Edition: St. Louis Adventure
You Go, Girls
Author: Cheryl Hughey
Shop, laugh, and relax with your friends.
The cooler weather of fall is a great time for leisurely excursions into some of the sights and sounds of the St. Louis area. What could be better than shopping, relaxing, and catching a few laughs with some of your favorite gal pals? Pack up the cars, dust off your maps, put on your safari hats, and prepare yourselves for a girls' getaway! Who knows...you just might let your imagination run wild enough to have a little fun.
Treasure Expedition
Why purchase last-minute souvenirs at the airport when you can make your own at Glasshopper Studios? Whether you are a beginner looking to design a beaded bracelet or an advanced student wielding a torch and glass rod, Glasshopper Studios provides a fun and creative atmosphere for the artist in you. The attentive staff welcomes individual visitors to pull up a chair at the design table. Groups of four or more may enjoy scheduling a bead party from the many course offerings at the studio.
If a tranquil stroll through a glass garden is more your style, grab the girls and visit the Missouri Botanical Garden. Now through Octover 31, 2006, the Missouri Botanical Garden will feature "Glass in the Garden" by artist Dale Chihuly. The exquisite, blown glass sculptures will captivate the imagination. Various activites and tours are also available, and don't forget to check out the Garden Gate Shop for creative and unique gift ideas.
Are your friends more of the rockhound types and looking to land a great discovery? Head on out to Ballwin to the B&J Rockshop where fossils and beads delightfully commingle in a small, but mightily supplied shop. An enticing wall of beads will tempt your creative side. The shop is too small for group classes, but the helpful folks behind the counter are quick to explain techniques on finishing your jewelry piece. (Although prices may vary, supplies to make a memory wire bracelet can be purchased for under $15).
Livin' the Good Life
Sometiems a gal just has to laugh. An evening at Laughs on the Landing comedy club promises a plentiful bounty of giggles and grins. Housed within one of Laclede Landing's historical buildings, the exposed stone interior and plentiful bar set the tone for a fantastic evening. You'll find national and local stand-up comedians gracing the stage on Friday and Saturday. Guests can enjoy activities like "open mic" nights and cocktail hours Tuesday through Thursday. Check out the website for a schedule of events. Cover charges vary.
Looking for great music? As if providing guests with an awesome lunch and dinner wasn't enoguh, a steady stream of musical talent can be found at the Red Carpet Lounge at Brandt's Café. Old-school jazzers, singer/songwriters and chamber jazz quartets are some of the featured acts at this eclectic eatery and lounge in the Delmar Loop area of University City. Fans of forgotten cocktail favorites will enjoy selections from Brandt's vintage drink menu. A small cover charge for the music may be requested for certain acts.
Menopause the Musical is a hilarious, fun-filled way to spend an evening laughing with friends who can really understand the changes you're going through (or have already gone through, or will go through at some point). Riotously funny, the show takes a subject that might be viewed as tiresome and annoying, and turns it into a joyous celebration of women. Due to its great popularity, its run has been extended indefinitely.
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
Since first opening in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden has acquired contributions from artists, architects, and scientists. Now, secluded oases and photo-ops abound within its 79 acres of natural and architectural splendor. Whether visitors come to brush up on their gardening techniques or simply indulge in personal reflection, the Botanical Garden – also known as Shaw's Garden, after its founder – offers a refreshing natural refuge in the midst of the city.
Brandt's Market & Cafe
6525 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
Warmly inviting, this cozy cafe offers a diverse menu that includes many vegetarian selections. Indoor and outdoor dining is available with live music nightly. You can usually count on some type of live music while you dive into the diverse Sunday brunch buffet. Brandt’s promises a good time as you munch on a bit of peel-and-eat shrimp or spanakopita and observe the consummately cool community that is University City.>
Selah Salon & Day Spa
1424 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103
Selah Day Spa welcomes you to experience innovative services in a tranquil, stress-free environment. Services include facials, spa manicures & pedicures, massages (swedish, deep tissue, tandem, prenatal, hot stone, aroma therapy, and couples), hand & foot relexology, body wraps, sugar scrubs, body polish, and airbrush tanning. Styling services include hair styling, precision cuts, permanent waves, relaxers, coloring, low lights, highlights, extensions, and special occasion styles. Spa parties offer the most desired services along with finger foods, beverages, and party gift bags.
