Area Information

St. Louis is known for being the home of Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewing company. But it's the city's small-scale craft breweries that have really been getting attention lately. The readers of USA Today ranked St. Louis as the city with America's Best Beer Scene two years in a row.

Our real estate agents couldn't agree more. That's why we're excited to share some of these exciting brewery events in St. Louis this summer. 

• Yoga and Craft Brews at Friendship Brewery - 100 E Pitman Ave, Wentzville, MO 63385
  Hosted at Friendship Brewery in collaboration with Namaste Outdoors, Yoga and Craft Brews is... exactly what it sounds like! Held every other Sunday at the brewery starting at 10 am, this event features an hour-long yoga class followed by a complimentary craft beer (or glass of wine). Friendship Brewery is just minutes from these Wentzville homes for sale, and the yoga portion of this event is suitable for all skill levels. It's a relaxing, rejuvenating way to start your week. Upcoming dates include August 13 and August 28. 
  
  
• Tower Grove Park Beer & Cocktail Garden - 4257 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
  Every Friday and Saturday this summer, a pop-up beer and cocktail garden will appear at Tower Grove Park. Located a short drive from many St. Louis homes for sale, Tower Grove Park is a 289-acre green space in the heart of the city. It's always a great place to enjoy some time in the outdoors, and thanks to the Tower Grove Park Beer & Cocktail Garden, it's now a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some live music too!
  
  
• Paws 4 Pints at the Budweiser Brewhouse - 601 Clark Ave #101, St. Louis, MO 63102
  Call it the happiest happy hour in St. Louis! Hosted by the Budweiser Brew House, Paws 4 Pints is a recurring charity event that benefits Stray Rescue of St. Louis. A $5 donation gets you a complimentary pint, and after that, you can enjoy drink specials, including $3 domestic drafts and $4 house wines. Your donation will go directly to dogs in need of shelter and medical attention in the St. Louis area. Enjoy Paws 4 Pints on Thursday, 8/18, from 3 to 6 pm, and again on Thursday, 9/8. 
  
  
• Maplewood Market at Schlafly Bottleworks - 7260 Southwest Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143
  One of St. Louis' flagship microbreweries, Schlafly, has multiple locations throughout the city and is involved with a wide range of events. On the first Sunday of each month during spring and summer, Schlafly Bottleworks hosts Maplewood Market, a wide-ranging celebration of all things local. The market offers everything from arts and crafts to baked goods, produce, and of course, plenty of opportunities to sample Schlafly beer. You can also head on over to the Schlafly Tap Room for Tap Room Trivia Night every Tuesday night. 
  
  
• Twilight Market at 311 Wine House and Beer Garden - 311 Main St, St. Peters, MO 63376
  Be sure to catch Twilight Market on Main on Saturday, 8/13! This event is hosted by 311 Wine House & Beer Garden and includes a wide range of fun, food, and drink. Located on Main Street in Old Town St. Peters, this evening market runs from 3 to 7 pm and is within walking distance of several St. Peters homes for sale. A wide range of vendors, crafters, and artists will be onsite, and it's a great opportunity to spend some time in the beautiful 311 Beer Garden. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in St. Louis. If you're on the hunt for your dream home, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find it in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. 

St. Louis is known for many things, but it's increasingly gaining a reputation for its culinary scene. New restaurants are opening on what feels like a weekly basis, and Food & Wine magazine recently called St. Louis "the next great food city."

Our real estate agents love to see our city getting some much-deserved recognition! If you're looking for a taste of what St. Louis has to offer, try one of these exciting new local eateries. 

• Diego's Cantina - 630 North and South Rd., St. Louis, MO 63130
  Arguably the most exciting new Mexican restaurant in St. Louis, Diego's Cantina serves an elevated take on authentic Mexican street food. Flaming cheese and costra tacos are highlights of the menu, and you'll get a great deal on their wide selection of tacos every week on Taco Tuesday. Diego's also has one of the best selections of tequila in town and is within walking distance of many St. Louis homes for sale. 
  
  
• The Wine Cafe - 703 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301
  Opened in the spring of 2022 by Tiara and Terrence Curry, The Wine Cafe is a perfect melding of the couple's love of wine and extensive background in the food industry. With a location convenient to these St. Charles homes for sale, the cafe's menu includes a broad selection of wines from across the country and around the world, along with some truly excellent charcuterie boards. 
  
  
• Gallery Pub on Thurman - 4069 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
  Newly opened this year in the Shaw neighborhood, the Gallery Pub on Thurman serves up great drinks, tasty pub grub, and outstanding live music in their warm, welcoming space. Local bands perform everything from jazz and blues to folk and country while you sip a craft cocktail, dine on grilled pizza rolls, and check out the unique artwork that adorns the walls.
  
  
• Chirco's Pizza - 14870 Clayton Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017
  Though it might not be as widely known as New York or Chicago-style pizza, St. Louis natives are fully aware that St. Louis-style pizza is its own beast. This local favorite is the star of the show at the new Chirco's Pizza. This new spot is just minutes from these Chesterfield Homes for sale, in the former location of Pie 2 Go. 
  
  
• Goshen Coffee Roasters - 910 Geyer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63104
  A beloved roastery based in Edwardsville, Illinois, Goshen Coffee Roasters has just opened up a second location here in St. Louis. The new shop is located in the Soulard neighborhood and offers the same impeccably crafted coffee that the original is known for. The cafe has a welcoming, rustic-chic ambiance, and it's a great place to sit and chat a while while you enjoy a latte or pour-over. 
  
  
• Taco Fuego - 902 E. 6th St., Washington, MO 63090
  The opening of a new taco joint is always a happy occasion, and thanks to Taco Fuego, which recently set up shop in the WashMO Center, Folks in the St. Louis area have a lot to be happy about. Located a stone's throw from these Washington homes for sale, Taco Fuego offers tasty street tacos, fajitas, and burritos in a cozy space. Everything is made fresh to order, and there are some great vegetarian options on their menu. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in St. Louis. If you're looking for your dream home in Missouri, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way!

Need extra space in your home? A detached garage can have a lot more uses than just parking your car or providing extra storage. Here are a few suggestions from our real estate agents for making use of the extra space in your detached garage.

• Home Gym
  Gym memberships are expensive, but fortunately, your detached garage may provide just the space you need. The ceilings in garages are typically high, providing plenty of space for taller equipment. Turning your detached garage into a gym also requires a few renovations. Durable flooring, access to electricity, and maybe a space heater in the winter are about all you need.
  
  
• Dance Studio
  Like a home gym, a dance studio makes itself at home easily in a detached garage. You'll likely want to get some portable dance flooring tiles to give yourself the correct type of floor to dance on, and you can mount mirrors and possibly a barre on the garage walls. Like the home gym, a dance studio will benefit from the high ceilings and wide floor space in a garage.
  
  
• Art Studio
  Do you need a place where you can be alone with your art? A detached garage makes a perfect art studio. The concrete floors and unfinished walls in most garages make it easy to make a mess and even easier to clean it up. Be aware of where the nearest water source is when you're planning your art studio, though, as access to water will be important for art as well as for cleanup.
  
  
• Workshop
  Do you find it difficult to find a good place for your workshop? The mess and the noisy equipment may have your workshop banned from the house, in which case the detached garage is the next best thing. Concrete floors make for easy cleanup, and being separate from the house will prevent the noise from ignoring anyone inside.
  
  
• Garden Zone
  Do you love to garden? If so, you probably always need more space than you have. Consider taking over your home's detached garage as a catch-all place for all your garden needs. In that space, you'll be able to set up a potting bench, a nursery with lamps to help baby plants grow, and an organized storage area for all of your garden tools and supplies.
  
  
• Play Room
  A detached garage makes a perfect place to set up a rough-and-tumble playroom. Because there's so much space and it's almost like being outside, there's more room for activities such as jumping rope and roller skating, making a garage playroom almost a necessity in poor weather. Temporary flooring and tumbling mats will make the garage an inviting space for when the kids want their own space.
  
  
• Office Space
  St. Louis homes for sale are especially appealing when they have office space! It may require a little bit more remodeling, but if you're hurting for a good place to work from home, consider converting your detached garage into usable office space. It'll enable you to have a quiet place to work away from the rest of your family members. You'll probably want to finish the space with flooring, walls, and climate control. You could even consider making the garage into a tiny apartment or carriage house that could be rented out. 

A detached garage is an often overlooked way to maximize the available space in your home. If you're looking for a way to boost your home's value, contact us today to discuss how to best put that detached garage to work.

You might think that you would have to travel far from the big city to experience the natural beauty that Missouri is known for, but there's plenty of nature to see without ever leaving St. Louis! Few scenes can match the majesty of a waterfall, and there are quite a few waterfalls – both natural and man-made – that you can experience near St. Louis homes for sale on a warm, sunny day. Our real estate agents have the details on 6 St. Louis waterfalls that you'll love to visit this summer.

• Missouri Botanical Garden Waterfall – 4344 Shaw St., St. Louis, MO 63110
  The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country, covering 75 acres in the heart of St. Louis. You can easily spend a full day or more exploring all of the sights, including the spectacular waterfall which pours down amid the natural beauty of the gardens. Summer is one of the best times of year to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, with so many plants in full bloom.

• Climatron Waterfall – 4344 Shaw St., St. Louis, MO 63110
  Also located at the Missouri Botanical Garden you will find the Climatron Waterfall, which is so unique that it deserves its own entry on the list. That's because the Climatron where the waterfall is located is essentially its own part of the gardens, a half-acre, domed environment where more than 160,000 tropical plants flourish. So if you're making the trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden, set aside some time to see the waterfall and plants at this unique attraction.

• Cascades at Forest Park – 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112
  Located within Forest Park, the Cascades waterfall was constructed nearly a century ago and still remains a popular attraction to this day. While this waterfall was built rather than formed by natural processes, it was created in a way that makes it feel like part of the park's natural scenery. The waterfall was originally constructed to replicate the World's Fair Cascades, which were once located on Art Hill.

• Kiener Plaza Waterfall – 500 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO 63101
  Found between the Gateway Arch and the Gateway Mall, Kiener Plaza is a small city park covering just under two acres. The park features a very large waterfall, along with a beautiful fountain located nearby. Stop by during the summer holidays to see the flowing waters dyed with gorgeous colors to commemorate each special day.

• St. Louis Zoo Waterfalls – 1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
  The St. Louis Zoo is actually home to three distinct waterfalls, spread throughout the zoo's habitats. You'll discover the first waterfall at the South Entrance on Government Drive. There are also two waterfalls located within the animal habitats, perfect for a family visit to the zoo. With more than 18,000 animals, the St. Louis Zoo offers plenty more to see after you've experienced the waterfalls.

• Citygarden Waterfall – 801 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63101
  Part park, part sculpture garden, Citygarden is a slice of natural beauty located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. In addition to the sculptures and fountains, Citygarden is home to a long, 6-foot tall waterfall that cascades down into a pool that is 180 feet long.

Ready to buy or sell your next home close to St. Louis? Our local real estate team is here to help you accomplish your goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the St. Louis area.

If you are a first-time homebuyer, one of the things you might be excited about is that you can have a yard big enough for a garden. Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect property where you can grow your own vegetables and work on a new hobby for years to come. Get started with these easy-to-grow plants perfect for the area's climate.

• Bush Beans – Bush beans are probably the safest bet if you want to grow a vegetable that you can't mess up. Plant them. Keep the weeds away and watch them grow!

• Corn - Corn, along with beans and squash, make up the three sisters of the garden. The corn creates the foundation for the beans to grow around, and the squash creates the base. When all three are cooked together, you have succotash.

• Peas – Peas are exceptionally easy to grow but difficult to harvest. Since you can eat them right from the garden, you will often find children grabbing handfuls for a quick snack. Watch out for the adults too!

• Cherry Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes are almost as hard to harvest as your peas. Once you get a few on the vine, though, you can harvest them for a salad or as a garnish for one of your home-cooked meals.

• Summer Squash – Summer squash is also extremely easy to grow and is known as one of the staples for many families who garden from year to year. You can find various types of squash growing at many St. Louis homes for sale.

• Garlic – Garlic is similar to onions and will produce a strong odor as it matures. It is easy to grow and you can harvest it as you need it.

• Cucumbers – Cucumbers look a lot like squash, but the plants have smaller leaves. Both squash and cucumbers grow quickly once they begin to appear on the vine. Harvest them when they are mid-size for the best texture and taste.

• Radishes – Radishes grow very fast. You may be able to plant and harvest twice during the summer months if they don't get too hot.

• Leafy Vegetables – Leafy vegetables like lettuce and kale are easy to grow and will provide you with everything you need for a tasty summer salad.

• Garden Herbs - No garden is complete without a little flavor. Many herbs are easily grown in your garden or in small pots in your kitchen. Rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme can all be grown in your garden and harvested fresh whenever you need them. 

Other Tips for Your First Garden

Besides picking out the right plants to grow in your first garden, you also have to keep in mind how you'll keep pests away from your sprouting plants. In our corner of Missouri, rabbits, squirrels, and even deer are known to cause havoc in some gardens. Luckily, there are a couple of ways you can keep them at bay and protect your garden.

• Fencing – a variety of materials can help you keep any pests away. 
  
  
• Hot Pepper Sauce – Sure, you might like spicy food, but rabbits don't. Mix a hot pepper sauce with dish soap for a natural (and spicy) way to deter them from your garden.
  
  
• Identify the Plant Pests Like the Most - Are pests targeting one plant in particular? Head to your garden store and see if you can surround this plant with chicken wire to give it extra protection.

If you're ready to dive into gardening and are looking for the perfect home, contact us today. We can help you find a yard perfect for your gardening goals. 

Mother's Day is right around the corner. It's an opportunity to spend some quality time with your mom and to reflect on the impact she's had on your entire life. 

If you're looking for a place to spend time with mom this Mother's Day, our real estate agents have a few ideas. Check out these great Mother's Day brunch restaurants in the St. Louis area!

• The Wheelhouse - 1000 Spruce St, St. Louis, MO 63102
  Located in a downtown renovated industrial space, The Wheelhouse is a perfect Mother's Day brunch spot. The kitchen opens at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday, offering up brunch staples like waffles, Benedicts, and omelets. The Wheelhouse is also open late on Fridays and Saturdays, with a full bar and an assortment of creative pub grub. It's a great place to take your mom that's just minutes from many St. Louis homes for sale. 
  
  
• Chris' Pancake & Dining - 5980 Southwest Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139
  It's right there in the name. If you're in the mood for pancakes, there's no better place than Chris' Pancake & Dining. This beloved institution has been serving St. Louis breakfast for more than 25 years, including classic pancake, egg, hash brown, and meat combos. Breakfast is served all day (during open hours, 7 am to 4 pm), so there's never a bad time to enjoy a great Mother's Day breakfast. Chris' serves some excellent mimosas as well. 
  
  
• Living Room Coffee & Kitchen - 2810 Sutton Blvd, Maplewood, MO 63143
  Some of the best coffee in the St. Louis area is made and served at Living Room Coffee & Kitchen. This local small-batch coffee roaster does all their own roasting in-house, and you can really taste the freshness in your cup. They also serve some tasty breakfast and lunch fare, including sandwiches, burritos, and several healthy vegan and vegetarian options. Living Room Coffee & Kitchen is located in Maplewood, a short drive from St. Louis and a stone's throw from countless Maplewood homes for sale. 
  
  
• Turn - 3224 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103
  Offering healthy, delicious takes on classic American comfort food, Turn is a can't-miss option for Mother's Day brunch in St. Louis. Avocado toast, biscuits and gravy, brioche French toast, and grilled salmon sandwiches are just a few highlights of their brunch menu. The folks at Turn also serve excellent espresso drinks, as well as boozy brunch drinks, including bloody Marys and a next-level blood orange mimosa. 
  
  
• Prasino St. Charles - 1520 S 5th St #110, St. Charles, MO 63303
  Prasino St. Charles is an outstanding brunch spot that offers up an eclectic assortment of locally sourced farm-to-table food. Breakfast is served daily until 3 pm, and lunch is served starting at 11. Omelet and eggs Benedict options are breakfast highlights, while the lunch menu includes some excellent tacos, flatbreads, and salads. Be sure to check out these St. Charles homes for sale nearby.
  
  
• Egg - 2200 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104
  Nationally recognized and routinely ranked as one of the best breakfast/brunch restaurants in St. Louis, Egg is the perfect place to enjoy brunch on Mother's Day. This cozy contemporary-industrial diner serves killer breakfast food, often incorporating global flavors. Unique omelet specials are offered daily. Everything is made from scratch in-house using local eggs, produce, and meats. 
  
  
• Olivino Tasting Bar - 120 W Main St, Washington, MO 63090
  Enjoy a delicious brunch combined with a cooking demonstration when you stop by Olivino Tasting Bar near Washington homes for sale. The secret behind the tasty brunch fare? The olive oil, which is all available for purchase! Take your mom there to celebrate Mother's Day, or surprise her with one of their gift baskets. They also have another location in the St. Charles area. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in St. Louis. If you're ready to find your dream home here in Missouri, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Spring is in the air! Our real estate agents always look forward to the gardening season in the St. Louis area, and it's finally time to start planting. 

If you have a green thumb and are looking for the best source for your plants, seeds, and seedlings this spring, we have a few ideas. These are some of the best greenhouses and garden centers in the St. Louis area. 

• Bowood Farms - 4605 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63108
  The family-owned Bowood Farms Garden Center was established in 2006. They offer some of the healthiest, high-quality plants around. The garden center also includes a studio space that often hosts art and gardening classes, and an organic cafe where you can grab a healthy bite to eat just minutes from these St. Louis homes for sale. 
  
  
• Garden Heights Nursery - 1605 S Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63117
  From plants and seeds to pots and decor, Garden Heights Nursery has all your lawn and garden needs covered. This modern garden center also offers a wide range of potted plants and is a great place to find a gift for a plant-lover in your life. Garden Heights Nursery is nestled in the vibrant St. Louis suburb of Richmond Heights, within walking distance of many Richmond Heights homes for sale. 
  
  
• Fendler Nursery & Garden Center - 1803 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125
  Fendler Nursery & Garden Center has been one of the best family-owned nurseries in St. Louis since it first opened its doors in 1954. It's a great place to find colorful flowering plants to liven up your landscape or pick up all the seedlings you need for this year's vegetable garden. Fendler Nursery also offers excellent customer service, with friendly staff who will help you find whatever you're looking for. 
  
  
• Jost Greenhouses - 12340 Eckelmann Ln, Des Peres, MO 63131
  Established in 1984, family-owned Jost Greenhouses is a great place to fulfill all your landscaping needs near Des Peres homes for sale. They offer a tremendous range of perennials, groundcovers, grasses, and shrubs, with a special focus on plants that are native to the Midwest. Just about everything you see here is grown in-house, either in the 24,000 square foot greenhouse and neighboring 2-acre outdoor growing space or on their much larger farm in Chesterfield. 
  
  
• The Potted Plant - 524 S Main St, St. Charles, MO 63301
  The Potted Plant is a boutique garden shop that offers a well-curated selection of seeds, seedlings, and potted plants. There's a great variety of pots, botanical-themed decor and gifts stocked as well, and the on-site florist also creates amazing floral arrangements for any occasion. It's a fun place to simply browse. The Potted Plant is just minutes from many St. Charles homes for sale, in the historic Main Street district of St. Charles. 
  
  
• Daniel's Farm & Greenhouses - 352 Jungermann Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376
  A staple of the community of St. Peters, Daniel's Farm & Greenhouse has an incredible selection of lawn and garden essentials. Whether you need topsoil and mulch to get your garden back in shape, or trees and shrubs to spruce up your landscape, you'll find everything you need here. Located a stone's throw from some lovely St. Peters homes for sale, Daniel's also offers delivery and installation of all landscape features. 

Contact us today to learn more about all the opportunities that springtime brings in St. Louis, including an opportunity to find your dream home. Our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily one of the top-ranked gardens of its kind in the United States, and our real estate agents never tire of exploring this unique place. With spring finally here now is a great time to plan your visit!

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is our nation's oldest continuously operated botanical garden and one of the largest. The herbarium at the Missouri Botanical Garden includes more than 6.6 million specimens, second only to the New York Botanical Garden. 

The Missouri Botanical Garden is conveniently located on Shaw Boulevard in St. Louis, so be sure to pay it a visit while you're looking at St Louis homes for sale. These are some of the highlights of the garden:

• Experience the Climatron
  One of the most recognizable features of the Missouri Botanical Garden is the geodesic dome conservatory known as the Climatron. It opened to the public for the first time in 1960 and was the world's first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory. The structure reaches 70 feet high and 175 feet across, enclosing a tropical rainforest-like interior that spans a half-acre and remains warm, lush, and green year-round. Inside, visitors can observe 2,800 plants of more than 1,400 different tropical species.
  
  
• Explore the Japanese Garden
  The 14-acre Japanese Garden within the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest of its kind in North America. The plants, waterfalls, and islands in this majestic garden are each carefully placed, reflecting hundreds of years of Japanese gardening traditions. The official name of the garden is Seiwa-en, which means "garden of pure, clear harmony and peace."
  
  
• Shop and Dine
  It takes a long time to explore all 79 acres of the Missouri Botanical Garden. You might get a little hungry! Luckily there are some great eats at Cafe Flora, the garden's on-site restaurant, which serves a tasty assortment of sandwiches and salads, as well as local craft beer and wine. Before you leave the garden, be sure to peek into the Garden Gate Shop, which offers souvenirs, including an amazing selection of live plants. 
  
  
• Ride the Tram
  Narrated tram tours of the Missouri Botanical Garden offer a chance to see the gardens while resting your feet in a comfy tram car. Departing several times a day from the garden entrance, tram tours last 25 to 30 minutes and include expert narration from your tour guide as you meander through various garden areas.
  
  
• Play in the Children's Garden
  The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great place for children to play, learn, and develop a closer relationship with the natural world. In particular, the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden provides some amazing opportunities for kids. Tickets are available for various interactive exhibits, themed play areas, and fun educational programs that allow kids to get some hands-on experience in the gardens. 
  
  
• Tour the Gardens Virtually
  Although it's best to visit a place like the Missouri Botanical Garden in person, we understand that it isn't always possible. Fortunately, the garden provides some great resources for those who wish to explore from the comfort of their own homes. Virtual tours of the Missouri Botanical garden include drone videos, 360-degree tours of the Climatron, and even informative videos about the ongoing care that goes into making the garden a reality.

Contact us today to learn more about the unique attractions in St. Louis, Missouri. When you're ready to start finding your dream home in the St. Louis area, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

With the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, St. Louis has long been a popular spot for outdoor exploration. In fact, this is the same place where Lewis and Clark started their legendary journey in 1804! Our real estate agents have some tips on the many ways that you can enjoy and explore the rivers around St. Louis.

1. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area – 801 Strodtman Rd., St. Louis, MO 63138
   With more than 4,200 acres of natural beauty to discover and a convenient location near St. Louis homes for sale, the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is the perfect place to start exploring St. Louis rivers. There's an extensive out-and-back trail system that allows you to discover the vast natural beauty of the floodplain, a boat ramp that provides access to the Missouri River, and a separate access point for paddlers who want to explore the Mississippi River.
   
   
2. Audubon Center at Riverlands – 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386
   Located just a 30-minute drive from the heart of St. Louis, you will find the wonderful Audubon Center at Riverlands, your gateway to the mighty Mississippi River. If you love bird watching, this is the place to be. In addition to 8.5 miles of trails, it's home to a unique Avian Observatory with viewing scopes, picnic areas, and a helpful, knowledgeable staff to help you make the most of your time at the Audubon Center at Riverlands.
   
   
3. Jones-Confluence Point State Park – 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386
   A short trip south from the Audubon Center will take you to the beautiful Jones-Confluence Point State Park, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers converge. This is the very spot where Lewis and Clark began their exploration of the western United States, with stunning views that make it a popular place to visit to this day. Hikes here present endless photo opportunities, and you may even spot a rare bald eagle as you travel the trails.
   
   
4. Big Muddy Adventures – 4662 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108
   We've talked about plenty of ways to spend time near the rivers, but what about when you want to spend some time on the water? Let the expert team at Big Muddy Adventures be your guide as you paddle along the great rivers of Missouri. Enjoy a quick, invigorating paddling trip that lasts a few hours, or go for a big adventure with a multi-day expedition that includes dinners on a private island. Big Muddy Adventures also operates a guide shop where you can pick up maps, gear, books, and even boats for your river explorations.
   
   
5. Sioux Passage Park – 17390 Old Jamestown Rd., Florissant, MO 63034
   No matter the season, Sioux Passage Park offers ample outdoor activities with views of the Missouri River all around you. During the winter, it's a designated winter sports area, with activities like sledding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling permitted. During warmer seasons, the park offers nearly 200 acres to explore, with horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and camping among the most popular activities. It's also a great spot for a family outing near Florissant homes for sale, with picnic shelters, playgrounds, tennis courts, and some of the best disc golf in the St. Louis area.
   
   
6. Katy Trail – St. Charles, MO 63304
   Did you know that the area near St. Charles homes for sale is home to the longest developed rail-trail in the entire country? Boasting 240 miles and 26 trailheads, this trail is perfect for hiking or biking. Not only that, the Katy Trail travels right alongside the Missouri River, making it a great way to take in views of the river while you explore! 

Ready to buy or sell your next home close to all of the outdoor adventures around St. Louis? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the St. Louis area.

Missouri is famous for its delicious downhome barbecue, but our real estate agents know there's more to it than that. If you want a true taste of all of the rich culinary diversity that Missouri has to offer, one of the best places to be is none other than St. Louis.

This city of more than 300,000 people has attracted world-famous celebrity chefs and local restaurateurs eager to make their mark, starting with their own hometown. St. Louis is also a local leader in professional conventions and sports venues, so it is no surprise there is always demand for great food.

There's no limit to what delights you can find near St. Louis homes for sale when you know where to look.

Let's visit just a few of the award-winning restaurants found here at "The Gateway to the West."

• Tompkins Riverside – 500 South Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301
  Tompkins Riverside prides itself on locally sourced ingredients that come together in an elegant, historic atmosphere. Its high-end dishes are frequently paired with a wide range of premium wines. Ideal for a date, the vibe of Tompkins is "cultured, yet casual." Many entrees incorporate fresh produce from local farms, and the service is reputed to be excellent – a top pick near St. Charles homes for sale.
  
  
• Prasino – 1520 South 5th Street #110, St. Charles, MO 63303
  Also located in St. Charles, Prasino offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with exquisite selections from an expansive menu. "Prasino" is the Greek word for green, and seasonality is the core experience in this local, organic, sustainably sourced kitchen. The menu changes on both a weekly and a seasonal basis but always provides you with an authentic encounter with the flavor of the region.
  
  
• Cowan's Restaurant – 114 Elm Street, Washington, MO 63090
  Cowan's Restaurant has been a local institution for generations. It is known for its homemade meals ("just like Mom used to make") as well as its pies, winners of many local, state, and national awards. Cowan's has made a name for itself as the "Home of the Mile High Pie" and is one of the leading family-friendly places to dine near Washington homes for sale, providing a full kids' menu.
  
  
• The Tavern Kitchen & Bar – 2961 Dougherty Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
  The Tavern Kitchen & Bar stands out as a top St. Louis selection for celebrating a holiday, having a romantic evening, or impressing a client. A striking combination of modern aesthetics and classic service. Menus are seasonal, with an anchoring presence of top USDA prime cut steaks, seasonal produce, and vintage wines.
  
  
• The Block Restaurant – 5800 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63139
  A restaurant, butcher, and bar that bills itself as "a neighborhood establishment," The Block Restaurant has been led by in-laws Marc and Brian and their wives since 2011. Both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, they offer a family-style dinner menu with full to-go service, curbside, or takeout. All meats are butchered on-site, and the seared pork chop is one of the most popular entrees.

Contact us at Coldwell Banker Premier Group to learn more about Missouri homes and neighborhoods.