All Entries Tagged With: "Overland"
25 Ways to Shop NoCo for the Holidays, pt 2
Judging from the emails I’ve gotten this week, many folks were both surprised and elated to read about so many great North County retailers. Hooray! Mission accomplished. So without further ado, here’s the second half of my 25 ways to shop NoCo for the holidays:
13) Generations Antique Mall, 729 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 831-6070
Fifty different dealers converge in this small but packed-to-the-gills antique mall in Old Town Florissant, where you can score everything from 1800s primitives to 1960s housewares. If you’re itching for a vintage-themed Christmas this year, Generations is a great place to find aluminum trees and 1950s holiday décor. It’s also the first of six stops on the North County Antique Trail, which includes antique shops in both Florissant and Ferguson. Just ask for a map at the desk. (Mike Finley’s 309 Antiques at 309 S. Florissant, which is on the trail and only open Thursday through Saturday 10-2, has been known to yield some very interesting finds. Mike has been in the antiques business for decades.)
14) You’re Fired, 1121 Howdershell, 63031, (314) 837-8250
The last time I visited You’re Fired, the paint-your-own-pottery studio in Hazelwood, I rolled out of there with a brutally ugly striped vase resembling a clown’s pant leg. My husband actually gasped when he saw it. So did the guy at Goodwill. But that’s ok. Because the thrill of You’re Fired is not just the destination; it’s also the journey. And what a fun, relaxing trip it is. The folks at this cozy, laid back shop will coach you through any project you choose, or simply let you create in peace. Just pay for the item you wish to paint (bowls, ornaments, serving dishes, etc) and they’ll provide all the supplies and the firing. And yes, they offer gift certificates…for one artist or groups of up to 30. Sounds like the perfect family holiday outing to me.
15) Anna Buechter, Golden Needle Design Studio, (314) 522-9830
At a time when so many things are mass produced, my friend and Ferguson neighbor Anna Buechter is an especially rare gem. An artist and designer who specializes in meticulously handcrafted pillows and lampshades, this whirlwind mother of four learned to sew with her grandmother in Russia (at age five!) and gradually became a master of detailed handwork. Now she uses her exquisite taste and Old World talent to make beautiful objects with a vintage flair, including her latest collection of altered art jewelry, which is absolutely gorgeous! If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday season – maybe a unique custom piece – give Anna a call.
16) El-Mel, 6185 N. US Hwy 67, 63034, (314) 741-2117
I love El-Mel so much that it was one of the first businesses I wrote about here on NOCO. An old-timey lawnmower shop and all-around farm and garden supply store, it’s my favorite place for buying wild bird seed and all manner of dog treats. It also offers an awesome selection of bird feeders, including many that are made in the USA and a handful that are produced from recycled materials. If you’ve got a wild bird lover on your holiday shopping list, you absolutely must visit El-Mel! Between now and Christmas Eve, all bird feeders (and wind chimes) are 10 percent off.
17) The Fantasy Shop, 8232 N Lindbergh, 63031, (314) 831-5211
Though not really my scene, I totally understand why millions of people are absolutely nutty about comic books and fantasy role-playing. The opportunity to step outside of yourself and inhabit other worlds is very enticing. And not only that – it’s fun! Since 1981, the owners of The Fantasy Shop have been celebrating that fact, providing St. Louisans with all the action figures, card decks, graphic novels and adventure games they could handle. Their Florissant location is the NoCo headquarters for all things fantasy related, offering a mind-numbing assortment of comics and other items that would make most boys swoon. Why not reward your favorite young super hero with a gift certificate?
18) Blitz & Bling, 18 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 830-0111
Much to my family’s chagrin, I usually like to snazz up the holidays by wearing a classic gem sweater on Christmas Eve. (Here’s the gem sweater queen!) But this year, I plan to glam out in another way, nabbing some super sparkly Christmas jewelry from Blitz & Bling. Open just two months, this sweet little Florissant boutique is a girly girl’s dream come true. Stocked with a fanciful and affordable array of scarves, purses, sunglasses and glistening costume jewelry, the store easily delivers on its name, offering every accessory a gal needs to feel like a million bucks. Shop there for someone special or treat yourself!
19) Hood’s, 9009 Natural Bridge Rd, 63121, (314) 427-2415
Santa Claus probably doesn’t field many requests for four-foot concrete tiki heads, but if he did, he could find them at Hood’s in Bel-Ridge. As part of the home improvement store’s recent makeover, dozens of interesting lawn ornaments, fountains and other outdoor accoutrements have started pouring in, and many would make wonderful gifts. I keep eyeing the giant glazed pots, envisioning a gorgeous water garden, but the tikis are definitely tempting me too. If you’re shopping for someone who can’t wait for spring, Hood’s just might have some sunshine you can use.
20) Dooley’s Florist & Gifts, 690 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 837-7444
First and foremost, Dooley’s is a florist, providing the Florissant community with beautiful floral arrangements since 1966. But step inside this charming Old Town storefront and you’ll find plenty more to grab your interest: home decor items, Christmas ornaments, cider and dip mixes, crackling WoodWick candles, and even one-of-a-kind stone candles made by a local artist. Owner Patty Sosa, a second-generation florist, can also handle all of your holiday greenery needs, selling super fresh pine wreaths and swags that will make your house smell like a winter wonderland!
21) Arcades-N-More, 6 Patterson Plaza, 63031, (314) 838-1210
If I had an extra thousand dollars burning a hole in my pocket, this magical shop in Florissant is the first place I would go. Lined wall to wall with vintage pinball machines and 1980s video games, Arcades-N-More sets my heart a-flutter, reminding me of the countless quarters and Friday nights I spent playing Centipede and Ms. Pac-Man (and skee-ball!) at Aladdin’s Castle in Jamestown Mall. The graphics on these old machines, especially the pinballs, is just fantastic, and the old-fashioned simplicity of the games, especially in this hectic era, is a pure joy. The fact that shop owner Rich Dion is as nice as could be – well, that’s just a bonus. Check out this awesome place today!
22) Perales Land Maintenance, 9420 Lackland, 63114, (314) 429-4829
Technically, this hole-in-the-wall store in Overland is the headquarters of a landscaping company, but every time I drive by, I fall in love with its colorful, spinning yard ornaments. Made of metal and just so cute, the spinners are part of a wee selection of fountains, flags, statuary and other garden items available at Perales. Shop now and you can also get a Christmas tree and some fresh holiday greenery. Gift certificates for landscape design and installation are available too.
23) The Chappel House, 4560 Washington, 63033, (314) 838-6242
It was Jean Chappel’s dream to open an art gallery, and that’s how The Chappel House in Florissant came to be. Featuring the work of dozens of local artists, this gallery and gift shop housed in a circa-1877 former residence offers everything from paintings and quilts to sculpture and fine photography – including local landscape images shot by Jean’s multi-talented husband, Gurry. Some of the items are quite pricey (in the thousands), but there are plenty of great buys to be found, especially in the jewelry cases. Why not spoil your best gal pal with some lovely handmade earrings?
24) C.R. Frank Popcorn, 5401 N. Lindbergh, 63042, (314) 731-4500
Since 1925, this family-run business in Hazelwood has been serving up all the confections that make you think “fun.” Sno-cones, cotton candy and of course popcorn – C.R. Frank not only sells the equipment and supplies to help you make these delights (like Hawaiian ice shavers and retro theater-style popcorn makers for your home). The company also produces its own line of gourmet popcorn in four flavors – caramel, cheddar, butter and kettle – and it’s sold in gift-ready tins ranging from two to 6.5 gallons. All of the tins are hand-packed and made to order, so before you invest in stale big box popcorn that’s been sitting around who knows how long, take a trip to the festive showroom at C.R. Frank.
25) GaGa’s Vintage Furniture & Gifts / Raindrop Flowers, 258 S. Florissant, 63135, (314) 522-0035 /521-9100
The only thing better than finding a neat little hidden boutique is discovering that the boutique is actually two shops in one. That’s what you get in Ferguson, where GaGa’s Vintage Furniture and Gifts shares a cozy basement storefront with Raindrop Flowers. On the GaGa’s side, you’ll find an ever-changing medley of housewares, vintage treasures, jewelry, candles and numerous gift items for almost any occasion. (Owner Cathy Frankum is especially known for her monogrammed products.) On the Raindrop side, floral designer Sarah Fletcher whips up striking contemporary arrangements, live and silk – perfect for a Christmas centerpiece! She also sells home décor and handmade greeting cards, and can make you a bouquet that any holiday hostess would adore.
So…are you ready to shop yet? If we could all buy just a portion of our holiday gifts at these fine North County retailers, just imagine all the dollars that would stay right here in our own community!
Stay tuned for next week, when I offer ideas for NoCo holiday food… YUM! And don’t forget: If you do shop my 25, please mention that you read about them on NOCO! Thank you!
25 Ways to Shop NoCo for the Holidays, pt 1
Nearly every time I visit St. Charles County, I run into former North County residents who tell me (whether I want to hear it or not) exactly why they had to “get out.” Things were getting bad, they’ll say. So much had changed. And besides, there was nowhere to shop!
Of course, if what you’re looking for is mile after mile of sparkling new chain stores, North County probably can’t compete with St. Chuck. But is there still plenty of quality shopping in NoCo, in the form of small independent retailers? You bet.
In fact, this list of 25 ways to shop North County for the holidays could have easily been much longer. And in case you don’t know, when you support independent local stores instead of big chains, at least $45 out of every $100 spent remains right here in the community. At a chain, it’s only 13 bucks. So if you want to do some good this holiday season and support your community at the same time you’re snagging some fun gifts, why not shop at these 25 great NoCo retailers:
1) Stems, 301 rue St. Francois, 63031, (314) 972-7836
When I’m working as a field editor for Better Homes and Gardens, this stylish floral shop in Old Town Florissant is exactly the type of place I’m looking for. Housed in a circa-1885 former mercantile once owned by Henry Albers, the decor is fresh and creative, the ambiance is fantastic, and even the store owners (and their super cute daughter) are magazine-ready. If you need inspiration for Christmas decorating or you’re shopping for ornaments, holiday decor or any sort of live or silk floral arrangement, definitely check out Stems. Owner Jenny Thomasson also sells gift certificates for her in-house floral design classes.
2) Nagle’s, 19 Patterson Rd, 63031, (314) 838-4444
I can’t decide what I like more – the sheer expansive wonder of Nagle’s old-timey variety store or the fact that owner Mike Nagle is a second-generation variety store man. His father ran the late Ben Franklin store in Glasgow Village, and Mike has managed to keep that vintage mercantile feel alive and well. I don’t know any kid who wouldn’t brim with glee inside his store. Heck, Nagle’s is a sensory whirlwind for most adults, offering everything from toys, candles and gag gifts to birthday balloons, kitchen tools and wind chimes. You’ll find a little bit of everything here, jam-packed in wonderfully soaring aisles.
3) Alaska Klondike Coffee Co., 3200 N. Hwy 67, 63033, (314) 830-3488
I’m a tea drinker, so I have to trust my picky, java-loving husband when it comes to coffee, and he gives Alaska Klondike a hearty thumbs up. This simple storefront and coffee house features some of the finest coffee beans in the world, which owner/master roaster/former Alaskan Steve Richards roasts fresh every day. If you’re looking to buy top-quality coffee, gourmet cookies, flavored drink syrups, or perhaps some decadent cocoa made with eight kinds of chocolate, Alaska Klondike is for you. It’s also a great place to buy real burlap coffee sacks, perfect for crafts or green gift wrapping.
4) Missouri Mercantile, Hazelwood Mills, 63042, (314) 227-5005
This unique store at Hazelwood Mills draws shoppers from all over the state, and it should. Owner Bill Olwig has compiled an incredible selection of products produced right here in the Show Me State, especially food and wine. Missouri Mercantile sells Missouri cheese, salsa, jam, sausage, pet treats, salad dressing, BBQ sauce, lots of wine, and so much more. The best part is you can fill a gift box with whatever items you choose, and the box is shaped like the state of Missouri!
5) North Central Hobbies, 9630 Lackland Rd, 63114, (314) 426-0031
If there are pre-teen boys out there who would not like this fun hobby shop in Overland, I haven’t met them. For the past 25 years, owner Bill Egsieker has been feeding the dreams of model builders, puzzle solvers, kite flyers and remote control car lovers. And now, North Central Hobbies even has a huge slot car track that you can rent out for races. Before you hit the big toy stores, definitely give this neat place a try.
6) Pat Simmons, local author
Looking for a gift that really celebrates St. Louis? Award-winning local author Pat Simmons has not only built a loyal nationwide following with her Christian romance novels. She has also drawn legions of NoCo fans because many of her stories are actually set in North County! I hear the Whistle Stop and Thyme Table in Ferguson are both featured locations. And if you order directly from Pat’s website by December 17, she’ll send you autographed copies of her books in time for Christmas.
7) Deportes Atletica, 10005 St. Charles Rock Rd, 63074, (314) 426-4665
As the Hispanic community has grown in North County, so too has the need for quality soccer equipment, and Deportes Atletica in St. Ann has delivered in spades. This small store, which also sponsors leagues and has its own fields, sells a nice variety of soccer balls, cleats, nets, bags, and all kinds of fun gear representing professional teams from around the world. And did I mention – the folks here really know their futbol.
8 ) Smart Dogs, 396 St. Ferdinand St, 63031, (314) 921-2833
If your image of a pet groomer is a chaotic, messy place with hair flying everywhere, Smart Dogs in Florissant will change your mind right away. Clean, sophisticated and housed in the cutest old building with exposed brick and rustic beams, this full-service grooming salon is also a fabulous little pet boutique, where you can shop for organic dog treats, eco-friendly collars, leashes, toys, bowls, and even a dazzling doggie wardrobe. Another bonus: Helfer’s Pastries and Deli, featuring real whipped cream pies and other delights, is right next door.
9) Northern Arts Council (NAC) Gallery, 27 S. Florissant Rd, 63135, (314) 521-0299
I had a small hand in opening this community art gallery in 2007, so I already knew it had great merchandise. But when I visited again recently, I swear I wanted to buy half the store! Featuring an eclectic array of work from North County artists, the NAC Gallery offers paintings, handmade jewelry, pottery, prints, sculpture, leather work, and more – and most items are very reasonably priced. Normal hours are on Saturday mornings (or by appointment), but be sure to stop by NAC during Ferguson’s Christmas Glow: Dec 11-12 from 6-9pm. The gallery is so lovely at night.
10) Billiesdesigns75, on etsy
As if being an online super-mall of handcrafted items isn’t cool enough, etsy is also fabulous because it allows you to find local artists. Here’s the shop of a Florissant gal named Billie, who makes lovely one-of-a-kind jewelry and also accepts custom orders. (If only etsy would let you search its 170,000 stores by zip code, who knows how many other creative North Countians you’d find!) On Saturday, 12/19, you can shop Billie’s jewelry in person. Her first show will be at Bunker’s Tavern, 297 rue St. Francois in Old Town Florissant, from 12-3pm.
11) Trailblazer Bikes, 11 Paddock Hills Center, 63033, (314) 839-1434
Christmas isn’t Christmas unless somebody gets a bike, so you might as well ask Santa to swing by Trailblazer Bikes in Florissant. Despite its diminuitive size, this independent local bike shop offers a gamut of beach cruisers, BMX bikes, mountain bikes and pretty much anything bike and cycling related. And yes, they are competitive with the big box stores…just with better customer service.
12) Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge, 63121, (314) 389-5194
I don’t care who you are. Everybody in North County should make a visit to Afro World. This unique Normandy emporium, which has been in business nearly 40 years, proudly celebrates African and African-American culture with an eclectic mix of artwork, clothing, jewelry, musical instruments and so much more. The fact that the store is housed in a funky 1960s bank building is worth the trip alone. So is its large gallery of original paintings featuring prominent African-Americans. (Even Gary Coleman gets some love.) But what I really adore about Afro World is the delightful gentleman who works at the counter (so sweet!) and the fact that he’s selling awesome, eco-friendly canvas bags for a knockout price. Seriously, seventy-nine cents for a USA-made, natural canvas makeup bag with a lovely graphic on it! And they come in gift bag and tote bag size too! People, get yourselves to Afro World!
Be sure to check back later this week for part two of the NoCo Holiday 25…
Overland, Olé!
Could this be home of the best Mexican food in North County?
When I lived in Los Angeles, one of my favorite restaurants was a tiny walk-up burrito stand just a few blocks from my house, where I could buy the most delicious, authentic Mexican food for less than five bucks. Simple and homey, it was like many “taquerias” that you find in Hispanic neighborhoods – a family-run, community gathering spot, open every day at 6am.
Taqueria La Pasadita, located at 2336 Woodson Rd in Overland, doesn’t open quite so early (9am) but it does serve up the same warm atmosphere and the same fabulous food as my favorite place in LA. Housed in one of NoCo’s many cleverly recycled Taco Bells, it’s a clean, pretty spartan place inside, but nearly everything on the menu is awesome.
Tacos come in eight varieties, including muy auténtico chicharron (pork skin) and al pastor (barbecued pork), and they’re just $1.89 each. Tortas (sandwiches) come in ten varieties for $5.99 each. And the enchilada plate, just $6.99, comes with steak or chicken, plus rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, and freshly made green or red sauce.
I can’t recommend one particular dish. Really, every single thing I’ve tried has been excellent. But if you like simple, home-cooked Mexican food, you will love Taqueria La Pasadita.
Dine-in, take out and limited delivery. Mon-Th 9am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10:30pm, and Sun 9am-8:30pm. (314) 428-3832
Taqueria La Pasadita, one of many Hispanic-owned businesses to open in the Overland/St. Ann area in the past several years
North County’s Most Haunted
The Payne-Gentry house is reportedly home to numerous ghosts
With its long history and many old buildings, it’s no wonder that North County has its fair share of hauntings. I know of probably a dozen private homes with regular ghostly activity, but that’s my secret! Instead I’ll share some of the area’s most famous haunts, all of which are open to the public.
1) The Payne-Gentry House, 4211 Fee Fee Rd, 63044
Built in 1870, this historic house and museum was home to the Payne and Gentry families for more than 100 years. William Payne served as Bridgeton’s local doctor and operated his office out of the house’s 1880 addition. Several paranormal groups have investigated the property and have reported strange orbs, uneasy feelings of being watched, and multiple cold spots. Some believe the property is an energy vortex.
2) Oak Grove Cemetery, 7800 St. Charles Rock Rd, 63114
The ghost of a well-dressed man – some say in tophat and tails – has been said to appear just outside this beautiful cemetery. Legend has it that he appears to drivers along Hanley Rd and sometimes even speaks to them.
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K