Kirkwood & Webster Groves
A Rockwell painting come to life, these neighborhoods are full of beautiful homes, white picket fences and children riding bikes. Both Kirkwood and Webster have walkable downtown areas with shops and restaurants, making them great for families whose parents like to have a good time - with or without the kids.
Ideal Itinerary:
If it’s nice out, head to Grant’s Farm, where you take a tram throughout the park to see the wildlife and can then walk your little one around to feed the baby goats, watch an elephant show or even ride a pony. Before it became an attraction, Grant’s Farm was the home of the Busch family - as in Anheuser-Busch. Which means that while the kids can enjoy the fun at Grant’s Farm, the adults over 21 can enjoy free beer samples. If you’re visiting when the weather’s chilly, check out the one-of-a-kind Magic House. After a day of fun for the kids, treat your palate to a meal at Olive+Oak.
KNOWN FOR
Family neighborhoods with quaint downtown areas
TOURIST-Y GUILTY PLEASURE
Parents rejoice! These communities are home to Grant’s Farm, The Magic House, Laumeier Sculpture Park and the Museum of Transportation.
KEEP IN MIND
These are mainly residential neighborhoods that don’t stay open late.
Maplewood
This growing neighborhood on the outskirts of the city limits is full of life, character, great boutiques and even better restaurants.
Ideal Itinerary:
Stroll up and down Manchester Avenue. You could stop in Penzeys Spices to stock up your kitchen, oogle at Eddie’s Guitars, and then grab a beer and listen to live music at Schlafly Bottleworks (which also has a great farmers’ market on summer Wednesdays). Your breakfast should definitely be at Southwest Diner, lunch at Bolyard's Meat and Provisions, and dinner at Acero and Reeds American Table. Save room for dessert and head over to Strange Donuts for some wild 'dones’—or partake in dessert of the liquid kind and enjoy some cocktails at The Benevolent King.
KNOWN FOR
Let Them Eat Art, a street festival in tribute to Bastille Day
TOURIST-Y GUILTY PLEASURE
Take a tour of Schlafly Bottleworks, St. Louis’ second-largest brewery behind, of course, Anheuser-Busch. They provide free tours and guided tastings on weekends.
KEEP IN MIND
There are a lot of great cocktail and beer spots on the street, but also a lot of cool artisan shops. Don’t drink and spend all your money.
Brentwood & Richmond Heights
The fountain at Brentwood Boulevard and Eager Road claims that Brentwood is the “city of warmth.” While we’re not entirely sure about that claim, this central area is bustling with shops, cafes, movie theatres and more. It’s smack dab in the middle of St. Louis, which makes it convenient to get just about anywhere—and let’s be honest, you’re going to be driving those kids out to Chesterfield more than you care to admit. These neighborhoods lie in between the city and the county and offer the best of both worlds.
Ideal Itinerary:
Catch a matinee movie at the nostalgic Hi-Pointe Theater and follow it up with coffee at Kaldi’s or wine and eats at Sasha’s on nearby Demun Avenue. Head to the Galleria mall for some retail therapy before capping off the day with reservations at Louie for dinner. If you are still up for a party and don’t mind letting alcohol lower your standards, don't miss karaoke at Double D’s in Brentwood. (Tip for your inner college kid - the bar serves jello shots.)
KNOWN FOR
The St. Louis Galleria shopping mall
TOURIST-Y GUILTY PLEASURE
Carl’s Drive In - it’s one of the best burgers in the country according to many national publications. This throwback 16-seat diner is a must for burger lovers.
KEEP IN MIND
Brentwood and Richmond Heights are home to Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and the St. Louis Galleria shopping mall. This area is always packed, but is easily accessible via MetroLink.
South City
A short drive south of downtown lies South City. This area is home to the blue collar mentality St. Louis was built on, and made up of middle class and immigrant families. Think corner bars, shops where everybody knows your name and an eclectic mix of many generations of St. Louisans. There are many sub neighborhoods that make up South City, including Holly Hills, St. Louis Hills, Carondelet, Boulevard Heights and Bevo Mill, which is home to the largest Bosnian population outside of Europe. Home prices are reasonable, and the communities are tight-knit but very welcoming.
Ideal Itinerary:
Brunch at Russell’s on Macklind, then work off those gooey butter cake calories by browsing the consignment and antique goodies at the Green Goose on Hampton Avenue and TFA on Chippewa. For dinner, pop over to Farmhaus for a menu full of fresh, seasonal and delicious options. End the night catching a local band at neighborhood haunt The Heavy Anchor.
KNOWN FOR
Red-brick bungalows, many Catholic churches (and their legendary fish fry dinners during Lent), Francis Park and the events it hosts
TOURIST-Y GUILTY PLEASURE
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard and it’s tasty concretes have been a St. Louis standard for more than 80 years. You may have to stand in line, but it’ll be worth it. If you’re visiting during the holidays, take your custard to go and drive through Candy Cane Lane, the nearby 6500 block of Murdoch on which all the homeowners decorate like the Griswolds.
KEEP IN MIND
Although not a tourist hotspot, this area has plenty to check out for those playing tourist in their own town or for the off-the-beaten-path traveler.
West County & Beyond
Welcome to the ‘burbs, where 2.5 kids and a mortgage are a rite of passage. Anywhere west of Highway 270, including towns like Des Peres, Creve Coeur, Ballwin and Chesterfield, is referred to as “west county.” To the northwest of the city lie St. Charles and Maryland Heights, and Fenton is to the southwest. Mainly comprised of middle class and upper middle class families, the domestic enclaves that surround St. Louis are home to over a million people. This is where you’ll find homes with yards, private schools, etc.—and whether you live here or not, you’re going to be driving the kids here.
Ideal Itinerary:
For a day of shopping, head out to the Taubman Prestige Outlets and the St. Louis Premium Outlets which are conveniently only four miles apart from each other in Chesterfield. Finish a long day of shopping with the award-winning wine list and hearty American cuisine at the upscale Annie Gunn’s. If you want to get your steps in with some fresh air, check out the hiking trails at Castlewood State Park or Lone Elk Park in Des Peres and then enjoy upscale comfort food at the Tavern.
KNOWN FOR
Strip malls, big houses (okay, a lot of McMansions), and most of St. Louis’ population.
TOURIST-Y GUILTY PLEASURE
Walk around historic downtown St. Charles and check out the boutiques, antiques and nearby Missouri riverfront.
KEEP IN MIND
A car is necessary for exploring the outer suburbs of St. Louis, but if you’re willing to make the drive, there are some cool places (Creve Coeur Lake, wineries in Augusta, the Katy trail for biking and hiking) worth the effort.
