the weather was summer perfect.
Clayton on the Park
8025 Bonhomme Ave.
314-290-1500
Clayton on the Park was a state-of-the-art luxury hotel and residential property with the logo “Where Style and Comfort Collide.” I mention this property because is was outstanding in every way possible. It has been converted into a luxury retirement property. So be it . . .
An added perk to this first visit was the Jazz Festival (www.stlouis.com/festivals) in Shaw Park in Clayton.
Driving Diva Factoid: As St. Louis grew, Clayton developed. The area that became Clayton was derived from donated farmlands owned by two Virginians: Ralph Clayton and Martin Hanley.
Seven Gables Inn
26 N. Meramec Ave.
314-863-8400
www.sevengablesinn.com
This National Historic Landmark property has much potential. There is a blend of styles with nothing fancy or ostentatious. It is friendly and convenient to downtown Clayton. While staying there, I discovered that a lot of the staff has been there for years, and there is a definite family feeling. There are no elevators, so one must use the steps. They are obviously original but have now been carpeted, making the actual step tread narrow. I found it a bit hazardous; plus, the small design on the carpet can play tricks on the eyes.
There are thirty-two guest rooms, six of them on the main floor, providing easy access if required. My room was large and had the usual amenities. The bathroom was nice, and though the decor colors were dark, all was clean and the bed comfortable.
I tried (several times) to get firsthand updates but received no response. As of these edits, I learn that a lot has been redone, but I have no specifics. The Molly Darcy’s , a popular Irish Pub, is on the property. I felt comfortable with the parking arrangement. Valet service is available, and the parking area is just across the street.
Shopping Discoveries
The ScholarShop
8211 Clayton Rd.
314-725-3456
www.sfstl.org
Across from the St. Louis Galleria Mall (www.saintlouisgalleria.com), this sizeable shop specializes in “new and gently used designer and brand name clothing and accessories for the entire family—all at resale prices!” Proceeds support area students through the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis (www.sfstl.org), “a non-profit organization that provides access to higher education to members of our community without financial resources.” I definitely arrived on the right day—just a little late. If I had only known!
Immediately, I knew this was my type of store, but little did I realize how much so. I walked in and was immediately handed a large brown grocery bag. My perplexed expression provoked the response, “Everything you can fit in the bag will be $25!” I smiled and quickly refrained from charging around like a bull in a china shop. Within a blink of an eye, my bag seemed half full. Suddenly someone came over and informed me that if I folded or rolled items tightly, I could fit more in the bag. Grateful for the tip, I was thrilled by how tightly I could suddenly roll items! I was in hog heaven!
Obviously this bag day is not a daily happening. It is also obvious that this is a professionally run shop. I can attest to the fact that it is organized and clean. The staff is most friendly, and I look forward to visiting this treasure shop again . . . even if I have to detour a bit.
Woman’s Exchange
9214 Clayton Rd.
314-997-4411
www.stlouiswomansexchange.com
A nonprofit organization created in 1934, the Woman’s Exchange today has venues throughout the United States. The goal is to create a market for items made by talented craftspeople. Through the sale of these incredibly beautiful articles, the artists are able to help support themselves in a productive manner.
This beautiful St. Louis Woman’s Exchange not only includes exquisite items for sale but has a fantastic tearoom. I had the salad bowl, a lemon square for dessert, and coffee—absolutely delicious. Had “space” permitted,
Clayton on the Park
8025 Bonhomme Ave.
314-290-1500
Clayton on the Park was a state-of-the-art luxury hotel and residential property with the logo “Where Style and Comfort Collide.” I mention this property because is was outstanding in every way possible. It has been converted into a luxury retirement property. So be it . . .
An added perk to this first visit was the Jazz Festival (www.stlouis.com/festivals) in Shaw Park in Clayton.
Driving Diva Factoid: As St. Louis grew, Clayton developed. The area that became Clayton was derived from donated farmlands owned by two Virginians: Ralph Clayton and Martin Hanley.
Seven Gables Inn
26 N. Meramec Ave.
314-863-8400
www.sevengablesinn.com
This National Historic Landmark property has much potential. There is a blend of styles with nothing fancy or ostentatious. It is friendly and convenient to downtown Clayton. While staying there, I discovered that a lot of the staff has been there for years, and there is a definite family feeling. There are no elevators, so one must use the steps. They are obviously original but have now been carpeted, making the actual step tread narrow. I found it a bit hazardous; plus, the small design on the carpet can play tricks on the eyes.
There are thirty-two guest rooms, six of them on the main floor, providing easy access if required. My room was large and had the usual amenities. The bathroom was nice, and though the decor colors were dark, all was clean and the bed comfortable.
I tried (several times) to get firsthand updates but received no response. As of these edits, I learn that a lot has been redone, but I have no specifics. The Molly Darcy’s , a popular Irish Pub, is on the property. I felt comfortable with the parking arrangement. Valet service is available, and the parking area is just across the street.
Shopping Discoveries
The ScholarShop
8211 Clayton Rd.
314-725-3456
www.sfstl.org
Across from the St. Louis Galleria Mall (www.saintlouisgalleria.com), this sizeable shop specializes in “new and gently used designer and brand name clothing and accessories for the entire family—all at resale prices!” Proceeds support area students through the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis (www.sfstl.org), “a non-profit organization that provides access to higher education to members of our community without financial resources.” I definitely arrived on the right day—just a little late. If I had only known!
Immediately, I knew this was my type of store, but little did I realize how much so. I walked in and was immediately handed a large brown grocery bag. My perplexed expression provoked the response, “Everything you can fit in the bag will be $25!” I smiled and quickly refrained from charging around like a bull in a china shop. Within a blink of an eye, my bag seemed half full. Suddenly someone came over and informed me that if I folded or rolled items tightly, I could fit more in the bag. Grateful for the tip, I was thrilled by how tightly I could suddenly roll items! I was in hog heaven!
Obviously this bag day is not a daily happening. It is also obvious that this is a professionally run shop. I can attest to the fact that it is organized and clean. The staff is most friendly, and I look forward to visiting this treasure shop again . . . even if I have to detour a bit.
Woman’s Exchange
9214 Clayton Rd.
314-997-4411
www.stlouiswomansexchange.com
A nonprofit organization created in 1934, the Woman’s Exchange today has venues throughout the United States. The goal is to create a market for items made by talented craftspeople. Through the sale of these incredibly beautiful articles, the artists are able to help support themselves in a productive manner.
This beautiful St. Louis Woman’s Exchange not only includes exquisite items for sale but has a fantastic tearoom. I had the salad bowl, a lemon square for dessert, and coffee—absolutely delicious. Had “space” permitted,
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