Spring has sprung — officially. Time to break out! Get out! Spring break is not just for college kids. After all, as a grownup you have the means for more refined escapades. St. Louis residents don’t have to travel far to enjoy a well-deserved escape. Boasting sun-drenched beaches, charming coastal towns, buzzing city escapes, award-winning dining and world-class attractions, Florida destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for spring break just a short flight away.

Recently, Gent Men's Fashion Week celebrated its 10-year anniversary with over 300 attendees and an explosive runway show, featuring 24 designers and over 100 pieces on the catwalk. This year’s show introduced the Blue Jacket Segment, dedicated to raising awareness for men’s prostate health. Doctors and patients took to the runway wearing custom-made blue jackets, created by local designers—many of whom are members of Fashion Group International St. Louis, which played a key role in curating this impactful show. Take a look.

A 62 acre lot outside Millstadt, Illinois, became the place where Kevin Voges had his proverbial dream home built. He picked a peninsula jutting straight onto the lake on which to put his Modern Mountain dwelling. The house was all about designing for the land. Designed by architect Dave Schaub and decorated by Amy McCoy of McCoy Design Studio, the lakeview fantasy sailed and is now reality. See more here.

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail encompasses three principal wine regions: Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Marlborough in New Zealand. Together, these regions account for over eighty percent of the country's wine production and provide wine enthusiasts access to 230 wineries and 120 cellar doors. This 240-mile, sign-posted self-guided journey is ideal for a five to ten-day trip. A myriad accommodation options to suit every traveler, from luxury lodges and boutique B&Bs to serviced apartments and historic cottages. Take a trip with us here.

In its 30th season, the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival returns to its new home at the B&B Theatres in Creve Coeur for two weeks of cinema excellence from March 30 – April 8, 2025. Dramas, documentaries, comedies, and an October 7 retrospective highlight the six-day, 13-film schedule. Full details on the powerhouse season as well as movie trailers here.

St. Louis is the city of the 3 1 4.  And 314 Day, March 14th, is the special day that we celebrate all things St. Louis. 314 Day was created by Terrell “Young Dip” Evans and Tatum Polk in 2006 with the goal to bolster St. Louis spirit and support. 19 years later, the regional holiday is more robust than ever, with metro area business, restaurants, cultural institutions, and more offering their own twists on the festivities. Other than an Arch tram ride, chatting with the gathered South City crowd on Chippewa with a cup of Ted Drewes, going to The Hill for some toasted ravioli, ordering some Imo’s for delivery, or watching the Cards on TV during a spring training game, here are some ways to celebrate the holiday…

After a phenomenal debut season in 2023, St. Louis CITY SC struggled in 2024. The new gaffer, Olof Mellberg, is charged with reversing that tide. He comes to St. Louis with five years of experience as a head coach, primarily in Sweden. During his four seasons there he consistently demonstrated an ability to get the best out of his team, improve young players and deliver results above expectations. The team, franchise, and entire city is psyched for what lies ahead.

As the days gradually lengthen, we look forward to warmer days ahead, but not before partaking in a final schuss in slushy late-spring snow.  Take a fantasy trip with us to the Alps and imagine wearing Blackbough Swim, which stylishly straddles the seasons with its latest Après Ski Collection, representing a fresh take on snow-inspired swimwear for the ultimate winter-into-spring getaways. See for yourself here.

Celebrated worldwide this year on Saturday, March 8, International Women’s History Day is celebrated in the middle of March, which is Women’s History Month. The month is dedicated to women’s achievements in social, economic, cultural, and political realms. On March 8, women across the globe stand proudly and metaphorically cry the anthem that singer Helen Reddy made famous in the 1970’s — “I Am Woman.” Learn about the origins of the day and month of the woman.

Famed fine art publisher Robert Lococo stands next to his recent gift to the Saint Louis Art Museum in an immaculate peacock blue Tom Ford suit. The suit (and similarly “peacock” alligator shoes) went extremely well with the very large, very red painting on the wall behind him. That painting –“Coca-Cola Girl 25”–is part of artist Alex Katz’s “Coca-Cola Girls” series. Take a journey with us and find out why his prints hang in galleries worldwide.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel "The Great Gatsby" turns 100 this year. To commemorate, Clementine's Naughty & Nice Ice Creamery has created four new flavors themed to the book. These indulgent treats were certainly something Gatsby, Daisy and Nick would have loved in the sweltering heat on Long Island and in NYC. In addition, The Hi-Pointe movie theater will be showing the 2013 film "The Great Gatsby" on March 16 along with a meet-up with the Novel Neighbor book club. Enjoy some liquor-spiked or virgin ice cream while you celebrate the charming bootlegger. Details here.

Regardless of if you have ever been to Florence and Tuscany, our newly launched Sophisticated Traveler is in-depth 7-night experience is intended for motivated travelers who want to learn more, see more and experience more of Florence with Florentine experts than they have in the past. Travelers will have a choice of 4- or 5-star accommodations, access to the best tour guides, and experiences that no tour of Florence can offer. The maiden voyage is October 2025. Email Craig Kaminer at craig@slmag.net to book your spot.

The “We Are St. Louis” is both a movement and 36-million-dollar capital campaign announced on the St. Louis City’s 261st birthday on February 14, 2025. The campaign is The Missouri Historical Society’s commitment to showcasing the diverse tapestry of stories that make St. Louis unique. It strives to create an understanding of the rich past of the city so it can better shape its future. Learn more here about how the tapestry was woven for 261 years and plans to continue to unfurl its threads for decades down the road ahead.

We are in the home stretch till Spring 2025 is OFFICIALLY HERE on Thursday, March 20th, when the Spring Equinox hits. To herald the big day, the Sophisticated Living March/April issue will soon hit your doorsteps. Drip, drip, drip online or through social media, articles like the feature on world-renowned fine art publisher and St. Louis’ own Robert Lococo will dazzle you. Read all about how the news of St. Louis CITY SC Olof Mellberg being selected as their new head coach is rippling across the soccer world like a thunderclap. Help herald the 25th anniversary of the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. Preview the new issue here.

NJT (The New Jewish Theatre) is proud to open its 27th season with a bold and immersive production of the classic musical Cabaret, running March 20 through April 6. Directed by NJT’s Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet in her first musical production for the theatre, Cabaret promises to transport audiences to the thrilling yet ominous world of 1929 Berlin. More prescient than ever in today’s climate, this is a must-see theatrical event. Details here.

A once vibrant part of the St. Louis skyline will soon be resurrected from a long decay. Downtown St. Louis-based nonprofit Gateway Arch Park Foundation recently announced that it has selected The Cordish Companies to redevelop the Millennium Hotel property, located at 200 S. 4th St. adjacent to the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch. This milestone marks a major step toward revitalizing a key downtown site that has stood vacant since 2014. Details on the major redevelopment project here.

WEPOWER is teaming up with 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis to launch a curated collection of goods that creates new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Over the next year, 21c will feature WEPOWER Accelerator businesses in their gift shop, fi ve businesses at a time, rotating every six months. Details here.

Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle. Take a trip with us to see AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa, a Disney confection come to life. 

No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage. Learn more about the legendary ultimate golden-age luxury car.

After a 2-year hiatus, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is returning to the newly-renovated Powell Symphony Hall in the Grand Arts District in Midtown St. Louis. Just announced is the programming for its milestone 146th season — the first season in the Jack C. Taylor Music Center following the $140 million expansion and renovation. The season begins with the orchestra’s annual concert in Forest Park on September 17 with the inaugural public concerts in the SLSO’s Midtown venue on September 26-28. Get every detail here.

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to unveil its landmark 25th anniversary season. It starts with its 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration on May 15th, featuring a one-night-only performance by Tony-Award-nominee and Grammy Award-winner Patrick Page. It continues with Hamlet at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park in May and June. It also features a groundbreaking collaboration with the Saint Louis Zoo in July. Learn about the season’s more than 100 productions that culminate with Shakespeare in the Streets in September 2025.

Taking The Luxury Gold "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," tour involves visiting nine cities in two countries for a two-week adventure. The trip is nothing short of luxurious. From the time you’re picked up from St. Louis in a town car, you travel first class. You stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge. Take a journey here and experience true luxury travel gold.

This February, Museum of Illusions St. Louis is setting the stage for an unforgettable date night—whether you’re swooning over someone special, dreaming of a meet-cute, laughing with your besties or making memories with the whole family. Featuring interactive exhibits that play tricks on the eye and themed activities designed to spread the love, it’s the perfect spot to get lost in the magic of the moment. Museum of Illusions’ Valentine’s Day programming runs from February 14-16. Learn more.

Crown Center for Senior Living, a non-profit affordable senior living and neighborhood community hub, recently celebrated the completion of the first phase of its construction project with a grand re-opening. During the event, attendees were also able to view more than 60 pieces of art donated by Michael Staenberg from his personal collection to be used throughout the new activity center, Staenberg Commons. Learn more.

Work & Leisure, Tenacious Eats and The Improv Shop cordially invites you to “The Reception,” the most unforgettable, laugh-out-loud event that you’ve ever attended. It takes place this Valentine’s weekend. This elevated dining experience is an immersive wedding experience perfect for the “weekend of love” both Friday February 14th and Saturday February 15th. Enjoy dinner and a show while watching first-rate comedy with the one or ones you love. Or come by yourself and mingle with other singles. More information here.

The Missouri History Museum’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) will be honoring Black History Month in February with a series of events in celebration of Black History Month at the Missouri History Museum. These events are part of the African American History Initiative (AAHI), which strives to promote stories that explore various aspects of the African American experience such as race, music, disability, and geneology.

This year, the Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis (TWSTL) makes history. It kicks off its tenth year of filling the senses of fans and followers with the works of the Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright and toast of the St. Louis theatrical world, the inimitable Tennessee Williams. Dubbed the TEN for TENN Anniversary Season, the St. Louis Metro area and beyond will witness the brilliant legacy of what many consider to be America’s greatest playwright with a series of events slated through Fall 2025. Learn more here.

The season of love is here. Valentine’s Day this year is on Friday, February 14th, and for many that’s just the beginning of a weekend when one can say, “I love you, let me count the ways.” Whether you celebrate the day of hearts itself, or if cupid’s arrow strikes your heart during the entire month of February, we’ve got you covered at Sophisticated Living. Here, we have compiled a list of things to share with that special someone in your life. Coupled, single, whatever. There’s sure to be something that will tickle your fancy as you scroll our list during this season when Cupid tickles fancies.

Aperture Cellars Winery & Vineyards champions a range of expressive Bordeaux style wines from Sonoma County’s premier cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Its holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. See the vineyards and tasting room through the eye of renown photographer Alex Katz at his son’s vineyards. Learn how vineyard owner Jesse Katz grew up to make wine that one can almost taste through the aperture of a photographer’s lens.

On the heels of being nominated in USA Today as one of the best Open Air Museum’s in the nation, St. Louis’ own National Museum of Transportation was vandalized causing $20,000 in damages. Vandals painted graffiti on two historic trolley artifacts. These trolleys are used in daily operation providing rides for guests during the operating season. The museum is putting out an urgent call to the community to help restore this nationally recognized local treasure. Details here.