Curb Appeal, during COVID

Local St. Louis Homeowners have really stepped up in Spring 2020 to deliver smiles to their neighbors!

I spotted this adorable homage to the Saint Louis Zoo in Glendale last night. 🦒❤️

CLOSED: 10 Brantleigh Ct in St. Charles

Nothing says “Happy Close Day and Welcome to St. Louis!” to a relocating family with 3 littles like a family membership to the Saint Louis Zoo!

A warm congrats and thank you today to the A family! In addition, another sincere moment of gratitude to the H family for their generous referral. ❤️🏡🎉

September in Forest Park...

Nothings says “Hello, Heaven”...

...like a dreamy 70 degree September day in Forest Park!  This was the perfect day to pencil in some down time to lunch at The Boathouse and get our 10K steps enjoying the heart of the city at it's best. 🍂😍

Boo at the Zoo is back TODAY, St. Louis!

Haunted Hallow, Sinister Swamp, and Master Weaver's Giant Spider Web...

I swear, I adore the St. Louis Zoo! Sport your costume and explore the Zoo after dark during the special Halloween evenings: Boo at the Zoo Nights! This non-scary, child-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Wander the park at night, hear silly stories by the campfire, enjoy live music, and more.

While all children under the age of 12 will receive a small treat bag upon exiting, Boo at the Zoo Nights is not a trick-or-treating experience. This event is the perfect way to enjoy the Halloween season without the scare or sugar-overload!

NITTY GRITTY:
Nightly, October 18-30, 2016
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

$6/member; $7/non-member; children under 2 are free
$1 discount for children 2 to 12 in costume

Parking is free - details on the website.

MORE INFO:
http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/booatthezoonights/

Hidden Gem: Lone Elk Park and the World Bird Sanctuary

Anyone who knows me well (or follows me on Instagram) is aware that I spend the bulk of my free time outside with my family, soaking in the beauty and serenity of our local parks.  During the warmer 9 months of the year, I am typically in the isolated wooded and elevated river view trails of Castlewood State Park...

On the wildlife-filled trails of Queeny Park...

Exploring the original farm house, stables, and surrounding grounds at Longview Farm...

Getting lost in Babler State Park...

 Or biking Forest Park...

As far as public parks go, St. Louis is top-notch.  The city owns and maintains over 100 parks (like Tower Grove and Lafayette), the county owns and maintains over 40 parks (like Creve Coeur Lake), and there are 10 Missouri State Parks within the Greater St. Louis area.  There are incredible local resources for fellow outdoor-lovers.

I mention it, as this morning I drove through one of my area favorites- a total hidden gem- and was surprised to discover that I have never done a blog post on it.  The fact is, when the boys were little, I spent a LOT of time here as they were (and are) total animal lovers.  Though as they have grown up and life has gotten busy... I simply forgot how special it is until I did a random drive-through this morning while killing time before a showing with a client.

Lone Elk Park is over 540 acres, located at 141 and 44 just west of the town of Valley Park...

The park was originally part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant during WWII, where ammunition was stored and tested.  There are still numerous towers, bunkers, and firing platforms scattered around the park.  HERE is more about the history and name of the park.  After the war, the area became a public park and herds of elk and bison were established.

There are a ton of incredible trail heads and excellent places to get lost in the woods at Lone Elk, though we typically just take advantage of the driving route for wildlife viewing due to no domestic animals allowed (sorry Willow) and frequent tick/chigger infestation with the animals.

The park is free of charge for entry and is an AMAZING place to get in close proximity to the animals in their wild habitat...
One of my favorite aspects of visiting Lone Elk, is you never really know what you will stumble upon.  As the animals freely wander the park, it is often a game of "Where's Waldo".  Sometimes, you spot nothing.  Other times, you get super lucky like I did today!

A peek at my morning elk encounters...

The bison area this morning...

Note, parents of young ones:  this is an INCREDIBLE cold-weather excursion where you can get the kids out in nature and in close-proximity to animals without paying a penny or even unstrapping them from the car seat.

Just adjacent to Lone Elk Park is the World Bird Sanctuary, one of North America's largest facilities for the conservation of birds with over 300 acres and 200 animals in their care...

We rarely visited one without the other with the boys.  The sanctuary educates, rehabilitates, conducts field studies and research, and does captive breeding of injured and threatened birds of prey.  Only here do you get the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the rarest birds found in nature in an open air display...

So incredible, so cool.  While the World Bird Sanctuary is also 100% free to visitors, I always donate to the care of the animals whenever I visit.  They do amazing work.

A peek at the scenery this morning...

Learn more about the county parks HERE and the city parks HERE.

See my other area Hidden Gems HERE.

St. Louis Weekend Happenings: October 16- 18, 2015

Boo at the Zoo Nights

Nightly, October 16-30, 2015
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Explore the Zoo after dark during the special Halloween evenings: Boo at the Zoo Nights! This non-scary, kid-friendly Halloween experience is filled with laughs and adventure. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Children 12-and-under will receive a treat bag upon exiting. Boo at the Zoo Nights is not a trick-or-treating experience.

$6/member; $7/non-member; children under 2 are free 
$1 discount for children 2 to 12 in costume

Parking is free - details on the website.

More info:  http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/booatthezoonights/

9th Annual Harvest Festival at Laumeier Sculpture Park
Sunday October 18
11am-5pm

Hosted by Sauce Magazine and Laumeier Sculpture Park, the 2015 Harvest Festival celebrates the best Autumn has to offer: delicious eats from St. Louis area restaurants, a farmers’ market featuring fresh local produce, arts and craft wares, family activities, live Bluegrass music and all of Fall’s splendor in Laumeier’s beautiful outdoor setting.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for Laumeier Members, and children ages 10 and under free. Buy tickets at the door or online

Laumeier Sculpture Park
12580 Rott Road
St. Louis, MO 63127

More info:  http://harvestfeststl.com/


The Great Schlafly Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, October 17
12:00pm - 7:00pm

Calling all beer lovers!  Think county fair meets pig roast meets a trip to the pumpkin patch as Schlafly kicks off the Fall season and the return of their popular seasonal Pumpkin Ale.Complete with live music, local vendor booths, family-activities, amazing cuisine, and tastinsg of unique ciders and harvest-time beers... a great time is guaranteed.

Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood
7260 Southwest Avenue

More info: 
http://schlafly.com/events/calendar/2015/10/17/schlafly-great-pumpkin-festival/

Just for Fun: The new Polar Bear Plunge at the St. Louis Zoo

Sometimes a day of hooky with your kids is in order, and one is never too old for a day at the zoo...

The time has come- the boys go back to school in 2 days.  Taking in the new Polar Bear exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo was a terrific way to bid farewell to summer, even for my 2 teens.

Weekend Happenings: Free Jungle Boogie Concert Series at the Zoo

Every Friday Night at the St. Louis Zoo...

... the free Jungle Boogie Concert Series is under way!  Offered every summer and always a HUGE hit with the locals, this weekly event is an inexpensive and family-friendly way to enjoy a warm St. Louis summer evening under the stars in gorgeous Forest Park.

Nitty Gritty:
Friday evenings
5-8 p.m.
Schnuck Family Plaza near the sea lion basin in center of the Zoo.
Admission is free.

Schedule:

May 29: Disco Nites feat. Coco Soul (Disco/Soul)
June 5: My Friend Mike (Top 40/Motown Classics)
June 12: Ticket to the Beatles (Tribute)
June 19: No concert
June 26 : Whiskey Morning (Country/Bluegrass)
July 3:  No concert
July 10: GalaxyRed (Top 40/Classics)
July 17: Griffin and the Gargoyles (Top 40)
July 24: Pennsylvania Slim (Blues/Soul/Swing)
July 31: American Idle (Country/Pop/Variety)
August 7: Push the Limit (Top 40/Motown/Rock)
August 14: Mood Swings (80s)
August 21: Miss Jubilee and the Humdingers (Swing/Jazz/Rhythm)
August 28: Big Brother Thunder and the Master Blasters (RandB/Funk/Soul)

Find more information about the fun summer offerings at the St. Louis Zoo HERE.  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter!

St. Louis Weekend Happenings: November 28 - November 30

Did everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration?  We enjoyed a lovely evening here at Casa de Nenonen with family.  If you are not a Black Friday shopper (like me), there is a LOT going on in St. Louis this long holiday weekend!  

All of it family-friendly, here are a few of the more notable happenings... enjoy!

Rock N Roll Craft Show Moves To The Luminary
Nov. 28-30

The event, showcasing unique items handcrafted from new and recycled materials by talented artisans, as well as locally and nationally acclaimed bands.  The show is set up department store-style, with 100 vendors divided into different departments such as paper goods, clothing, and housewares, and one centralized checkout. There will be live music and DJs throughout the weekend. A cash bar will be available.

Admission on Friday for “Red Carpet Black Friday,” including complimentary beverages and giveaways, is $10; admission for the other two days is $3. 

http://www.rocknrollcraftshow.com/ 


Old Courthouse: Holiday Kick Off Performance

November 28 – 29

The National Park Service kicks off the holiday season at the Old Courthouse this weekend!   Guests may enjoy cookies, hot cider and beautiful music under the rotunda festively adorned with authentic Victorian decorations and live performances.

Nov. 28: 12 pm – 1 pm: St. Louis Irish Arts
Nov. 29: 12 pm – 1 pm: St. Louis Confluence Chamber Orchestra

http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/holidays-at-the-old-courthouse-/ 


Gardenland Express: A Passion for Plant
November 26 – January 4
9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

$5 with garden admission, free for garden members

The Missouri Botanical Garden Gardenland Express Holiday Flower and Train Show charms guests with G-scale trains that chug along 900 feet of track. The trains pass by festive scenes surrounded by holiday poinsettias and other flowers. 
  
Missouri Botanical Garden- 4344 Shaw
314-577-5100
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/signature-events/gardenland-express.aspx


Saint Louis Zoo – US Bank Wild Lights
November 28 – January 3
5:30–8:30 p.m. Fri, Sat, and Sun. 
Free to $7.

Gaze at more than 500,000 lights, enjoy fireside stories, sip hot chocolate, and more at the Saint Louis Zoo. 

Saint Louis Zoo, 
314-781-0900
http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/wildlights/


St. Charles Christmas Traditions

November 28 through December 21
6:30–9 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sat, noon–5 p.m. Sun. 
Free

This year marks the 40th anniversary of St. Charles’ holiday extravaganza, when historic downtown is transformed into a Christmas village, complete with Victorian Carolers, fife and drum corps, photo opportunities with Santa, and more.  

Historic Main Street, 
St. Charles, MO
800-366-2427 
http://www.historicstcharles.com/things-to-do/christmas-traditions/

CLOSED: #6310 Oakland Avenue in Dogtown

One of the most fun and interesting aspects of my job is connecting with clients in a variety of places.   I initially connected with this Buyer's daughter on Twitter and the rest is history. Social Media is incredibly powerful and it is always fun to meet the face behind the handle.   =) 

Exciting changes are happening for this family and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to help them in their next big step!  Their new adorable Dogtown bungalow,  just steps from Forest Park, Turtle Park, and the Zoo,  is a wonderful fit! 

Huge congratulations and THANK YOU to the B Family!

Free St. Louis Concert Calendar for 2011

It is that season again, St. Louis! Summer concert series have begun. They are free, family-friendly, and a wonderful way to enjoy good music under the stars. Every summer, the local Bikesafe's Blog is kind enough to compile a list of free Summer concerts by date in the St. Louis area. While it may not include every free local concert, it comes pretty darn close!

Hence, if you find your evening free... grab the kiddies, a blanket, a bottle of wine, and enjoy!

My friend, Karen Goodman over at Arch City Homes, also creates a phenomenal list every summer. She sections them out by location. Check her list out HERE. Fantastic resources for free family fun all summer long!

Weekend Happening: October 29-31

SO many fun events this weekend, for adults AND families! A quick overview of a few of my annual Halloween weekend favorites, in addition to the aforementioned Psycho with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra...

Halloween in the Central West End
The CWE is the epicenter of Halloween fun in St. Louis. Period. The freaks come out at night when the gorgeous tree-lined streets are shut down for one of the largest street parties of the year. Note: the evening event is ADULTS ONLY, as you are guaranteed interesting people watching. Huge costume contest, drinks, and food. Great time with friends!

October 30

Near Maryland and Euclid intersection

Children’s Parade and Costume contest- 11 A.M.
Adult ONLY Costume Contest and Party- 8 P.M.
Dog Parade and Costume Contest- 1 P.M.

For more info:
http://thecwe.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2010pc23.jpg


2010 Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival
One of our annual family treks, the Apple Butter Festival is one NOT to miss! Drawing almost 100,000 people per year and less than 30 minutes from St. Louis, escape to Kimmswick for Fall Fun, including crafts, 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. Trust me, the BEST!

October 30th and 31st, 2010
10am-5pm

Festival is FREE, though parking is $5.00

For more info or directions:
http://www.missourimarketplace.net/applebutterfestival.html


24th Annual Lemp Mansion Halloween Bash
Celebrate Halloween at one of the most haunted houses in America! With a well-documented history of tragedy and despair, this once family home and thriving brewery has turned into one of the most spooktacular sites not only in town, but the country. Live bands, open bar, food, costume contest and more.

October 30 : 8 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

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

$60 at the door

For more info:
314-664-8024
http://lempmansion.com/hauntedhouses.html


4th Annual Lights, Camera, Murder
Super fun evening of murder-mystery dinner theatre at the Chase benefiting the Foundation for Children with Cancer held. Wacky Halloween fun, all for a GREAT cause.

October 29 : 6:30 p.m.

The Tenderloin Room
232 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108

For more info:
314-361-0900
http://www.childrenwithcancer.org/?page_id=607


Monster Mash Art Bash at Koken
The annual Halloween Art Show at the Koken Art Factory has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This year's theme is "Monster Mash", and will feature live music, food, drink, and amazing Halloweenesque art in several different mediums.

October 29 : 7 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Koken Art Factory
2500 Ohio Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104

$5.00 admission

For more info:
http://www.kokenartfactory.com/


Boo at the Zoo
This annual event at our fabulous St. Louis Zoo is IDEAL for those families with younger children. Complete with crafts, entertainment, and VERY child-friendly Halloween fun... wonderful time. Dress the kids in their costumes for a fun evening of strolling the Zoo after dark.

October 28 - 30, 2010 - 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

$4/member
$5/non-member
Children under 2 are free
$1 discount for children 2 to 12 in costume

Parking is free- South Lot only

For more info:
http://www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/booatthezoonights

Weekend Happenings...

If looking for a good time for a GREAT cause this weekend, Saturday night is...

Zootini 2009 at the St. Louis Zoo

Hosted by the Young Zoo Friends in the Living World, to celebrate the Year of the Gorilla with a jungle theme... this cocktail party features live music, special Zootini-themed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live entertainment by CoCo Soul, Soul Alliance featuring CoCo Soul and DJ Andrew Mullins.

ATTIRE: "Upscale hip with a jungle splash" per the Zoo website.

BENEFITS: Zootini '09 helps celebrate the Year of the Gorilla, a worldwide effort by zoos and aquariums to bring attention to the current gorilla crisis. Proceeds from Zootini will benefit primates by supporting the Saint Louis Zoo's conservation efforts both at the Zoo and around the world.

ADMISSION: Ages 21-and-up only. Fee includes entrance to Zootini, (2) drink tickets and hors d'oeuvres.

• Register in advance:
  $35/Member
  $40/Non-member


• Purchase at the Door (space-permitting):
  $40/Member
  $45/Non-member

VIP: Includes valet parking, 7 p.m. pre-party with open bar and entertainment, (4) drink tickets, hors d'oeuvres and access to VIP lounge during event.

• Register in advance:
  $70/Member
  $75/Non-member


• Purchase at the Door (space-permitting):
  $75/Member
  $80/Non-member

Tickets may be purchased by phone at (314) 646-4771 or at the door until sell-out.
PARKING: Park on the North Lot and enter through The Living World.

More info HERE.