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.
Read MoreAt month’s end, get ready for a new way to play darts and enjoy upscale St. Louis nightlife. Flight Club is set to open in Clayton then. State of Play Hospitality is bringing Flight Club, its upscale, tech-enabled Social Darts® concept, to town. Inspired by the rich British heritage of darts, Social Darts marries history with technology and captures friends that play on camera enjoying the game in a stunning, tony atmosphere. Featuring creative craft cocktails and upscale cuisine, what happens in Flight Club won’t stay in Flight Club, rather it will soon be the talk of the town. Learn more.
Read MoreOn Saturday, February 8, hundreds of people in St. Louis will brave the cold in just their undies during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pantless party and mile(ish) run for charity. The festivities start at noon downtown at Ballpark Village. The run is just the tip of the iceberg, since it is only a “brief” mile. Organizers describe the event this way, “Party, mile run, party. Help us #EndNF by running a mile in your skivvies for charity.” Last year the event raised close to $100,000. Learn more here.
Read MoreIgnite your 2025 Friday nights with a visit to Third Degree Glass in the Delmar Maker District. Experience live glassblowing demonstrations, a flame working demo, hands-on kiln experience, premium craft cocktails & full bar, live music, raffles, food from Urban Eats vendors, and rotating seasonal activities. Details here about the first two Third Friday events of 2025.
Read MoreLocal socialite Kelly Bagwe held a charity benefit a day ahead of the world-wide ‘Wicked’ premiere. Dubbed, “Are YOU A GOOD WITCH OR A BAD WITCH?”, guests arrived dressed to the nines, decked out in stunning pink or black and green. Fans thronged to St. Louis’ Chase Park Plaza Theater as either Galinda, as Glinda The Good Witch is called in much of the film, or as Elphaba, the soon-to-be Wicked Witch of the West. Pink taffeta flowed, green make-up and billowing black capes filled the theater. Learn more here about how Kelly’s efforts turned “Wicked” to good for a local women and children’s charity.
Read MoreIt’s Christmastime at the Missouri History Museum and time to spread the joy of the season. Join the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association for a festive concert and community sing-along on Thursday, December 12th, 6:30-8pm. Learn more here.
Read MoreHearth & Soul continues its annual holiday tradition this year. An unforgettable holiday window is on display for passers by to marvel at and shoppers to see as they discover holiday treasures. Coupled with month-long festivities and daily advent calendar giveaways through December, Hearth & Soul is your home away from home for the best time of the year. Learn more.
Read MoreThis holiday season, Sold On St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum is a one stop shopping destination for unique, locally-crafted gifts at all price points. With nearly 150 local vendors in one shop, supporting St. Louis' vibrant creative community is easier than ever. Learn more here.
Read MoreDid you know that since 1900, the first night of Hanukkah has fallen on Christmas Day five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and 2024? The next time it will happen is in 2035 and then again in 2054. This means that ‘tis the season for holiday shopping and holiday activities for the vast majority. Here we have compiled a big list of things to make your holidays merry and bright, no matter your affiliation. Time to get out and celebrate St. Louis the sophisticated way. Learn more.
Read MoreThe Gateway Outdoor Summit returns in November with nationally recognized speakers and a new grant program designed to jumpstart community-focused outdoor recreation projects. The summit is a part of an expanded 2024 Gateway Outdoor Expo weekend. The expo, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 23-24 at the St. Charles Convention Center, is an annual consumer show that features more than 200 exhibit booths from outdoor retailers and service providers, fun kids’ activities, product demos, show specials, food and drinks, and other attractions. Learn more.
Read MoreFront steps fill with pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns glow with flickering light, and kids — just like Halloween enthusiasts everywhere — eagerly prepare for the festivities. For many of us, Halloween is a cherished tradition filled with costumes, candy and laughter. Yet for neurodivergent children, Halloween can be challenging. Since the whole world is celebrating, it is important that sensory-challenged children feel included in the holiday. Pathways.org, a resource for parents and healthcare professionals that offers free tools for child development, can help. Learn more.
Read MoreAutumn is the perfect time to slow down, build a fire, grab some apple cider and sit down for a good read. Here are some Sophisticated Living recommendations. And since your stoves and ovens will soon be heating up for the holidays, we’ve got some books you may want to pick up to make sure you put your best foot forward during this coming season of mirth. Perhaps you are a bibliotaph yourself. If so, sample of our selections.
Read MoreFall is peak wedding season and for many the most romantic time of year — after all, it’s the day when couples “tie their eternal knot” of love. Everything must be perfect. The dress. The tux. The flowers. The venue. The reception. And the food. Yes, the food. The food at the reception says it all. Discover a stylish wedding venue many of St. Louis’ elite are talking about and recommending. Discover Vicia, a place that reflects sophisticated taste levels. Read more.
Read MoreIt’s autumn in St. Louis. As the days of Fall 2024 dwindle down to the precious few, the leaves are finally transforming. They are unmasking. The cooler nights we are having are changing the fall foliage into vivid reds, yellows, and oranges — the signatures of the season. Seize the season. Wrap yourself in it and savor each luxurious drop of it. Celebrate the season — the time of year where humid-free warm days give way to chilly nights. Wrap yourself in sophisticated splendor this year. Here are a few decadently autumnal ways in which you can.
Read MoreThe final days of summer are upon us, and by the weekend the autumnal equinox brings summer to a close. The bright buds of summer will begin to fade. But one community takes full advantage of spring and summer's glorious blooms and gets the whole community involved. For nearly 40 years, Executive Director of U City in Bloom Judy Prange, with the help of neighbors, beautifies the 5.9 square miles of University City with gardens. Read how she has rallied the community to keep U City blooming.
Read MoreOn September 25, 2024, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will unveil a new exhibition titled Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II. The exhibition tells the story of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops — the first mobile, multimedia, tactical deception unit in US Army history. Learn more here.
Read MoreSummer is over. In days gone by, kids didn’t head back to school until after Labor Day. But for many kids and teachers the school bell rang weeks ago and will continue sounding for the nine months ahead. Time is suddenly crunched. Not enough hours in the day. Winslow's Table to the rescue. They have you covered with quick and delicious meals. Learn here how you can meet your family’s culinary needs and have time for yourself.
Read MoreFather’s Day comes early this year. Although it’s always celebrated on the third Sunday in June, which oftentimes falls around the 19th, this year we get to celebrate our fathers on Sunday, June 16th. Are you ready? Here’s a compendium of sophisticated ways to celebrate the king in your life.
Read MoreIt’s here, ladies. Mother’s Day Weekend 2024 has finally arrived and although you and all the mothers in your life deserve it every single day, after this weekend you may not get this much attention for another 51 weekends. Hearth & Soul has your back 365 days of the year. Join them for their Mix & Mingle event on the eve of Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 11th from 3-5pm.
Read MoreGraduation commencement ceremonies will be taking place in St. Louis and beyond during the month of May. High school and college students who have labored for years will soon walk across the stage of various and sundry schools of higher learning, either in indoor auditoriums or platforms erected outdoors for the time-honored rituals. Diplomas and degrees will be handed them to certify their achievement. Here is a bit of trivia about some of our time-honored traditions and graduation gift-giving ideas.
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