Editor’s note: ***This is a very belated Black History Month post **
In honor of Black History month, it is only befitting that we highlight some black owned business in the St.Louis area. Black History month is celebrated in February in the United States. During this month, black heritage and contributions to society are celebrated.
We compiled a short list of places to check out or support.
1.The Drip Community CoffeeHouse
Go for : the menu, good vibes, art, a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Mother’s Day is swiftly approaching, and it’s the perfect time to show appreciation for the mothers and mother figures who enrich our lives. St. Louis is bustling with a variety of activities to make this day memorable. Here’s a curated list of events and experiences in the area:
Melting Pot: Indulge in a sweet experience filled with delicious cheese and chocolate fondue, along with fine drinks. Book here: Mother’s Day Dining
Cardinals Nation: Make Mother’s Day a home run with a delightful brunch at Ballpark Village and a visit to the Cardinals Museum. Book here: Cardinals Nation
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis Spa: Treat mom to a luxurious spa experience at The Four Seasons as a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Book here: Four Seasons St. Louis Spa
Sugar Creek Winery: Indulge in some fine wine and savor a tranquil winery experience this Mother’s Day, far from the city’s hustle and bustle. Book here: Sugar Creek Winery
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal, explore new experiences, or simply spend quality time together, St. Louis has something special for every mom this Mother’s Day.
Sometimes, the most spontaneous days end up being the most fun. A few weekends ago, when the weather was just right, I decided to explore the Central West End (CWE). CWE is a lively neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, known for its historic charm, cultural institutions, and vibrant community. Here’s a glimpse of how my day unfolded:
No day starts off perfectly without fueling up. So the first order of business was grabbing something to eat. My first stop was Kingside Diner, a charming chess-themed restaurant with an impressive menu. Luckily, I arrived before the late morning rush and secured a spot at the bar counter with a street view. There’s something fascinating about people-watching, isn’t there? From my perch, I observed the lively activity around me. For breakfast, I indulged in “The Three Piggies” which featured ham, bacon, sausage, two eggs, chipotle aioli, lettuce and tomato on a croissant, with a side of hash browns.
Three Little Piggies Photo Credit : City Odyssey
When I was done with brunch, I strolled down Euclid Avenue toward Left Bank Books. This charming bookstore, one of the oldest and largest independently owned full-line bookstores in St. Louis, had me captivated by its extensive selection of books. Despite my eagerness to buy more books, I reminded myself of the unread books waiting at home. To show my support, I purchased bookmarks, a card game, and a St. Louis passport. The passport features popular area attractions and comes with stamps that you can place on the attractions that you have visited.So far, mine is halfway filled and I’m looking forward to collecting all the stamps.
St. Louis Passport and Bookmarks Photo Credit : City Odyssey
After leaving the bookstore, I strolled a short distance to the cluster of art galleries. Despite it being Sunday and the galleries shuttered, I couldn’t resist admiring the artwork through the windows. While I was “art gazing” at the Houska Gallery, I saw a note on the door saying to call or text a number for a viewing. Seizing the opportunity, I dialed the number, and to my delight, the owner, Charlie, responded. I was extremely thankful and felt special that I was given private access to the gallery. My little art loving heart was content! The exhibits, featuring works by St. Louis’s own Cbabi Bayoc and Arkansas-based Zina Al-Shukri, were nothing short of spectacular.
Cbabi Bayoc Painting Photo Credit: City OdysseyNah.Rosa Parks by Zina Al- Shukri Photo Credit:City Odyssey
Following my departure from the gallery, I walked back up along Euclid Avenue and couldn’t pass up on the chance to grab some ice – cream from Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery. I tried the red velvet flavor, and it was so delicious. I sat by the window, savoring my ice-cream and people watching. When I was done, I decided to head home. It was quite literally one of the best Sundays I’ve had in a while. What started off as a spontaneous day, turned out to be adventurous and full of fun moments. Maybe I should do stuff like this more often, instead of dreading the end of the weekend.
Last evening, I had the opportunity to attend Hasan Minhaj’s show at The Factory in Chesterfield, Missouri. Lately, I’ve been on a comedy kick, and this was the third show I’ve seen this year. While searching for local events, I was thrilled to find that Hasan was performing in the St. Louis area. I’ve enjoyed his work since “The Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” and several of his Netflix specials.
Getting to the venue was quite easy. I am familiar with the area, and it’s literally a straight shot from my home. Parking was aplenty, so that was a win! Don’t you hate when you go somewhere, and the parking situation is a mess? There were practically no lines, and I breezed through the check-in process.
Brian Parise was the sole opening act, and although I wasn’t acquainted with his work, he did an excellent job setting the stage for the main event.
As Hasan Minhaj took the stage, his presence was magnetic, immediately commanding the attention of the audience. With a mischievous grin, he greeted us, setting the tone for an evening filled with laughter and insight.
“We’re gonna go crazy tonight!” Hasan exclaimed, his voice resonating through the venue.
The crowd erupted into laughter, signaling the start of a comedic journey that would leave us in stitches. Hasan wasted no time delving into his signature blend of humor and social commentary, effortlessly navigating through topics as diverse as race, politics, history and family dynamics. He tested some fresh material that seemed to resonate well with the audience. He mentioned he will continue perfecting some of the new stuff, and it may make it into his next special. And yes, he addressed The New Yorker controversy in his trademark humorous style. If you’re unaware of what I’m talking about, a quick Google search will provide some context.
At the show’s conclusion, Hasan expressed his gratitude to the attendees and revealed that St. Louis was a late addition to his tour itinerary. Overall, the performance was quite enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to his next special.
Note: Guests were asked to secure their phones in Yondr pouches, which remained locked throughout the show. While we were allowed to keep the pouches with us, there were specific zones outside the main event area where phone usage was permitted. This might be something to keep in mind if you plan to attend a show.
This year’s Valentine’s Day lands on a Wednesday, which might not be the most convenient day for many. Weekdays come with their share of responsibilities—work, school, childcare, and more. Understandably, the options for celebrating on a Wednesday are somewhat limited. However, fear not! The weekend awaits, and it’s the perfect time to create memorable moments with your loved one(s). Here are some artsy, family -friendly and entertaining suggestions for your Valentine’s weekend:
Calling all ballet enthusiasts! The St. Louis Ballet has something special in store for Valentine’s weekend. Prepare to be enchanted by a captivating lineup of performances that celebrate love and the mesmerizing fusion of music and movement. 🩰
Dates : February 16 at 7:30pm, February 17 at 3:00pm & 7:30pm, February 18 at 3:00pm
Venue : Kirkwood Performing Arts Center 210 East Monroe Avenue, Kirkwood, MO 63122
If you’re in the mood for a delightful evening of jazz music, I highly recommend checking out Jazz St. Louis. The talented Camille Thurman will be gracing the stage alongside the Darrell Green Quartet from February 16th to February 18th. Tickets are selling like hotcakes, so make sure to secure yours for one of these dates before they vanish into thin air! 🎶🎷
Dates : February 14 – 18
Venue : The Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz
The museum is currently hosting a month-long exhibit dedicated to love. Among its enchanting features, the heart-shaped tunnel stands out as a delightful spot for lovers, families, and friends alike. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand with your sweetheart, sharing laughter with family members, or creating cherished memories with friends, this tunnel invites you to step into a world where love takes center stage. ❤️🌟
Dates : February 8 – 29
Venue : City Museum 750 North 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
The museum is organizing a delightful family-friendly program tailored for young children. This engaging program aims to immerse kids in the world of art, storytelling, and play. Best of all, it’s free of charge, but registration is necessary. Don’t miss out on this enriching experience! 🎨📚
Dates: February 17
Venue : Saint Louis Art Museum One Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110 United States
Lastly, during this winter season, don’t miss the chance to glide gracefully across the ice at Steinberg Skating Rink. Whether you’re young or young at heart, with a partner or a group of friends, ice-skating is an activity that brings joy to all. ⛸️❄️
Dates : November 17, 2023 – March 1, 2024
Venue : Steinberg Skating Rink 400 Jefferson Drive,St. Louis, MO 63110
Whether it’s your first or your tenth Valentine’s Day with your partner, you probably want to make it a memorable and special occasion. But finding the perfect place to go can be challenging, especially when the weather is chilly in the St.Louis area. Don’t worry, though, there are still plenty of things to do and places to see.
To help you out, here are 5 restaurants that you might want to consider for Valentine’s Day.
If you are looking for a cozy and classy place to savor the flavors of Italy, Cas Don Alfonso is the perfect choice. This restaurant is nestled inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel in the heart of Clayton Business District. For Valentine’s Day, Cas Don Alfonso offers a special Prixe Dinner that features a four-course menu of exquisite dishes. To make a reservation, you can visit their website or call 3147191496. The address is 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO 63105.
Contrary to what the name suggests, this is not a Southern restaurant. This restaurant specializes in a fusion of Tuscan and Californian cuisine. The restaurant, situated in the Lafayette Square neighborhood, prepares its food from scratch and is a well-known place in the St.Louis area. To book a table, you can go to their website or call 314 241 9999. The address is 1111 Mississippi St. Louis, MO 63104.
If you are looking for a delicious steak, Ruth’s Chris is the perfect choice. It is located on the first floor of the Hyatt, overlooking the Gateway National Park. You will enjoy the ambiance and the cuisine, inspired by New Orleans flavors. To book your table, click here or call (314) 259-3200. The address is 315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63102.
Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s dinner at this French inspired restaurant inside Le Meridien Hotel in Clayton. They have a special Pre -Fixe Menu for the occasion. To book your table, click here or dial (314) 836-0400 . The restaurant is located at 7730 Bonhomme Ave, Saint Louis, MO.
5. Tree House Restaurant
Photo Credit:Tree House Stl Enjoy a vegan and vegetarian feast at the Tree House Restaurant on Valentine’s Day. You can treat yourself and your loved one to a delicious 6 course menu prepared by the chef. To book your table, visit their website or call (314) 696-2100. The restaurant is at 3177 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate with plant-based cuisine. 🌱
Hello and welcome to City Odyssey, the blog where I share my passion for exploring the world and having fun along the way. My name is KC and I’m an adventurer who loves to try new things. I started this blog to inspire others to live more adventurously.
On this blog, you will find:
Travel guides and tips for various destinations
Restaurant reviews and recommendations
Hidden gems and fun things to do
Advice and resources for planning your own adventures
And much more!
I hope you will join me on this journey and discover the amazing places and experiences that the world has to offer. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a beginner, there is always something new to learn and explore. Adventure is not a destination, it’s a way of life.
Thank you for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon. Feel free to leave a comment, ask a question, or share your own adventure stories. I would love to hear from you and connect with you.
Happy adventuring!
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