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.

Summer may be glorious, but it’s brutal on one’s hair and scalp. UV rays, chlorine, saltwater, and heat can all leave it dry, faded, brittle, or frizzy, whether it’s color-treated or not. Kiwabi, the premium Japanese scalp and hair care brand, is known for merging traditional Japanese botanical ingredients with cutting-edge science. Their haircare essentials offer an elevated line of UV-protective, damage-defying formulas that keep all hair types looking vibrant, healthy, and glossy in any climate.

At Baetje Farms, nestled in the quiet countryside of Bloomsdale, Missouri, visitors are offered more than just a tour — they are invited into a slower rhythm of life, where craft, care and connection to the land shape everything from world renowned cheese to hospitality. Although only 52 miles outside the city, in a world moving at hyper speed, Baetje Farms offers a pause where guests are embraced by a cathedral of trees and natural borders of river and wild growth.

On May 16, 2025, an EF3 tornado with winds up to 152mph hit St. Louis and put newly-elected Mayor Cara Spencer’s leadership skills to the ultimate test. Soon after the hit, Mayor Spencer would realize the extent of the damage quickly. Tree root balls the size of Mini Coopers lined the streets and sidewalks all over the city. Branches jabbed gaping holes into roofs. Cars were crushed. Live power lines crashed onto the streets and sidewalks. Citizens were injured. The tornado lasted five minutes. The recovery will take years. And years.

For ten years now, the institution (and yes, they can officially call it an institution at the decade mark) has lifted high the banner and has been the siren call that beckons all to bask in the brilliance of St. Louis’ adopted son, and arguably the greatest playwright in the nation, the inimitable Tennessee Williams. This month and next, the festival shifts into high gear with events at the St. Louis County Library, the Missouri History Museum, a CWE mansion, and the eleven day festival itself in the Grand Center Arts District.

As you globe trot this summer, you may notice that the planet is getting warmer. 2024 was the warmest year on record since 1880. Record-setting temps have swept the country in June, and St. Louis is no exception with the heat index soaring to 105 degrees or more.  It’s about to heat up a whole lot more, especially when the July/August issue of Sophisticated Living St. Louis hits your mailbox, or you pick it up at one of our advertisers. If you’re reading this, you’re probably from the Show-Me State, and as always we SHOW YOU the best in fashion, travel, cuisine, architecture, design, and philanthropic endeavors to be, well, for lack of a better word...seen.

LOVE Wine is a new collaboration that celebrates women in wine and art. Recently, J. Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg, California, debuted LOVE Wine. It is a collaboration between the sparkling wine house and the art and design initiative grantLOVE, created by artist and philanthropist Alexandra Grant. Each new bottling of LOVE Wine will feature a unique label created in collaboration with a leading female-identified artist. Learn more here about this labor of love.

Ruth's Chris Steak House is creating its own fireworks this year with its RBAR Burger - a special grind on a brioche bun with Havarti cheese, lettuce, tomato & smoked onion aioli and signature chips accompanied by its hand-crafted Wildberry Lemonade, a red, white and blue salute to the 4th. Celebrate the 4th downtown with a view of the Independence Day fireworks, or at the Chesterfield location.

Powered by Aston Martin's new 5.2-liter V12 engine delivering 835PS and 1000Nm of torque with a top speed of 214mph, the Vanquish Volante is the fastest, most potent front-engine production car on sale today. Read and see here why it created such a stir since it made its debut in March, and it is still making waves in the industry today.

Beretta unveiled its annual one-off shotgun late last year, dedicated to Marco Polo's legacy. Made at Beretta's headquarters in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, the shotgun is a one-of-a-kind firearm crafted on the legendary SO6 EELL Sparviere over-and-under platform. The Marco Polo PB Selection shotgun is an ode to a brave traveler who wasn't afraid to face new cultures and people. More here.