All Entries Tagged With: "field trips"
Ferguson tour headed to Missouri’s oldest prison
On May 23, Ferguson Parks & Rec will sponsor a tour to the Missouri State Penitentiary, the oldest prison west of the Mississippi.
One of the nice benefits of living in Ferguson is the fact that the city has an awesome Parks & Recreation Department. Aside from maintaining 106 acres of public land and offering a wide selection of classes and learning opportunities, Parks & Rec also coordinates some incredible road trips.
My friend Nancy Whitener handles most of the travel planning, and though I’ve never hopped on a bus with her, I’ve heard rave reviews of her many adventures. Nancy is always looking for new & interesting places to visit, and this time she has really outdone herself. On May 23, she’s leading a group to the old Missouri State Penitentiary!
Built in 1836, a full 100 years before Alcatraz, this massive complex is the oldest prison west of the Mississippi. Located in Jefferson City, it was a brutal place once condemned as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America,” and a number of infamous criminals (including women) were housed here. Dozens of prisoners were also executed here, both by hanging and lethal gas, before the facility was finally closed in 2004.
Not surprisingly, the Missouri Pen is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Ghost Hunters even filmed an episode here, so there’s no telling what you might see if you sign up for this trip.
After a two-hour ride on Amtrak, you’ll enjoy lunch at the Prison Brews microbrewery then visit the Missouri Highway Patrol Museum and finally the penitentiary, where you’ll get to view dungeon cells, the upper yard, A-Hall (pictured above), Housing Unit 3, and even the gas chamber. Before heading back to St. Louis, you’ll also get a taste of ice cream at the historic Central Dairy.
The trip will run from 8am to 8:30pm, and the cost is just $84 for Ferguson residents and $89 for non-residents, inclusive of everything but souvenirs. Only 53 people can go on the tour, and Nancy’s trips frequently fill up, so if you want to tag along on this unique outing, call (314) 521-4661 ASAP.
Ferguson’s Old Missouri Penitentiary Tour is scheduled for Wednesday, May 23. The prison is NOT wheelchair accessible. Photos courtesy of Micheal Peterson.
UPDATE 3/16: This trip is sold out!
Bikes, houses, farmers & stars – Another fun NoCo weekend!
Live Well Ferguson's Twilight Ramble returns for its second year, offering cyclists the chance to tour some of Ferguson's many scenic byways. Photo: flickr/livewellferguson
NOCO fans, I sure hope you’re crossing your fingers for more of this beautiful fall weather, because there’s lots to do in North County this weekend! Which of these fun events are calling your name?
Live Well Ferguson Twilight Ramble – November 6, 3-7pm
In case you haven’t noticed, Ferguson is developing quite a vibrant bicycling community. The Ferguson Cycling Club just hosted a bike-in movie and a ghost tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery. Ferguson’s city employees are now using bikes to get around town. And thanks in large part to the efforts of Live Well Ferguson, the city’s healthy living initiative, we just became the first Missouri town to win national honors as a Playful City USA.
To help celebrate these milestones, Live Well is sponsoring another great two-wheel event: the second annual Twilight Ramble. Scheduled for Sunday, November 6, this casual bike ride through the streets and trails of Ferguson offers three options – 1 mile, 5 miles or 15 miles – all with gorgeous scenery. The event is free and open to all ages, but registration is required and you must wear a helmet. The first 100 participants will receive a free t-shirt. There’s also free food and live music. Plaza @ 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135
EarthDance Farmers Formal – November 5, 6-11pm
As most of you know, I’m a big fan of EarthDance, the progressive nonprofit that works the land at Missouri’s oldest organic farm, just two blocks away here in Ferguson. EarthDance is a regular at the Ferguson Farmers Market, and has also hosted numerous events in NoCo, including the annual Pesto Festo. But this year, founder Molly Rockamann decided to take a different route.
Pesto Festo, EarthDance’s biggest fundraiser, has now morphed into the Farmers Formal…..a slightly more upscale event that will be held at Washington University’s College Hall (as opposed to the Savoy in Ferguson). Tickets are $75 per person and that includes a full dinner courtesy of Bon Appetit, an open bar with beer, wine and cocktails, silent and live auctions, and live music by the One Take Band and the Bottoms Up Blues Gang. Wear your best farmer duds and get ready to feast on local vegetables, meats and cheeses! You can get your tickets and more info right here.
Catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy at the UMSL Observatory's free open house this Saturday night.
UMSL Observatory Open House – November 5, 7:30pm
If you haven’t been to UMSL’s observatory yet, you’re truly missing out on one of the coolest attractions in North County. It’s just a simple metal shed sitting just beyond a softball field, but its high-powered telescope offers a brilliant view of the magnificent universe that surrounds us. This month, the observatory will offer viewings of Jupiter, Uranus, the Ring Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well as the first-quarter moon. And the best part is, it’s all free! Just walk up and get in line, and if you have any questions about the stars, there will be an expert nearby. For directions and more info, look here. Kids welcome!
Discover Your Dream Home in Ferguson – November 6, 1:30 – 4pm
The real estate market may be down right now, but for many people in a decent financial position, the time has never been better to buy! Deals abound all across the metro area, but here in Ferguson you can really stretch your dollar. So why not learn more about the city’s housing stock at this free one-day event, where you can also hear about financing options and local schools and get a tour of various open houses. My own broker, Pearce Neikirk, will be participating. (Can’t wait to tell you about one of his newest listings tomorrow….)
Carmen Dence & Grupo Atlantico – November 5, 7:30pm
Finally, one last event to talk about….and this one is exotic! As part of UMSL’s upcoming Women in the Arts international conference, the university is hosting a very special performance by Carmen Sofia Dence, a Colombian-American folkloric dancer and choreographer who founded the St. Louis-based dance troupe Grupo Atlantico. Free and open to the public, “Bullerengue” is the name of the program, which celebrates the music and dance of Colombia and Panama and of course features beautiful costumes! Unity Lutheran Church, 8454 Glen Echo Drive, 63121
Hope to see you at one or more of these unique local events!
Got fun? There’s lots to do in NoCo this weekend…
Inspired by "cycle-in cinemas" that are popping up all over England, Live Well Ferguson is hosting its own bike-in movie this Friday night. Photo: magnificentrevolution.org
Let’s all cross our fingers for some gorgeous autumn weather, because this weekend is jam-packed with fun events. Which one sounds good to you?
Cycling Cinema – October 21, 6:30 – 9pm
Ride your bike to an outdoor movie at Live Well Ferguson’s first ever Cycling Cinema. Admission is free. Non-glass containers are welcome. And food will be available for purchase. Legally, I can’t tell you what the movie is, but if you’re looking to “break away” for a few hours, this little shindig across from the Ferguson Brewhouse is sure to offer a good time. Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant, 63135
St. Ann Garage Sale – October 22: 8am – 2pm, October 23: 9am – 1pm
An annual tradition for ten years, the St. Ann Garage Sale in Normandy is a two-day junkers’ delight where you’ll find clothing, furniture, toys and all kids of gently used goodies. Proceeds benefit St. Ann School and the Society of St. Vincent De Paul. Prices are half-off on Sunday. You can also fill a bag for $1 after noon. St. Ann Parish Center, 7530 Natural Bridge, 63121
Arts for Life Musical Revue – October 22: 2pm & 7:30pm, October 23: 2pm
As you’ve probably noticed, there are quite a few people in North County who still haven’t fully recovered from the April tornado. The nonprofit group Arts for Life noticed this too and decided to host a benefit show, with all proceeds going to help tornado survivors in NoCo and Joplin. The performance, entitled “Love Lift Us Up,” will feature 25 songs and more than 100 singers, dancers, actors and musicians. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. Bayless High School (in South County), 4530 Weber Rd, 63123
Ferguson Farmers Market – October 22, 8am – noon
There are only two Saturdays left in the market’s 2011 outdoor season, so don’t miss your chance to shop! The Northern Arts Council will be on hand from 9-11am with pumpkin decorating for kids. You can also get your bicycle cleaned and checked for safety from 8-12, and enjoy live music from the always entertaining Boeing Jazz Band (9-11am). 20 S. Florissant Rd, 63135
Trinity Treasures Dinner Auction – October 22, 5:30pm
If you’re an alum of Rosary/Trinity High School in Spanish Lake, here’s your opportunity to show your support. The school is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year this Saturday – a dinner auction just bursting with things to buy! There will be silent and live auctions, raffles and an open bar. The cost is $50 including dinner. To make a reservation, call Dan Grumich at 314-741-1333, ext: 223. 1720 Redman Rd, 63138
Variety Children’s Theatre: The Wizard of Oz – Oct0ber 21: 10am & 7:30pm, October 22: 1:30 & 7pm, October 23: 1:30pm
The magical land of Oz comes to life this weekend at the Touhill, featuring 17 local children who all happen to have a physical disability. This is the third annual show put on by the Variety Children’s Theatre, which seeks to showcase kids of all abilities, and it looks to be a real heart-warmer. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and you can purchase them on the Touhill’s website. Show up in a Wizard of Oz costume and you’ll get a free scoop of ice cream! 1 University Blvd, 63121
Trailnet hosts a trio of fun & healthy local events
More than 200 people participated in last year's Yoga Within the Confluence event, which will return for 2011 on September 18. Photo: Lynn DeLearie
In the St. Louis area, there are few major nonprofits that host regular events in North County. But obviously, nobody told Trailnet. Over the past decade, this 23-year-old organization has spearheaded a number of important initiatives in our neck of the woods – from conservation efforts and bicycling classes to trail building and trash pick-up. Now, Trailnet is gearing up for three more fun events….
Taste of Thies Farm Ride – August 13
First up, this Saturday, bring the whole family for this group-led bicycle ride exploring one of the oldest farms in St. Louis – NoCo’s own Thies Farm, founded in 1885. Thies Farm prides itself on having a wide variety of fresh homegrown produce, and on Saturday, August 13th, they’ll have a free sample day. Riders will get a chance to try late summer veggies fresh off the grill, including Thies’ homegrown sweet corn. As an added treat, Trailnet will have its bike blender stationed nearby, so participants can make their very own smoothie from farm fresh peaches by jumping on the bike and pedaling to power the blender.
The Thies Farm ride is a five-mile trip that’s ideal for riders of all ages and abilities. To join in this free event, show up at Vinita Park City Hall (8374 Midland Blvd, 63114) between 9am and 9:30 on Saturday, August 13. The ride will also end here.
Complete Streets Advocacy Training – August 27
Are you interested in making your community more walkable, bikeable and accessible? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Complete Streets Advocacy Training, sponsored by Trailnet, MU Extension and Beyond Housing.
Many communities throughout our region, state and nation are working to develop more complete streets. A Complete Street (also called a Livable Street) allows all residents to safely walk, bike, wheel, or drive around their community. Complete Streets support children walking to school, independence for seniors and people with disabilities, and safe cycling. Complete Streets also provide safe access to physical activity for all residents regardless of ability. Seven municipalities in the St. Louis region have already committed to building Complete Streets through the adoption of local Complete Streets policies, including Ferguson here in North County.
On Saturday, August 27, citizens and local lawmakers are invited to learn how they might implement a Complete Streets program in their own community. This free event will take place from 9am to 1pm at the Natural Bridge Branch Library, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. Register online at tinyurl.com/completestreetstraining or by calling Romi Pierce from Beyond Housing at (314) 280-8759.
Yoga Within the Confluence – September 18
OK, so technically this is a field trip, since it’s just beyond our NoCo borders, but how cool! For the third year in a row, Trailnet is bringing yoga lovers together for an inspiring class near the magnificent Mississippi-Missouri Confluence.
Last year, the event was held at Cahokia Mounds and drew more than 200 participants. This year, it inches even closer to the actual Confluence, with a sweeping view of the water from the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Located in West Alton, this enchanting place sprawls over 3,700 acres and is home to an ever-changing array of birds and other wildlife.
Show up there on September 18 from 9:30 to 11am and you’ll also find “local musicians and a flowing yoga practice led by guest instructors from throughout the region.” The event is free but donations are welcome. Bring a blanket or yoga mat, a water bottle and (just to be safe) bug spray.
The Audubon Center at Riverlands, within the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K