Blog

Out on the edge of the St. Louis, Missouri, suburbs you'll find Ellisville, a nice place to live with beautiful homes, busy shopping centers, and quiet parks. This small town is far enough from the city center that you can find plenty of good walking trails in the area. Not all of the trails on this list go through town, but those that don't are just a short drive away. Wildwood Greenway The Wildwood Greenway is in Wildwood, Ellisville's western neighbor, and includes over 18 miles of paved biking and walking trails throughout the city. Many of these trails follow the main roads through town, but others head off towards the residential neighborhoods and parks where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Finding parking is easy since the greenway crosses several parking lots throughout Wildwood. Rock Hollow Trail The Rock Hollow Trail is a relatively short walk, just 2.3 miles, and is all downhill from the trailhead near Ridge Meadows Elementary School. This means it's all uphill on the way back, but there are plenty of benches. The trail is very scenic and quiet, and you'll cross 13 bridges on your way to the trail's end. Once you get there, you'll find the Meramec River and the Al Foster Memorial Trail, a 7-mile trail that follows the river east to west. more Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail A work in progress, the Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail will eventually loop around the Chesterfield Airport north of Ellisville. Parts of the trail along Bonhomme Creek and the Missouri River are already done. To reach the trail, you can park at one of the many shopping centers along I-64 or Edison Avenue. Together, the two trail segments are 10.4 miles long, and since the trail passes plenty of stores and restaurants, you'll have no trouble finding a place to take a break. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on your hike, other parts of the trail are nothing but you and nature. Katy Trail State Park The Katy Trail is great if you want to go on a real wilderness hike. The trail covers a converted railroad that follows the Missouri River west for a total of 240 miles until it breaks off and continues toward Kansas City. The trail is on the north side of the river, so the best place to reach it from Ellisville is to take the Daniel Boone Bridge north of Chesterfield. Then, take the first exit after the bridge and head to the Busch Greenway, a short trail that takes you to Katy. There are other trails farther north and south, and you may be surprised by how many nature walks you can find in St. Louis itself. So, if you're a fan of nature or you just want a quiet space where you can relax and clear your head, one of the trails on this list should fit the bill. Lace up those hiking boots! Image via Flickr by Heath Cajandig | CC BY 2.0.

Out on the edge of the St. Louis, Missouri, suburbs you'll find Ellisville, a nice place to live with beautiful homes, busy shopping centers, and quiet parks. This small town is far enough from the city center that you can find plenty of good walking trails in the area. Not all of the trails on this list go through town, but those that don't are just a short drive away. Wildwood Greenway The Wildwood Greenway is in Wildwood, Ellisville's western neighbor, and includes over 18 miles of paved biking and walking trails throughout the city. Many of these trails follow the main roads through town, but others head off towards the residential neighborhoods and parks where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Finding parking is easy since the greenway crosses several parking lots throughout Wildwood. Rock Hollow Trail The Rock Hollow Trail is a relatively short walk, just 2.3 miles, and is all downhill from the trailhead near Ridge Meadows Elementary School. This means it's all uphill on the way back, but there are plenty of benches. The trail is very scenic and quiet, and you'll cross 13 bridges on your way to the trail's end. Once you get there, you'll find the Meramec River and the Al Foster Memorial Trail, a 7-mile trail that follows the river east to west. more Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail A work in progress, the Monarch Chesterfield Levee Trail will eventually loop around the Chesterfield Airport north of Ellisville. Parts of the trail along Bonhomme Creek and the Missouri River are already done. To reach the trail, you can park at one of the many shopping centers along I-64 or Edison Avenue. Together, the two trail segments are 10.4 miles long, and since the trail passes plenty of stores and restaurants, you'll have no trouble finding a place to take a break. If you're looking for some peace and quiet on your hike, other parts of the trail are nothing but you and nature. Katy Trail State Park The Katy Trail is great if you want to go on a real wilderness hike. The trail covers a converted railroad that follows the Missouri River west for a total of 240 miles until it breaks off and continues toward Kansas City. The trail is on the north side of the river, so the best place to reach it from Ellisville is to take the Daniel Boone Bridge north of Chesterfield. Then, take the first exit after the bridge and head to the Busch Greenway, a short trail that takes you to Katy. There are other trails farther north and south, and you may be surprised by how many nature walks you can find in St. Louis itself. So, if you're a fan of nature or you just want a quiet space where you can relax and clear your head, one of the trails on this list should fit the bill. Lace up those hiking boots! Image via Flickr by Heath Cajandig | CC BY 2.0.

When you purchase a convertible, you want a car that speeds around corners and leaps from the starting line. You want to feel the rush of fresh air when you take the top down. These are the reasons why so many people choose the Mazda MX-5 Miata as their convertible of choice. It's fast, fun, and full of features that remind you why buying a convertible is the best decision you ever made. Weight Balance Vehicles tend to weigh more in the front or the back depending on their design. For example, pickup trucks are front-heavy when they're empty but balance out once you add cargo or a trailer. Sports cars like the 2019 MX-5 Miata, on the other hand, work best with a 50-50 balance that helps you stay in control when you take a high-speed turn. To that end, Mazda engineers designed the Miata to be slightly back-heavy, but when you sit in the driver's seat, the weight balances out. Weight Reduction Sports car designs either focus on eliminating weight or adding power. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is designed to be lightweight, so although its engine only has four cylinders, this sports car makes the most of its horsepower. Speaking of which, the 2019 model comes with a brand-new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine manufactured with aluminum alloy instead of heavy steel. Even though this engine doesn't have a turbo, it manages to deliver 181 horsepower, more than its 2018 predecessor. more Easy Top The 2019 MX-5 Miata's roof is easy for anyone to take down and put up. Just push a button, pull a lever, and push the roof back until it clicks. To put the roof up, you pull another lever and then pull the top forward until it clicks. Even though this system is low-tech, Mazda's engineers chose this simple design because an automatic system would add extra weight. However, if you want an automatic roof, the Miata RF hardtop has one that retracts electronically. High-Tech Interior The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata might be on a diet, but it still has room for a powerful audio system. The top Grand Touring trim comes with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and speed-sensing audio, not to mention a 7-inch touch screen with MAZDA CONNECT, turn-by-turn navigation, four months of SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, internet radio apps, and a text message audio delivery and reply system. The Mazda Miata is one of the most popular convertibles on the market, and while part its popularity is due to its affordable price tag, it's also because the MX-5 is a fun car to drive. That goes double after you pull the top down and find a winding country road to explore. Of course, if you've never experienced the feeling first hand, you should schedule a test drive at your local Mazda dealership as soon as you can.  Once you're driving down the highway with the wind in your hair, you'll know you made the right choice. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

When you purchase a convertible, you want a car that speeds around corners and leaps from the starting line. You want to feel the rush of fresh air when you take the top down. These are the reasons why so many people choose the Mazda MX-5 Miata as their convertible of choice. It's fast, fun, and full of features that remind you why buying a convertible is the best decision you ever made. Weight Balance Vehicles tend to weigh more in the front or the back depending on their design. For example, pickup trucks are front-heavy when they're empty but balance out once you add cargo or a trailer. Sports cars like the 2019 MX-5 Miata, on the other hand, work best with a 50-50 balance that helps you stay in control when you take a high-speed turn. To that end, Mazda engineers designed the Miata to be slightly back-heavy, but when you sit in the driver's seat, the weight balances out. Weight Reduction Sports car designs either focus on eliminating weight or adding power. The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is designed to be lightweight, so although its engine only has four cylinders, this sports car makes the most of its horsepower. Speaking of which, the 2019 model comes with a brand-new 2.0-liter SKYACTIV engine manufactured with aluminum alloy instead of heavy steel. Even though this engine doesn't have a turbo, it manages to deliver 181 horsepower, more than its 2018 predecessor. more Easy Top The 2019 MX-5 Miata's roof is easy for anyone to take down and put up. Just push a button, pull a lever, and push the roof back until it clicks. To put the roof up, you pull another lever and then pull the top forward until it clicks. Even though this system is low-tech, Mazda's engineers chose this simple design because an automatic system would add extra weight. However, if you want an automatic roof, the Miata RF hardtop has one that retracts electronically. High-Tech Interior The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata might be on a diet, but it still has room for a powerful audio system. The top Grand Touring trim comes with a nine-speaker Bose audio system and speed-sensing audio, not to mention a 7-inch touch screen with MAZDA CONNECT, turn-by-turn navigation, four months of SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, internet radio apps, and a text message audio delivery and reply system. The Mazda Miata is one of the most popular convertibles on the market, and while part its popularity is due to its affordable price tag, it's also because the MX-5 is a fun car to drive. That goes double after you pull the top down and find a winding country road to explore. Of course, if you've never experienced the feeling first hand, you should schedule a test drive at your local Mazda dealership as soon as you can.  Once you're driving down the highway with the wind in your hair, you'll know you made the right choice. Image via MazdaUSA.com.

With spring quickly approaching, you're probably itching to get outside and enjoy nature. The best places to go to see the new flowers and work off some of that winter fatigue are area parks. If you're in Ellisville, Missouri, or planning to travel there, check out these area parks for your nature fix. Bluebird Park The largest park in Ellisville is Bluebird Park. This 167-acre facility is the Cadillac of parks and has everything you can imagine: bike paths, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, playground, disc golf course, aquatic center, amphitheater, and softball/baseball fields. With all of these possible activities, you would think that's enough. Not quite. Bluebird Park is also the location for summer camps, youth sports, and fitness programs. The pavilions and ballfields are available to rent for residents and non-residents alike, with availability depending on residency. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including an Independence Day celebration, a chili cook-off, movies in the park, and a Red Cross blood drive. You can enroll your kids in swim lessons at the aquatic center or do some laps for your own personal fitness. more Mockingbird Park A smaller, shaded neighborhood park, Mockingbird Park is located at the end of Bridgeport Drive, just off Cherry Hill Drive. With large trees surrounding the park on three sides, the shade will protect you and your little ones from the sun's harsh rays. The play area features slides with multiple ladders to climb, baby swings, sling swings, a balance beam, and a bouncy car. With nearby picnic tables and benches as well as a grill and a water fountain, this is a perfect location for a family barbecue lunch or picnic. There are even cement trails and large grassy areas where you can kick a soccer ball around or take a nice walk after lunch. Bobwhite Park Bobwhite Park is another great neighborhood park in the Ellisville area. The playground has baby swings, sling swings, slides, a balance beam and more balance toys. It has a play structure as well, great for improving climbing skills and dexterity. Without a lot of shade, the park can get pretty warm during the summer but is great for spring and fall outings. Bobwhite Park is located on Parkdale Circle and features a basketball court as well as additional picnic areas and open grassy spaces. Owl Hollow Park Ellisville is rich with neighborhood parks, and Owl Hollow Park does not disappoint. With swings, slides, spring toys, and dexterity games, your kids will have a great time playing here. This park covers over 3.16 acres with plenty of grassy areas as well. You can bring your basketball for some one-on-one or ride your bike around the neighborhood and park it in the bike rack while you enjoy your family lunch. After a long, harsh winter, the idea of getting your family outside to the parks and enjoying the sunshine is intoxicating. Flowers are blooming, leaves are growing back on the trees, and most importantly, the weather is getting warmer. Make the time to pack up the family and enjoy some of the great parks in Ellisville. Images via Pixabay

With spring quickly approaching, you're probably itching to get outside and enjoy nature. The best places to go to see the new flowers and work off some of that winter fatigue are area parks. If you're in Ellisville, Missouri, or planning to travel there, check out these area parks for your nature fix. Bluebird Park The largest park in Ellisville is Bluebird Park. This 167-acre facility is the Cadillac of parks and has everything you can imagine: bike paths, picnic pavilions, tennis courts, playground, disc golf course, aquatic center, amphitheater, and softball/baseball fields. With all of these possible activities, you would think that's enough. Not quite. Bluebird Park is also the location for summer camps, youth sports, and fitness programs. The pavilions and ballfields are available to rent for residents and non-residents alike, with availability depending on residency. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including an Independence Day celebration, a chili cook-off, movies in the park, and a Red Cross blood drive. You can enroll your kids in swim lessons at the aquatic center or do some laps for your own personal fitness. more Mockingbird Park A smaller, shaded neighborhood park, Mockingbird Park is located at the end of Bridgeport Drive, just off Cherry Hill Drive. With large trees surrounding the park on three sides, the shade will protect you and your little ones from the sun's harsh rays. The play area features slides with multiple ladders to climb, baby swings, sling swings, a balance beam, and a bouncy car. With nearby picnic tables and benches as well as a grill and a water fountain, this is a perfect location for a family barbecue lunch or picnic. There are even cement trails and large grassy areas where you can kick a soccer ball around or take a nice walk after lunch. Bobwhite Park Bobwhite Park is another great neighborhood park in the Ellisville area. The playground has baby swings, sling swings, slides, a balance beam and more balance toys. It has a play structure as well, great for improving climbing skills and dexterity. Without a lot of shade, the park can get pretty warm during the summer but is great for spring and fall outings. Bobwhite Park is located on Parkdale Circle and features a basketball court as well as additional picnic areas and open grassy spaces. Owl Hollow Park Ellisville is rich with neighborhood parks, and Owl Hollow Park does not disappoint. With swings, slides, spring toys, and dexterity games, your kids will have a great time playing here. This park covers over 3.16 acres with plenty of grassy areas as well. You can bring your basketball for some one-on-one or ride your bike around the neighborhood and park it in the bike rack while you enjoy your family lunch. After a long, harsh winter, the idea of getting your family outside to the parks and enjoying the sunshine is intoxicating. Flowers are blooming, leaves are growing back on the trees, and most importantly, the weather is getting warmer. Make the time to pack up the family and enjoy some of the great parks in Ellisville. Images via Pixabay

For 2019, several changes have been made to the Mazda CX-5. This model has a new available engine, several features that it didn't offer before, and even a few new trims you couldn't get for the 2018 CX-5. All in all, there are a few good reasons why you should consider buying the newest model  Mazda vehicle. The New Engine Last year's model only had one engine available: a 2.5-liter I-4 that provided up to 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. That's still the standard engine in the first three trims, but if you get the Grand Touring Reserve or Signature trims, you'll get a 2.5-liter engine that comes with a turbocharger and can get up to 227 horsepower with 250 pound-feet of torque. These numbers set the CX-5 apart and make it one of the most powerful crossovers in the compact class. more Two New Trims Returning from last year are the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims for the Mazda CX-5. However, you can now experience a new level of quality thanks to the two new trims that come with the improved engine, the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature. Aside from the engine, both trims also come with improvements like standard all-wheel drive and a set of luxury features you don't often find in the compact class. These new trims really show what a Mazda has to offer. New Tech Features All of the 2019 CX-5's trims come with a great audio system that uses voice commands and offers HD Radio, a Bluetooth connection, and the ability to integrate with audio apps like Pandora and Aha. However, the new model now also offers an upgraded audio system, starting with the Touring trim, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The upgraded system also gives you two extra USB jacks. The top Signature trim also gets a 360 View Monitor, a feature that uses four cameras to give you a top-down view of your vehicle. New Comforts The two new trims for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 offer comfort features you couldn't get from the vehicle in past years. For instance, both new trims feature seats with both heating and ventilation and three power settings for each one. The Signature also comes with luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim that highlights the luxury of the model. You'll also get a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with a unique stitching design. While the 2019 Mazda CX-5 hasn't had a full redesign, the compact crossover comes with a lot of new features and engine options thanks to the two new trims it offers. With a better list of features, a stronger engine, and more high-tech options throughout the trim range, this crossover has something for everyone. Stop by Bommarito Mazda to take the brand new 2019 model for a test drive. It's a great time to buy a new CX-5. Images via mazdausa.com

For 2019, several changes have been made to the Mazda CX-5. This model has a new available engine, several features that it didn't offer before, and even a few new trims you couldn't get for the 2018 CX-5. All in all, there are a few good reasons why you should consider buying the newest model  Mazda vehicle. The New Engine Last year's model only had one engine available: a 2.5-liter I-4 that provided up to 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. That's still the standard engine in the first three trims, but if you get the Grand Touring Reserve or Signature trims, you'll get a 2.5-liter engine that comes with a turbocharger and can get up to 227 horsepower with 250 pound-feet of torque. These numbers set the CX-5 apart and make it one of the most powerful crossovers in the compact class. more Two New Trims Returning from last year are the Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims for the Mazda CX-5. However, you can now experience a new level of quality thanks to the two new trims that come with the improved engine, the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature. Aside from the engine, both trims also come with improvements like standard all-wheel drive and a set of luxury features you don't often find in the compact class. These new trims really show what a Mazda has to offer. New Tech Features All of the 2019 CX-5's trims come with a great audio system that uses voice commands and offers HD Radio, a Bluetooth connection, and the ability to integrate with audio apps like Pandora and Aha. However, the new model now also offers an upgraded audio system, starting with the Touring trim, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The upgraded system also gives you two extra USB jacks. The top Signature trim also gets a 360 View Monitor, a feature that uses four cameras to give you a top-down view of your vehicle. New Comforts The two new trims for the 2019 Mazda CX-5 offer comfort features you couldn't get from the vehicle in past years. For instance, both new trims feature seats with both heating and ventilation and three power settings for each one. The Signature also comes with luxury features like Nappa leather upholstery and real wood trim that highlights the luxury of the model. You'll also get a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel with a unique stitching design. While the 2019 Mazda CX-5 hasn't had a full redesign, the compact crossover comes with a lot of new features and engine options thanks to the two new trims it offers. With a better list of features, a stronger engine, and more high-tech options throughout the trim range, this crossover has something for everyone. Stop by Bommarito Mazda to take the brand new 2019 model for a test drive. It's a great time to buy a new CX-5. Images via mazdausa.com

Vehicle infotainment systems are growing more important with each passing model year. Touchscreens have become standard equipment for most cars and SUVs, and as the displays become bigger, they take over more functions like the audio system, climate control, and driving mode customization. Modern infotainment systems can even run apps from your phone and come with their own set of applications. Mazda Connect is the company's newest infotainment interface. The company has taken a long look at its previous offerings and at the competition's systems and has prepared one of the best new interfaces on the market. It combines physical controls, simple interfaces, and a constantly updated software system to give drivers full control over their electronic features and comforts. The Rotary Interface While Mazda Connect's main display is up on the dashboard to keep it close to the driver's regular sight lines, the interface is down on the center console between the seats. The buttons are easy to reach in this position, and Mazda has designed them to be easy to use without having to look down. The main interface is a rotary dial that lets you quickly scroll between options on the screen, and you can push the dial left or right to jump between menus and lists. more The Bluetooth Options You can connect any Android or Apple phone to the Mazda Connect system thanks to its standard Bluetooth wireless connection. Not only can you stream audio directly from your phone, you can also make hands-free calls using voice commands or get all the functions of Siri Eyes Free by connecting an iPhone and using the voice button on the steering wheel. Mazda Connect also supports several apps like Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher. This list may grow as time goes on because Mazda Connect supports software updates. CarPlay and Auto Mazda Connect supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which means you can get extra features and a wider app selection by plugging your phone directly into the car's USB port. While these programs may have different interfaces than what you'd expect thanks to the rotary dial, you'll quickly get used to how it works. Intelligent Drive Master Along with audio controls, Mazda Connect also features the Intelligent Drive Master, or i-DM. This feature analyzes your driving habits, including acceleration rates and lateral G-force, and tells you whether you're driving rough, mild, or smart. To i-DM, smart driving means keeping body sway to a minimum while still pushing beyond the mild, cautious driving that isn't nearly as exhilarating. Smart driving, on the other hand, is fun but fuel efficient. Mazda is doing something new with its infotainment system, and there's a lot to love about it between its intuitive interface and extensive options. In fact, you can add navigation to any model with Mazda Connect, even after you purchase it, thanks to a card slot you can use to update the system. Either way, Mazda Connect is a promising new interface drivers will love. Images via mazdausa.com

Vehicle infotainment systems are growing more important with each passing model year. Touchscreens have become standard equipment for most cars and SUVs, and as the displays become bigger, they take over more functions like the audio system, climate control, and driving mode customization. Modern infotainment systems can even run apps from your phone and come with their own set of applications. Mazda Connect is the company's newest infotainment interface. The company has taken a long look at its previous offerings and at the competition's systems and has prepared one of the best new interfaces on the market. It combines physical controls, simple interfaces, and a constantly updated software system to give drivers full control over their electronic features and comforts. The Rotary Interface While Mazda Connect's main display is up on the dashboard to keep it close to the driver's regular sight lines, the interface is down on the center console between the seats. The buttons are easy to reach in this position, and Mazda has designed them to be easy to use without having to look down. The main interface is a rotary dial that lets you quickly scroll between options on the screen, and you can push the dial left or right to jump between menus and lists. more The Bluetooth Options You can connect any Android or Apple phone to the Mazda Connect system thanks to its standard Bluetooth wireless connection. Not only can you stream audio directly from your phone, you can also make hands-free calls using voice commands or get all the functions of Siri Eyes Free by connecting an iPhone and using the voice button on the steering wheel. Mazda Connect also supports several apps like Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher. This list may grow as time goes on because Mazda Connect supports software updates. CarPlay and Auto Mazda Connect supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which means you can get extra features and a wider app selection by plugging your phone directly into the car's USB port. While these programs may have different interfaces than what you'd expect thanks to the rotary dial, you'll quickly get used to how it works. Intelligent Drive Master Along with audio controls, Mazda Connect also features the Intelligent Drive Master, or i-DM. This feature analyzes your driving habits, including acceleration rates and lateral G-force, and tells you whether you're driving rough, mild, or smart. To i-DM, smart driving means keeping body sway to a minimum while still pushing beyond the mild, cautious driving that isn't nearly as exhilarating. Smart driving, on the other hand, is fun but fuel efficient. Mazda is doing something new with its infotainment system, and there's a lot to love about it between its intuitive interface and extensive options. In fact, you can add navigation to any model with Mazda Connect, even after you purchase it, thanks to a card slot you can use to update the system. Either way, Mazda Connect is a promising new interface drivers will love. Images via mazdausa.com

Like most Midwestern cities, everyone looks forward to spring St. Louis, Missouri. The snow is melting, the grass is coming back, and all the flowers and trees erupt in colorful blossoms. Not every St. Louis spring celebration is all about the season, but with the weather warming up, people love to have an excuse to go outside and enjoy themselves. If you're looking for such an excuse yourself, you should make time for one of the St. Louis events on this list. St. Patrick's Day St. Louis has a strong Irish heritage that the city likes to celebrate every year in March. In fact, St. Louis hosts two major celebrations each year in St. Patrick's honor. The big downtown celebration includes a five-mile run, a parade, and a dinner the night before. St. Louis' St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the biggest in the country, and it is held every March on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The parade also includes an entertainment area called the Irish Village in Kiener Plaza that stays open before and after the parade. more If you haven't had enough St. Patty's Day celebrations, the Dogtown district of St. Louis holds its own parade and festival on the holiday no matter which day of the week it is. Food and drink options include a lot of local breweries and pubs, so while the Dogtown Irish Festival is family friendly, there are also plenty of ways for adults to have fun. Mardi Gras The Irish aren't the only big influence on St. Louis. After all, the city takes its name from a sainted king of France. That's why Mardi Gras is just as important in St. Louis as it is in New Orleans. The dates change from year to year based on when Easter and Lent take place, but in St. Louis, the Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the months leading up to the big day. They include balls, a Cajun cook-off, and of course a big celebration and parade on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The Laumeier Art Fair The Laumeier Art Fair takes place at the Laumeier Sculpture Park every year during Mother's Day weekend. This celebration of art is a nationally recognized event, and artists from around the country submit their works for display. However, only 150 of the best artists receive this honor. The festival jurors also award prizes to the best submissions in each medium. Aside from displaying artwork, the fair also features a music festival, food, and hands-on activities for kids who want to express their inner artist. Spring is a time of renewal in the Midwest, and it's a time to go outside and enjoy the weather after the cold winds of winter fade and before the humid air of summer arrives. St. Louis residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the season, so get out there and find out for yourself what makes a St. Louis spring worth experiencing. Image via Pixabay

Like most Midwestern cities, everyone looks forward to spring St. Louis, Missouri. The snow is melting, the grass is coming back, and all the flowers and trees erupt in colorful blossoms. Not every St. Louis spring celebration is all about the season, but with the weather warming up, people love to have an excuse to go outside and enjoy themselves. If you're looking for such an excuse yourself, you should make time for one of the St. Louis events on this list. St. Patrick's Day St. Louis has a strong Irish heritage that the city likes to celebrate every year in March. In fact, St. Louis hosts two major celebrations each year in St. Patrick's honor. The big downtown celebration includes a five-mile run, a parade, and a dinner the night before. St. Louis' St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the biggest in the country, and it is held every March on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. The parade also includes an entertainment area called the Irish Village in Kiener Plaza that stays open before and after the parade. more If you haven't had enough St. Patty's Day celebrations, the Dogtown district of St. Louis holds its own parade and festival on the holiday no matter which day of the week it is. Food and drink options include a lot of local breweries and pubs, so while the Dogtown Irish Festival is family friendly, there are also plenty of ways for adults to have fun. Mardi Gras The Irish aren't the only big influence on St. Louis. After all, the city takes its name from a sainted king of France. That's why Mardi Gras is just as important in St. Louis as it is in New Orleans. The dates change from year to year based on when Easter and Lent take place, but in St. Louis, the Soulard Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the months leading up to the big day. They include balls, a Cajun cook-off, and of course a big celebration and parade on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. The Laumeier Art Fair The Laumeier Art Fair takes place at the Laumeier Sculpture Park every year during Mother's Day weekend. This celebration of art is a nationally recognized event, and artists from around the country submit their works for display. However, only 150 of the best artists receive this honor. The festival jurors also award prizes to the best submissions in each medium. Aside from displaying artwork, the fair also features a music festival, food, and hands-on activities for kids who want to express their inner artist. Spring is a time of renewal in the Midwest, and it's a time to go outside and enjoy the weather after the cold winds of winter fade and before the humid air of summer arrives. St. Louis residents have plenty of ways to celebrate the season, so get out there and find out for yourself what makes a St. Louis spring worth experiencing. Image via Pixabay