1. Try a new experience
Shake up your routine, and try something new in the new year. Looking for some respite from the bitter cold, at least for a few days? St. Louis Lambert International Airport will begin weekly nonstop flights via Alaska Airlines to sunny Puerto Vallarta from January 25–April 5. Planning to stay in St. Louis? There is no shortage of ways to treat yourself—just turn the page. If variety is the spice of life, then call it our kind of New Year’s resolutions
2. Discover an underground lounge.
Big Chief Roadhouse (17352 Manchester, Wildwood): This speakeasy has a Prohibition-era vibe with classic cocktails and a curated bourbon selection.
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Boombox Lounge (7150 Manchester): From the creators of Tim’s Chrome Bar, the colorful space below Majorette event venue in Maplewood offers music and retro-inspired fun.
Clements Lock & Security (2626 Cherokee): Get a beer—or a key made—at this locksmith-shop-turnedbar every Thursday night.
Mississippi Underground (1441 N. 2nd): Located near the riverfront, the nofrills space hosts warehouse-music experiences and raves.
New Society (3194 S. Grand.): Situated below Monstera Mezcaleria, the “experimental cocktail lab” serves creative libations.
None of the Above (3730 Foundry): Located beneath City Foundry STL, Gerard Craft’s hip underground lounge serves elevated drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Tschüss (2847 Cherokee): The name means “goodbye” in German but “huge industrial nightclub” here.
3. Experience a high-end take on soul food.
In Downtown West, Gourmet Soul (1620 Delmar) was one of the first on the scene to put a twist on classic soul food dishes. Creole with a Splash of Soul (4353 Manchester) in The Grove offers chef-owner Ronda Walker’s family recipes in a sophisticated setting. The Foodie Bistro, headed by young siblings Ty-Jai and Aniya Tutson, is a private chef and catering company focused on elevating soul food. Lineage chef-owner Tai Davis plays the cello, styles dishes, paints, and reimagines the flavors of the African diaspora—a talent that led him to victory in an episode of Food Network’s Chopped. And acclaimed chef Ben Welch plans to open Lucy Quinn and Little Lucy (4156 Manchester), Southern-inspired dual concepts that celebrate his family heritage.
4. Consider a cannabis-infused culinary experience.
STL’s Pot Chef organizes quarterly chef-driven events. St. Louis Cannabis Club hosts a monthly dinner with infused fried foods from RootedBuds at The Cola Lounge. Yonder Eats pops up at local music venues, as well as the Canna Cuisine + Concert series. The Chartreuse Dinner Club will host cannabis dinners through February, when chef Aliya Waldman plans to move to Phoenix. Keep an eye out for chefs who also host cannabis dinners, including Nick Bognar of iNDO, Alex Henry at El Molino del Sureste, , and Antoine Bailey of Pennydrop Bar + Kitchen.
5. Wake up to a better cup of coffee.
For even a casual coffee drinker, it’s worth signing up to attend a coffee “cupping,” the method professionals use to evaluate flavors and aromas from around the world. Roasted beans are ground and steeped in nearly boiling water before cooling. The coffee is then slurped across the palate to assess its different profiles. In 2025, several local coffeehouses will host roasting and cupping experiences, including Sump Coffee, Blueprint, Kaldi’s, La Finca, The Living Room, LongStory, and Stringbean. And on February 22, STLCoffeeFest will bring roasters, curated exhibitions, and delicious brews to City Foundry STL.
6. Unwind at a trendy new watering hole.
Boozy buzz has recently centered on Italian spritzes, Italian liqueur-based cocktails, and aperitifs, and amaro is taking center stage.
At Bormio (5105 Westwood), the rathskellar bar below Noto in St. Peters, bartender Travis Shook oversees an inventive beverage list highlighting the infused spirit.
A significant amaro portfolio also exists at Aperi (4317 Manchester), an aperitivo and wine bar located next to Good Company in The Grove.
As for the other side the globe, Mexican agave-based spirits are still on the rise, as evidenced by the rebranding of Grand Spirits as Monstera: Mezcaleria & Natural Wine Bar (3194 S. Grand) and the mezcal cocktails at the upcoming Chico Bueno (3942 Laclede).
7. Orienteer yourself.
Feeling blah about your outside-exercise routine? Or maybe over-reliant on map apps for navigation? Orienteering may be your move. In this sport, one wields a topo map and compass to find as many hidden checkpoints as possible within a set timeframe—and blowing past the deadline counts against you. Some meets are point-to-point (the order is preset); others are a scramble (choose your own route). All are a chance to hone an increasingly rare yet useful set of skills.
8. Paddle on a full-moon float.
Centuries ago, St. Louis’ whole raison d’être was its access to two of the nation’s mightiest rivers: the Mississippi and the Missouri. To feel in your viscera the power of such water—and our city’s history— join a full-moon float organized by Big Muddy Adventures. Two nights each month, from March through November, “Big Muddy” Mike Clark and his pack of proud river rats guide canoes out to Mosenthein Island for a campfire dinner. Once the moon bulges, it’s time to shove off south toward the lights of downtown, all the way to the cobblestones under the Gateway Arch. Believe us: Nothing compares.
9. Venture out to Pelican Island Natural Area.
Paddling the main channel requires experience. Always watch the weather, check the river level forecast, and put on a lifejacket before launching. Beware of ticks and poison ivy in summer.
Western tip: Look for arrowheads on the big gravel bar (basically at the west end of the chute).
Along the Car of Commerce chute: Birdwatching (eagles, hawks, great blue herons); watch for animal prints in the mud.
Interior (toward the eastern side): Check out giant cottonwood trees; see deer, walk deer trails, find morel mushrooms in springtime.
Northern shore: Big-river paddling on the Missouri River (for those with some experience).
Eastern access point: Fishing for catfish and crappie; watercraft put-in and take-out; this is where the land bridge appears during lowwater periods.
Optional: Camping at Sioux Passage Park campground, near the access point.
10. Pick up a new hobby.
Craft studios and makerspaces across the region have long-term classes and drop-in workshops that introduce attendees to all kinds of crafts and hobbies, from watercolor painting to furniture making.
Perennial (3762 S. Broadway) is kicking off 2025 with such classes as Intro to Papermaking, DIY Stationery, Intro to Upholstery, and Intro to Natural Dyeing. The studio and reclaimed craft-supply shop offers Tools 101 classes, which focus on safety and skills with particular implements, in addition to its extensive calendar of workshops.
The Studio (4605 Olive) at Bowood Farms has regular classes and workshops that focus on crafts, skills, and planting. Options range from flower arranging and plant potting to embroidery and calligraphy. (Classes are small and often sell out, so grab seats early.)
The Delmar Maker District is home to Craft Alliance (5080 Delmar), a nonprofit art center that seeks to “nurture community and creativity through contemporary craft.” It does so by offering both workshops and long-term classes in skills such as woodworking, metalsmithing, ceramics, and fiber art.
11. Join a book club.
Looking to jump back into books this year? Make it easy with a book club that fits your interests.
The recently opened Open Door Romance (7905 Big Bend) plays host to a thriving romance book club while parent store The Novel Neighbor hosts clubs for all ages and interests, as well as events that go beyond the bookstore—check out its dinner, wine, and movie book clubs.
Left Bank Books (399 N. Euclid) boasts several themed groups, including clubs focused on horror, Shakespeare, queer literature, and science fiction.
If you’re looking for something short and sweet, try the graphic novel book club at Betty’s Books (10 Summit) in Webster Groves.
12. Discover more about the city.
13. Refresh your home’s interior.
Whether you have a whole house in need of a design refresh or just a single room, consider a virtual design consultation. “We have a lot of clients who are in town but don’t have the time or desire to meet in person. This is a really efficient alternative,” says JML Interior Design owner Jeanne Lashmett, who has spent the past four years refining her firm’s virtual design program.
Here’s how it goes:
- During an introductory call, Lashmett discusses the size and scope of the project, as well as design preferences and preferred aesthetics.
- JML sends a proposal to the client outlining the project’s details and cost.
- The client sends photos, measurements, and inspirational images to JML.
- Virtual renderings are sent to the client, complete with a design board, floor plans, and elevations. The design board is shoppable and interactive, so clients can “like” or “dislike” specific elements. The client can order what they like right away or as their budget allows.
14. Take a road trip to see a new part of the Show-Me State.
Kansas City recently opened the world’s first women’s professional sports facility: CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current. KC’s Pennway Point is a new entertainment district, complete with a Ferris wheel. Plans are underway to redevelop the historic Carter-Waters building into boutique retail, office, and event space. Just to the west, stretching over the Kansas River, Rock Island Bridge will have entertainment options including a 300-person event space, an area for farmers markets and festivals, and a host of outdoor activities.
Oasis at Lakeport at the Lake of the Ozarks is expected to become a premier tourist destination, packed with amusement rides, an indoor waterpark, public boat slips, restaurants, and other attractions. Silver Dollar City in Branson recently opened a new and improved version of its beloved Fire in the Hole ride—and the theme park’s owner, Herschend Family Entertainment, announced plans for a massive expansion. The half-billion-dollar investment will develop 1,200 acres of land next to the park and add a 262-room resort, slated to open late next year. And in nearby Ridgedale, see a show at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, which hosted the Rolling Stones last summer.
15. Build your team.
From mini-golf outings to escape rooms, these local attractions can help boost morale and strengthen bonds within your organization.
Game Show Battle Rooms: Step out of the office and onto these sets inspired by classic TV game shows at this venue in Chesterfield’s The District. Teams will go head-to-head in such games as Survey Says, What’s That Cost?, Spin and Solve, and MatchUp Wars, among many others. Game Show Battles last between 60–75 minutes, depending on group
Adventures of Intrigue: Located in the Jefferson Underground building, this recently opened escape room experience is modeled off of New York’s Museum of Intrigue. It has more than a dozen rooms, each with a different theme, as well as props and costumes created by local makers.
Topgolf: With the opening of the Midtown location in late 2023, the St. Louis region now boasts two Topgolf facilities. (A Chesterfield location opened in 2018.) For corporate events, organizations can reserve space for up to three hours. Dining options are customizable, and add-on features are available, such as private spaces, gifts, and more.
16. Refresh your wardrobe.
Personal stylists can save shoppers time and money (by not purchasing unnecessary items) and help boost confidence by finding pieces that best fit a person’s body type, lifestyle, and taste. Beyond buying new clothes, you can also shop your own house. “Just think about how much money is sitting in your closet in unworn clothes,” says personal stylist Dacy Gillespie, who offers in-person and virtual styling. “A personal stylist could help you change your shopping habits and save you money in the long run.”
Here’s a list of stylists and local stores with styling services:
- Annie Heyward Styling
- Danielle Calcara/Aesthetically Obsessed
- Bonobos
- BriStyles
- EVEREVE
- LKS Styling & Consulting
- Paperdolls Boutique
- Paisley Boutique
- Mindful Closet/Dacy Gillespie
- Monica Adams
- Mister Guy
- Suitsupply
- Stacy Cody Style
- Story Seven
17. Schedule gym time—but make it fast.
Also known as “exercise snacks,” micro workouts—short, intense bursts of movement throughout the day, which combine for a larger overall workout—have become a go-to solution for busy people. Want to give tiny a try? The trend has been embraced by local physical training experts from the likes of 18STRONG, who shared the example workout here. Most experts recommend two categories of what’s becoming known as “fitness microdosing”: 20- to 60-second workouts and 3- to 7-minute workouts. 18STRONG physical therapist Jeff Pelizzaro recommends incorporating these small moments into your daily routine for optimal success. “We have found that simply creating some shorter, yet effective circuit-style workouts for our community has given them more freedom and guidance to get a great training session in, on a more regular basis, while not overwhelming their schedule,” Pelizzaro says.
18. Take care of yourself—but keep it simple.
Making moves to take better care of yourself at the start of a new year is hardly a novel concept, but thanks to local organizations that champion a holistic approach, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one either.
Area concierge services such as VIVIA are one-stop shops for popular wellness treatments and services that bring more relaxation to daily life, such as massage and stretch therapy, nutrition coaching, design and stylist programs, cosmetics services, and even child care assistance.
Meanwhile, Oasis the nonprofit dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults, opened its new national headquarters in St. Ann this past fall. The new location offers area seniors a variety of special interest classes on topics such as history, arts, current events, humanities, practical tips, tech support, and exercise programs—all designed to improve the well-being of area residents.
In a similar fashion, the one-year-old Your Village STL is a health and wellness center with a range of helpful programs for St. Louis families, from lactation and nutrition counseling to pediatric occupational therapy to pediatric sleep therapy. There’s also a play village, where kiddos can gain social skills and explore play-led learning.
19. Experience a new kind of spa treatment.
This year, dive headfirst into a new spa trend that’s all over TikTok and swarming STL: the scalp facial or “head spa.” This treatment takes the scrumptiousness of a salon scalp massage to the next level by thoroughly cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing the scalp to improve its health and appearance. Give it a go at one of these local spas/salons: Haven Salon, Salon Elite, Salon 210, and Four Seasons.
Hankering for another hot trend? Look into red light therapy—a non-invasive treatment that uses low levels of red or near-infrared light to treat a variety of conditions, such as skin imperfections and joint stiffness and pain. Ready to get lit? Check out these local spots: Woodhouse Day Spa, SubZero Wellness, Victory Men’s Health, and Revival Health and Wellness.
20. Make memories—and then preserve them.
At St. Louis County Library’s new Clark Family Branch, the top-of-the-line Emerson Genealogy Center offers interactive family search screens, a memory lab where visitors can record their family histories, and a room for digitizing old photos or converting VHS tapes to digital files. Also on site is The Personal History Recording Studio—outfitted with a comfy sofa and editing software—where visitors can record personal history via webcam.
21. Indulge in a treat at a new spot.
The Fountain on Delmar: Try the Cracker Jack snickerdoodle cookies, pineapple upside-down muffins, and cherries jubilee. Adults can sip on one of the new location’s exclusive ice cream martinis, such as the Staycation and the Currant Craze.
Half Pint: Dip into one of the Webster Groves shop’s many ice cream flavors, which include brandy Alexander, brown butter salted caramel, gooey butter, and cinnamon.
Soda Fountain Express at Westport: Sip one of its signature Freak Shakes, including cotton candy, “A Very Happy Un-Birthday,” and the aptly named “Everything But.”
Sylvie Dee’s: Sample a bestselling ice cream at this Webster Groves shop, which offers flavors such as salty caramel swirl, lemon sorbet, and Cookie Monster.
22. Find a new way to play.
The metro area is popping with new options for parents and kiddos. In 2025, families will be introduced to three new indoor play cafés: TotSpot Social in Clayton, Little’s Loft Play Café in Kirkwood, and Urban Fort Play at City Foundry STL in Midtown.
For those with older kids, check out St. Louis Union Station’s new amusement park, slated to open this summer. The destination within a destination will include a train-themed coaster, a pirate ship-themed amusement ride, a swing ride inspired by the 1904 World’s Fair, concession booths, and classic carnival games.
And consider a road trip to Kansas City to explore The Rabbit hOle, an immersive new museum experience with exhibits that bring children’s literature to life.
23. Make a mess—and maybe some new art.
Experience the delight of total destruction at a smash or splatter room, all within a two-hour drive from St. Louis.
From throwing hammers to throwing brushes, these activities let your whole group blow off steam without the consequences: Smash Rage Room, Pinspiration Chesterfield, Splatter ’N Rage, Project Human X.
24. Grow your network.
Build relationships, pitch project ideas, and connect with people in a range of fields and industries through these new networking events.
- WHEN: Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Aloft St. Louis Cortex (4245 Duncan)
- IN A NUTSHELL: After Venture Cafe ended operations in 2023, local entrepreneur Christian Johnson launched Founders Lounge to fill the void. The free weekly gatherings are equal parts networking events and business education sessions.
- WHEN: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
- WHERE: Cortex, Dorris Building (20 S. Sarah)
- IN A NUTSHELL: Billed as a “warm and fuzzy” version of the hit show Shark Tank, these free weekly events help startup founders make new connections, pitch their ideas, and receive helpful feedback.
- WHEN: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30–7 p.m.
- WHERE: Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Bierhall (4465 Manchester)
- IN A NUTSHELL: Tech professionals are invited to rub elbows at these happy hour events. Each meeting features an interview with a different local tech leader.
25. Mix up your work routine.
Whether you need a change of scenery for the day or a flexible workspace to fuel productivity, these local coworking spaces blend comfort, community, and convenience.
St. Louis Fusion (555 Washington)
Located in the heart of downtown, this modern space has office options to fulfill a variety of needs. Choose from private suites, desks, and meeting rooms.
- DAY PASS: $35
- DROP-IN COWORKING: $250 per month
- PRIVATE OFFICE: Negotiable
- MEETINGS: Start at $25 per hour
The local coworking company—with locations in the Central West End (4818 Washington), The Grove (1040 S. Taylor), University City (725 Kingsland), and downtown (401 Pine)—recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Members can access all four locations and take advantage of perks such as weekly happy hours, art exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
- VIRTUAL OFFICE: $50 per month
- PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE: Start at $475 per month
- DESK: $250 per month
- OPEN SEATING: $150 per month
