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Coffee is a delicious, energizing drink that is perfect no matter the time of day. Make sure you check out a few of the top coffee spots in the Ellisville, Missouri, area. The Wolf The Wolf was founded by two owners who wanted to create a place for Ellisville locals to enjoy an entertaining coffee-drinking experience while using sustainable ingredients. The Wolf is a certified member of the Green Dining Alliance in St. Louis. Try one of the nitro cold brew drinks or a traditional Americano. Many customers also enjoy the flavored lattes which come with organic ingredients. In addition to serving some of the best coffee in the city, The Wolf also hosts live music performances. Every Tuesday is open mic night. Friday and Saturday nights, you can enjoy live music from many local legends. The Wolf also hosts artist showcases, improv nights, and vinyl record nights. more More Than Coffee More Than Coffee combines a good cup of coffee with a charitable foundation that helps out others in the community. You can order Sam's famous coffee which is available in regular, decaf, Cafe Latte, Cafe Mocha, Cafe Americano, and Espresso shots. They also have a full breakfast menu with items like the egg sandwich and fresh scones. Prefer to have your coffee at home? You can even have More Than Coffee grounds delivered right to your house. Proceeds from coffee sales and menu items go back to help those in the community. 11 Bravo Coffee Company When you choose to visit 11 Brave Coffee Company, you not only get to enjoy fresh, hot coffee, but you are also supporting combat veterans. 11 Bravo Coffee Company is unique in that it is completely mobile. Instead of visiting one location, you can find them traveling the Ellisville and surrounding areas. You can also book the coffee truck for your own special event. On the menu, you will find a wide variety of coffee types including the 11 Bravo Blend, the Recon Roast, and the B-52 Blend. Mixed coffee drinks are also worth trying including the Screaming Eagle which is a mix of coconut and chocolate cold brew. For a traditional espresso drink, try the sky soldier latte which comes with espresso and steamed milk. You can further show your support for 11 Bravo Coffee Company by buying their apparel. The Miller Haus The Miller Haus is much more than a local coffee shop. It is a dog-friendly place to work, meet with friends, or to just go and enjoy a good cup of coffee. They serve a large coffee menu with espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. Make sure you also pair your coffee drink with one of the delicious breakfast bakery items like the muffins, pastries, or the crackers and cheese plate. The Miller Haus also hosts special events including networking, yoga, and children's events. Whether you prefer a traditional cup of coffee or you want a frozen latte with all the dessert toppings, you will find it in the Ellisville area. Grab a few friends, a good book, or just sit back and relax at one of these top-rated coffee stops. Image via Flickr by someonefromvienna | Public Domain.

There's no better way to bring in the season than a visit to one of the nearby farms for fresh produce. Whether you're a fan of fresh fruit or delicious vegetables, the area's farms grow some of the best you'll ever taste. Using fresh, locally grown ingredients takes your cooking to the next level and makes you feel good for supporting local farmers. Make sure you take some time to plan a visit to any of these fascinating farms around Ellisville, Missouri. Centennial Farms Over in Augusta, you'll find Centennial Farms, which has been a part of the community since 1854. When you visit Centennial Farms, you'll get the chance to shop their on-site market for the freshest peaches you'll ever taste, apple butter, unpasteurized honey, and much more. If you show up during the fall, you'll be able to taste 16 varieties of apples. This is a great way to show children the wonders of farming and where their food comes from. Herman's Farm Orchard If you want to know what tomatoes are supposed to taste like, get over to Herman's Farm Orchard. This is a pick-your-own farm where you can explore their fields of 15 varieties of tomatoes. During the summer, you'll also get the chance to grab some peaches, blackberries, and more. Their fall season brings their apples and in October, you can pick your own pumpkin for Halloween. You'll also get the chance to shop their selection of beautiful, hand-crafted Amish furniture. more Eckert's Grafton Farm Head over to Grafton to visit Eckert's Grafton Farm. The opportunity to pick your own produce, shop at the country store, and take part in their entertainment makes this one of the most popular farms in the area. They offer apples and pumpkins in the fall and blackberries and peaches in the summer. You can experience some of the freshest produce you've ever had. There's always something fun to do at Eckert's, especially for the kids. Plan your trip around one of the events they hold throughout the year to make your visit an unforgettable one. Pig races, pumpkin cannons, haunted hayrides in October, stage shows, group picnics — you name it. If you're looking for a full day of fun on the farm, Eckert's should be at the top of your to-do list. Thierbach Orchards & Berry Farm In Marthasville, you'll find Thierbach Orchards & Berry Farm. This farm is one of the best places for fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, peaches, apples, and more. You can pick your own fruit in their berry patches and peaches from the trees starting in July. Stop by their market to pick up a pound or two of some of the best-tasting fruits you'll ever have. Getting your produce from your local chain supermarket is convenient, but it'll never taste as good or be as fresh as what you'll find at your local farms. Be sure to support our farmers and transform your kitchen into a farm-to-table restaurant. Image via Flickr by Mild Mannered Photographer | CC BY 2.0.

St. Louis is one of the biggest cities in America, and even if you limit yourself to the neighborhoods within the city limits, you can find plenty of vibrant, exciting places to live. The downtown district by the Mississippi River has great retail stores and old restaurants, and the suburban west end has plenty of clean, quiet neighborhoods where you can choose from hundreds of lovely homes and apartment buildings. The city's neighborhoods have unique shops and small boutiques, so if you're thinking of moving to St. Louis, here are a few neighborhoods to consider. Hi-Pointe Hi-Pointe is a neighborhood just southwest of Forest Park, and it covers the area from Oakland Avenue to Dale Avenue and from Louisville Avenue up to the city's border with Richmond Heights. It's a mostly residential neighborhood with single-family homes, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area. You won't have trouble finding things to do as a family, either, since the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum are in the nearby park. Wydown-Skinker Wydown-Skinker is another neighborhood at the west end of the city. It's just north of Hi-Pointe and it covers the sliver of land between Forest Park and the suburb of Clayton. It's just as residential as Hi-Pointe and is just as close to the Forest Park's attractions, but the north end is only a block away from Washington University. Thanks to its proximity to the college, residents of this neighborhood are mostly young people, so there are plenty of cafes and bars in the area. more Skinker DeBaliviere Skinker DeBaliviere is adjacent to Wydown-Skinker between Delmar Boulevard, DeBaliviere Avenue, Forest Park, and the city limits. This neighborhood is also close to Forest Park and Washington University, but it has a few more apartment complexes for residents who don't need the space a single-family home offers. You can also find plenty of businesses along Delmar Boulevard at the north end of the neighborhood. Benton Park Benton Park is on the east side of the city and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St. Louis. You can find it between Gravois Avenue, I-55, Cherokee Street, and Jefferson Avenue. Benton Park was a popular location for breweries back in the day thanks to its natural underground caves ideal for storing beer. Today, the Anheuser-Busch brewery is located just across the street. For a more local flavor, Bluewood Brewing is in the south end of the neighborhood. Benton Park also includes plenty of places to eat, like Gus' Pretzel Shop, a bakery that has been open since 1920. There are plenty of other great neighborhoods in St. Louis in addition to the ones listed here. Across St. Louis, you'll find lovely places to live. Deciding which neighborhood is best for you depends on your housing needs and where you work or go to school. In any case, one of these neighborhoods is sure to be perfect for you and your family. Image via Flickr by Christian Collins | CC BY-SA 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.

St. Louis is a wonderful place in the springtime. The weather is starting to warm up, and there are all kinds of things going on. Whether you want to get out with friends or you need to keep the kids busy, check out these can't-miss spring events in St. Louis, Missouri. Wizard World Comic Con From April 5 - April 7, the Annual Wizard World Comic Con will take place at America's Center in downtown St. Louis. The event runs from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon and celebrates everything comics. You can check out comics, graphic novels, TV shows, and gaming at this fun event. There will also be celebrities from moves and TV along with writers and artists. Gamers can watch or join in the gaming tournaments, and anyone can take part in the costume contest. General admission tickets are $49.99 per day or you can get a VIP package for $99.99. more Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend Each April in downtown St. Louis, can take part in the Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. This family-friendly event features races for people of all ages and fitness levels, including a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K run/walk, and even children's fun runs. For 2019, the Go St. Louis Weekend will take place from April 5 - 7. Racers will get to enjoy St. Louis-themed food at the finish line, get race T-shirts, and take part in a post-race party with a local band. St. Louis Earth Day Festival Head to Forest Park in late April for the annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival. This event gives the community a chance to celebrate the Earth and learn all about the resources and products they can use to help the earth every day. There will be three different stages with entertainment, food from local restaurants, and over 200 different booths. The whole family can take part in this event with hands-on activities for all ages. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Head to Forest Park in late May to watch Shakespeare under the stars. The main stage production is always fantastic, and each year brings something special. Guests can bring chairs and blankets for lawn seating and even bring a picnic for dinner. There is a caterer on sight if you want to get a box dinner. If you arrive early, you can see the traditional Green Show which starts the night off for even more entertainment. This early show includes dancers, jugglers, and musicians that interact with the audience to keep you entertained while you wait for the main performance. Laumeiers Annual Art Fair From May 10 - 12 the annual Art Fair will take place at Laumeier Sculptor Park. This event will feature live music, hands-on activities for the kids, food and drinks from local vendors, and over 150 juried artists from all across the country. Stroll through the exhibits showcasing work from many different media including ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, and glass. Check out these St. Louis events happening this spring. Image via Flickr by TFDuesing | CC BY 2.0.

St. Louis has many unique and interesting museums. Each one has its own atmosphere and content with exhibits that range from all kinds of transportation to fine art and sports. With so many different museums offering a number of different displays, choosing where to visit can be a challenge. Here are some of the must-see St. Louis exhibits. City Museum City Museum in St. Louis was voted one of the best family attractions in the world. It is a 600,000 square-foot space filled with hands-on activities for kids. All the exhibits contain stuff from the city such as castles made from reclaimed stone, fire trucks, and church pipe organs. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits and all kinds of things to do. The kids can pretend to fly a plane, sit by a fire, find treasures in a cave, and even see a show. more Missouri Civil War Museum The Missouri Civil War Museum on Worth Road allows visitors to explore Missouri's role in the Civil War. It contains artifacts and memorabilia from the war, and the famous Jefferson Barracks is still there and still in use. Some of the new exhibits include the "Hollywood and the Civil War" exhibit. This showcases some Civil War-themed films including costumes from "Gone with the Wind," "North and South," and "The Undefeated." The Jefferson Barracks exhibit includes a 10-minute film about the history of the barracks, and the display includes uniforms and equipment. Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum Baseball lovers should make sure to visit the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum. There are artifacts here from not only some of the greatest Cardinals teams but also from the old St. Louis Browns team. You can see exhibits dedicated to some of the great baseball players including Dizzy Dean, Bob Gibson, Curt Flood, and even the Gas House Game teams from the 1930s. Make sure you check out the World Series rings before you leave, and you might even be able to try one on. The National Museum of Transportation The National Museum of Transportation is a fun stop for visitors both young and old. There are all kinds of exhibits including a toy train display and train ride for the kids. The rail and transit collection encompasses over 190 major exhibits including a Boston & Providence Railroad Passenger Coach from 1833, and a Providence Union Pacific, also known as a Big Boy. This was the largest successful steam locomotive ever built. The Earl C. Lindburg Automobile Center is also part of this museum with an automobile collection featuring rare and classic cars. This display is where you can see a 1901 automobile built by the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company and the only Chrysler turbine car on display. There is also a Bobby Darin Dream Car. This one-of-a-kind custom car is the work of Detroit clothing designer Andi Di Dia. Stop by these St. Louis museums to see unique exhibits that the whole family can enjoy. Image via Flickr by andresmh | CC BY-SA 2.0.

There are plenty of places within easy reach of Ellisville where you can see our native animal species in the wild. You can also see more unusual or endangered animals at centers where the staff work hard to protect and, where possible, reintroduce them into their natural habitat. Here are four of the best locations to check out the wildlife. Castlewood State Park Less than five miles from Ellisville lies the Castlewood State Park, once a popular party resort for people escaping the city of St. Louis in the early 1900s. The park is now a natural haven of almost 2,000 acres, where you can follow the 26-miles of trails which take in the park's ridges and valleys and the banks of the Meramec River. The park is a great place for bird watching with 191 species recorded, including many waterfowl, vultures, hawks, kingfishers, great blue herons, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. You may also be fortunate enough to spot mink, river otters, beavers, skunks, and white-tailed deer, among others. more Lone Elk Park During WWII, this area was used for the storage and testing of ammunition. After the war, it became a county park and herds of bison and elk were established. However, during the Korean War, the park was taken back by the government and the herds were destroyed. A single bull elk survived and the park's name was later changed to Lone Elk Park. In the 1960s, the herds were re-established and still thrive. Designated as a wildlife management area, the park is home to elk, deer, bison, wild turkey and many bird species. The best time to see the herd animals is before 8 a.m. when the staff feeds them. World Bird Sanctuary Next door to Lone Elk Park is the World Bird Sanctuary set up in 305 acres of forest. The mission of the sanctuary is a combination of rescue, rehabilitation, research, and education. There are large enclosures for non-releasable birds, and you'll see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks, pelicans, a variety of owls, and more. Other animals at the sanctuary include snakes and bats. The sanctuary runs free family-friendly seasonal shows where you can meet some of the animals close up. Endangered Wolf Center Around 14 miles from Ellisville is one of St. Louis' best-kept secrets, the Endangered Wolf Center, which was set up more than 40 years ago. The dedicated staff at the nonprofit wildlife facility want to see a world in which endangered wolves can exist and thrive in their natural habitat. At the center, you'll find Mexican wolves, red wolves, and maned wolves, as well as other canid species, such as African painted dogs, swift foxes, and fennec foxes. You can symbolically adopt individual animals or an entire pack in return for membership of the Endangered Wolf Center and additional benefits. A visit to these parks and animal sanctuaries enables you to enjoy Missouri's native animals in their natural habitat and contribute to the conservation of endangered species. Image via Flickr by pasa47 | CC BY 2.0.

When you get the urge to eat out but you don't want to break the bank, Ellisville has a great choice of inexpensive restaurants. And cheap doesn't mean you have to settle for poor quality. Here are five of the best restaurants for dinner on a budget. Boardwalk Pizza This pizza restaurant gets consistently good reviews for the friendly owner and staff and the quality of the food. The menu isn't huge, but what they do, they do well. Appetizers include wings with a choice of four sauces, toasted ravioli, and Land Shark Pork Bites. The specialty pizzas are freshly made with hand-tossed dough and feature names like Shark Attack, Hurricane, and Big Kahuna. You can get $5.99 lunch specials with a three-topping pizza, calzone, sub, or wings, along with a side salad or chips and a 24-ounce fountain beverage. more Clancy's Irish Pub & Grill The friendly, family-run Clancy's on Old State Road prides themselves on being an established part of the community. It's a great place to meet with friends and have an ice-cold beer or a crafted cocktail. They offer casual dining with traditional American dishes and an Irish influence. The starters menu features a good choice, including a pile of fresh homemade Irish Chips for $5.99. Burgers start at $7.99, while you can get entrees like Nick's Kickin' Chicken for $9.49 or a fried shrimp dinner for $9.99. Watch out for the special $1 burger nights! Peppers Deli & BBQ Peppers Deli is an unassuming place that serves great food at low prices. It's counter service, but you can sit inside or, weather permitting, on the outdoor patio. They slow smoke meat over a hickory fire and the place always smells amazing. For extra flavor, they have their own line of sauces — not that they're needed. You can get freshly made salads and different gourmet homemade soups each day. From the barbecue, you can choose the chopped Angus brisket, which is smoked for 16 hours, pulled pork or chicken, or handmade burgers. Or you could opt for one of the unique combos, like the Garden Grinder, Screwy Schue, or Smokin' Gobbler. Asian House Restaurant The Asian House is a small, family-run business offering freshly prepared Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The pleasant, clean decor creates a lovely atmosphere. There is an excellent selection of sushi rolls, including signature rolls, the chef's specials, and nigiri sushi. The main menu has plenty of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes to choose from. You can also get lunch specials ranging from $6.75 to $7.75. Yiro Gyro For a taste of Greece, Yiro Gyro hits the spot. The small menu features freshly made gyros, doner kebabs, meat and falafel combos, and veggie options, and the portions are generous. You can add some authentic Greek sauces to your meal. The Classic Gyro is $7.95 and the veggie version is $7.25. Whatever food takes your fancy, you can find a good quality, budget-priced restaurant in Ellisville, MO where you eat in, get takeout, or have it delivered. Image via Flickr by pizzamasetti | CC BY 2.0.

Winter is a great time to have fun in Missouri, especially if you're in the St. Louis area. In fact, there are quite a few excellent entertainment options within easy reach of the city of Ellisville. Here are just some of our favorites. Ice Skating Strap on your ice skates and hit the rink. Visit St. Louis's Kiener Plaza between Nov. 17, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2019, to participate in Winterfest. In addition to ice skating, this festival has a playground and hot chocolate. You can also drive just over half an hour to get to the city of Florissant, where you'll find the James J. Eagan Ice Rink. Enjoy a selection of tasty snacks from the concession stand before getting onto the ice. Of course, if it's just too cold to be outside — or not cold enough for real ice — there are plenty of indoor rinks in the area. more Skiing or Snowboarding Ice skating is a lot of fun, but sometimes you need to up the adrenaline factor. Skiing and snowboarding are an ideal way to get a more extreme winter thrill. We recommend visiting the Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Wildwood; it's only about 15 minutes from Ellisville and has about 30 acres of slopes to enjoy. While the snow is mostly machine-made, that'll be the last thing on your mind as you're careening downhill on skis, a snowboard, or even a snow tube. Tickets are about $50 for adults and $30 for children, with additional fees if you need to rent your equipment. Bird Watching Get back to basics by going out in nature and seeing the local wildlife. We're not talking about songbirds, either — the nearby towns of Alton and Grafton are home to one of the biggest bald eagle populations in the country. A bald eagle's nest can be as big as 5 feet in diameter and 4 feet deep, and you'll have the chance to watch the birds constructing their nests if you visit during the winter. This bird is much more than a symbol of America. It's also a fascinating predator with well-documented chick-rearing behavior. Don't miss your chance to see one in the wild. Try an Escape Room Even in the worst winter weather, you'll have a blast at an escape room. These are interactive experiences where you'll be locked in a room and given a set amount of time, usually an hour, to solve a series of clues and puzzles, advancing a storyline and allowing you to claim victory and “escape.” Multiple companies offer these games in our area. Breakout Games has rooms themed after a museum heist, kidnapping scenario, and erupting volcano. Mastermind Room Escape also has elaborately themed puzzles centered around favorite Christmas movies like "Home Alone" and "Elf," which ideal for the winter season. Don't let the winter blues get you down; there's so much to do in Ellisville that we'd be tempted to call it our favorite season. Start with one of these fun activities to get off on the right foot. Image via Flickr by oskarlin | CC BY-SA 2.0.

St. Louis may be known for the Gateway Arch, but you'll be surprised to see how many fitness centers are in the city. If you are looking to start exercising, St. Louis has plenty of options for you. Fit City Gym Fit City Gym is at 1601 S. Jefferson Ave. in the Gate District. It is open from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Fit City is a 24,000-square-foot facility loaded with brand-new, state-of-the-art workout equipment from wall to wall and a large selection of cardio machines. Fit City offers two memberships: basic and premium. Basic gives you access to the gym, locker rooms, sauna, and two free training sessions. The premium membership adds on unlimited tanning, access to a babysitting area, and half off smoothies. You can visit the gym for free on your first visit, and be sure to check out frequently changing enrollment specials. more Fitness Formula Fitness Formula is in the Central West End at 4630 Lindell Blvd. Hours are 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. This gym's focus is on group classes, but if that isn't your thing, you can use the facilities at your own pace. Some of the group classes include Formula Total Body, Strength and Cardio Core Blast. These classes are heart-rate monitored to make sure you are burning the most calories possible. Fitness Formula has many membership options, You can do open gym by the day, week, or month, purchase packs of classes, or opt for class memberships. Southtown Yoga Southtown Yoga can be found at 1905 Park Ave. in Lafayette Square. The class schedule varies, but they usually practice daily, sometimes beginning as early as 6 a.m. and as late at 8:30 p.m. The classes offered include aligned flow and meditation, beginners, underground yoga Buti style, yoga basics, and aligned flow. Southtown Yoga does have a unique class called Yogahour Give!, which gives half of the profits of that class to a local charity. Memberships to Southtown Yoga range from a $10 to $15 for a single drop-in session, $95 a month for unlimited classes, or $1,000 for an entire year of unlimited classes. Arch City CrossFit Arch City CrossFit is at 9228 Manchester Road and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Arch City has two CrossFit classes: XM Weightlifting and XM Sweat. XM Weightlifting focuses on strength and technique, while XM Sweat is a high-intensity workout. You can sign up for either eight classes a month at $120, 12 classes a month at $145, or $160 a month for unlimited classes. Arch City has one free Saturday a month where you can try out the gym. If you are feeling out of shape, then make your way to any of these gyms or studios and start a new routine. Your body will feel great once you start working out. Image via Flickr by ThoroughlyReviewed | CC BY 2.0.