St. Louis Weekend Happening: October 24-26

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival 

October 25-26, 2014
10am-5pm

This festival is one NOT to miss!  In fact, Steve and I have taken the boys to this annual fall festival since they were babies.   Drawing almost 100,000 people per year and less than 30 minutes from St. Louis, escape to Kimmswick for casual day of Fall fun, including crafts, holiday shopping, pumpkin carving, live entertainment, food, drink, and more.

In addition, watch the Kimmswick Historical Society make fresh apple butter in front of your eyes and purchase a fresh jar.

Festival is FREE, though parking is $5.00


WEB: http://www.missourimarketplace.net/applebutterfestival.html 
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/applebutterfestival 

Halloween in the Central West End 

October 25, 2014
11am-12am

Set in the vibrant cosmopolitan Central West End with a backdrop of tree-lined streets and stately turn of the century mansions, the annual CWE Halloween is the can’t miss celebration of the season. Festivities kick-off with family fun daytime activities and as the sun sets, the party continues with an adults only bash…the Adult Costume Contest and Party-legendary for its elaborate, complex and outrageous costumes.

CWE Halloween is open to the public and free to attend. Adults interested in participating in the Adult Costume Contest are required to pay a nominal entry fee

WEB:  http://www.thecwe.org/events/halloween-in-the-cwe-2/

Oktoberfest in Hermann 

October 25-26, 2014
Times and activities vary

Less than an hour from St. Louis, Hermann celebrates its German heritage with four weekends of German music, dancing and food, all set against a backdrop of glorious fall color. This is your last weekend to enjoy the fun!

HERE is the full weekend calender!

Lemp Mansion Halloween Bash

October 25, 2014
8pm-12:30am

The Lemp Mansion, one of the most haunted mansions in the country, is home to St. Louis’s favorite Halloween party. This is the place for people who like their Halloween as spooky and macabre as possible. Dress up in your most creative costume and mix with Lemp’s authentic ghosts and poltergeists for a rowdy bash filled with food, music and tasty adult beverages. The $55 admission price includes multiple buffets spread throughout the rooms of the house, live music by several top local bands, an open bar and costume contests with cash prizes.

$60/Advance; $65/ at Door
Reservations Required, 314-664-8024

3322 Demenil Place
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 664-8024

WEB:  http://www.lempmansion.com/bash.htm

Hidden Gem: Oprah (and Carrie) says...

... you must take a day trip just 25 minutes outside of St. Louis on Highway 55 to Historic Kimmswick for a piece of the Levee- High Caramel Apple Pecan Pie from the Blue Owl.

Every year, Steve and I gift the boys a new ornament for our Christmas tree.  Our favorite holiday shopping destination for the ornaments? 

The Christmas Haus of Kimmswick.  It is charming and epitomizes the warmth and magic of the holidays.  Anyone who has been to Kimmswick, knows that it is a cardinal sin to step foot anywhere near the city without a visit to the notorious Blue Owl Restaurant.  Period.

For us, it is always for a cup of the delicious white chicken chili (the recipe is HERE and it is amazing) and a piece of the Levee-high Apple Pie (recipe is HERE, though I don't have the kahunas to attempt it).

Not only did this indulgent treat make Oprah's Favorite Things List this year, it has also been touted by Food Network hard-hitters like Paula Deen.  This pie is not only as good as it looks... it is better.  Just be sure to bring a friend (or request a doggy bag), as 18 apples go into one pie!  2 of us couldn't even come close to finishing this piece... superb.