By Traci Angel
Photographs by Peter Newcomb
St. Louisans seem to have a love or envy relationship with ZIP code 63124. There is much to love about Ladue: High property values, great boutiques, beautiful country clubs, outstanding schools. And there is much to envy: High property values, great boutiques, beautiful country clubs, outstanding schools. Many people don’t live in houses on lots here. They live in mansions on estates. A number of professional athletes and big-city power players make their homes in Ladue’s leafy neighborhoods. Wealth is a way of life in this community, where 10,000 residents can bank on owning property averaging about $2 million.
Tradition reigns supreme, as exemplified by the six exclusive clubs the neighborhood boasts: Old Warson, St. Louis, Bogey, Log Cabin, Deer Creek and Racquet Club West. It can also be seen in two of the community’s restaurants. February 2003 marked the closing of local favorite Busch’s Grove, but millionaire Lester Miller later purchased the property and is planning a grand reopening in 2005. Another tradition is Schneithorst’s (1600 S. Lindbergh, 314- 993-4100). The name still conjures nostalgia, although the original restaurant is scaled down and moved next door featuring a biergarten with an extensive beer collection. The restaurant’s old location is now home to a collection of shops including Starbucks (9820 Clayton, 314- 567-5626) and Cold Stone Creamery (1516 S. Lindbergh, 314-983-9184), along with the unique women’s, men’s and kid’s boutique Play (1580 S. Lindbergh, 314-569-1210).
For shopping, try any number of the upscale shops along Clayton Road. Among the newest is children’s boutique Jillybean (9208 Clayton 314-872-2988). Another favorite is lingerie store Jule (9757 Clayton, 314-983-9282). No shopping excursion is complete without a stop at the shopping district, Market Place in Ladue (9755 Clayton, 314-241-1945).
Two popular hangouts are Sportsman’s Park (9901 Clayton, 314-991-3381), a laid-back bar with good food, and Truffles (9202 Clayton, 314-567-9100) restaurant. The Women’s Exchange Tea Room (9214 Clayton, 314-997-4411) is a perennial hot lunch spot featuring homemade soups, sandwiches and signature salad.
End the day with a stroll in Tilles Park, wedged in the northwest corner of McKnight and Litzsinger, with walking trails and ball fields.
