Did you know, St. Louis? Soulard Market Edition.

Our youngest son is currently taking a History of St. Louis class at school, and every single day he comes home with an interesting St. Louis tidbit that I didn’t know before. 

Friends, tell the truth: 

Did you know that there is a gymnasium above Soulard Farmers Market? Over 4 decades in this city and countless Soulard visits... I did NOT. Mind blown.

Hidden Gem: A St. Louis Lemp Style Halloween

Nothing screams "St. Louis Halloween Spooktacular"...

... like a haunted walking history tour of the Lemp complex and Cherokee Neighborhood at night?!  Last night, Steve and I gathered with some of my Coldwell Banker Gundaker coworkers for a little Halloween fun. Ack!

If you are from St. Louis, you likely know all about the legend of the Lemp family, the unfortunate Prohibition demise of one of the largest brewers in the country, and the string of "unfortunate incidents" that resulted in the old family mansion becoming one of the most notorious in the United States for alleged hauntings!

On this tour you get to hear all about the tragic history of the Lemp Family, learn the locations of the lost Lemp Neighborhood Cemeteries, and enjoy the gorgeous Cherokee Neighborhood architecture at night as they share other spooky tales of more haunted and historical locations along the tour route.

The St. Louis Paranormal Society is actually BASED in the old Lemp Brewery complex at the base of Antique Row and offer tours several nights per week.  Check out their website for more information at https://www.seeaghost.com/ or find them on Facebook HERE.

If you want to tour the Lemp mansion ITSELF, they actually offer guided tours every Monday, year round.  They also have a fabulous restaurant, offer fun mystery dinners, and have overnight accommodations for the brave at heart. Learn more at http://www.lempmansion.com/index.html

There is also an October haunted house in the complex and trust me, IT IS FRIGHTENING! 

It involves taking an old warehouse elevator down to the caverns and um, yeah. Been there, done that (thanks to the coaxing of my teenage boys) and not sure I will do it again?!  Ha ha.  Brave?  Learn more HERE.

TIP: 
Whatever you choose, make sure that you round out the evening at Ted Drewes for a "Great Pumpkin" concrete...

The best! 👻

See some of my other local "Hidden Gems" HERE.

St. Louis Hidden Gem: Capitalist Pig BBQ

Steve and I went out for an innocent lunch and ended up in the slammer 👀... 

Please send bail money, or at least extra napkins! Ha Ha.  

I love and adore a repurposed space, and Capitalist Pig doesn't disappoint.  The 3rd District Police Station, across the street from the Anheuser Busch World HQ, opened up in 1937 and served the 16 surrounding neighborhoods until it was decommissioned in the 1990's.... 

This 19,000 sqft building was eventually purchased by retired Police Officer, Ron Buechele, and transformed in to a restaurant, art gallery, event space, and private residential space.

Enter Capitalist Pig BBQ, where the aesthetic is as cool as the locally-sourced cuisine is tasty.  ...

They haven't done much to alter the space, which honestly, is what I appreciated the most. Most of the building is as it was, including the abundance of marble known as "St. Genevieve Golden Vein". This ootlitic limestone was only produced from Saint Genevieve, Missouri quarries in the early 1900's and is known worldwide for its quality and beauty...

You place your order at (what once-was) the sergeant's desk, encased by marble...

Steve and I chose to dine in the short term holding cells. This is where prisoners were held while being processed...

I am not going to lie, having never been to jail myself (I swear), I found lunch in the minty green jail cell quite amusing...

And quite delicious...

If you have never ventured to Capitalist Pig, I highly recommend it!  From the Pork Belly BLT (I think the best BLT I have ever eaten) and the ribs to the huge corn muffins, homemade pickles, mac and cheese, and beans... it was a fun and phenomenal foodie adventure in a VERY cool architectural space.

From jail intake to discharge, it was pure awesome.  St.Louis- do yourself a HUGE favor and check them out!  ❤️

NITTY GRITTY:

The Capitalist Pig

#2727 South 12th (Across from visitor parking at Anheuser Busch)

St. Louis, MO 63118

Open: Wed-Sun, 11-3pm

Web: https://www.capitalistpigbbq.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCapitalistPig
Twitter:https://twitter.com/CapitalistPig

 See my other St. Louis Hidden Gems HERE.

Mardi Gras in Soulard!

Full day of appointments in South City... 

Is there anything more charming and handsome than a historic Soulard Mansard all dressed up for 

St. Louis Mardi Gras?

St. Louis Weekend Happenings: February 13-15

Whether spending the holiday with a loved one or with your friends,  St. Louis has a LOT going on this Valentine's Day/President's Day Weekend. If you remain undecided as to how to spend your weekend, here are a few ideas:

For those seeking romance in a cozy place to wine and dine your honey...  

St. Louis Magazine recently named The Most Romantic Tables In St. Louis By Number HERE!  In addition, THESE are FEAST Magazine's top picks for the 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis,  released just 5 days ago!

For those seeking family- friendly fun...

HERE is a link to a wide variety of unique weekend happenings via the Riverfront Times. From Eagle-watching and new art exhibits to new Omnimax flicks and theater productions... there is something for EVERYONE.

For those ready to whoop-it-up... 

Soulard's Mardi Gras will be in FULL FORCE this weekend, with the Mayor's Ball and a weekend long street party! Click HERE for the weekend schedule.

That all being said, whatever your mission this weekend, it is time to start planning NOW. Reservations will be few and far between, as people will be hitting the town in record number. Have a great (and safe) weekend, however you choose to spend it, my friends!

The Beggin' Pet Parade is in Soulard today, St. Louis!

 

It is Sunday (Funday) and the weather is mild and lovely- a rare treat in February!  Are you looking for a family-friendly event?  The popular St. Louis Mardi Gras Beggin' Pet Parade is today in Soulard, featuring local-born celebrity Andy Cohen and the Barenaked Ladies!

This popular aspect of the local St. Louis Mardi Gras festivities benefits the Open Door Animal Sanctuary and is the largest costumed pet parade via the Guiness World Record! 

 

Even if your furry friend won't tolerate the crowd (like our Poppy)...

 

 

...it is a always a fun event and a sight to see!

 

The parade weaves its way through Soulard stepping off at Allen and Menard at 1:00pm today, concluding at 8th and Lafayette by Soulard Market.  The parade route can be found HERE.  For more information and Frequently Asked Questions, click HERE.

A Peek At My Birthday Project

On Saturday, I turned ...

While I am not thrilled to broadcast my age on the Internet,  I realize that this birthday is an important life milestone.  I remember my own parents turning 40 and everyone making such a big deal out of it.  At the time, I didn't get it.  Now, however, I truly understand the significance of this day.

Many see 40 as life's halfway point.  The time to pause and reflect, think about what you have done right and wrong thus far,  set new goals, and decide how you want to spend the next 40 years.

I have done just that.

The fact is, I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a generous network of supportive people around me.  I have my health, a job that I adore, and a nice balance of the predictability and adventure that I crave to be happy. 

I am a fortunate person and I am incredibly grateful.

Months ago, I learned about the Birthday Project and immediately knew that was how I would celebrate reaching the 40 milestone.  Essentially, you spend your birthday doing random acts of kindness.  Their motto- "Changing the world, one birthday at a time".  To me, it made sense.  A day to stop and selflessly give BACK to the Universe for all of life's blessings.

Then this happened...

Minor foot surgery ending my grandiose birthday planning.  Extremely frustrating though I was quickly reminded that things happen for a reason.

6 days before my birthday, I spotted this post on the Facebook page of a friend...

 ... and learned of a church in Soulard doing remarkable hands-on things for locals in critical need.  I knew that I wanted to help.

Members of The Rock in Soulard have taken serious interest in helping the homeless community of St. Louis.  They are hands-on, in the trenches, aiding people directly.  Honestly, it is awe-inspiring.  Among numerous other events throughout the week... every Saturday AM, members of the congregation take a fully-stocked truck of clothing items donated and collected throughout the week to Soldiers Memorial near Union Station- an area notoriously known for a high population of homeless folks.

The truck carries men, women, and children's items.  Every Saturday, the truck is visited by no less than 80-100 people and families in serious need.  One-by-one, people approach the truck and ask for the item that they need most that week: a coat, hoodie, jeans, shoes, gloves, hat, whatever...  the congregation members work diligently with each individual and the items in the truck to meet their needs.

As toiletry items are few and far between and desperately desired /needed, I knew that would be the perfect Birthday Project.  With the help of my family, I made well over 100 "comfort bags" to hand out on Saturday AM...

Each bag held a pair of warm socks, matches, a comb, q-tips, a roll of toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, band aids, antiseptic wipes, flossers, and a snack bag with a granola bar, peanuts, beef jerky, and peppermints.

Women received gender-specific personal items...

As did men...

We packed the items in our SUV and headed downtown early on Saturday AM.  Alongside The Rock's donation truck, my family  popped open our trunk and handed out the items to anyone who needed them...

It was a wonderful feeling to put a smile on so many faces.  The men, women, and children we encountered were incredibly friendly, outgoing, and appreciative.   There is a serious need on the cold streets of our city and it was powerful to play a small part in a solution.

A sincere thank you to the members of The Rock for allowing my family to participate in your inspiring Saturday ritual.  We were honored to meet you and serve the community alongside you!  Our family will definitely be back, I can assure you. 

Readers- if you have a birthday coming up, I urge you to consider doing a Birthday Project. Sometimes the best gift that you can give yourself, is to give to others.

Amazing to think about.  From personal experience, undertaking such a project truly puts life into perspective.

Most important, if you live in St. Louis and are looking for an organization to give to, PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO THE ROCK.  Your donation items do NOT go into a warehouse or store.  Rather, they go directly on to the backs of those who need it most.   I have seen it with my own two eyes. 

Items they need desperately?  STURDY BACKPACKS (as people carry everything they own on their backs).  Warm items- coats, hats, mittens, gloves, boots, scarfs, and socks.  Average pants sizes (34/36).  Average shoe sizes.  Underwear.  Layering items like long underwear.  Hoodies and sweatshirts in large sizes as people layer up.

For more information about The Rock, please contact them on their Facebook Page HERE.  You may also contact me directly with specific questions.

Now on to the next 40! =)

In honor of Mardi Gras...

...A few of the active listings in the surrounding area of the the historic downtown Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis seems appropriate as Soulard is also the host of the SECOND largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country!  See the 2012 St. Louis Mardi Gras event schedule HERE.

Established in 1836 by French Immigrants, modern day Soulard houses some of the most interesting architecture in St. Louis including the oldest existing farmer's market west of the Mississippi, Soulard Market.

Below are a handful of properties that are currently active in Soulard.  Click on the photo for the full MLS listing.  If curious about what else is available OR if desiring more information / a private showing of any of those listings seen here, email me at cnenonen@cbgundaker.com. =)

#1000 Allen Avenue (offered for $250,000):

#1211 Sidney Street (offered for $269,000):

#2315 Menard (offered for $279,000):

#902 Soulard (offered for $314,000):

#202 Victor (offered for $499,000):

Hidden Gem Alert: Bogart's Smokehouse

It was time that I see for myself what all of the hype is about?! Everywhere I turn, locals are screaming the praises of...
...BOGART'S. Friends, family, Facebook, Twitter, StLToday, the blogs, the RFT, and ShowMe St. Louis have all been touting this St. Louis newbie over the past few weeks. The virtual stepsister of the infamous Pappy's Smoke House , Bogart's shares many of the same barbecue methods, secrets, and even employees.

Yesterday, the boys and I were loose downtown enjoying their Spring Break, and dropped by this new joint for a quick late lunch. I'm sure glad that we did... Yum.

Bogart's is located in the heart of Soulard, just kiddy-corner to the SW entrance of the Historic Soulard Market...

... and is EXACTLY what everyone has been reporting and then some. The staff is super friendly, were incredibly gracious to my kids, and know their stuff. The establishment is warm, welcoming, and in a fabulous Soulard location. The food? Um yeah... Fabulous! Juicy, flavorful, affordable, and obviously made with pure love for the art of barbecue! Bogart's is still a baby, having only been open for a few weeks, and already has an enormous following. They can add my family to the list.

Check them out before Soulard Market is back into action and the crowds take this place over, as it is sure to be a huge hit. This is the real deal, St. Louis.

NITTY GRITTY:

Bogart's Smokehouse
1627 S 9th Street
St Louis, MO 63104

Web: http://bogartssmokehouse.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/bogartssmokehouse

Weekend Happening: October 7-9

No St. Louis neighborhood knows how to party like Soulard!? This weekend, the 63118 celebrates the official arrival of Fall with their 7th annual Oktoberfest Celebration in Lyons Park across from the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Complete with authentic German fare and beer, great live music, and plenty of Jägermeister... this one is a don't miss! NOT a family-friendly event, this event is the perfect afternoon/evening to toast "Prost" with your friends.

Nitty Gritty...
October 8 : 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
October 9 : 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.
October 10 : 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Price:
$5 General admission
VIP tickets are sold out, though you still may be able to locate them on Craigslist.

For More Info:
314-368-3419
http://www.soulardoktoberfest.com/dev/
Facebook
Twitter

Hidden Gem Alert: Junque

Have you ever heard of the downtown shop "Junque"? Well, I hadn't either until a kind local reader mentioned it in a comment on my post about Fellenz Antiques. After a lot of googling and very little found expect for a random Internet blog post... my interest peaked.

Last weekend after a trip to Soulard Market, the Nenonens finally went for a hunt for Junque and found it... Located downtown just south of Soulard at #3519 South Broadway in the Lemp Complex, and only open on Saturdays between 10 and 5, Junque is beyond words. Period.

If you have an appreciation for old things, are looking to replace a missing architectural goodie in your historic home, love a good treasure hunt, adore the art of the dig, searching for a unique conversation piece for your home (example the uber hot factory cart tables go for $700 at Restoration Hardware and can be found at Junque for $300) , or are just plain curious... Junque is the PERFECT destination for you.

One man's trash is another man's treasure, that is for SURE. Junque is a treasure trove of random oddities. You never know what you will find around the next corner! A few pics from our visit (please excuse the horrible Blackberry quality)...