Sophisticated Guide to Spring 2025
Compiled by Grayling Holmes
Birds are chirping. Daylight lasts longer. Warm breezes waft through the air. And, yes, sometimes those breezes whip up to winds that blow us to and fro. They are a sure sign that spring has sprung and new life abounds.
Soon April showers will bring May flowers. That means that St. Louisans will come out of hibernation and start buzzing like butterflies across the metro.
Spread your wings and catch spring fever with our annual Sophisticated Guide to Spring.
The guide is a long one because there is so much to buy, see, and do here.
Scroll. Savor. Absorb. We are the gateway to the Show Me State. Here, we Show You that in picture and word.
Ready, set, go! Watch the sophisticated rainbow that is St. Louis show off its myriad of colors below.
Arch Bark
The Gateway Arch Park Foundation, in partnership with Purina, hosts the annual Arch Bark. This family-friendly spring event, celebrating the special bond between pets and their owners, featuring a variety of outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy a 1-mile dog walk, exciting canine performances, and educational opportunities through the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. Ranger program. Attendees will also have the chance to engage with local vendors, enjoy food and games, and experience the Gateway Arch as an inclusive destination for both people and pets.
This event also includes the Purina Paws on Pavement 1-Mile Walk, First Purina Incredible Dog Team Performance & Dog Fashion Show and Best Trick Contest.
Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gateway Arch National Park. More information here.
Free to attend.
Baseball
A new baseball book from St. Louis-based Reedy Press is now available for pre-order, just in time for baseball season! From St. Louis To Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City, tells the stories of some of St. Louis's most beloved players such as Hornsby, Dean, Musial, Schoendienst, Gibson, and Brock. These great ball players went on to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
Which Cardinals player was named after a president and was later played by a future president in his life story? Who had a higher career on base percentage than Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, although he retired 100 years ago? How many games did baseball’s winningest pitcher win in St. Louis? And which St. Louisan reached 300 wins before him? These are just a few of the trinkets of information to be found in this anthology of players who found their way from St. Louis to Cooperstown. Click here to preorder.
BUDS
Custom-designed floral arrangements are BUDS’ specialties. Colorful and festive flower gifts are sure to impress your Easter or Passover offerings, or anything you might have going on this spring.
BUDS also provides an in-home or event decorating service perfect for that springtime gathering or gala.
Visit them at 522 South Hanley Road @ Wydown in Clayton, Missouri 63105. Phone them at 314-371-4646. Visit them virtually or order at budsstl.com.
An array of colorful and festive flowers to brighten you loved-one’s home.
Cinco de Mayo Taco Crawl in the Delmar Loop
This Cinco de Mayo the Delmar Loop will host its annual Taco Crawl from 4-8 PM. The event will see the neighborhood come alive with the sounds, flavors, and energy that make it one of the most culturally diverse dining destinations in St. Louis.
Monday, May 5, 4-8 p.m. at various restaurants in the Delmar Loop.
$35 ticket includes 4 tacos and 1 margarita. Click here for more information.
City Foundry: Car Show for St. Jude
Car lovers of all ages will gather at City Foundry to donate to St. Jude and browse exotic cars. Grab lunch in the Food Hall and explore the attractions of City Foundry after you get your car fix!
Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., City Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Cocktails for Spring by 4 Hands Brewing Company
Perfect for spring, 4 Hands Brewing Company is shaking things up with a brand-new line of full-flavored canned cocktails, delivering big, bold sips in every can. Launched in their tasting rooms and statewide on Friday, April 4th, these refreshingly fun cocktails are crafted with premium spirits and bursting with juicy, vibrant flavors.
These drinks are bright, fruit-forward and ready to go wherever the good times take you. Perfect for backyard hangs, festival season or just kicking back after a long day, these cocktails are made for maximum flavor and zero hassle. Just chill, crack ‘em open and enjoy!
For the latest updates, follow 4 Hands Brewing Company online at 4handsbrewery.com, Facebook, or Instagram.
The first wave of 4 Hands canned cocktails brings three flavor-packed delights:
● Passion Fruit Orange Guava – Tropical vibes in a can! This sun-kissed blend of passion fruit, zesty orange and smooth guava is a mini vacation with every sip. ABV: 7%
● Raspberry Lemonade Melon – Tart raspberries, bright lemon and a whisper of sweet melon come together for a juicy, refreshing cocktail that’s as smooth as it is bold. ABV: 7%
● Grapefruit Hibiscus – Tangy grapefruit meets floral hibiscus for a crisp, citrusy cocktail that’s equal parts bright and breezy. ABV: 7%
Hear the Future
Join St. Louis Public Radio on May 2 for Hear the Future 2025! This year we're excited to present a one-of-a-kind St. Louis-centered program with Planet Money co-host Kenny Malone and Wailin Wong, host of Planet Money's podcast The Indicator. Come for the special guests and enjoy time with STLPR staff and other supporters who care about creating a more informed and engaged public.
The fundraiser takes place on Friday, May 2nd at the Four Seasons in downtown St. Louis, 999 North 2nd, St. Louis, MO 63102. For more information, please visit stlpr.org/events.
Hearth & Soul
Hearth & Soul owner Susie Busch-Transou talks about spring and Easter goodies at the Ladue boutique.
It’s spring. And whether you celebrate Easter, which culminates on Sunday, April 20th, or Passover, from the evening of Saturday, April 12th thru April 20th, Hearth & Soul in Ladue is the place for EVERYTHING SPRING.
Hearth & Soul is located at 9640 Clayton Road in Ladue, MO. A specialty boutique offering a unique shopping experience with home decor and other items. Visit them in store or online at hearthandsoul.com.
Paradise Bird Bucket Bag - These unique round tote bags are designed with floral and exotic bird images for the new summer Paradise Collection. Made from vintage velvet fabric, soft to the touch with a lovely low pile that gives each piece its special feeling...and what makes it even more special is that it is a "repurposed" material with a low environmental impact that now is part of our growing global artisan collection.
Black Sheep - Meet Black Sheep, the sweetest sheep you'll ever meet! This fluffy bun is 19cm and comes in a unique cream and black color. Made by the infamous Swedish brand Bukowski bears, this little guy meets all European standards.
Wild Hare Salt & Pepper Set - Add a touch of whimsy to your dinner table with our Wild Hare Salt & Pepper Set. These
lifelike, pure-pewter rabbits will catch your eye with their detailed fur and curious expressions. With seasoning holes on their heads and a playful debate over who has more, these bunnies are sure to add a unique touch to your dining experience.
Inoui Editions Square 65 - This line of screen-printed squares comes in a range of sizes, depending on the design. The silk square is a must-have, to be tied carelessly in a thousand ways.
Saucy Six Sampler - Saucy six sampler is the best hot sauce variety gift set. Six deliciously unique flavors ranging from mild to hot. Packed in a mini 6-pack carton, each bottle is 1.7 fl. oz. A thoughtfully gift-able condiment for the hot sauce lover and a foodie who enjoys the spicy lifestyle.
Christy Lynn Essie Dress - The Essie is another fresh and versatile mini dress that combines timeless charm with everyday ease.
Fieldbar Drinks Box - Enhance your outdoor getaways with our handcrafted cooler boxes from the Drinks Box Collection. Made in Cape Town, South Africa, our signature hardcase coolers are not only expertly crafted, but also add a touch of effortless style to any occasion.
12 Piece Chocolate Truffle Tin - Our emblematic gift box is composed of a house selection of exquisite Louis Sherry truffles renowned for their creamy texture and exceptional silkiness. A truly delightful gift for anyone to indulge in the pleasure of fine chocolate.
Flight Club
It’s finally patio season, and Clayton’s newest hot spot invites you to their Garden Party on the Patio, where guests will enjoy live music, drinks specials, and giveaways! Their elevated food and drink menu offers something for everyone, and you can challenge your friends to a fun game of dynamic tech-enabled Social Darts® between bites and sips!
Best of all, it’s FREE!
Wednesday, April 9, 4-8 p.m. Flight Club, 7710 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105. More information here.
Mo Botanical Garden & 1220 Spirits New gin for Spring
1220 Spirits continues their partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden and have created a third amazing New World Gin in celebration of Shaw Nature Reserve’s centennial anniversary.
This collaborative New World Gin merges classic juniper and coriander with orris root, bergamot orange, lemon balm and peel, lime peel, clover and elderflower. Offering a complex yet balanced profile with bright citrus notes and bold floral characters, this spirit is perfect for enjoying neat or in your favorite cocktail.
Missouri Botanical Garden Gin is now available at all three 4 Hands Brewing Company tasting room locations: the 4 Hands Brewery & Tasting Room, 4 Hands at The District and 4 Hands + Peacemaker Kirkwood.
Old Bakery Beer Co.: Riverbend Earth Day Celebration
More than 30 local environmental organizations and vendors will be at Old Bakery Beer Co. to celebrate Earth Day and offer educational experiences, interactive activities, and eco-friendly products. Guests can learn about conservation efforts and sustainability practices and shop for handmade goods, native plants, or upcycled crafts.
This event is free.
Saturday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Old Bakery Beer Co., 300 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL, 62002. Click here for more information.
Old Courthouse Grand Reopening
On May 3, St. Louis will celebrate the grand reopening of its iconic Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis after the completion of extensive renovations. Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation will commemorate the reopening of this historic landmark with a free community festival honoring the St. Louis landmark’s significant role in American history. Visitors can explore the new exhibit galleries, including Pathways to Freedom, Dred and Harriet Scott, Designed for Justice, and See You in Court.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m., Doors Open 10:30 a.m., Old Courthouse, 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102. Click here more information.
This event is free.
PALM Health
You owe it to yourself and to your health and well being to go to PALM Health. It is a personalized medicine and wellness clinic offering the best in functional medicine, integrative medicine, holistic medicine, and concierge medicine with a team of doctors, dietitians, trainers, and more -- all dedicated to one goal: your well-being. Services include medical care, counseling, personal training, nutrition consultation, acupuncture, massage therapy, cryotherapy, salt room therapy, and more. Our flexible memberships offer annual, monthly, or daily options, including à la carte access to spa and wellness services in our luxurious state-of-the-art center.
PALM Health is tucked away in Ladue at 9160 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124. Visit them this spring in person or online at palmhealth.com.
Recharge Day Spa Package — This spring, give the gift of revitalization! This package includes five luxurious services to recover, refresh, and renew. - Targeted Revitalizing Massage (45 Minutes) - Modern Express Facial (45 Minutes) - Lip Plump and Quench Treatment - Eye Radiance Smoothing Treatment - PEMF Mat Session.
Icelandic Kelp grows in pure, unpolluted, nutrient-rich seawaters of geothermal Iceland. Kelp is known for its ability to absorb high amounts of sea minerals and vital antioxidants. Fortified kelp from pristine Nordic waters helps nurture the skin while providing deep moisture.
Cuticle and Nail Oil Pen – Hydrating Oil with Grapeseed, Castor & Sunflower Oil for Smooth Cuticles & Strong, Healthy Nails.
Radish Root Body Cream — Our skin needs healthy ingredients the same way our bodies need healthy food. Nash and Jones believes in nourishing skin with ingredients from the earth without chemical preservatives, perfumes or fillers added.
Western Provisions Tallow Balm — Handmade in Defiance, Missouri of skin superfoods like grass fed tallow are packed with naturally bioavailable vitamins A, D, E, K, and B1, as well as stearic and oleic fatty acids.
Vitasana = Healthy Life - Their products are formulated with hydrating, soothing, and nutrient-dense elements that your skin will absolutely love.
Paws for Fashion
The 2nd Annual "Paws for Fashion", a Fashion Show and Luncheon Benefiting CHAMP Assistance Dogs, will take place on May 21, 2025. The event will be held at The Bogey Club in Ladue, courtesy of Bogey Club Host Debbie Bentele. The event chairperson is Diane Buhr Engelsmann. The fashion show will feature models, all of whom are accomplished women in the St. Louis Community, wearing fashions provided by Tradd Street. Tradd Street, located at 9792 Clayton Road, is owned by Nina Engelsmann, who will be the presenter for the fashion show. In the show, each model will be accompanied by a CHAMP program dog.
Leslie Hodges with a CHAMP assistance dog.
Proceeds from this event benefit CHAMP Assistance Dogs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which trains and places service dogs for people with disabilities, as well as facility dogs to work with professionals in settings such as a healthcare facility, courthouse, or child advocacy center. CHAMP places these assistance dogs with qualified partners, free-of-charge. CHAMP also has a therapy dog program which visits thousands of children and adults each year in hospitals, assisted living centers, hospice facilities, schools, libraries, the USO, and more. To learn more about CHAMP Assistance Dogs, please visit their website at champdogs.org.
Plays for the Planet
As spring brings new appreciation for the environment, Missouri Coalition for the Environment brings the community together to address the growing concern for the climate crisis facing our local, national and international communities. This one hour program will consist of staged readings of short plays addressing this pivotal issue.
Thursday, April 17, 12-1 p.m. at High Low, 3301 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO, AND 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Metro Theatre, 3311 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information click here.
The event is free.
Robin Restaurant: Spring 2025's Must-Visit Culinary Spot
Robin Restaurant is one of the cities' most exciting gastronomic destinations to visit this spring. Chef Alec Schingel opened this brick and mortar restaurant, located at 7268 Manchester off Historic Route 66, in March and it has been captivating diners' palates ever since. Serving a small, but elevated Prix Fixe menu sourced from the products of local farmers and purveyors, the cuisine highlights true sustainability and seasonality, and explores the history and culture of Midwestern Cuisine, resulting in thoughtfully crafted meals that feel indulgent yet approachable.
Chef Alec Schingel
The Prix Fixe menu consists of four courses for $75, with three available options at each course. Each guest enjoys three savory dishes and dessert or cheese to finish. A final small bite of chef’s signature Gooey Butter Cake is served as an additional treat at the end of each meal. A full complement of beverages, including beer, wine, liquors, and cocktails accompany the food. Wines are available in two formats – via bottle or carafe to encourage sharing and offer diners more flexibility.
Visit Robin Restaurant in the vibrant community of downtown Maplewood and to learn more and make a reservation visit their website.
Ruth’s Chris
Celebrate Easter around the table for Easter Brunch at Ruth's Chris Steak House! Enjoy a family holiday celebration with warm hospitality and unforgettable dining at either Chesterfield, 16493 Wild Horse Creek Road (636-730-2200, Ruth's Chris Steak House Chesterfield) or Downtown St. Louis at the Hyatt Hotel overlooking the Arch, 315 Chestnut (314-259-3200, Ruth’s Chris Steak House St. Louis). Reservations encouraged.
Some of their featured dishes include:
* Petite Filet & Spicy Crab- 6 oz filet served sizzling with lump crabmeat and topped with sriracha mayonnaise drizzle.
* Crab Cake Benedict sumptuous crab cakes, breakfast potatoes, sauteed arugula, poached eggs and hollandaise
* Lobster Omelette with ratatouille, topped with hollandaise, tomato basil sauce, lobster and fresh basil.
Enjoy any of their signature dishes with a handcrafted brunch cocktail to toast the holiday!
The Normal Brand
The Normal Brand is a St. Louis-based apparel company founded in 2015 by brothers Jimmy, Lan, and Conrad Sansone. Starting from their parents' basement, they set out to create versatile, durable, and comfortable clothing for your everyday. With a focus on thoughtful design and premium materials, their mission is simple: to make normal better.
Shop at their Colonial Marketplace location in Clayton, 8809 Ladue Rd
St. Louis, MO 63124. Visit them at Facebook: facebook.com/thenormalbrand, Instagram: @thenormalbrand.
Whatever your day brings, this is feel-good style made to move with you.
Effortlessly put-together, The Normal Brand brings everyday style to life with pieces made for golden hour strolls and beyond.
Twilight Thursdays at the Missouri History Museum
May ushers in the long-awaited return of concert season at the Missouri History Museum with Twilight Thursdays! This popular, free outdoor concert series on the new Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic basket, and listen to music underneath a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week.
May 1, 8, 15, & 22, 6-8 p.m., North Lawn of the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. More information here.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: Thinking Shakespeare Live!
As part of the Shakespeare Festival's 25th Anniversary Gala, renowned director and producer Barry Edelstein will take The Sheldon stage for Thinking Shakespeare Live!, a fun and fast-paced exploration of the Bard featuring an all-star local cast. This one-of-a-kind 90 minute performance is an exciting introduction to Shakespeare's language and artistry based on Edelstein’s bestselling book Thinking Shakespeare ("a must read for actors" - New York Magazine).
Thursday, May 15, 8 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Click here to learn more.
Tickets start at $25+.
Sunrise Yoga
This spring, awaken your body and bask in the morning sunlight with a gentle yoga practice designed to energize and align your body and mind. This free series, hosted by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats, towels, and water bottles to enjoy the practice amidst the beautiful morning views of Kiener Plaza. This series is part of the Foundation's mission to bring innovative and accessible wellness programs to the community.
Sunrise Yoga is free.
Every Tuesday, May 6-20, 7:00 a.m., Kiener Plaza.
World Circus Day Shows and Lessons
Saturday, April 19, is World Circus Day 2025. World Circus Day is a worldwide event that recognizes and promotes the art of circus, paying tribute to circus artists and workers while highlighting the cultural and social importance of this artistic tradition. Circus Harmony is also a member of the Global Alliance of Circus Schools and will be featured in the World Circus Day video! Celebrated the third Saturday of April, World Circus Day honors and promotes the art and joy of circus!
Come hoop it up with Circus Harmony at City Museum as they offer free hula hooping lessons at City Museum, 750 N. 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, from 1:30-2:30! Show and Lesson are free with City Museum admission.
For more information or to register go to : circusharmony.org/classes.