In 2010, the homeowners started  looking for their “forever home.” They found a Ladue house languishing on the market that she knew instantly had to be hers. The house was built in the 60s for Edith Spink and her husband C. C. Johnson Spink. The home was sold off market and their dream home was gone. Years later it became available again and architect Paul Fendler, contractor Brad Schneider, and the design duo from C+M Interiors — Channing Krichevsky and Maria Hogrefe spent the next four years bringing the couple’s dream home to life. Read here how forever homes are made.

Fischer & Frichtel Custom Homes is selling and building luxury homes on 14 one-plus-acre wooded homesites in Cedars Valley, a neighborhood of homes within the private, master-planned St. Albans community. Cedars Valley is located within St. Albans in Franklin County on the border of west St. Louis County. St. Albans is a unique combination of impeccably maintained, picturesque surroundings, luxury living, elaborate recreational amenities, and strong sense of community, just minutes from all modern conveniences. Details here.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, devastation swept through the City of St. Louis. Alarms were silent, although the deafening sound of the catastrophic tornado roared. The ear-piercing winds shattered lives and buildings. Yet, out of the rubble, voices still ring out. This October, the Union Avenue Opera will “lift every voice and sing.” Voices of Union Avenue Opera will rise in performances of the first-ever “One-Act Festival.” The festival will be held in an alternate part of the church that was spared within the historic Union Avenue Christian Church. Get tickets.

Beyond Housing is an organization that's proving comprehensive community development can work. At its helm is Chris Krehmeyer, president-CEO. What Beyond Housing has built represents one of the most all-encompassing community development efforts in the country — a model that refuses to see housing, education, health, economic development and civic infrastructure as distinct and separate challenges. Read here how they have positively impacted St. Louis County and the region.

Eight members of the St. Louis Circus Harmony troupe just returned from Stuttgart Germany after soaring high when reuniting with their partners there, Circus Circuli!  This marks the fourth collaboration between the two youth circuses from the sister cities of St. Louis, Missouri and Stuttgart, Germany.

Just in time for fall, Pirates & Pumpkins makes landfall at The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19 marks the opening this special event. The pirate invasion will continue through November 2. The Aquarium is decorated with pirate-themed scenes, including a ghost ship with smoking, booming cannons. Pumpkin carving demonstrations and trick-or-treating happen as it gets closer to Halloween.

Two decades ago, Theresa Carrington’s husband abandoned her with two children to care for. Suddenly, she had half the income and couldn’t make ends meet. Church members came to the rescue. Notes and letters and money came so thick and fast, they “decorated” her living room, then quickly overspilled into what she dubbed the “blessing basket.” Now, out of a time of nothing but heartache, she took her blessings and created a business with women in Africa. Carrington not only has touched the lives of countless people in seven countries around the world, but her nonprofit Ten by Three — formerly called The Blessing Basket Project — has altered those lives dramatically.

Contrary to popular belief, Labor Day does not signal the end of summer, rather the annual ritual on Art Hill, the SLSO free concert is summer’s swan song. The celebratory event signals the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s season opener. 2025 rings in the Gateway City’s milestone 2025/26 146th season on Wednesday, September 17th. The festivities begin at 7pm. Fireworks will emblazon the skies over Forest Park’s Grand Basin to top of the night.

Since 2017, OxFest has donated more than $322,000 to local charities that help and support children. Providing scholarships for local high school students; grants for teachers to improve their classrooms; and helping impoverished rural families with children receive the healthcare they need, the OxFest Music Festival is expected to add thousands of dollars to the causes. Held this year on the Washington Fairgrounds in Washington, MO on Saturday, September 20th, gates open at 11:30am. Music begins at 12pm.

It’s hard to imagine St. Louis without the beloved Crown Candy Kitchen. Since 1913 when a man called Harry Karandzieff bought the 1880 building at the corner of St. Louis Avenue and 14th Street in the Old North neighborhood, the business has grown into and local institution. The soda fountain is the city’s oldest and without question the place to come for a malt … and a not-so-humble BLT. Come with us to the place where sweet dreams become reality.

One hundred years after first opening its doors, the building known as Powell Symphony Hall has a new $140 million, 64,000 square foot complex and it has a new name, the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, named after the late founder of Enterprise Holdings. With opening weekend concerts from September 26-28, the public will get to see what these millions of dollars have wrought. The result is simply spectacular and it consists of two very distinct parts: Powell Hall and the new Snøhetta-designed addition. Combined you have the Jack C. Taylor Music Center. Details here.

Fall is in the air. Can’t you feel it? Yes, the calendar still says August, but Mother Nature says otherwise. In true St. Louis fashion, she flipped the script on us again and the weather went from a hot and humid 97 one week to 72 degrees the next, with not a humid in sight. And the nights. Once the moon makes his nightly debut during this faux fall, the temps dip into the 50’s. Sugar plum sparks dance above bonfires. Hoodies and sweaters are donned. Suddenly, it feels like fall is here. And not a moment too soon. Because Sophisticated Living’s September/October issue is here.

Boasting the largest penthouse suite in the United States, The Mark Hotel in NYC is part of an Upper East Side luxury hotel golden triangle with The Carlyle and The Surre. The Mark differentiates itself from its peers with a unique blend of historic charm, impeccable service and exclusive experiences, modern amenities.

MUSE: The Styled Course, is an intimate, one-night-only fashion and culinary experience and couture-inspired dinner where fashion meets flavor. Happening October 2, 2025, at 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, it is a production of Brainchild Next. MUSE pairs Chef Bonnie Moore, Executive Chef of Idol Wolf, with acclaimed designer Shanna Britta for a four-course dinner inspired by fashion, styled with intention.

The ongoing "battle" between Airbnb and traditional hotel accommodations isn't always black and white. While many appreciate the extra elbow room typically offered in Airbnb properties, when on vacation, many want amenities like housekeeping, room services, and security. The Palms Turks and Caicos on Providenciales is the best of both worlds. It affords you oceanfront home-away-from-home comfort on one of the world's most famous beaches with a plethora of high-end perks, including on-call butler service. See for yourself here.

Thanks to patron of the arts Mary Strauss, the Missouri Historical Society will soon become the steward of an extraordinary private collection of Josephine Baker memorabilia. This generous charitable bequest from the longtime St. Louis philanthropist ensures that the legacy of the legendary entertainer and civil rights activist– born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis’ Mill Creek neighborhood– will be preserved and shared for generations to come. The full scope of the bequest, one of the largest of its kind to the organization, was publicly revealed during a ceremony on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Missouri History Museum.

Just revealed is the complete 25/26 season of The Rep. The start of the season begins just after Labor Day with the sharp-witted fresh comedy The Cottage. The Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre (mainstage productions) run September 3, 2025 through April 2, 2026. In addition to The Cottage, the mainstage season feature The Woman in Black, Emma, Primary Trust, and Gypsy. Also on the mainstage one night only is The Ugly Duckling, the final performance from Imaginary Theatre Company. The productions at the Emerson Studio at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts 25/26 feature The Brothers Size, Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, and The Enigmatist.

The final days of summer are here. Labor Day, the unofficial end to the summer season, is but two weeks away. Yet many of us are still summering in the Bahamas, the Keys, California coasts, or even Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. Chic summer garb is a must. Following are some suggestions that will make a splash.

Recently, VoyageSTL sat down with our publisher Craig Kaminer for a candid conversation on his career and how he has had the privilege of collaborating with visionary individuals and brands, helping them shape their narratives while building a network of changemakers. He has always believed in the power of reinvention, and that belief has guided my path—whether mentoring startups, creating award platforms like the SOPHIs, or crafting luxury lifestyle content that reflects the best of who we are. More here.

Saint Louis Fashion Fund just announced the recipients of its inaugural Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarships named after the Fashion Fund’s Co-Founder and Board Chair Susan Sherman. Scholarships were earmarked for students who are Missouri residents attending a Missouri college or university with an accredited fashion or fashion-related program. The formal announcement took place in conjunction with Fashion Fund’s 2nd Annual “Fashion Futures Sendoff” in partnership with Caleres and Neiman Marcus.

A culinary vision nearly two decades in the making debuted earlier this year. Acclaimed chef Alec Schingel opened the doors to Robin Restaurant. This highly anticipated first solo endeavor burst on the scene in March 2025 and has impressed both patrons and critics in the culinary world — the reviews are outstanding. For those who have followed “The Robin Project” through its series of intimate pop-ups and private dinners, this marks a significant—and highly personal—milestone in St. Louis' fine dining scene. See for yourself here.

Since summer is the perfect time for a swim, it might be time to go to take a deep dive into your jewelry box and see what you find in the treasure chest. If you come up a little short, perhaps it’s time to replenish your supply of summer trinkets. Enjoy these selections plucked from distinctive treasure troves that you may want to dip into. Take the plunge are ensure that your next visit to a resort, dinner out with your significant other, or trip to a summer party at the club will make you sparkle, both inside and out.

Book lovers, collectors, and avid readers all anticipate the J’s Used Book Sale – held in January and August each year! The summer event is held Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building Sunday, August 24 through Thursday, August 28, 2025. Thousands of titles are available, including mystery and intrigue, novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help, humor…the list goes on.

Internationally acclaimed photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery Andy Katz mesmerizes global audiences with his breathtaking photography that explores the intersection of nature, light, and raw beauty. His lifelong passion for photography, nature, and storytelling propels his ongoing quest to unite and inspire through the lens of his camera. What started as a childhood fascination quickly evolved into a profound calling that would take him across continents, to over 90 countries, capturing the beauty and mystery of far-flung destinations. See more.

Here’s a recipe for the perfect society event for a scorching St. Louis summer day. Take one part historic mansion. Mix with 75 patrons of the arts. Add the cast of Tennessee Williams’ hottest play. Stir in a heaping helping of brie, beignets, and berries. Garnish with a spritz of sparkling summer libations. Splash liberally in a newly-installed pool. And voilà! You have the ingredients for the Tennessee Williams “Brunch with Blanche” Pool Party Fundraiser to raise a record sum for the storied institution’s 10th season. Click here to see all how it all turned out.

The primary bedroom is a sea of serenity — so also is the entire house. That was the goal when designer Julie Abner began working with the homeowners. As a master at modern minimalism the redesigned house stands as testament to her talents and expresses exactly what the homeowner wanted. Take a journey with us to discover how the mutual goal was met and the home is now peaceful and serene.

Lambert International is slated for a multi-billion-dollar update. Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge will overseeing it all. Prior to her appointment as director, the vital regional economic engine had seen drastic decreases in the number of flights in and out. Hamm-Niebruegge is a visionary. Under her watch, the airport is set to undergo a vast transformation. She has received approval from the airlines to spend the first $1 billion on the first of two phases. While preserving the airport’s historic Minoru Yamasaki dome windows and the ticket lobby, the two existing terminals will be raised to become one. The western half is slated to open by the end of 2028; the eastern portion by the end of 2031.

Upscale Italy has crossed the pond and come to Westport with Basso on the Plaza, the newest addition in firmament of mega-developer Lodging Hospitality Management’s properties. For years, LHM has been reinventing the now 52-year Westport Plaza in an effort to make it one of the region’s top entertainment districts. The upscale feel was evident with the debut of 360 Westport in 2024 on the rooftop of the iconic gold tower. Now, 2025 adds to Westport’s high-end venues. It’s a place where you know you can find good Italian food and are welcomed into a dining setting unparalleled in the area. See for yourself here.

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in continuous operation in the United States and one of the most respected plant research institutions in the world. With the 2025 appointment of Dr. Lúcia G. Lohmann as president and director—the first woman to hold this prestigious role—the Garden enters a bold new era, bridging its storied legacy with a forward-thinking vision for sustainability, education, and global scientific leadership. See more of the garden here.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) and the Fabulous Fox announced that more than $350,000 has been raised to support the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Disaster Relief Fund, a joint initiative that included a benefit concert on June 29 at the Fabulous Fox and a related online donation effort.