Articles Tagged "Maplewood MO"

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. 

It's no exaggeration to say that St. Louis is home to one of the best brewing scenes in the entire country, offering both big-name breweries and a collection of beloved craft breweries. The craft breweries of St. Louis double as community gathering places, bringing people together through distinctive brews, delicious food, live music, and fun special events. Our real estate agents have the details on 6 popular local breweries where you can start your St. Louis craft beer journey in style.

• Center Ice Brewery – 3126 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103
  When you're in the mood to enjoy an excellent craft brew and watch the St. Louis Blues, it's hard to top the experience at Center Ice Brewery. The bar is made of wood from the old St. Louis arena, while everything – from the decorations to the names of each brew – has a St. Louis Blues theme. Center Ice Brewery is also known for its diverse selection of ales, lagers, and IPAs.
  
  
• Side Project Cellar – 7373 Marietta Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143
  The Side Project Cellar is the tasting room for the award-winning Side Project Brewing company, with a convenient location close to Maplewood homes for sale. The Cellar, as it's commonly known, is a Belgian-style beer bar where every beer is cooled to its ideal temperature for drinking. The menu is extensive, with a selection of Side Project's best brews and various unique beers imported from around the world.
  
  
• 4 Hands Brewing Co. – 1220 S. 8th St., St. Louis, MO 63104
  The theme at 4 Hands Brewing Co. is collaboration, as the team here works with local businesses and artists to create unique brews that you won't find anywhere else. Visit the taproom to sample 14 beers on tap, many more available by the bottle, and delicious food from local vendors. Upstairs at the taproom, visitors of all ages can enjoy some old-fashioned fun with free-to-play skee ball and old-school arcade games.
  
  
• Rockwell Beer Co. – 1320 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
  For a truly unique St. Louis brewery experience, a trip to Rockwell Beer Co. will not disappoint. The tasting room here is built from repurposed shipping crates, with distinctive décor and indoor/outdoor seating that's perfect for enjoying a cold brew on a hot summer day.
  
  
• Perennial Artisan Ales – 8125 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111
  Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 craft breweries in the entire country, Perennial Artisan Ales is one local brewery that you definitely won't want to miss. The Perennial Artisan Ales tasting room is located right next to the brewery and features a variety of "tasting room only" Perennial brews that you won't find anywhere else. Tours of the brewing facilities are also available every Saturday afternoon. Consider stopping by for one if you're in the area looking at St. Louis homes for sale.
  
  
• UCBC Grove Bierhall – 4465 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
  The Urban Chestnut Brewing Company has three great locations where you can enjoy their beer around the city, including the wonderful UCBC Grove Bierhall. Enjoy the best brews from UCBC in an open, industrial-style bierhall built in a historic paper company building. The beer here is brilliant, and the food is just as great. 
  
  
• Schlafly Bankside – 920 S Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301
  Schlafly has been a local favorite on the brewing scene since 1991. Their most recent location Schlafly Bankside opened in 2020, conveniently close to St. Charles homes for sale. The taproom offers a huge selection of beer and food options that are sure to please. Check out their website to see what is currently on tap.
  
  
• John G's Tap Room – 109 W Main St., Washington, MO 63090
  John G's Tap Room serves up local brews and classic American dishes with a convenient location right on Main Street. Augusta Brewing Company beer, which is based in Augusta, can be found here on the lengthy beer menu. While on the food menu, items include options like toasted ravioli, crab cakes, and juicy burgers. Stop in after looking at Washington homes for sale, or place an order on Grubhub. 

Searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy all of the craft brews and outstanding food around St. Louis? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell real estate throughout the St. Louis, MO area.

As we return to the workplace and travel becomes more frequent, many of us will be faced with the dilemma of pet care. If you are considering one of our St. Louis homes for sale, you are probably looking at a new community. You might not know your neighbors well enough to ask them to look after your dog. A kennel may work once in a while, and pet daycare could be an option. But our real estate agents suggest you consider another solution: a pet sitter who can come to your home. But where do you begin? These simple tips can get you started:

1. Use Reputable Resources
   Some of the trade associations that can help you initiate your search are The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), Pet Sitters International, and Fetch! Pet Care. Each offers a locator listing professionals in your area. Once you have located sitters you want to interview, check their references and reviews. When reviewing comments, make sure there is a "verified stay" indicator to ensure they were written by actual customers.
   
   
2. Select Bonded and Insured Sitters
   These designations don't just mean that you are protected in case of loss. They mean that the sitter has invested in a layer of trust between them and their customers, assuring quality and the integrity of the person entering your home when you are not present. Consider also a criminal background check and proof of sufficient training to perform services well. 
   
   
3. Arrange for Introductions
   It's important that you feel confident in the person that will be providing care. You'll want to watch the sitter interact with your pet. Dogs and cats are automatically drawn to some people and are equally repelled by others. You'll want to make sure that your pets are comfortable with the sitter and do not exhibit fear or nervousness around them. Make sure you allow time for them to meet and greet each other appropriately so that the sitter has the opportunity to comfort the pet. If your pet is not frequently socialized, this could take a little time for them to develop a rapport. 
   
   
4. Thoroughly Discuss Expectations
   Let the sitter know what services you expect and with what frequency. If you expect the pet to be walked, brushed, taken to dog parks or other activities or services, be sure to let the sitter know and obtain a formal agreement. It's important that they can commit the time and energy to meet your expectations. Include start and end times for each session. If there are activities you don't want them to do, be clear in your instructions. Make sure the sitter is aware of any dietary restrictions such as treats versus no treats or specific brands that should be avoided. 
   
   
5. Plan for Emergencies
   Prominently display contact information for you, emergency veterinary services, pet insurance information, and a secondary contact. Maintain a medical history for the pet in case the sitter must seek vet care in your absence. Make sure that you are able to reach the sitter via phone or email every day you are away. Agree upon a backup plan for any emergency that could arise, including a substitute sitter in case the regular sitter is unable to fulfill the agreement. 

If a new neighborhood is in your future, contact us. Our real estate professionals will be happy to help you find the perfect home for you and your family, including the furry members.  

If you enjoy browsing vintage furniture and tend to see it for its potential, you might enjoy upcycling furniture. Upcycled furniture can be funky, trendy, or even classy with the right touch, and that one special piece might be great for starting a conversation with your guests or perfect when staging your home for sale, according to our real estate agents. Here are a few tips for giving tired outdated furniture new life.

1. Look for Good Bones
   When you're on the hunt for vintage furniture to upcycle, try to see past the current finish (or lack thereof), and instead look at the bones of each piece. You'll want furniture that is sturdy and made of real wood so that it'll stand up to the demands of a makeover and a new life. Look also for interesting features such as mid-century modern styling or interesting curves and carvings that painting and distressing would highlight.
   
   
2. Find a New Purpose for Old Things
   Part of the fun of upcycling furniture is thinking outside of the box. There are a lot of old pieces that don't necessarily have a purpose anymore, but you can make a trendy new purpose with a little creative thinking. For example, vintage crates can be stacked to use as bookshelves, a cozy little vintage dining table would make a great desk, and that vintage radio or record player could find new life retrofitted as a wine rack or liquor cabinet.
   
   
3. Update the Look with a Little Paint
   Typically vintage furniture is cast-off not because it no longer functions, but because the finish has become scratched and worn. Purists will repair or refinish a valuable piece, but you can give the more mundane pieces exciting new life with a little color. Perhaps the piece is perfect for your current look but needs a facelift with a new coat of paint. For something a little more interesting, you can opt for shabby chic with a distressed look, or aim for more urban with stenciled accents.
   
   
4. Stick to the Style
   While mixing and matching can be cool and trendy, you won't do the furniture any favors if you don't work with what you've got. Different pieces have different looks, and your upcycling will be the most successful if you stay true to the style. Furniture with straighter lines, such as mid-century modern, will look better with clean paint or geometric stenciling, for example. Furniture with graceful lines, carved details, or even simple country style will pair well with distressed finishes.

Upcycling furniture can be very rewarding, and you may find that your thrift store score ends up being one of your favorite pieces after a little (or a lot of) TLC. Just remember, if you'll be using the piece to stage your home for sale, that buyers tend to react more favorably to a neutral decor when browsing St. Louis homes for sale. For more information about how to stage a home for success on the sales market, contact us today.

When purchasing a home, ordering a home inspection is an essential item to add to your to-do list. Our real estate agents know that a home inspection is vital for revealing major and minor issues with a home. While a home inspection will cost you, detecting issues now can help you save money in the long run and give you peace of mind about the property you are buying. Here are some home issues detected by a home inspection. 

1. Problems with the Grading
   If the grading of the home's lot isn't scaled correctly, this can cause water to flow towards your home. Your foundation and crawlspace may have excessive levels of moisture; this can cause the frame of your home to rot or lead to the formation of mold. The placement of the windows and doors can also shift, eventually causing the home to appear uneven. 

2. Issues with the Roof
   A home's roof is a common source of issues during a home inspection. Since the roof covers such a large surface area, it's easy for a shingle or two to be damaged during a storm. This can allow water to seep in and damage the home's underlayment or ceiling. Or, the roof itself may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Your home inspector will also examine the components around the roof, like the gutters. It's common for gutters to be clogged and require cleaning. Or, a downspout might not be long enough to properly re-direct water away from your home. 

3. Trouble with the Windows
   Many home inspections reveal problems in and around the windows. If the windows are older, the problem may be that they aren't very energy efficient. Or, the windows can have cracks around them that need to be sealed. Problems with the windows can raise the home's heating and cooling costs and impact the air quality. St. Louis homes for sale with new, energy-efficient windows will have lower energy bills than those with older components. 

4. Complications with the Plumbing
   During the inspection, your inspector will run the faucets and examine the pipes for signs of a leak. They'll also see that the drains are draining correctly. A home's plumbing system is fairly comprehensive, making plumbing issues extremely prevalent. 

5. Defects in the Home's Exterior
   A home's exterior is another common source of issues detected in a home inspection. Wood homes must be closely examined for signs of rot and mildew. Vinyl siding homes may have sections that are damaged and require replacement. Stucco must be correctly installed, or it will present an opportunity for moisture to enter the home. 

6. Unauthorized Additions
   Many cities require a permit for home additions and certain renovations. These projects must also be completed according to the local building code, or the home will potentially have illegal modifications. Fixing illegal improvements is expensive and time-consuming. An inspector will look for signs of shoddy work and discrepancies among the home's construction. 

Are you ready to start shopping for your next home? Contact us today to get started!

Our real estate agents agree math class would have been more interesting if it included "pie" instead of "pi." Celebrate National Pi Day on Sunday, March 14, with a slice of your favorite flavor from one of these top bakeries around St. Louis. While it might be a math holiday, we still consider it an excuse to check out local bakeries throughout the St. Louis area. 

1. Glady Fay's - 1381 High St., Suite 111, Washington, MO 63090
   At Glady Fay's, everyone is family ... literally. The cafe is named for Gladys Fay Anderson, who taught her culinary secrets to her 10 children, one of whom will likely greet you when you walk in the door. The turnover-style hand pies are perfect grab-and-go snacks when you're viewing Washington homes for sale. Pies are also available by the slice and in mini four-inch versions. Glady Fay's is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   
   
2. The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery - 6116 Second St., Kimmswick, MO 63053
   After developing a devoted fan base for her baked goods through craft shows and festivals, Mary Hostetter realized her dream of opening The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery in 1985. Her signature Levee High Caramel Apple Pie has received the seal of approval from no less than Oprah Winfrey, who featured the pie as one of her "Top 100 Favorite Things for the Holidays." Hours are 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
   
   
3. Pie Oh My! - 2719 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, MO 63143
   One cannot live on sweet pies alone, no matter how delightful it may sound. Pie Oh My! has the savory side covered with quiche and frozen, ready-to-bake chicken pot pies that make a great dinner after a day of touring Maplewood homes for sale. When it's time for dessert, Pie Oh My! features not one but two sizes of individual pies in a weekly rotating assortment of flavors. Pie Oh My! is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
   
   
4. Sweet Things Bakery - 3224 Rue Royale St., Saint Charles, MO 63301
   Beth Thompson's homemade baked goods were so popular that she quickly outgrew her rented kitchen space. After 10 years in Ferguson, Beth opened Sweet Things Bakery in New Town, right down the street from Saint Charles homes for sale. Everything, including the customer's favorite mini-pies, is made from scratch in small batches using the highest quality ingredients. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday.
   
   
5. Russell's Café & Bakery - 952 Brookwood Center, Fenton, MO 63026
   Russell Ping saw his future when he was in the fourth grade, selling his homemade chocolate chip cookies outside the neighborhood pool. A dozen or so years later, the budding entrepreneur partnered with his mother to open Russell's Café & Bakery, just minutes from St. Louis homes for sale. Success led to the addition of a dinner restaurant and pizza joint, both serving Russell's delicious baked goods. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday.
   
   
6. Nathaniel Reid Bakery - 11243 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122
   Armed with a diploma from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, Nathaniel Reid worked in some of the finest pastry kitchens around the world. When it was time to break out on his own, he came home to open Nathaniel Reid Bakery, serving the community around Kirkwood homes for sale. The luscious apple pie croissant is a delightful mashup of two pastry favorites. Nathaniel Reid Bakery is open for carryout and curbside orders from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

We may not be able to calculate pi, but we can help you find your St. Louis home with a kitchen perfect for pie baking! Contact us at Coldwell Banker Premier Group for all your real estate needs.

Friday, January 31st, is National Hot Chocolate Day, and our real estate agents can't wait to huddle over a hot cup of cocoa. As we grow older, there's just something about a hot chocolate on a cold winter day that feels cozy and nostalgic. If you're interested in sipping your way down memory lane, head to these cafes near St. Louis for National Hot Chocolate Day.

1. The Washington Coffee Shop — 2 E. Fifth St., Washington, MO 63090
   If you're in town at the tail end of January looking for Washington homes for sale, be sure to warm up with a cup of cocoa from The Washington Coffee Shop. This local hotspot is serving up espresso drinks, fresh-pressed sandwiches, and of course hot chocolate. Be sure to check out their daily baked goods and find the perfect one to pair with your beverage!
   
   
2. Frontier Perk Café — 336 S. Main St., Saint Charles, MO 63301
   Nestled in the heart of historic Main Street is Frontier Perk Café. Surrounded by some of the town's most unique boutique shops, Frontier Perk Café is a great place to settle in for breakfast, lunch, or just a grab-and-go cup of joe. On National Hot Chocolate Day, treat yourself to one of their decadent hot chocolates, made with a house-blended cocoa powder and topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint pieces. Drop-in while you're touring Saint Charles homes for sale and fuel up for the rest of your showings.
   
   
3. Meshuggah Café — 6269 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130
   Since 1992, they've been brewing up coffee and culture for all walks of life. Whether you're in the mood to hear a local musician, check out local art, play a board game with friends, or read a book with your coffee, Meshuggah Café welcomes you to come and catch some chill vibes. A hot chocolate pumped up with a flavor shot of Irish cream, pumpkin, or caramel will start your National Hot Chocolate Day on the right foot. Just make sure you grab a Brown Suggah Bagel to go with it.
   
   
4. Foundation Grounds — 7298 Manchester Rd., Maplewood, MO 63143
   If you haven't sat out on the patio of Foundation Grounds Coffeehouse and sipped a warm cup of their tasty drinks, you're missing out. From house blends of coffee to hot chocolate, lattes, and more, the only way you can make your afternoon better is to add a tasty cup of soup, quiche, or their famous Goo Balls to your hot cocoa order if you arrive a little early to your Maplewood homes for sale appointment.
   
   
5. Catalyst Coffee Bar — 1223 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63013
   Handcrafted beverages are always ready for your enjoyment at Catalyst Coffee Bar. An extension of Art Saint Louis, Catalyst helps beautify the community with every dollar earned. What better way to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day than by savoring a delicious cup of cocoa that also supports the art community of St. Louis?

Ready to cozy up with some hot chocolate in a new home? Let us help you heat up your search. Contact us today to schedule warm and welcoming tours of our St. Louis homes for sale.

While the cold winter months are ideal for cozying up on the couch, sometimes it feels good to be productive. A little home maintenance will also ensure your home looks its best if you list it among the St. Louis market and surrounding area. Whether your home is in St. Louis County, Franklin County, or even further north in St. Charles County, our agents encourage you to work on these home improvement projects this winter. 

1. Declutter and Organize
   Winter is a perfect time to declutter and organize your belongings. You likely have some new holiday gifts that you need to make room for, and there's no better way to start the New Year than with an organized space.
   
   You can either tackle one room at a time, or you may declutter categories of stuff. For example, you might declutter all the clothing in your home or all your paperwork and mementos. Get rid of anything you no longer use, that you have too much, or that you haven't used in more than a year (aside from seasonal items).
   
   Once you know what you're left with, you can organize your belongings with containers, shelves, rods, and hooks. Our real estate agents know that a well-organized home also looks larger and more appealing to potential buyers. 

2. Replace Old Hardware
   Old hardware, like your door hinges, cabinet knobs, doorknobs, and door levels, can quickly make your space look dated. Give your home an instant facelift by replacing these items. You can replace most old hardware with a screwdriver, drill, screws, and wood putty. 

3. Service Your Ceiling Fans
   Did you know that you need to change the direction of your ceiling fans during the winter months? When the weather is cold, you want your ceiling fans to operate in a clockwise direction, so it pushes warm air down. You can adjust your ceiling fan's direction by using the direction switch on your fan's motor housing.
   
   While you're changing your fans' directions, give them a thorough dusting. Dust the fan blades with a microfiber cloth or duster that will prevent the dust from scattering. Wipe down the fan pulls with a damp cloth. 

4. Repair Any Wall Blemishes and Touch Up Your Paint
   If you've got some areas with scrapes or holes, winter is a fantastic time to patch these blemishes and touch up the paint. You'll be spending a lot of time indoors, and you want your home to look as inviting as possible.
   
   You can fix most small wall defects with a layer or two of spackling compound. Once it dries, sand the area smooth and add a fresh coat of paint.

5. Change the Batteries in Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   Keep your family safe by changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Once the units have fresh batteries, test them to make sure they're working properly. If necessary, install additional detectors in your home.
   
   You should have a smoke detector in each bedroom, in the hall outside every sleeping area, and on each level of your home. There should be a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and in your garage. 

Ready to explore new properties for your family? Contact us today!