Edition: Best Places to Go
St. Louis Shopping
Author: Robin K. Evans
Home Sweet Homemade
Enjoy the fruits of St. Louis with these locally-produced treats.
ANHEUSER-BUSCH BREWERY
St. Louis is home to the world headquarters of Anheuser-Busch (12th & Lynch Streets, 314-577-2626), one of the world's largest beer brewers. The brewery has been an important part of the St. Louis community since the 1860s. Free tours of the brewing process are given daily; they conclude with a complimentary beer tasting for all patrons over 21. The brewery is only a few blocks from downtown, and the tour gives a peek at the 1885 Clydesdale stable, the historic 1892 Brew House, and the packaging plant.
SKIF SWEATERS
Remember those stylishly tattered sweaters that kept Keanu Reeves and Carrie—Anne Moss chic even while being pursued by enemy ships in The Matrix? Those sweaters and other creative clothing pieces are made here in St. Louis by Skif International (2008 Marconi, 314-773-4401). Each one-of-a-kind garment manufactured by the very creative Skif staff is hand-made and shipped to hundreds of retailers nationwide. Visitors can find Skif sweaters in specialty shops and boutiques, or at the studio located on The Hill.
HERBARIA SOAPS
This luxurious line of natural, plant-based soaps is sold in shops, galleries, and malls across the country. Fans are wild about the lovely scents and moisturizing properties of Herbaria Soaps, with exotic varieties such as Black Forest Chamomile with shea butter, and Lavender Oatmeal with healing properties. “Our soaps are delightfully scented, and made from organic ingredients,” says owner Ken Gilberg. “Customers love the moisturizing qualities and knowing that our products are good for the environment.” Herbaria soaps can be purchased online at www.herbariasoap.com, or by contacting Ken Gilberg at 314-822-4092.
BISSINGER’S CHOCOLATES
In 2006, Bissinger’s Chocolate Spa line (a line of dark chocolates rich in antioxidants) made the “O” list, and was featured in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine. Not content to rest on its laurels, the company is opening a new lounge called Bissinger, A Chocolate Experience (Maryland Plaza). Scheduled to open June 1, the lounge will feature a plush atmosphere where chocoholics can relax while enjoying specialty desserts, coffee drinks, and liqueurs. You can find Bissinger’s retail stores at the Saint Louis Galleria, Plaza Frontenac, Westfield Crestwood, and in the Central West End. You can also order online at www.bissingers.com. For more information, call 314-367-9750.
SCHLAFLY BREWERY
You already know that St. Louis is famous for its great taste in beer. Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave., 314-241-BEER) continues this long standing tradition. In 1991, Schlafly became the first new production brewery in St. Louis since the end of prohibition. Both the Tap Room (2100 Locust, 314-241-BEER), Schlafly’s restaurant downtown, and the free brewery tour at the bottleworks in Maplewood are local favorites. On the brewery tour, patrons get to see the entire brew house, the fermentation area, and the tank farm. “Our customers get a real kick out of the brewery tour, the tank farm, and our laid back dining atmosphere,” says manager Tony Brescia.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
2800 S 12th St, St Louis, MO 63118
The famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is the company's world headquarters and the largest of its 12 breweries.
Skif International
5146 Daggett, St. Louis, MO 63110
Unique hand made sweaters in unusual colors, fashioned from natural silk, linen, cotton and rayon.
Bissinger's: A Chocolate Experience
32 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108
In 2006, Bissinger's Chocolate Spa line (a line of dark chocolates rich in antioxidants) made the "O" list and was featured in Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine.
