1. SPRUCE UP YOUR INTERIOR IN AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY.
Just take a glance at the rise in eco-friendly trends—from solar power to smart thermostats, reused building materials to rainwater harvesting—and the pattern is clear: Sustainable home design is becoming more prevalent. Local experts shared their insights, including practical ways to perk up your space while being kind to Mother Earth.
Choose plants that fit your lifestyle. Laura Dooley of LoKey Designs urges plant shoppers to think realistically about how much time they spend at home. “Folks who travel should choose low-maintenance plants, such as pothos or philodendron,” she says. “Those who are home more often want their plants to be useful and are requesting air-purifying plants.”
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Opt for textured carpets in natural colors and fibers. “A lot of carpets are made with synthetic materials and treated with stain protectors that are inherently toxic and off-gas,” says healthy living blogger Angela Flotken with The Better Have. “Find rugs made with natural fibers in a neutral palette, like an untreated wool or sisal rug. You might have to pay a premium for these items, but your well-being and the environment are worth it.”
Decorate with a wall of plants. St. Louis–based Vertical Garden Supply (2641 LaSalle) makes freestanding and wall-mounted garden planter walls (dubbed “vardens”) for indoor and outdoor spaces. These walls freshen the air, are aesthetically pleasing, and even edible when herbs or vegetables are planted in them.
2. EXPLORE SOME NEW SHOPPING OPTIONS.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor apparel, jewelry, or a perfect gift, these new-to-St. Louis retailers are a great place to start.
TECOVAS: Located in a 3,000-square-foot space on the second floor of Plaza Frontenac, this Austin-based retailer specializes in Western wear that won’t break the bank. The location marks the company’s first store in Missouri. Tecovas carries men’s and women’s apparel, outerwear, accessories, and boots. 1707 S. Lindbergh.
ORVIS: A long-trusted brand for outdoor gear and equipment, Orvis’ local stand-alone storefront opened last June across from the Saint Louis Galleria. The company’s only area store stocks fly-fishing and wing shooting necessities, as well as outdoor apparel and accessories. 1016 S. Brentwood.
ELIZABETH AND COLIE: Not sure what to buy for a friend’s birthday? Need a thoughtful hostess gift? Just name the price and occasion, and this St. Louis–based gift service/online retailer will source the perfect present. It ships nationwide and offers complimentary delivery in the St. Louis metro area.
COLLECTIONS BY JOYA: This St. Louis–based jewelry company opened its new 800-square-foot flagship store in October. Located in the heart of Webster Groves, it sells hand-crafted artisanal jewelry, as well as beanies, scarves, glassware, and décor. 46 W. Lockwood.
3. “I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends, helping others accomplish their goals, and continuing to support local organizations, such as the Urban League, that work unrelentingly to make St. Louis better for everyone.”—Shirley Washington, FOX 2
4. SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES.
If you’re looking for family fun on a cold winter day, check out the new Slick City Action Park in Chesterfield. For a more low-key outing, visit Webster Groves’ newest adorable toy shop, The Little. And this spring, spend an afternoon at Brentwood Park, complete with a deluxe playground, zipline, and waterfall or St. Charles’ new Spring Bend Park conservation area.
5. ELEVATE YOUR BACKYARD INTO AN ALFRESCO ESCAPE.
The pandemic shed new light on the importance of outdoor living. And while the pandemic might have abated, the move toward outdoor living certainly has not. Local experts weigh in with some thoughts on this growing trend, including ways to transform a backyard into an alfresco escape.
Add mood lighting. “We always include ambient lighting in our outdoor designs to add warmth to a space,” says Lauren Sweet-Schuler of Studio Sweet-Schuler. “Many portable light options offer a soft glow for dining tablescapes or side tables.” One example: the In Vitro Unplugged fixture by Philippe Starck for Flos.
Bring the kitchen outdoors. Pizza ovens are an unexpected, practical touch to outdoor spaces. “A good pizza oven reaches a high temperature quickly, and they are easy to clean,” says designer Aisling Leonard of Ash Leonard Designs. “They are versatile for roasting fish, searing meat, and charring vegetables.”
Design a natural tablescape. “Start by layering neutrals and organic textures to allow the natural surroundings to shine,” says Tamsin Mascetti of Tamsin Design Group. “Grab some branches or flowers from the garden to create a centerpiece. And add a neutral tablecloth and dinnerware.”
6. TAKE A HIKE.
In 2024, the ambitious Brickline Greenway may see some progress you can step on. Last winter, a two-block segment of the Market Street Central Connector opened beside CITY-PARK. This spring, Great Rivers Greenway will begin construction on a segment that stretches from 22nd to Compton and connects the stadium with Harris-Stowe State University. The Brickline hasn’t been the only project on Great Rivers Greenway’s agenda, though. In recent months, the organization made progress on eight new sections of greenway in three counties, including the Centennial Greenway extension in Olivette, the half-mile extension of the St. Vincent Greenway in Wellston, and the Meramec Greenway’s paths on the new I-44 bridge.
7. GO GOLFING.
From Magic Mini Golf in the Delmar Loop to Topgolf in Midtown, the region now features new and exciting ways to swing some clubs. At Magic Mini Golf, developer Joe Edwards has brought a nostalgic twist to miniature golf. The 9,500-square-foot venue features 18 holes, many of which are inspired by local landmarks and regional history. There are also shuffleboard courts, a five-car Ferris wheel, and a variety of arcade games. And the recently opened Topgolf in Midtown offers more than 100 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays across three levels, along with a full-service restaurant and a rooftop terrace with fire pits. Enjoy a sweeping view of the downtown skyline while competing with friends and family in all-ages games.
8. “The new Greater St. Louis Marathon! The start and finish line are at CITYPARK, which is stupendous in and of itself. But a partnership with St. Louis CITY SC, an after party, live music, and local food vendors… Sign me up!”—Amy Marxkors, KMOX, author
9. SHOOT HOOPS AT NEW COURTS IN LOCAL PARKS.
For generations, parkgoers have played golf in Forest Park and enjoyed racket sports in Tower Grove Park, home to the only public grass courts in the nation. Now, both of these crown-jewel green spaces are offering athletes a new option: basketball. In October, Tower Grove Park unveiled two new community courts just steps south of the Turkish Pavilion. And this summer, Forest Park officials expect to complete construction of a $1.5 million basketball complex, featuring two full courts, two half courts, and a shade pavilion. The Forest Park courts will be named after Nick Booker, a hoops-loving teen who died from an asthma attack during his freshman year of college.
10. ENJOY A DAY ON THE WATER.
The first phase of the Dardenne Creek Blueway opened in spring 2022 as a 3.5-mile water trail to promote paddling, fishing, and other aquatic activities in St. Charles County. Last year, a 5.2-mile extension opened as the second phase. In the coming months, a 3-mile segment connecting Jack Gettemeyer Park with Lone Wolff Park is scheduled to open to adventurers. The best part is that you don’t need your own gear to get in on the fun. You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat at Riverside Landing Park or 370 Lakeside Park. And over the next few years, more work phases are scheduled. These are expected to add approximately 7 more miles to the blueway.
11. RUN THROUGH DOWNTOWN.
The city’s annual 26.2-mile run is getting a rebrand. GO! St. Louis and Greater St. Louis Inc. have partnered to create the Greater St. Louis Marathon, which will feature a new course, affiliated events, and more. On April 27, runners will start and finish downtown. In between, they’ll run past historic sites and landmarks, as well as through some of the city’s most-loved parks. The event will also feature the inaugural National Running Club Championships and Rally, billed as the largest meet-up and competition of running clubs in the United States. After all of that running, stay late and enjoy the festival experience, including a Saturday-evening after-party, with live music and local food vendors at CITYPARK.
12. PLAY PICKLEBALL, AND TRY PADEL.
The pickleball craze doesn’t seem to be slowing down, with new options continuing to pop up across the region. The long-awaited Chicken N Pickle is open at the Riverpointe development in St. Charles. Although pickleball will be the main draw, the entertainment complex will also feature yard games, such as cornhole, ping-pong, battleship, bocce, and Jenga, among others. A full bar and restaurant will serve adult patrons and offer kid-friendly options. And at the forthcoming Padel and Pickle Club in Olivette, try your hand at padel—billed as a mashup of tennis and squash. The facility will also include eight pickleball courts created with a CushionMaster II surface, meant to reduce low-impact injuries.
13. EMBRACE THE SOCCER SCENE.
After an unforgettable inaugural season, CITY hopes to build from its on- and off-the-field success. As a reward for clinching the conference crown in 2023, CITY will play in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, featuring top clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The winner qualifies for the annual FIFA Club World Cup. Fans will also have the opportunity to update their collections of officially licensed gear: CITY is expected to don a new, yet-to-be-revealed road jersey for 2024.
14. “I’m excited to be able to play in the [Concacaf] Champions League in the first year possible for us. It’s an honor. That’s something special to play against the best in Central and North America.”—Lutz Pfannenstiel, CITY SC
15. EXPERIENCE THE ARTS.
St. Louis is home to so many amazing artists and art spaces, you could spend a whole year just checking them off your list. There’s always more to see, but consider these highlights. Hugh Hayden’s Brier Patch is already on view near The Way Field at Laumeier Sculpture Park, but the artist’s full exhibition, Hugh Hayden: American Vernacular, will take over Aronson Fine Arts Center from February 10–May 12. The Saint Louis Art Museum will present a strong, varied set of exhibitions in 2024, covering subjects such as African art, expressionism, The Federal Art Project, and more. We have our eye on Art and Imagination in Spanish America, 1500–1800, which will give local art lovers the rare chance to get a look at pieces from LACMA’s extensive collections. For more regional talent, keep an eye out for events from the 2024 Kranzberg Artists-in-Residence, including Mee Jey, José Garza, David Kirkman, Moraa Nyaribo, and Norman Spencer. And this fall, head to the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis for the 2024 Great Rivers Biennial, featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid, and Ronald Young.
16. GET A LIBRARY CARD.
If you still think your local library is just a collection of books and a place to be shushed, it’s past time to revisit the concept. Both the St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library systems offer a huge range of amenities, including family-friendly events, author visits, research centers, and more. A great example is SLCL’s forthcoming Clark Family Branch, slated to open this spring. The branch, which replaces the former SLCL Headquarters at 1640 S. Lindbergh, will offer an outdoor courtyard and trail; a second-floor reading deck; a high-tech creative space housing a 3-D printer, recording studio, and green screen filming space; a large playhouse for children; a genealogy center; and more.
17. GO ON AN EPIC DATE.
Make a reservation for one of St. Louis’ new hot spots, including the perpetually packed Wright’s Tavern or the transportive Idol Wolf inside the 21c Museum Hotel. Looking for a casual first date spot? Go for a Bosnian coffee and pastry date at Telva at the Ridge. For dinner and entertainment all in one place, wow your date with a visit to None of the Above, the new speakeasy at City Foundry STL, where you can also enjoy dinner and a show at City Winery or Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Or consider beers at the new 4 Hands Brewing Co. in Chesterfield and a concert at nearby The Factory in The District. For an active night out, there’s also the sprawling Armory STL, with more than 40 games, six bars, and a two-story slide.
18. TAKE A TRIP.
Amtrak recently increased speeds from 90 to 110 miles per hour on its St. Louis-to-Chicago line. Kansas City is building the world’s first stadium devoted to a women’s professional soccer team. In Nashville, the Frist Art Museum will soon open Southern/Modern, an exhibit featuring paintings and works on paper created in the American South. Looking for a trip beyond the Midwest? This spring, St. Louis Lambert International Airport will add two new international nonstop flights: to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Montreal, Canada.
19. PLAN A STAYCATION.
Head to the Pennywell Hotel for innovative cocktails with clever bank-themed names, a nod to the building’s former life. Not only does the newly opened 21c Museum Hotel offer a luxurious place to stay, but it also boasts a museum that’s open around the clock. And the 127-year-old Chemical Building, at Olive and 8th streets, is slated to be redeveloped into a 240-room dual-branded hotel from Marriott International.
20. EAT HEALTHIER AT RESTAURANTS.
St. Louis is awash in restaurants that prove healthy eating and delicious flavors can go hand in hand. Vegan Deli & Butcher in the Bevo Mill neighborhood offers delectable, plant-based versions of quintessential deli fare. Seedz Café and Looking Meadow Café, two plant-based eateries, offer a range of vegan delicacies, while Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff’s three restaurants, Frida’s, Diego’s, and Station No. 3, appeal to flexitarian diners and employ healthful cooking methods. Local juice and smoothie bowl company Hello Juice offers health-conscious diners a variety of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, toasts, and waffles that will satisfy daytime cravings. For those who want to eat like a professional athlete, Revel Kitchen, founded by former Cardinals team chef Simon Lusky, offers outstanding dishes and prepared meals that will keep your body fueled and satisfied. And when Neon Greens opens in The Grove early in the year, it will be the only restaurant in the area to grow its entire supply of leafy greens on site.
21. DRINK HEALTHIER.
Whether you’re participating in Dry January or looking to be more mindful of your alcohol consumption throughout the year, many St. Louis hotspots offer zero-proof libations that allow you to stay sober without feeling like you’re missing the party. Pop’s Blue Moon has a 30-strong selection of non-alcoholic beers, including a few from St. Louis–based Wellbeing. Platypus not only offers several zero-proof cocktails but also has a staff who can create other non-alcoholic concoctions. The Gin Room is well-versed in the art of non-alcoholic cocktails and offers libations featuring non-alcoholic spirits from local distillery BARE. And the brilliant cocktail minds at Retreat Gastropub and Yellowbelly, headed by acclaimed barman Tim Wiggins, have put together comprehensive non-alcoholic drink menus.
22. “The thing that I’m most hopeful for in the coming year is that the city and the county have some serious talks on how to come together and be one city. It’s the only way to improve all aspects of St Louis.”—Qui Tran, Nudo House / Mai Lee
23. LEARN TO COOK HEALTHIER AT HOME.
There are two reasons that restaurant food almost always tastes better than your at-home attempts do: butter and salt. Fortunately, the metro area has a variety of great classes that can show you how to cook meals that are both healthy and flavorful. Kitchen Conservatory, which recently moved to a larger space in Brentwood, puts on more than 900 classes per year led by some of the biggest names in the St. Louis food scene. Kitchen Social, offers workshops that feel like dinner parties as much as educational opportunities. The new Fennel Cooking Studio in Midtown offers classes, parties, and private events that founder Jackie Price hopes “break down barriers to delicious food.” For more informal demonstrations and instructional get-togethers, Dawn Wilson, owner of Vicini Pastaria, offers parties, demonstrations, and classes on the art of Italian cooking; Ashok Nageswaran, also known as Food Raconteur, is happy to conduct workshops of any size; and Caryn Dugan, a.k.a. STL Veg Girl, helps people master the art of vegan cuisine at the Center for Plant-Based Living.
24. CATCH A CONCERT.
There are still months to go before music fills our streets and parks this summer and fall, but we’re already itching to see those lineups. Open Highway Music Festival, which welcomes a variety of roots-based artists to Chesterfield each year, just keeps getting bigger and better. Meanwhile, the new fest on the block, Evolution Festival, brings together all kinds of music—last year, we enjoyed hopping from Smidley to Ice Cube to Ben Harper to Brandi Carlile, who asked to be invited back—and some of the best in bourbon and barbecue. Then, in the early fall, Music at the Intersection takes over Grand Center. The fest has rapidly become a landmark event for the city, bringing together legacy and aspiring artists.
