Link Love: St. Louis Missouri- History, Landmarks, & Vintage photos Page

St. Louis lovers and history buffs- I have a new obsession that I must share! If you are on Facebook and you haven't yet, please join this Facebook group for an incredible peek at our city's past, one interesting photo submission and discussion at a time. Utterly fantastic! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Vintage.stl/

You can find me on Facebook HERE. Let's connect!

The architectural "eye candy" of the French Quarter in New Orleans...

Last weekend, I enjoyed a "Girl's Getaway" to one of my favorite cities...

...New Orleans!   

I have true appreciation for a city that embraces its culture and history by preserving the original architectural integrity of the buildings within it.  As far as architecture goes, New Orleans is world famous for its vast array of unique architectural styles that directly reflect the city's multicultural heritage, history, and flavor.

I have visited New Orleans several times over the years and the ritual for my 1st morning there pretty much remains the same:   I rise extra early for a long morning walk alone down their gorgeous Mississippi Riverfront...  

I pop into the infamous Cafe du Monde for a to-go cup of chicory Cafe Au Lait and an order of fresh beignets... 

I then enter the French Quarter, nibble on my breakfast, and I get lost for a few hours. From Creole Cottages and Shotguns to Double-Gallery Houses, there is something beautiful, interesting, and impressive around every single corner!  New Orleans is a real estate lover's dream, particularly for those of us who are innately drawn to historic architecture.

Here is a peek at my early morning walk this year...

It never ceases to amaze me that despite the amount of times I have done this trek... I always mange to see something new?!  Gorgeous city, New Orleans is.

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.

The Arch Grounds project is underway!!

I was downtown this AM, and saw the 2015 "Park Over The Highway" project in progress by CityArchRiver...

Such an awesome improvement to the Riverfront & Arch grounds it will be! Trading dangerous traffic for sprawling green. WIN.  I had to share!

Just for Fun: Funny photos of the St. Louis Arch - Part 2

As I still get a little chuckle from my last "Funny Photos With The St. Louis Arch" post, more Google results of our beloved landmark for you viewing pleasure...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus photo...

 
Mississippi River barge for lunch?  People are strange.  Too fun!

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...