The century old stone spring house over Redbud Springs...

After my fun adventure a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't wait to head back for further Laumeier Sculpture Park exploration! A quiet early morning hike in the outlying wooded trails led me to...

...the 100+ year old spring house built by Joseph Griesedieck (founder of Falstaff Beer) over Red Bud Springs. Pre-airconditioning, land owners lucky enough to have a natural spring often built these shady shelters around the mouth of the spring to create a cool summer oasis for their family. While the icy cold natural spring has now bypassed the stone house by about 20 feet, my pup still enjoyed a swim and a drink! 

Too cool, literally. 😊 

The historic architectural eye candy of the Village of Elsah...

In the Midwest, we have been incredibly blessed with gorgeous, mild temperatures- a rarity during the hind end of summer. My girlfriend and I took advantage last week by playing hooky, dropping the top...

...and heading over to the scenic River Road for an afternoon of fun in the sun.

Note:  If you have never enjoyed The Loading Dock in Grafton, please visit before the weather cools!  This fun outdoor eatery boasts amazing river views, live music, and a tropical vacation vibe!

Being the historic house lover that I am, a day trip to Alton/Grafton is never complete without a quick drive through the Village of Elsah.  Elsah is located on the East Bluff of the Mississippi River, just 11 miles West of Alton on the way to Grafton.  This 19th century river village, population of less than 700, was founded in 1853 by a prominent Illinois politician by the name of James Semple.  Mr. Semple owned a rock quarry and offered a free building lot to anyone who agreed to utilize remnant stone from his quarry.  The result was a cluster of various 19th century architectural styles and influence, utilizing the stone.

150 years later, not much has changed there.  A true time capsule- phenomenal.  A drive through the Village of Elsah is an interesting journey back in time and a glorious glimpse at pre-Civil War life on the Mighty Mississippi. 

Here is my teeny peek of what you can expect to encounter should you decide to venture there...

Note: the video above of the properties of Elsah does not display on the mobile version of my blog. It must be enjoyed on a computer or tablet. 

Simply, the beauty of Elsah paired with the sunset over the Mississippi...

... A winning combination if seeking a change of scenery, less than 20 minutes from St. Louis!  Consider it. 

HERE are some of my past adventures in the Alton/Grafton area.

Flooding of the Mississippi River in St. Louis...

This weekend while downtown participating in the Color Run 5K...

... Steve and I ran by the riverfront/ Arch grounds to see the extent of the flooding.  No surprise, with the recent amount of excessive rainfall, that the river is incredibly high.

A peek...

The Arch: Now you see it, now you don't

Yesterday, my eldest spent his day downtown at the Old Courthouse earning a badge for boy scouts. He texted me this eerie photograph of the Arch. I had to share...

Current flooding of the Mississippi on the St. Louis Riverfront- UPDATE!

I blogged the level of the Mississippi River flooding on the St. Louis Riverfront on May 1, 2011. This is an update, a current view as of yesterday...


The water now only covers the lower cobblestone parking on the water's edge and poor Lewis and Clark, who normally look like this. Sadly, the current view of Lewis, Clark, & their trusted companion (drowning) is one that most St. Louisans are accustomed to.

Current flooding of the Mississippi River on the St. Louis Riverfront...

163 Kendall Bluff Ct, #45 -Chesterfield

Most St. Louisans would NEVER expect to find this view in...
...Chesterfield?!

Nestled high upon the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River and smack in the middle of Parkway Central School District, the brand new Kendall Bluffs condominiums offer 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a finished lower level, a 3 car garage, 10' ceilings, bay windows, and a 15X15 deck with a phenomenal view of the Missouri River!

Offered for $729,900 by Coldwell Banker Gundaker. The development's entrance is located off of Olive just east of Ladue. For more info or a showing, call my cell at 314-452-7675 or the listing office at 636-394-9300.