Soulard, and other neighborhoods, are the vistas that unveil themselves as you walk the streets. Here and there, a cityscape unfolds through the alleys and streets.

Visitor To The Gateway Geyser

The Gateway Geyser has been on the blog a few times. (Some older pictures here and here.) It's the giant water jet across from the Arch in East St. Louis, Illinois, that pops up exactly as high as the Arch itself (633 feet/192 meters) if the wind isn't too high. You can see what happens if it's gusty.

This was taken under the Arch, on top of the stairs down to the Mississippi. The picture would have been okay but then this brilliant bird photobombed my shot.

That contraption on the left looks like part of a chemical plant. It's actually the suction/blower mechanism that takes grain from river barges back and forth to a big set of storage elevators off to the left of the frame.

Good and Fast: Pie Five in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Valley is already a hot spot for family fun–I know we’ll be making a few runs out that way during summer break to visit the SkyZone, Sports Fusion and Bounce U. We’re sure to see a movie at the Mega Screen and me and the moms will do a little outlet mall shopping. 

And now we’ve got a really fun, really fast, new place to eat: Pie Five.

I had a chance to sample Pie Five when they were gearing up and it’s really good pizza! But what makes Pie Five a GREAT place for a hungry family is the way they make your pizza! All pizzas are 10-inch personal size, made to order with the toppings YOU want. If your family can never decide between Italian sausage or pepperoni, all the veggies or no veggies at all, thin crust, thick crust…it’s no problem. You can have it all. Really. All of it. I haven’t seen a mushroom on my pizza in YEARS to avoid family pizza strife. Now I can get a pizza of my own, with all the “yucky” grown up toppings. 

How does Pie Five Work?

Simply step up to the counter and let each kid pick their crust and toppings. A friendly server will load up your pizza while you watch–kinda like a sandwich shop. There are 29 toppings and 7 different sauces to choose from! Then they pop it into their super hot oven while you think about salads, dessert and drinks. By the time you’ve strolled down to the cashier, your pizza is ready for you! It takes about two minutes to bake. Seriously. Two. 

And speaking of drinks, they also have one of those Coke Freestyle machines, so the kids can mix up Cherry-Vanilla-Rootbeer-Cokes or whatever. My boys think they’re awesome. 

Oh, are you avoiding gluten? They’ve got a gluten free crust–as well as crispy thin, pan and whole grain. (Sorry, the gluten free crust is $2 more.)

If you don’t like being overwhelmed with choices, they also have 11 signature styles you can ask for by name. Just for us they have a St. Louis Supreme with a thin crust, “St. Louis Cheese” (wink, wink) and BACON. Oh, it was yummy. 

The best part is every pizza is priced the same: $6.99. So feel free to go crazy with the toppings! For $9.99 you can get a combo deal with pizza, salad or dessert and your drink. There’s a kid’s pizza that’s just 6 inches and comes with a single topping for just $3.49. 

But is it good?

Yes! The pizza I had recently was super delicious. Pie Five is proud to offer fresh ingredients, including dough that is mixed up on location every day! Just say no to frozen dough! 

Can I take it home?

Pie Five is a self-serve sit-down restaurant, so there’s no delivery. But you can ask them to put it in a box if you want to take the pizza home or on a picnic. 

So where are they located?

Pie Five Pizza is located at 17215 Chesterfield Airport Road in Chesterfield. Call them at 636-778-1903 and check them out online at piefivepizza.com  They’re between Kaldi’s Coffee and Big Shark Bicycle. 

Pie Five is still growing! Be on the lookout more Pie Five’s in St. Louis soon! I’ll keep you posted when they’re ready to open! Next up is Richmond Heights off of Hanley Road.

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~Denise

The post Good and Fast: Pie Five in Chesterfield appeared first on StLMotherhood.

Grab These Summer Movies on Netflix Before They’re Gone!

Netflix is constantly updating it’s catalog of movies–adding new shows and sadly waving goodbye to others as their contracts expire. I thought I’d give you a quick heads up of some family favorites we’ve enjoyed that won’t be around much longer–watch them while you can! School is out in St. Louis, so I know you’ve got a little extra time for movie watching on the couch!

These are leaving June 1st–so watch them this weekend!

• Ever After: A Cinderella Story, 1998 & PG-13. Features Drew Barrymore in what-if-Cinderella-really-happened sort of story, with Leonardo da Vinci instead of a fairy godmother. 
• Garfield and Friends (Vol. 1-2) My favorite cartoon cat had a cartoon in the late ’80s. The kids don’t seem to mind that it’s a little dated.
• Last Action Hero (1993 & PG-13) This movie didn’t go over well with critics who couldn’t wrap their head around the concept of a kid entering the magic world of the movie screen. Personally, I think it’s my favorite Schwarzenegger movie. It’s an action movie within a comedy spoof. Your middle schooler will love it.
• The Rocketeer (1991 & PG) This is an awesome family action film from the 90’s that takes place in the squeaky clean 30’s. You can’t go wrong with a rocket powered hero fighting Nazis in my book.

For a full list of movies leaving Netflix in June check out this article from Forbes.

(FYI: I’m a member of the Netflix #streamteam.)

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~Denise

The post Grab These Summer Movies on Netflix Before They’re Gone! appeared first on StLMotherhood.

On Tap: IndiHop Takes Over The Grove, Cherokee Street Saturday

May 30: This Saturday, let IndiHop introduce you to two of STL’s most eclectic neighborhoods and all the great beer within. The beer tasting tour will take you through 50 beer samples in the The Grove and Cherokee Street neighborhoods, with live music, artists and street performers entertaining you on your beer journey. New this year, the beer tour will also include coffee from Sump Coffee, Blueprint Coffee and Goshen Coffee. IndiHop kicks off Saturday, May 30 at 1pm and goes until 7pm, with shuttles running between the two neighborhoods for the duration of the event. For more information, head to indihopstl.com.

Photo courtesy of IndiHop

Saint Louis Hop Shop has now officially enjoyed their first full week of business on Cherokee Street. The shop enjoyed a quiet opening last Friday to welcome in the Memorial Day travelers. The idea for the shop is to give city-dwellers a place to sample and buy craft beer in one location. In one room, refrigerated cased hold their packaged beer supply and a small bar to give those new to the beer scene a better idea of what beer they’d want to take home. On tap right now are local names Civil Life Brewing, Modern Brewery, Perennial Artisan Ales and Apple Knocker Cider. 2606 Cherokee Street, Cherokee Street, 314.261.4011

STL Breweries are taking it on the road and to showcase the  St. Louis  craft beer scene all over the country. This weekend, Side Project, known for their experimental and barrel-aged beers, is out at the sold-out Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Festival in Paso Robles, California. The festival includes brewers who the event planners believe are “leaders in the craft beer revolution.”

4 Hands Brewing Co. has also done a bit of traveling, this weekend ending up out in beautiful Colorado for Oskar Blues Brewing’s Burning Can 2015. Lauded as the first “active” beer fest in the country, the day will feature a beer relay, sports competitions, live music and canned beers from 50 different breweries across the country. 4 Hands brought along Contact high, Chocolate Milk Stout and Send Help for samples.

Northeast Fairgrounds Neighborhood

The streets southwest of West Florissant Avenue are lined with beautiful houses, many of which are still occupied, while others are being reclaimed by nature.

This quiet street is lined with older buildings than much of the Fairgrounds neighborhood, and sadly that means they’re more likely to be abandoned.

Which is a shame, because it is still in such good, stout condition. If only things would change.

Market Street Splash: Slide the City St. Louis

When I was a kid, I was always jealous of those TV commercials showing kids frolicking on Slip N Slides on their lush green suburban yards. I grew up in the country, with a yard full of trees, rocks, stumps, rocks, dirt, rocks and more rocks. It was not conducive to DIY backyard water parks. Which is why I’m super excited about Slide the City coming to St. Louis! I will finally get a chance to fulfill my childhood dream of splashing down a water filled plastic sheet on a hot summer day.

Except this slide is heading down Market Street. And is 1000 feet long!

On Saturday, July 11th, Market Street will be transformed as fun seekers ride inflatables down a giant slide spanning THREE CITY BLOCKS. There will be music, local vendors, and giveaways! It’s a family friendly event that will be the highlight of your summer!

(This post is sponsored by Slide the City and the US Family Guide.)

And get this: My readers SAVE with promo code USFAMstl — Get your tickets here! https://secure.slidethecity.com/affiliate/usfamilyguide/st-louis   Use that promo code (USFAMstl) and save $5 off your tickets.

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Saint Louis Area FoodBanks. The St. Louis Area FoodBank feeds the hungry by distributing food through a network of more than 500 partner agencies and engages the community in the fight against hunger. Participants can purchase a one, three or unlimited slide pass. Tickets are now available, starting at $13.

You’ve got questions? Here are some answers about Slide the City

Is there an age or height limit? YES: You need to be over 46 inches tall and over 5 years old to slide. Kids under 18 need to get a sign off from their legal guardians.

Is it safe?? Slide the City puts down a foam layer first–it’s no fun sliding on pavement! And if you’re worried, everyone gets a mouthguard, just in case.

Wow, isn’t that wasting a lot of water? Nope! Water conservation is also a priority at Slide the City events. They strive to have zero environmental impact on the community. The Slide was designed to have zero water loss, and it treats and recycles the water safely and efficiently throughout the day. When permitted, they donate the water back to the community. Methods of disposal include local reclamation centers, parks, golf courses and other places dependent upon local regulations.

How much is it? Single slide tickets are starting at $13 with the early bird registration (good until May 31). With the $5 discount that’s just $8. Prices go up the closer to the event. A Triple Slide ticket starts at $28 for the early bird ($23 with my discount) and the ULITMATE UNLIMITED ticket starts at $48 ($43 with the discount)

Are there group rates available? If you have a group with 20 or more participants send Slide the City an email.

What about the tube?? Single slide ticket holders will need to bring their own tube, but there will be tubes for sale at the event. Triple Slide and Unlimited tickets come with a tube.
Don’t forget, my readers will SAVE with promo code USFAMstl

Slide the City will be all over the country this summer, so if you’re one of my readers outside of St. Louis, don’t feel sad! They’re also coming to O’Fallon, MO, Columbia, MO and Kansas City later in the summer! Check out their full list of cities…just remember, the promo code is only good for the St. Louis slide!

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~Denise

The post Market Street Splash: Slide the City St. Louis appeared first on StLMotherhood.

Where To Shop In STL: Best Of The City Editor’s Choice Winners Announced

The results are in! Thirty-seven boutiques, specialty shops and high-end retailers have been named in ALIVE Magazine’s We Heart STL Best of the City Awards. From “Best Place to Shop The Runway” to “Best Vintage,” there was so much love to be spread for all of the incredible people and businesses in this spectacular city. Read our rundown of the winners below and snag your tickets to celebrate with each and every one of them (in all categories) this Friday, May 29 at the We Heart STL Best of the City Celebration Presented by Bud Select from 7-11pm at the Old Post Office Plaza Downtown.

photo by ALIVE Magazine

Best New Store: LINDBERGH | Chesterfield
What they carry: An in-house store brand with an impressive selection of men’s merchandise, this newly opened shop has three lines—the Blue, White and Black collections—that bring something completely different to the STL men’s market.

Best LA Shopping in STL: SPLASH | Ladue
What they carry: Even after 30 years of business, this top spot is still one of the most-stylish in St. Louis. Known for its West Coast vibe, shoppers can find brands like For Love & Lemons, Indah Clothing and Vitamin A, as well as a swimwear selection unlike any other.

Best Denim: SOLE & BLUES | The Loop
What they carry: With brands like AG, G-Star, RAW, Naked & Famous and Nudie Jeans Co., it’s no wonder Sole & Blues has been STL’s go-to for denim for the last 15 years. Let’s not forget they are also well equipped with the extras: Shoes by Camper, Diba and Fly London, as well as a selection of stylish clothing by BB Dakota and Civil Society.

Best Place to Shop the Runway: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE | Plaza Frontenac
What they carry: Not only has Saks always been a staple for your favorite splurge-worthy international designer brands such as Ralph Lauren, Akris and Rag & Bone, but their selection of emerging designer collections—from the likes of STLFW vets Yigal Azrouël and Tess Giberson—can’t be beat.

Best Handbags: NEIMAN MARCUS | Plaza Frontenac
What they carry: Among its selection of premier designer fashion, Neiman Marcus at Plaza Frontenac is also a haven for its selection of the newest “it” bags. That Prada backpack you spotted on the runway that keeps reappearing in your dreams—it’s waiting for you here!

Best Shoes: NORDSTROM | Saint Louis Galleria, West County Center
What they carry: For the perfect footwear to top off the trendy outfit you picked out in BP upstairs, drop by the shoe section for a comprehensive roundup of top names. With brands Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Chanel balanced with stylish contemporary lines like Sam Edelman, Tory Burch and Dolce Vita, there’s no denying the fact that Nordstrom’s shoe department is the reincarnation of Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet.

Best Jewelry to Treasure: ELLEARD HEFFERN FINE JEWELERS | Clayton
What they carry: St. Louis family-owned jeweler Elleard Heffern has been providing treasures to STL since 1913, with a roster of special services including custom design, restoration and expert appraisals, along with an American Gem Society-certified crew of experts that ensures their customers receive the best service in town.

Best STL-Made Designer Collection: SKIF INTERNATIONAL | The Hill
What they carry: A derivative of the Italian word “schifo,” meaning “imperfect,” designer Nina Ganci and her team of knitwear experts have handcrafted each piece without rules or restrictions, boasting products that shy as far away from the norm as possible. SKIF is now a nationally known name, but its roots were planted here first, making it our favorite STL-made designer collection.

Best Micro-Fashion: CITY SPROUTS | Ladue
What they carry: The tiniest fashionistas will emerge from the many “mini” styles available at City Sprouts, St. Louis’ most charming place to shop for kids and babies. Owner Molly Curlee has stocked the store with some of the trendiest children’s clothes brands, like Tea Collection, Oeuf and Vans,and the cutest accessories, toys, and bedding.

Best Place to Get a Deal on Dior: BYRD DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE | Ladue
What they carry: From handbags and jewelry to dresses and shoes, Byrd is a surefire bet when you’re searching for designer deals. With each item handpicked by owner Emily Elbert, featuring luxury brands like Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel, this consignor’s dream is bound to house your newest treasure.

Best Women’s Boutique: VIE | Ladue
What they carry: Vie is our favorite one-stop shop for sophisticated fashionistas searching for “paint the town” pieces. From chic work-wear looks by Alice + Olivia and sassy cocktail dresses by Nicole Miller, every stylish lady who enters this boutique will find themselves leaving with a bag full of fabulousness.

Best Men’s Shop: EAST + WEST | Kirkwood
What they carry: With brands ranging from Baldwin Denim to Vans, East + West has a vibe all of its own: easygoing, pulled-together and practical. With a variety of items for men ranging from clothes, shoes, accessories, books and men’s grooming products, stylish guys will undoubtedly agree that East + West is STL’s premier spot for menswear.

Best Celebrity Style-Stalking: IVY HILL BOUTIQUE | Ladue
What they carry: Ivy Hill’s official move from the Central West End to Colonial Marketplace in Ladue hasn’t changed the store’s affinity for standout celeb style. In fact, the relocation has only upped the ante, now carrying even more of the paparazzi-worthy brands you love, including House of Harlow, Trina Turk and Plenty by Tracy Reese.

Best Shopping in the City: 10DENZA | Central West End
What they carry: Since its opening in 2011, STL’s stylish set has been flocking to 10denza for its roster of off-the-chart brands for both men and women from Moods of Norway to LNA. The shop is also known for its offering of pop culture extras like techie accessories and books.

Best Free People Finds: BLUSH BOUTIQUE | Kirkwood
What they carry: BLUSH is stocked to the brim with fun, bohemian looks that include brands like Wildfox and Gentle Fawn, but it’s their selection of Free People that has us coming back for more. From jackets and jeans to tribal tops and hug-me knits, you’ll find top picks from this carefree brand that inspire the on-point style of this flower loving, tree-hugging favorite.

Best Designer Showroom: MICHAEL DRUMMOND | The Hill
What they carry: Fashion’s fiercest have been turning to St. Louis-based designer and artist Michael Drummond for his one-of-a-kind, made-to-order pieces that have made numerous appearances at Saint Louis Fashion Week and have been exhibited by notable local arts organizations like RAC and World Chess Hall of Fame. Customers are now able to snag items from the designer’s stock on the regular, thanks to the launch of his showroom inside SKIF International.

Best Designer Resale: THE VAULT BY WCE | Brentwood
What they carry: The Vault has become a beacon of light for those craving new and gently used designer looks at a fraction of the price. Stars of reality show “Resale Royalty,” Sue McCarthy, Laura Maurice and Diana Ford have the knack for spotting quality resale potential, and their newest venture, The Vault, is a name worthy of the treasures it holds.

Best Fashion Auction: LESLIE HINDMAN ACTIONEERS | Clayton
What they carry: The “Luxury Accessories and Vintage Fashion” department, carefully curated by the Leslie Hindman Auctioneers experts, specializes in important 19th- and 20th-century designer fashion. Each item is painstakingly researched, and types of pieces extend all the way up to museum-quality finds from designers including Chanel, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.

Best-Kept Secret: UNION STUDIO | Botanical Heights
What they carry: This hidden gem brings an entirely new personality to the local makers scene, featuring works from artist Mary Beth Bussen as well as additional items from local artisans like Portenzo, Metro Weaving and Jenny Walker Jewelry.

Best Streetwear: SWEDLIFE | The Loop
What they carry: Not just your average snapback, that’s for sure. The Loop’s favorite streetwear shop stays true to its mission by providing exclusive brands, quality merchandise and a wide selection of gear featuring choice brands, like Raised by Wolves, Publish Brand, HUF and Acapulco Gold.

Best Reason Not To Skip Your Workout: DIMVALOO | Ladue
What they carry: As the exclusive local retailer of Australia’s fashion-conscious fitness label Lorna Jane, each piece is a collaborative balance of fashion-meets-function: breathable, lightweight, UV protective, shrink and fade-resistant—and undeniably stylish. Join the crew for their “Wine Down Wednesday” series for a fitness class taught by local experts, followed by a wine-filled happy hour.

Best Specs: ERKER’S FINE EYEWEAR | Multiple Locations
What they carry: A St. Louis staple for more than 135 years, Erker’s leads the local eyewear industry with decades of expertise behind brands like Barton Perreira and Cartier. Although it’s their in-house line, NW77th, that’s reason enough to drop by for a fitting of the boldest, most colorful eyewear designs in STL.

Best Place to Shop Handmade: THE FOUNDRIE | West County Center
What they carry: Artisans from all over the country showcase their work at The Foundrie in a curated setting that is merchandised to highlight the maker. Since their move into the West County Center, owner Shela McClymont promised an even wider selection of independently crafted wares and so far, she’s delivered with handmade party supplies, trinkets, bath products, kids clothing and Missouri-loving tees.

Best Of The West: TAUBMAN PRESTIGE OUTLETS | Chesterfield
What they carry: Just off Boone’s Crossing in Chesterfield Valley, Taubman Presige Outlets sit in the heart of the western shopping district, housing nearly 60 crave-worthy retailers including Restoration Hardware, Wacoal, J.Crew Factory Outlet and H&M. The pet-friendly atmosphere and constant sales make this coveted shopping destination a trip out west that’s definitely not to miss.

Best 9-to-5 Fashion: MISTER GUY WOMEN’S STORE | Ladue
What they carry: Stocked with timeless wardrobe options from Michael Stars and Elliott Lauren, Mister Guy Women’s is primetime shopping for the ladies who work hard for the money and have a serious love for fashion. Trunk shows are regular events and feature the hottest and most current collections from contemporary luxury brands like ALGO, Lafayette 148 New York and Gigi New York.

Best Gifts for Him: DAPPER GENTS | Downtown
What they carry: Dapper Gents Grooming Lounge offers up classic grooming services alongside an impressive selection of leather goods for even the pickiest of shoppers. Shop Dapper Gents’ selection of quality, made-in-the-USA brands like Oak Street Bootmakers, Richard Tao, Moore & Giles, as well as grooming products and gifts from Uppercut Deluxe and Brooklyn Grooming.

Best Gifts for Her: LUSSO | Clayton
What they carry: Charming kitchenware, dishes and home decor items sit just steps away from an impressive selection of trendy jewels by Alex Bittar and Michelle Pressler, shoes by Rachel Zoe and clothing from Yoana Baraschi and Rungolee.

Best Vintage: PARSIMONIA | South Grand
What they carry: As one of the hottest places to find stylish artifacts from times past, owner Beth Styles has taken her passion for secondhand to the next level, offering up an impressive selection of men’s and women’s vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods.

Best “Favorite Room” Furniture: WEST ELM | Saint Louis Galleria
What they carry: West Elm’s moderately priced line spans from succulents, frames and bookends, to tables, couches and bedroom sets. A creative haven for the most stylish of home decor fanatics, the store has inspired the city’s avid redecorators to step up their game.

Best Local Furniture Maker: GOEBEL AND CO. FURNITURE | Midtown
What they carry: St. Louisan Martin Goebel uses the finest pieces of timber sourced as close to home as possible, crafting each piece with care and precision.

Best Home Accessories: FRILL HOME | Ladue
What they carry: An eclectic mix of all things decor, Frill offers floor lamps, sconces, furniture, pillows, and extravagant extras—in styles that are a bit off-the-cuff—from brands including Oly Studio, Bungalow 5, Noir and Worlds Away.

Best Vintage Decor: MOMODERNE | Webster Groves
What they carry: Customers can take a spin through the well-stocked retail space or hit up their monthly estate sales located at homes across the metro area—either way, they’re bound to stumble across the perfect high-quality, mid-century piece of furniture to fill the void in any room.

Best Gifts for the Home: K. HALL DESIGNS | Plaza Frontenac, Brentwood
What they carry: K. Hall is a top source for all things “wicks,” carrying carefully crafted candles, as well as bath products from Barr-Co., U.S. Apothecary and Simpatico Home. Its flagship store also offers a selection of decor items to complete your space.

Best Antiquing: HEIRLOOM ROOM | Cherokee Street
What they carry: Heirloom Room is the place for an eclectic selection of antiques and locally crafted or fair-trade wares to keep your personal oasis looking chic, while treating customers to a rustic and natural atmosphere all of its own. It even has a rentable, fully decorated space for your next small gathering.

Best Bookstore: LEFT BANK BOOKS | Central West End
What they carry: Left Bank Books provides St. Louisans with a culturally diverse selection of books and programs, a calendar of current events (including book clubs and discussion forums) and nights featuring top literary talent in STL.

Map your route accordingly and snag tickets to Friday’s celebration event!

West Florissant Avenue, College Hill

West Florissant Avenue south of O’Fallon Park goes down to two lanes, much as most major streets in St. Louis once were. For whatever reason, the major boulevard plan did not extend up to this stretch, instead turning off onto Natural Bridge (via Palm, technically).

It’s a sad stretch, featuring both active funeral homes and row after row of abandoned buildings, many showing signs of life just in the last couple decades, if the fonts on their faded signs are any indication. I wish College Hill was doing better.

ALIVE On The Scene: New Kids On The Block, TLC And Nelly

It was a packed house at the Scottrade Center last Friday where we kicked off our holiday weekend with several of our favorite superstars for “The Main Event” tour, starring ’90s pop stars New Kids On The Block, R&B duo TLC and STL’s own Nelly.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Nobles

A bevy of fans from all over the state flocked to see the show, the highlight of which was TLC’s return to the stage. The now duo touched on a select collection of their hits stemming back to their first album, “Ooooooohh…On the TLC Tip,” in addition to a video dedication for the late, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez.

New Kids on the Block showcased a stellar set as well, packing in all of their hits through the ages as well as selections from their most recent album. The bottom-line: Don’t underestimate the power of the boy band; NKOTB can still sell out a stadium like the best of ‘em.

For more, check out Online Editor Rachel Brandt’s chat with NKOTB’s Danny Wood!

Watch Worker Bees Being Born & Develop in This Time-lapse

National

4-Day work week, COMMENCE!
Captured by National Geographic Japan. Great soundtrack.

Via

7 Ways The St. Louis Regional Chamber Is Continuing The Spirit Of St. Louis

The St. Louis Regional Chamber has a long history of fostering new endeavors. Take, for example, where the organization was when Charles Lindbergh took off on his pioneering flight: at his side, underwriting his adventure with a check for $25,000 (around $339,000 today). The deal, according to St. Louis Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Reagan? Call the plane the “Spirit of St. Louis.” It was a catchy name, but one that dug into what our fair city was—and is still—all about: “The spirit of St. Louis isn’t something that comes from the plane; the plane came from that spirit of St. Louis,” says Reagan. What that spirit is, he says, are threads of innovation, exploration and discovery—all priorities that continue to shape St. Louis Regional Chamber’s work today. We sat down with Reagan to talk about where the chamber has been, where it’s going and how they plan to continue the mission to inspire the spirit of St. Louis.

Photo of the Spirit of St. Louis by Matt Garber via Flickr.

1/ They’re expanding the definition of what a chamber of commerce can be to the city. Forget just taxes: “This isn’t your father’s chamber of commerce,” Reagan says. Among their efforts is a “much more inclusive strategy that will get information to businesses to fund, run and grow their companies—whether it’s a freelance startup out of a home, a retail shop or a company that’s trying to scale to become global.”

2/ Facilitating an urban renaissance is a top priority. “What we want to look at are those things in our history that make St. Louis authentically special,” says Reagan. “The most important aspect that we have discerned from [history] is the entrepreneurial, innovative, exploring spirit of St. Louis … that is what made us one of the most important cities and regions in the world. We are trying to help regain that spirit—the spirit is there, it’s who we are—but I think our success over time in the 20th century kind of got us lost in what was making us successful.”

3/ They’re creating a movement that’s inclusive of all business owners—not just the big guys in town. “[The St. Louis Regional Chamber] is a broad community of leaders who are united for economic prosperity,” explains Reagan, adding that it’s the largest and most diverse network and association in the region, including large businesses, minority-owned businesses, freelancers and startups. “We believe that the world is shifting to this individual view that is much more micro-economic,” says Reagan. It means that economies aren’t just developed around where big corporations are located, but where people—who now have more choice than ever in where they live, work and invest—choose to be. That’s where a strong community—economically and otherwise—is built.

“So when we look at our economic development strategy, it has to be focusing on: What is important to people? And, are we doing what we can to make STL a more attractive place for those people?” Reagan says. “If we do that, the institutions follow. In other words, it’s not an either/or. It’s good for corporate-decision making; it’s good for the state government.” In this spirit, the chamber’s entrepreneur-supporting efforts, led by Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Innovation Jason Hall, have committed $1 million in equity funding through professional accelerators (they were the first to invest in Prosper and SixThirty), and collaborate with 60 organizations under the Accelerate St. Louis umbrella, “a collective-impact effort to get our community to the next level of venture formation and entrepreneurship,” says Reagan.

4/ Another goal is to ensure St. Louis ranks in the top 10 of educated American cities by 2025. The region is currently 19th in population size and 14th in percent of working adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher. “Which means,” Reagan adds, “that we need to attract and retain about 75,000 more people than we are currently projected to have by the year 2025 to get into the top 10.”

5/ These chamber programs are providing pathways for groups (from interns to veterans) to advance their professional education. One pathway focuses on retaining students who attend school here by seeking their input and perceptions of St. Louis and focusing on changeable improvements. For interns, there’s the STL “I” Experience, “which gives them a more community experience while they are here, getting them together socially and for service projects that get them out into Forest Park and into different activities together,” says Reagan.

For the 400,000 working adults in the region just shy of their college degrees, there’s Degrees That Work. “This a best-practices program so that employers can really support the people who work for them and reach a goal of achieving a college degree,” says Reagan. For those who are unemployed, the Regional Chamber is teaming up with LaunchCode to teach them coding, which can fulfill a critical need in the booming tech sector and get them a good salary.

And, in a pathway for veterans, the Regional Chamber is working to connect them with opportunities with employers and universities that are ready and willing to help them and the special needs they may have in order to transfer their military skills into the civilian world. “If we put a focus on education and other people are inspired and begin to put a focus on education, that’s what we want,” says Reagan.

6/ Inclusion—not simply diversity—is a St. Louis Regional Chamber priority that will amplify the effects of an educated population. “There isn’t anything we are dealing with in our community that can be solved by one segment of our community,” says Reagan. “This is an inclusive and collaborative organization and we are truly working to inspire a greater St. Louis. We want our actions to be bold and relevant and ignite other people to take action.”

While minority-owned and women-owned businesses (think Prosper’s accelerator) have always been part of the Regional Chamber’s vision for a greater St. Louis, one strong program to incorporate more talent into the region is entering its 10th year: the Fellows Program, “a premier leadership development program for multicultural talent for people working with corporations that go through a nine-month, life-changing leadership development program,” says Reagan.

7/ The end result: A greater St. Louis will be a product of everyone living, working and owning a business in the city and region. “We think about what our purpose is—and that is to inspire a greater St. Louis—so first and foremost we have to be committed to that,” says Reagan. “We’re not a government agency; we don’t have a mandate from a piece of legislation that gives us authority to act on certain matters. If we’re going to be effective, we have to inspire people to come together and work toward a greater St. Louis.

“Our experience is that there is more that unites us than divides us in terms of that future vision. We want to be among the very best within our country in terms of prosperous regions for everybody—that this really is a region that would provide the kinds of hopes and dreams that people may have come here to pursue.”

To become engaged with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, contact Karen Butchko at kbutchko@stlregionalchamber.com or call 314.444.1109. The Chamber is excited to offer an introductory one-year new membership rate of $99 exclusively for ALIVE readers. Just mention promo code ALIVE. Follow the St. Louis Regional Chamber on Twitter @STLRegChamber. Follow Joe Reagan @JoeReaganSTL. This content is brought to you in partnership with the St. Louis Regional Chamber. For more info, visit stlregionalchamber.com. 

Now Hiring Locally: Web Developer - @clixfuel

Local

Description:
Clix is looking for an organized, detail-oriented, and driven web developer who is comfortable leveraging PHP, Javascript, HTML5, and CSS3 to solve complex problems both for Clix’s clients and Clix. Like all positions at Clix, this one is autonomous. Research, develop, and execute your own projects that affect conversion rates, efficiency, user experience, and more. This is a sandbox, and you’re invited to play in it and make an impact on day 1.

See the full details

Please Note: You must become a member to see jobs posted within the last three days.
*Note to Agencies: The 'find a job' link is the most clicked-on area of our site by readers.*

Wildwood Valley Gardens, Bellefontaine Cemetery

Two wheels, Two Cylinders, Fast

There was a motorcycle workshop, to use the term loosely, around the corner from the old car we saw yesterday. You could say that hot rod bikes were being built. These are two different vehicles. You shouldn't put a limb into the wheel of a motorcycle in general but you really shouldn't try it with the one in the top picture. Born to be wild, I guess.

Big night in The Lou later, the season opener of Opera Theatre of St. Louis. It's a unique experience and pure delight. First up is the ever-popular Barber of Seville. We'll be there.

(It's worth clicking the links today.)

Where to Eat This Memorial Day Weekend

A little rain can’t keep us inside this weekend; we’re ready to kick off the unofficial start of summer! Join us in celebrating Memorial Day all weekend long with some of the best eats in the city.

Iron Barley’s 2014 Rib-Off.  Photo courtesy of Iron Barley

Missouri River Irish Festival
May 22-24
Start the celebrating tonight at 5pm out in St. Charles for the 11th annual Missouri River Irish Fest. With Irish bands, dancers, crafts and of course food, the celebration will offer something for everyone in the family. Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-5pm. Frontier Park, St. Charles 

Saint Louis County Greek Festival
May 22-25
The festival, held at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town & Country, has long been a St. Louis favorite. While enjoying the live folk music and dancers, grab any of the many Greek delicacies being offered, from spanakopita to baklava sundaes. Fri-Sun. 11am-9pm, Monday 11am-8pm. 1755 Des Peres Road, Town & Country, 314.966.2255

Budweiser Ribfest
May 22-25
With two stages full of live music all weekend, Budweiser Ribfest in St. Charles’s New Town complex won’t keep you wanting for entertainment. You certainly won’t go hungry either; the fest offers up local barbecue and beers to pair with the live entertainment. Friday 5-11pm, Sat.-Sun. 11am-11pm, Monday 11am-7pm. New Town complex, St. Charles

Eckert’s Memorial Day Weekend Festival
May 23-25
Take your family out to the farm for an old-fashioned Memorial Day celebration. The Belleville farm will offer festival food, carnival and pony rides, children’s play area and petting zoo, with a charge for some activities. Sat.-Mon. 10am-5pm. 951 Green Mount Road., Belleville, 800.745.0513

Iron Barley Rib-Off
May 25
Nothing is more Memorial Day than a cookout, and Iron Barley is offering up loads of barbecue fare through a little friendly competiton. Fifteen barbecue teams will gather in front of Iron Barley on Monday to compete for the title of best rib. The best part is that attendees will get to sample all of their efforts for $25. The event will benefit Lift for Life and the Carondelet Food Pantry. The bar opens and sampling begins at 12pm. 5510 Virginia, Carondelet, 314.351.4500

Kitchen Kulture at 4 Hands Brewing Co.
May 25
Play bags, sip a few craft beers and enjoy the sun on Memorial Day with 4 Hands and Kitchen Kulture. The brewery is inviting Kitchen Kulture out to debut their new container bar in the back lot of the brewery. 1220 S 8th St., LaSalle Park, 314.436.1559

Inside Lemp Brewery

Most of the action at the St. Louis Swap Meet is in the courtyard of the long-vacant Lemp Brewery. The owners try to rent what space they can. The public was allowed into an area where a few people were restoring old cars or customizing motorcycles.

The area was dark with a few shop lights scattered here and there. A path of sorts had been cleared but there was lots to trip on or fall into. Given my job, I wondered if they had any public liability insurance. Actually, I wondered how they could possibly get insurance for that interesting mess.

The person working on this vehicle seems to have questionable taste in beer and is proud of it.

It’s Flea Market Season! Where To Go In And Around The Lou

It’s flea market season across the country and we have gathered up a list that just may keep your weekends full for the rest of the summer. For those looking for a little day trip, we have you covered: Our list includes some of the largest (and best) flea market events throughout the state. Happy treasure hunting!

Photo courtesy of stlswapmeet.com

St. Louis Swap Meet
Join sellers from across the city every Sunday morning at Lemp Brewery for some great antique and unique shopping. The dog- and family-friendly fair is located in a scenic area of St. Louis and is just a short walk away from Cherokee Street Antique Row and several bars and unique eateries. Plenty of parking is available.

Date: Every Sunday, May 17-Nov. 1
Time: 9:30am-2pm
Price: Free
Location: Lemp Brewery, 3500 Lemp Ave

Wentzville Flea Market
The Wentzville Community Club hosts a large flea market every Sunday throughout the year. Come shop with the 400 vendors and eat lunch at the Blue Pitcher Cafe located inside the main building. Forget your cash? No worries: The community club has an ATM for the public, along with public restrooms located in the same building as the cafe.

Date: Every Sunday year round
Time: Doors open at 5:30am; Selling begins at 6am
Price: Free
Location: Wentzville Community Club, 354 West Main Street, Wentzville

Belleville Flea Market
Come out and join the 400+ vendors at the Belleville Flea Market. This indoor and outdoor marketplace is home to antiques, collectibles, and merchandise, old and new. Families welcome!

Date: Every 3rd weekend of the month
Time: 9am-4pm
Price: $2 for parking, free admission
Location: Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East. Belleville, IL

100 Mile Yard Sale (Mount Vernon)
If sightseeing and bargain-hunting are up your alley, join the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce 100-mile yard sale. With hundreds of vendors on the sides of the highways, enjoy a wonderful drive through southern Missouri while you shop. Vendors will be selling everything from new to old antiques, clothing, and furniture.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2015
Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Price: Free
Location: Route begins at Ash Grove, MO and continues through small towns on local highways. Highway 160, highway 39, Hwy H, Hwy 97, highway 265, and highway 13

ToyMan Show
Join the ToyMan Show for its 25th anniversary celebration. This show is made for toy collectors and comic fans and will feature new vendors and guests for its 25th year, in addition to comic illustrators, authors, fangroups and cosplay costumes.

Date: July 12, September 27, November 1, December 13
Time: Early Bird 8am-3pm; Regular Admission 9am-3pm
Price: Adults $5; Children 16 and under are free; Early Bird $12
Location: Machinists Hall, 12365 St Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton

I-70 Shoppers Fair
Have a family-fun-filled day at the I-70 Shoppers Fair. Located off highway 70 in St Charles, this indoor/outdoor marketplace sells everything from jewelry and clothing to antiques and furniture. Have a bite to eat in their indoor food court and then do a little shopping and entertainment outdoors. Special guests are featured almost every weekend. Parking is free.

Date: Saturdays and Sundays year round
Time: 9am-4pm
Price: Free
Location: 4894 North Service Road, St Peters

Grand Slam Marketplace
Enjoy mega shopping at the only indoor, climate-controlled flea market in St. Louis. New and used bargains are available for the whole family from up to 150 vendors. Parking is free.

Date: Every Wednesday-Sunday
Time: Wednesday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Price: Free
Location: 10041 Lewis & Clark Blvd, North County

Rutledge Flea Market
Vendors from the tri-state area, Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, and many more states set up shop with new items, used items, antiques, guns, dogs, and more. Shop, auction, trade, eat and camp on a 85 acres!

Date: Every second weekend of the month, June-November
Time: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Parking $2 per vehicle
Camping $15 first night and $10 every other night
Location: State Hwy V, Rutledge, Missouri

Nate’s Swap Shop
Come out a enjoy a great day of shopping at the region’s largest year-round flea market. Parking and kids under 11 are free, but buying four or more tickets at once gets you a free pass for your next trip. On-site restrooms and food areas available.

Date: Every Saturday and Sunday year round
Time: 5am-4pm
Price: Admission $1.50; Kids 11 and under are free
Location: 8200 E. 63rd Street, Kansas, MO

See something missing? Email sarah@alivemag.com to get it added to the list! 

The Late Show's Last Top Ten List Ever

National

A fitting top ten list au revoir to the best contemporary late show host ever: the Top Ten Things I've Always Wanted to Say to Dave.

Cardinals vs Royals: What to see in KC

The Cards and the Royals are going to face off twice this summer! First up is this weekend when the Cards go to KC to kick…er, play ball with the Royals in Kauffman Stadium. If you’re hitting the road this weekend, here’s a few sights to add to your to do list with the kids!

We visited Kansas City last summer to visit LEGOLand and the Sea Life Aquarium and we had a blast! Kansas City is definitely my second favorite city to visit with kids. (St. Louis is always first in my heart.) We saw some sights, took in some history and ate a fair bit of BBQ. On our second trip to KC we hung around Independence and visited the Harry S. Truman Library and his house, which is a historical site. 

 

KC is a pretty accessible city, and has Hwy 70 running right through it. We didn’t have any trouble getting around. The first time we came in, we stayed at a fancy hotel down at the Crown Center, which put us within walking distance of LEGOland and Sea Life. The second time we decided to save a little money and stayed out in the ‘burbs at a Drury. (Besides, I like their coupons–they’ve got ’em for KC too.)

 

KC’s Union Station is really awesome and I hope that our St. Louis’ Union Station is aspiring to duplicate. It’s used as a exhibit space and home of Science City, a place that like a mash up of the Magic House and the Science Center. If you’ve got time, definitely stop here, the kids will love it. I know it’s on my list next time we head back.

 

If you’re into Art, then put the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on your list! And of course, they have a zoo too. The Kansas City Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo are both members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, so if you’re a member of our zoo, you’ll get half off tickets to the KC Zoo. Sweet!

 

If you’re interested in war history, be sure to save time for the National World War I Museum. It’s really fascinating, and the Liberty Memorial is a great place for photos. In fact, it must have been prom season the last weekend we were in KC because a bunch of girls in fancy dresses were having their photos taken in the park. Just wear some good walking shoes if you plan to really explore the grounds there.

 

Baseball fans will want to stop in at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. According to the USA Today, it’s been getting a lot more attention after the Royals has their World Series run in 2014. The museum isn’t a hall of fame (they want that honor to stay in Cooperstown) but instead is dedicated to telling complete story of Negro Leagues Baseball, from the average players to the superstars.

 

Finally, there’s the BBQ. Now we have some pretty good ‘que in St. Louis, but you have to hand it to KC–they are overloaded with tasty BBQ joints! They run from popular hole-in-the-wall places to nice restaurants with real plates. We had an awesome dinner at Jack Stack when we were in town,  but you also might want to try Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, or Q39.

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~Denise

The post Cardinals vs Royals: What to see in KC appeared first on StLMotherhood.

5 Minutes With New Kids On The Block Member Danny Wood

One of the world’s best-selling pop groups of all time, New Kids On The Block, returns to St. Louis this Friday on “The Main Event” tour sharing a ticket with classic R&B-pop duo TLC and hip-hop star Nelly. After the group’s recent performance on the “American Idol” finale, and after they nearly broke the internet with an Instagram shot of their chiseled physiques, we caught up with NKOTB member Danny Wood. We chatted about what’s changed in music in the last 20 years, how he likes touring with our hometown rapper and yes, we asked him about his abs.

Photo courtesy of New Kids on The Block. Credit Austin Hargave.

​ALIVE: Congratulations on the tour and your new single, “Look At Me.” How has touring and music changed in the last 20 years?
Danny Wood: Oh, god, wow. Well, me personally? I haven’t bought a CD in years. I can’t even remember the last time I bought a CD. It was probably one for my daughter. The music is all digital now. But it was all good for us when we came back; we just rolled right into it. It opened up a whole new way for us to put music out. With the way things are now and with social media, it gives us a whole new way to connect to fans.

ALIVE: Do you find that you have a new generation of fans now? Is it hard to please the older fans and also make sure the show is fresh and new?
DW: No, it’s not hard. We’ll always do the hits. We don’t skip a song. We might switch it up, and make a song sound different, but we’ll always play the hits. And we have two albums we’ve done [more recently] and we’re able to take songs that are fan-favorites from those and put them in the show too. We do a song a lot called “Remix” and that was our first single a couple of years ago and the fans connect to it.

ALIVE: Nelly is a hometown boy for us; any fun stories about touring with him and TLC?
DW: After meeting him and talking with him, he’s a great guy. We put a good package together. Add TLC and it’s all about girls getting together and having a good night.

ALIVE: I saw that you just ran the Boston Marathon and there was recently a shot of your, Donny Wahlberg’s and Joey McIntyre’s abs on Instagram. Are you guys just working out all the time? What’s your secret?
DW: (Laughs) No secrets! Well, the first secret would be to just eat healthy. I don’t even go into the catering room at venues. I’ll just have salads, chicken and fish. And a lot of time the venues will allow us to use the gyms. So we’ll work out. We’re doing pretty good for guys in our 40s!

ALIVE: We’d say so! Thanks so much, hope you have a great show this Friday in St. Louis!
DW: Thank you!

Don’t Let Arch Construction Detour Your Summer

Planning a summer trip to the Gateway Arch? Well, don’t let construction get you down! Our beloved Arch grounds are under a massive construction project as CityArchRiver continues it’s quest to connect the Arch to the rest of downtown St. Louis! The improvements are going to be amazing, but they take time.

Why are the Arch Grounds under construction?

CityArchRiver is a giant project to improve your experience when visiting the Gateway Arch. The underground museum is getting a major renovation, they’re adding a snazzy new front door, new bike trails, new walking paths and new landscaping. They’ve even raised Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd (the road along the Mississippi) by two and a half feet to keep it above typical flood levels. The best part, in my humble opinion, is the cap over Hwy 70 which will connect the Arch to the rest of downtown. When it’s done, the grass will flow from the Old Courthouse right to the Arch legs. Which is probably what Arch architect Eero Saarinen had in mind in the first place. Poor old Saarinen designed the Arch in 1947, before Hwy 70 sliced through downtown, and didn’t live to see his steel behemoth built.

The important thing to remember is the Arch will stay open throughout construction! 

Where to Park

You might have heard that the old parking lot on the north side of the Arch grounds was demolished this spring. Don’t panic, they did a survey and found that on an average day, there are 2,653 EMPTY parking spaces within a five minute walk to the Arch’s temporary construction entrance. The old north lot only had 1200 spots and was at least a five minute stroll to the Arch entrance. So we’re ok here. 

They already made curb cuts on every sidewalk around the Old Courthouse to the Arch grounds–so no worries if you’ve got a stroller or wheelchair.

My personal recommendation is the Stadium East garage, which is two blocks from the Old Courthouse. Of course, there might be cheaper options if you can find a good street spot. And if you’re staying in a hotel downtown, you should be able to keep your car in their garage and just hoof it to the Arch.

Also, look for the FREE Laclede’s Landing-Arch Shuttle that will run every day from 11am to 7pm. It has stops at Laclede’s Landing, the Old Courthouse, the entrance to the Arch grounds at the Old Cathedral and the Mississippi Riverfront. The shuttle is air-conditioned and able to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs.

You’ll Need Tickets

During construction you’ll have to get a TIMED TICKET to enter the Arch’s underground lobby area. Why? There’s a whole lot less space to wander about under the Arch–the museum is now closed for remodeling. To avoid over-crowding, you’ll need to get a ticket BEFORE you enter the Arch if you want to take a ride to the top or see the movie. Tram ride to the top tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3 to 15. Tickets to ONLY SEE THE MOVIE are $3 for adults and free for children under 15.

If you’re just admiring the Arch from the outside, no tickets are needed.

The tickets are TIMED, so you’ll want to plan ahead a bit. You’ll have 30 minutes of wiggle room for your time slot.

There are THREE WAYS to get a ticket:

Best: Buy your ticket online the day before. No lines! Print it at home! Weeeeee!

Not Bad: Buy your ticket at the Old Courthouse the day you visit. The Old Courthouse is now the Arch’s museum, so you’ll want to stop here anyway.

Opps, I forgot: There is a ticket kiosk on the Arch grounds in case you forgot to get a ticket.

YOU CAN NOT ENTER THE ARCH WITHOUT A TICKET. After construction is over, things will go back to normal…but that’s not until 2017.

So What Happened to the Museum?

The old Museum of Westward Expansion is closed for remodeling. Well, they’re not just remodeling, they’re tunneling through the park to create a new entrance that will face the Old Courthouse. Then they’re setting up some cool 21st century interactive displays the kids are going to love. Some of the old museum pieces have been sent to other museums (bye-bye stuffed buffalo) and some have been moved to the Old Courthouse for display right now. If you haven’t stopped by before, do stop now–the Old Courthouse has several rooms that tell the story of St. Louis’ frontier days. There’s one courtroom set up on the main floor, and two more upstairs from different eras when the Old Courthouse was a functioning county courthouse. The famous Dred Scott Case was heard in this very building! In case you’re curious, St. Louis replaced the courthouse in 1930, and turned it over to the National Park System in 1940.

The Old Courthouse is free to visit. It’s not fully handicap accessible (it was built before elevators) but if you have a stroller or wheelchair, just go around to the west entrance (facing away from the Arch) and you’ll find a ramp. Most of the main floor has been made wheelchair accessible, so you’ll be able to enjoy the displays. There’s one section that isn’t handicap accessible, and believe me, you’re not missing much–it has dusty old dioramas of angry settlers. 

Getting To the Arch

So, now you’re downtown, you parked your car and you have your tickets. How do I get to the Arch?? Don’t worry, they thought of that too. Painted on the sidewalks all over downtown are signs like this:

These signs will help you find your way, no matter where you parked. There’s also signs on the lamp posts…you’re not going to miss it!

There’s only one way to cross the highway from downtown to the Arch Grounds right now, and that’s at Walnut Street, aka Rue de la Tour. Cute, huh? They’ve widen Walnut and added a pedestrian bridge. Don’t know where Walnut is? It’s right by the Old Cathedral. 

Once you crossed Walnut, walk by the Old Cathedral and into the park. Now just follow the path to the Arch!

What about those River Boats?

You’ve made it to the Arch, why not take a river boat cruise too? The sight seeing boats Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher are ready to take you on a one-hour sight seeing trip up and down the Mississippi. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. (the riverfront road) is open all the way to the boats from the south side of the park. However, it’s closed on the north side due to construction. 

There is limited parking on the river front by the boats.

If you plan on taking a cruise, you can walk from the Arch, down the grand stair case, or take free shuttle to the river from down town.

One hour cruises are $18 for adults, and $8 for kids from 3 to 15. You can save a couple bucks if you buy a combo ticket for both the Arch and the boats. Check out their website here to get your tickets in advance.

Lunch on the Landing

The guys from CityArchRiver tell me that soon the riverfront will have space for food trucks and maybe concession stands that will hang out all summer long. But not until 2016. My favorite place to stop for lunch or an early dinner when touring the Arch is The Old Spaghetti Factory on Laclede’s Landing. It’s delicious and pretty darn cheap for a family of four. There’s a bunch of other places, and though the Landing is known for it’s night life, a few places are family friendly.

Due to construction, I’d recommend you take the free shuttle around to the Landing. Just remember, the shuttle runs until 7pm.

Ballpark Village

Remember how I said to park at Stadium East? That means your car is right next to Ballpark Village! If the Cardinals are in town, you can add a game to your trip downtown, and if they’re not, there’s a few good places to eat around the stadium. If you’re planning on being out and about past 7pm (when the free shuttle stops running) this might be a good option. 

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~Denise

The post Don’t Let Arch Construction Detour Your Summer appeared first on StLMotherhood.

Lawyer Advertising

Americans all see plenty of lawyer advertising. It's a bit of an oversimplification but years ago the Supreme Court ruled it is a matter of free speech, as long as it is not deceptive. This often shocks people I meet from other countries. My little firm advertises. We have to. Our field is competitive.

Some of it is creative and some of it is coarse. This is an example of both from a local colleague who handles personal injury cases. Love all those dollar signs.

Illustrated Police Report: Robber Flees After Man Says He's "From St. Louis"

Local

Who knew there would be positive repercussions from years of being hailed as The Most Dangerous City?
See the full illustration here.

Read the STLMag Article.

Side Streets, St. Charles

The diversity of housing stock in the back streets of St. Charles’s historic inner neighborhoods is impressive, from the Second Empire house above, to the humble worker’s cottage below.

Interestingly, much like in St. Louis, these houses are sometimes what we now call duplexes, allowing for larger side yards.

Later houses, such as the one below, show how architectural styles became more complex as the city grew and prospered.

I love these two Italianate cottages over on a more main street, with their tall peaked roofs, expressing the Italianate style.