Halloween Sale at Ivy Hill Boutique
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Calling all spooky shopaholics and frightening fashionistas! In the midst of all the Halloween hoopla in the Central West End this Saturday, October 31, CWE boutique, Ivy Hill is hosting one humongo sale. For one day only, select Fall and Winter merchandise will be 50%-90% off the regular retail price. Ivy Hill is open from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays, but get there early, before all the truly fabulous finds are gone.
With women’s apparel from the likes of French Connection and Susana Monaco, handbags by Orla Kiely and more, this sweet, endlessly charming boutique is the ultimate spot to find unique pieces, an eclectic selection of accessories and gifts, and just plain style inspiration. Combine that with some scary good steals, and you’ve got one happy and chic Halloween.
Tags: Central West End, Ivy Hill Boutique, St. Louis Shopping
What’s Up in St. Louis on All Hollow’s Eve
Posted on October 30th, 2009 by Erin Callier
As all the sexy kittens and French maids of the world know, Halloween is not just fun and games for the kiddos. There are plenty of tricks & treats to be had for the adult-set, and St. Louis is a superbly spooky city in which to partake in all the ghoolish festivities.
On Friday, October 30 the International Tap House in Chesterfield is tossing a Hoosier Halloween Bash for the redneck in us all. This back-country bacchus will boast karaoke, a washers tournament, costume contest, a one night only special draft appearance and door prizes for those who dress up.
As one of St. Louis’ largest, most well-attended (and costumed) Halloween parties, the Central West End Halloween Party and Costume Contest is chocked full of both family-friendly activities and adults-only revelry. The annual Children’s Parade & Costume Contest will commence around 11 a.m., then gives way to daytime trick-or-treating at Noon. At 1 p.m. a parade and costume contest of the canine variety will take over the CWE’s chic streets. At 8 p.m., the elaboratedly-costumed and coyly outfitted adult masses will take to the stage for the Adult Costume Contest & Party.
On Friday, October 30 and Halloween itself, the Tivoli Theatre in the Loop will show the hair-raising cult-classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Halloween lovers would be hard-pressed to find a more timeless way to spend All Hollow’s Eve. The screenings are at midnight and the theatre will provide bags of props. Also, don’t forget to don your own Halloween best!
Tags: Central West End, Halloween, International Tap House, St. Louis Nightlife, The Tivoli Theatre
A Halloween Brew-Ha-Ha
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 by Erin Callier
It’ll be quite the beer bash (or should I say, monster mash) when The Stable Brewhouse hosts the 2nd annual Monsters of Beer Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The festival, which the Stable is touting a “beer festival of Monsterous Ales and Lagers,” will feature 25 beers from local microbreweries and beyond. Tickets are $25 and will get beer lovers 15 different 3oz tastings. Also, a potential hangover is not the only thing that you will take away from this event–each festival-goer will receive a commemorative glass to help mark this hoppy occasion.
Among the unique brews offered at this Halloween-themed beerfest are the Goose Island Bourbon Count Stout 08′, North Coast Barrel Age Rasputin, Bells Cherry Stout, New Holland Night Tripper and other ales, lagers and stouts with equally off-beat monikers and intriguing flavors.
Only 175 tickets are being sold for this event, so call The Stable at 314-771-8500 to check for ticket availability.
While you’re there, soak up all the yeasty goodness with some more carbs and order up The Stable’s celebrated pizza.
Tags: Monsters of Beer Festival, St. Louis Nightlife, The Stable
A Unique “Screening” at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 by Erin Callier
There is no denying the drama and intrigue evoked by Japanese folding screens. From October 18, 2009 – January 3, 2010, the Saint Louis Art Museum is offering a unique chance to experience the drama of these functional works of art. In conjunction with the Art Insitute of Chicago, the Saint Louis Art Musuem is currently featuring Five Centuries of Japanese Screens, a major exhibition that showcases rarely seen materpieces of Japanese screens from the permanent collections of both institutions (Domo arigato to the Art Institute, right?).
This show is the first major exhibition to feature both traditional Japanese screens on paper or silk along with modern examples in less orthodox media, such as lacquer and ceramic. From the 16th century through today, Japanese folding screens have captured a great deal of western attention and admiration, and from now until Jan. 3, 2010, museum-goers will have a dynamic opportunity to view the evolution of this time-honored cultural expression.
Five Centuries of Japanese Screens is open Tues.-Sun. at 10 a.m. in the Museum’s Main Exhibition Hall, and closes 30 minutes pior to the Museum’s scheduled closing time.
Admission to the Art Museum is free, but admission to this exhibition is $8; $6 for students and seniors; $4 for children 6-12. But, if possible, try to fit your visit in on a Friday, when, just like the museum itself, the exhibit is free to all.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at Metrotix.com or by phone at 314-534-1111. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Museum. All paid tickets include an audio tour that will offer insight into the works as you explore the exhibit.
Tags: Fine Art, Five Centuries of Japanese Screens, Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Culture
Let the Segways Lead the Way
Posted on October 23rd, 2009 by Erin Callier
Time is running out to glide around town in style on the Science Center Segways. Saturday, October 31st marks the last day of the Science Center’s 2009 Segway tour season.
On Saturday, rise and Segway in Forest Park on the Sunrise Segway tour from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Meet in in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium and start with operational training (you’ll get the hang of it in no time), then glide off toward the Forest Perk Cafe to grab breakfast before continuing on the tour. Cost: $95 per person.
Or, opt for the Glided Tour of Forest Park on Saturday or Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.-4 p.m.). Atop your Segway you will see the Park from a different perspective, while your tour leader offers a brief history of the park and its world-class attractions. Ticket cost: $80 per person.
For a shorter glide, there is Segway 101 on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meet in the Exploradome Lobby in the Science Center and master the Segway basics. At the end of this 1 1/2 hour tour, you will walk away with your own personalized Segway Operator License. Cost: $35 per person.
The newest, and possibly best Forest Park Segway tour is the Nature Glide Brunch Tour on Sundays, where Segwayers will glide through the Park for brunch at the Boathouse Cafe, then head off into the Kennedy Forest and more–experiencing the natural side of Forest Park. Cost: $95 per person.
All Segwayers must be 16 years or older (just 12 years or older for Segway 101). Click here for more information and a complete Segway tour schedule.
Tags: Forest Park, James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Saint Louis Science Center Segways, St. Louis Attractions, St. Louis Tours
Experience the Fleating Fall Foliage in Illinois
Posted on October 16th, 2009 by Erin Callier
There’s no doubt that there are plenty of reasons to keep your feet firmly planted in the city this October, but hop in the car and head toward the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in Illinois and you will experience some of the most extraordinary autumnal vistas in the Midwest. Several possible routes provide stunning views of the fall foliage juxtaposed against the Mississippi and great river bluffs. 
The folks from Alton, the historic town in the heart of all this autumnal hoopla, are so proud of their beauty this time of year that they actually feature a Fall Color Update on their website. And according to their update on October 15, “The leaf change is 65% . . . As much as half the vegetation has changed color,” and the colors are expected to peak next weekend (October 23-25).
One road most travelled is west on Rte. 100 from Alton to Elsah to Grafton and Pere Marquette State Park and back, which is 60-miles roundtrip when all is said and done. Check out the Alton, Illinois Autumn Adventure Guide and beginning planning your own route through somes serious fall majesty.
Or, if you want someone else to lead the way, the region offers a variety of guided tours by Segway, motorcoach, boat and more. Click here for a comprehensive list of all the tours offered in the area.
Bring the family or your significant someone along for the ride and experience more than just a scenic jaunt. Be sure to visit the many antique shops, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, nature preserves and more along the way. Or make the whole excursion an overnight getaway by staying at one of the region’s many cozy B&Bs or other welcoming accommodations. Click here for more information on Autumn Adventure Getaway Packages.
Tags: Alton, St. Louis Attractions
The Shopaholics Take St. Louis
Posted on October 16th, 2009 by Erin Callier
It’s not all “look, but don’t touch” at St. Louis’ Spring 2010 Fashion Week. Today, Friday, October 16 and tomorrow, October 17 only, the STL Craft Mafia will present Indie Underground, a designer and handmade marketplace unique to St. Louis. Fashion mavens (and mave-men too!) can meet Fashion Week designers, shop sample sales, trunk shows, jewelry designers and indie artists under one, very fashionable roof.
This event, which is entirely free to the public, will take place in the appropriately trendy Lumiere Place and feature local designers like Skif International and nationally known lines from the likes of Brooklyn’s up-and-coming Love Brigade and San Franscisco’s edgy Nice Collective.
With nearly 50 designers presenting their handmade wares for all of St. Louis to converge upon, this event promises a scene straight out of Confessions of a Shopaholic . . . what, didn’t see that one? Well, it was a book, too . . . No? Ho hum . . .
The market will be open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Like we said, admission is free, but the odds of leaving without spending a dime are quite unlikely. And speaking of odds, the Lumiere Place Casino just so happens to be right there. Good luck with that one . . .
Tags: Indie Underground, Lumiere Place, Skif International, St. Louis Fashion Week, St. Louis Shopping, STL Craft Mafia
Dude Awakening in Chesterfield
Posted on October 7th, 2009 by Erin Callier
Art is often a very personal thing, but “The Awakening,” a newly acquired sculpture which will be officially unveiled this Saturday, October 10th at 11 a.m. in Chesterfield’s Central Park, is very, very public. The impressive five piece cast aluminum sculpture of a man emerging dramatically from the ground spans more than 70 feet in length and roughly 17 feet at its tallest point. Created by American Sculptor J. Seward Johnson, visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with “The Awakening,” by climbing his scraggly beard or tickling his massive toes.
“The Awakening” in Chesterfield is the second caste of this literally groundbreaking work of art. The original resides on the shores of the Potomac River at National Harbor near Washington D.C.
Unveiling festivities will kick off around 10 a.m. and will come to an end at about 2 p.m. Hands-on activities will include sand sculptures, an Awakening-themed t-shirt contest, and “Make Your Mark” by painting a MetroBus. There will also be live music and food from local restaurants throughout the day.
For photos and more information on ”The Awakening” click here.
Also, while you’re out and about in Chesterfield, keep your eyes peeled for more sculptures by Johnson. As part of the celebration of “The Awakening”, Chesterfield Arts is presenting an interactive exhibit of 20 other Johnson sculptures, which are strategically placed throughout the community.
Tags: Chesterfield Arts, Chesterfield Central Park, J. Seward Johnson, St. Louis Culture, St. Louis Entertainment & Attractions, The Awakening
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Posted on October 2nd, 2009 by Erin Callier
Open since September 1, Sue’s News held their grand opening today in the heart of downtown Kirkwood. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown St. Louis, idyllic Kirkwood is quintessential small town America in the heart of a large metropolitian area and the whimsically-inhabited and bustling downtown offers all the typical types of shops that you’d expect–boutiques, bakeries, quirky curio shops, but one element has been missing from this celebrated neighborhood for many years . . . a bookstore.
Nothing completes a neighborhood quite like a bookstore. A spot to stroll through with a cup of coffee (which Sue’s sells by the by), peruse the titles, catch up on your latest issue of Fangoria magazine . . .ahhh . . . “Wait, what’s that you say?” Yep one of the best aspects of Sue’s , which carries all the New York Times bestsellers and a large selection of children’s books, is the more than 1,500 magazine titles and popular newspapers available at this literary spot. You’ll find all the usual periodicals, but Sue’s also boasts an obsure selection of publications that warrant at least a browse.
Another aspect of Sue’s that makes it standout amongst it’s other independent bookstore counterparts is all the books are sold at 10% off the list price, which is hard to come by outside the big-box bookstores.
If you like to shop the local bookstores, a few others worth the visiting are Left Bank Books in Downtown or the Central West End, Subterranean Books in the Loop and Pudd’nhead Books in Webster Groves, who it just so happens, is currently giving away free copies of Dan Brown’s newest novel, The Lost Symbol, when you purchase $100 worth of other books.
Tags: Kirkwood, Left Bank Books, Puddn'head Books, St. Louis Shopping, Subterranean Books, Sue's News
A Weekend of Festivals
Posted on October 2nd, 2009 by Erin Callier
With all the outdoor festivals and stunning fall weather that has just ushered into St. Louis, this weekend is a social and cultural Sophie’s Choice. People all over St. Louis are asking themselves, “Do I go to the St. Louis Wine Festival in Forest Park and swish, swill and (possibly) stumble my way through the wines of Missouri and beyond or do I crave the culinary and want to schmooze with Top Chefs at the Taste of St. Louis downtown? Shall I strut across the Chain of Rocks Bridge and dig some rhythm & blues at the Route 66 Festival, sing along with the likes of Niel Young and Dave Matthews at Farm Aid, or sample local goodies and stroll the autumnal majesty of the Missouri Botanical Garden at the Best of Missouri Market?
Oh, what to do, what to do? Whatever appetite you seek to satisfy this weekend, Fall is here, the festivals season is at full blast and the age old question, “What should we do, today?” has been replaced by “What shouldn’t we do today?”
And, who says you have choose just one? The festivities continue all weekend long. Why not create your own festival hop? However,we urge you to pace yourself . . . there’s a lot more October to go.
Tags: Best of Missouri Market, Farm Aid, Route 66 Festival, St. Louis Dining, St. Louis Entertainment & Attractions, St. Louis Nightlife, St. Louis Wine Festival, Taste of St. Louis