All Entries Tagged With: "unincorporated North County"
The Larimore House: NoCo’s very own plantation
When I was kid growing up near Spanish Lake, I remember seeing the Larimore House peeking out from behind a vast thicket of trees. A weathered old gem that seemed to hold some kind of secret, it always fired up my Nancy Drew fantasies and made me wonder, “What in the world IS that place?” [...]
My NoCo Neighborhood: Spanish Lake
Spanish Lake, the historic North County community bounded by the Missouri River and the great Mississippi, is probably one of the most interesting areas in St. Louis County. Parts of it feel almost unchanged from decades past, with wide, rolling farm fields and quaint old storefronts. Other parts, especially the classic mid-century subdivisions and the [...]
The Gardens of NoCo: Chan Mahanta
“In wildness is the preservation of the world,” wrote Henry David Thoreau, and I’m pretty sure Chan Mahanta agrees. This talented local gardener has created a wondrously wild native prairie in his front yard, which NOCO’s newest contributor, JoAnn Batzer, recently had a chance to visit. Here’s what she learned… Chan Mahanta doesn’t flinch about [...]
825 Carrico Road: Rich with History, not Bubbleheads
For people who love old houses, there’s nothing quite as magical as a house that time forgot. Decades may have passed but virtually nothing has changed, leaving behind a vivid snapshot of an earlier era and a curious mystery that must be peeled back layer by layer. It’s incredibly rare to find a house like [...]
Community Pools dive into the 2010 summer season
Let’s hope the sun is shining on May 29, because that’s the day when North County’s numerous municipal pools open for the 2010 season. If you’re looking to cool off and have some summer fun, NoCo has plenty of great aquatic parks to choose from, and these in particular are open to both residents and [...]
Ice Sledding returns to Sioux Passage Park
If you’ve never whizzed down a grassy hill on a big block of ice, my friend, you have not lived! Snow sledding is one thing – definitely a glory of winter. But for the sheer absurdity and fun of it, there really is nothing like warm-weather ice sledding on grass! Lucky for us, this delightful [...]
A day in the life: North County Meals on Wheels
It’s a Thursday morning in the parking lot of St. Mark’s Church on Graham Road, and despite the fact that it’s raining buckets, volunteers for North County Meals on Wheels are not deterred. When the van carrying fresh-cooked meals from Christian Hospital arrives, all ten of them leap from their cars and quickly grab the [...]
The Zion Labyrinth: NoCo’s most tranquil walk
For at least 4,000 years, human beings have used labyrinths as a tool for deeper personal insight and a way to connect with nature and the divine. Taking slow, purposeful steps on a winding pathway, you’re invited to calm your mind, set aside your daily concerns, and for a short while, simply be. Reverend Mark [...]
It’s Fish Fry Time in NoCo!
Having grown up Catholic, I’ve attended my fair share of Lenten fish fries, and one thing is certain: not all fish fries are created equally! I’m still lamenting the sad little cod square I got several years ago at one church. Fortunately, I’ve also enjoyed a number of home-style fish fries in North County, where [...]
Ice Skating evolves (but still thrives) in North County
Like me and many other NoCo natives of a certain age, Ferguson resident Becky Kern-Ryan grew up ice skating at the North County Recreation Complex on Redman Road. She got her first pair of ice skates for Christmas when she was 11, and before long, she had far surpassed us “casual skaters” (who showed up [...]
Hidden Jewels of the Riverview Bluff
In most cities, a house with a hilltop location and a beautiful water view would be considered real estate gold. But as we all know, St. Louis is…special. That’s why one of the area’s best-kept secrets remains just that, and why, if you told someone you were moving to Riverview, they would probably think you’re [...]
It’s Eagle Watching Time in NoCo
Fort Belle Fontaine Park is a magical place any time of year, but this Saturday, the frontier-era former military post will also be a bird watcher’s wonderland. Offering sweeping views of the Missouri River, where many bald eagles do their winter fishing, the park will host well-known birder Kraig Paradise and experts from the World [...]
The Gardens of NoCo: Linda Mosley
I’m not quite to my winter breaking point, where I’m stir-crazy and ready to go anywhere with heat and sunshine. That usually comes in February. But I am counting the days until spring. To help tide myself over, I like to look through my old garden photos. And while I was doing that today, I [...]
NOCO in the New Year
Like most people, I’m wrapping up 2009 with a mixed bag of good and bad. I fell short of several goals this year (no surprise), but as usual, the fact that I didn’t get rich or skinny was easily overshadowed by an abundance of other blessings. Good friends, a healthy and happy family, a loving [...]
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) [...]
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 [...]
NoCo Hall of Fame: DJ Lance Rock
When Brad Pitt dresses up as you for Halloween and legions of crafters make artsy knick-knacks in your likeness, it’s safe to say that you’re officially a pop culture icon. That’s what happened this year to DJ Lance Rock (aka Lance Robertson), the star of Nick Jr.’s wildly popular kids show, Yo Gabba Gabba!…and yep, [...]
Council approves new casino zoning
At last night’s St. Louis County Council meeting, the council voted 4-3 to approve zoning changes for the proposed Riverview Casino at Columbia Bottom. At least twenty people, many representing larger groups, spoke in opposition to the casino. Two people, both representing unions, spoke in favor. Many local residents also called the council prior to [...]
Council votes tomorrow on NoCo casino
I wrote about the proposed Riverview Casino a few weeks ago, and how I and many others believe it’s a bad idea for North County. Well, it all comes down to Tuesday night, when the St. Louis County Council votes on whether to approve the casino’s zoning amendments. In recent years, both the state of [...]
Take the Jamestown Mall survey
The St. Louis County Economic Council wants to know: What do YOU want to see at a redeveloped Jamestown Mall site? Take their survey today. And please, don’t say more Title Max locations. Or dollar stores. Or beauty supply places. I think it’s time we get creative and demand something better.
Locations in Florissant,
Chesterfield & West Port
Sept 4 "R" Pizza Farm Grilled Pizza Demo 10am, Buy a Bag For the Hungry Day 8am - 12pm, to benefit Operation Food Search, a St. Louis food bank that distributes food to poor & hungry. While you're shopping, buy an extra bag for this worthy cause. Live Music - Dixie Rhythm Kings 9-11am. ALSO 45+ vendors!
Saturdays 8am-2pm in the 2500 block of Woodson Road