Photograph by Ashley Heifner

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Arts & Crafts – Webster Groves

Webster Groves still has the vibe of a small town—one with two distinct shopping districts. Start at the intersection of Gore and Lockwood, in the heart of Old Webster, then turn down Gore and stop in at McCaughen & Burr [1], the Neiman Marcus of framing. Visit The Empty Nest [2], bright with carefully chosen gifts, toys and home décor; next door, get almost anything monogrammed at The Initial Design [3], from bags to bibs to blankets, so you won’t see it duplicated at the next party you attend. When you leave, turn left and follow your feet to A Strand Above Bead Shoppe [4], which sells original necklaces and bracelets, as well as the materials with which to create your own. More crafty plans? Cross the street to Apple of Your Eye [5], half craft store, half gift shop, and pick up decorations for the coming holidays, picture frames and kits for the kids to create today’s suddenly hip indie crafts on their own. For the pooch that needs a little pampering, head to Lucky Dog [6]. Just off Gore, hiding in a little corner, you’ll find  Ladybugs [7] and its inimitable mix of ladybug knick knacks and Red Hat paraphernalia, including copies of the poem that started it all.

Need serious relief? Head back to Lockwood, turn right and browse a while at the Webster Groves Book Shop [8], then reward yourself with at Very Best Cookies [9] (the chocolate-chip and snickerdoodle varieties are favorites). If you need something more substantial, there’s the standby favorite, CJ Muggs [10], on the corner of Gore and Lockwood. Not in the mood to try on clothes right after eating? Visit Copernicus Fine Jewelers [11], a custom shop that works with tortoiseshell, dinosaur bones, fossils and semiprecious stones. Stop at Yucandu Art Studio [12] to buy the materials (beads, glitter, wire and more) to create your own.

Now grab the car and head over to the 8000 block of Big Bend. Park near The Natural Way [13] and stop inside for pomegranate juice, then go left to Daisy Clover [14], an easygoing boutique that carries sizes 2 to 14 and welcomes shoppers in sweats as warmly as those dressed to the nines. Look for shoes by Seychelles and clothing by Grail, Free People and Rebecca Taylor. A few doors down, Salt of the Earth [15] brings brilliantly colored handcrafted pieces from the Mediterranean, Mexico and Europe—or the artists across the street at Krueger Pottery [16] will teach you to make your own.

Wrap up your day with a slice of New York–style brick-oven pizza at Racanelli’s [17] or treat yourself to dessert at Cravings [18] ... dinner at Big Sky [19] ... jazz at Cookies [20]. Prefer one last stomping ground? Drive over to Vagabonds [21] on Manchester to get a dress for a night on the town or order one custom-made by Kathlin Argiro. Then pick up some West Coast fashions at the original Splash [22]. End your experience at American Vision Contemporary Crafts [23], perusing the latest North American works in clay, glass and wood. Inspired by what you see? Sign up for one of the workshops.