Why We Love Carondelet!

 

This St. Louis neighborhood is packed with so much history, magnificent architecture and cool things to do and see, that we are hard pressed to limit this article to just a few things we love about it. Founded in 1767, this French neighborhood is the hometown of Susan Elizabeth Blow, who founded the nation’s first kindergarten. Scott Bakula, Yogi Berra and T. S. Eliot were born in nearby St. Louis. If that’s not enough to grab you, check out our top picks for food, shopping and festivals to enjoy in Carondelet.

Events and Festivals

The weather is getting warmer, and with warmer weather comes outdoor events:

  • The neighborhood park, all 180 acres of it, is home to music, beginning in June and going through August:

No schedule has been published yet, but check with the park to learn its 2015 lineup.

  • The St. Louis Garlic Festival began as a private by-invitation-only celebration of local garlic growers. It became public only recently and is held on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

TIP: We can’t wait to check out the Missouri Botanical Gardens, which is showing Art with Lego Bricks Exhibit from March 22 to May 16.

Shopping

One-of-a-kind items are special. No one else has one, of course, and these things can only be found in small shops often run by families. Carondelet has no deficit of original shops such as:

  • Home accessories, women’s clothing and jewelry at Lusso’s
  • Everything baby at Petunia Children’s Boutique
  • Resort wear from designers on both coasts at Crescent Coast
  • John’s Antiques
  • Anything you can think of at Loughborough Commons

With the exception of Loughborough Commons, the above is located in Carondelet Plaza. Loughborough Commons is located on Loughborough Avenue.

TIP:  The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Gate Shop contains a little of everything from home and garden to furnishings.

Eats

What’s a neighborhood without the best food on the planet tucked away in a corner no one knows about but you? Definitely check out:

  • River Des Peres Yacht Club for their sandwiches
  • Kicker’s is one of those hidden gems
  • Iron Barley

As for breweries (after all, this is St.  Louis):

  • Great Rivers Saloon
  • The Haven
  • Perennial Artisan Ales

TIP:  The Missouri Botanical Garden is packed with good food like the Sassafras Café.

The reason we love Carondelet so much is its colors, flavors and attitudes. From the architecture to the zinnias, from the aromas to the (okay, we can’t come up with a z, but you get the idea), this neighborhood is the best. We can tell you much more when you contact us for more information