TRAVEL
PUBLISHERS’ TROPICAL PARADISE
HOME + DESIGN
WOOD IS A VERSATILE GIFT
ENTERTAINMENT DISCOVER MARVELOUS MUSEUMS
Explore
Dive into summer with excitement! Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to explore the great outdoors and embark on thrilling new adventures. Whether you're exploring a new place, trying out a delicious recipe, or jetting off to a faraway destination, there's no better season to embrace the excitement of discovery.
Exploration is more than just a journey; it's an adventure that rejuvenates the soul, strengthens friendships, and introduces you to fascinating new people. It's also a chance to unwind and relax, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings—whether you're in the company of friends or savoring a moment of solitude. Picture yourself in a tropical paradise, savoring mouthwatering dishes, engaging in a friendly competition over a new board game, strolling along a scenic trail, or discovering the latest hot spot in your city. The possibilities are endless, and each new experience is a chance to create unforgettable memories.
Our hope is that this edition inspires you to carve out time for exploration. Break free from the routine and let yourself get lost in a new destination, savor a delectable new recipe, or immerse yourself in a captivating book. Now is the time to book that trip you've been dreaming about, to prioritize the activities that ignite your passion but often get pushed aside.
This summer, let your spirit soar. Explore, experience, and engage with the world in a way that lights a fire in your soul. Adventure awaits—seize it with all the excitement you can muster.
July 2024
PUBLISHERS
Gordon Montgomery
gordon.montgomery@citylifestyle.com
Kelley Lamm
kelley.lamm@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Casey Pierce | casey.pierce@citylifestyle.com
INTERN
Kaiya Thompson | kaiya.thompson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mark Sutherland, Julie Brown Patton, Kelley Lamm, Chelsea Haynes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gordon Montgomery, Mark Sutherland
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-4:
from
Examples of creativity
Paint The Town: A Frenchtown Street Mural Art Festival. 5: Oh Olive the Bulldog won over hearts at the Enchanted Playroom for a reading pawty. 6: Casey Pierce and Iris Schmidt enjoying yemini coffee at the newly opened Mocha Point. 7: April Moxley celebrating 10 years with April’s on Main, Historic St. Charles Main Street.
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Wentzville Book Author Releases Historical Mystery About STL World Fair
Sarah Angleton’s new book made it to No. 5 of New Book Releases on Amazon Prime. Titled Paradise on the Pike Historical Fiction and Mystery, the plot is about at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and it’s just in time to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. This Wentzville resident authored three previous historical novels and is a member of the 1904 World’s Fair Society.
First-Ever O’Fallon Rail District Festival Was Huge Hit
O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries members partnered with O’Fallon Community Foundation representatives to create and conduct the first-ever O’Fallon Rail District Festival in Civic Park. More than 2,000 people actually attended, 100plus businesses participated and five food trucks were on-hand. Proceeds supported the O’Fallon Community Foundation for scholarships for students at the Renaud Center, sending O’Fallon police officers to Police Week and similar Community Foundation-sponsored initiatives.
Pickleball Fundraiser Regarding Cancer To Be Held July 20
St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, a nonprofit that raises funds for cancer research, prevention and care activities, will host the group’s second annual pickleball fundraiser July 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Missouri Pickleball Club, 747 Gravois Bluffs Blvd. in Fenton. Tickets are $135 per two-person team and include tournament play and light breakfast. Spectator tickets are $15 per person. Proceeds benefit local efforts to battle cancer. Call 314.786.5950 or visit MensGroupAgainstCancer.org
Photography by St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer
Photography Courtesy of O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries
First Responders Train In St. Charles For Emergency-Situation Drone Usage
Missouri first responders participated in a recent drone mapping class at St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD) headquarters. This firstin-area class gave first responders hands-on training for using drone aircraft during emergency situations, including how to include modern drone technology when combating natural disasters, accident reconstruction, missing persons searches and SWAT situations. National instructors offered Missouri firefighters, police officers, EMS and other emergency agencies the opportunity to attend; 25 attendees did.
Photography Courtesy of SCCAD
OLD HICKORY GOLF CLUB
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Wood Is Earth’s Versatile Gift
Real Wood Products From Missouri Make Life Better
Mulch. Fencing. Wood flooring. Kitchen cabinets. Furniture. Shelves. Molding. Doors. Millwork. Pallets. Bourbon Barrels. Charcoal. These useful American products power the reason the Show Me state has major bragging rights due to the vast majority of these items originating from Missouri wood. Missouri’s No. 1 natural resource is trees, and the state is known for producing some of the best logs, lumber and value-added wood products in the country. Missouri mills are leading producers of white oak staves, wooden pallets, charcoal and walnut products across the United States, and
Courtesy of KitchenWorks Cabinetry & Design
Missouri's forests and wood product manufacturers also are internationally known for supplying white oak barrels.
At a time when Missourians have never been more devoted to turning their homes into beautiful sanctuaries, Mike Naeger, Missouri Forest Products Association president, says, "Wood brings an organic appeal and calming element to our surroundings. Wood goes well with any color theme or interior design. You can always count on wooden décor to make homes and offices look and feel solid and enriched."
Wood is the most environmentally friendly material on Earth, Mike says, as the only energy needed to produce it is sunlight. Wood products also store carbon, as they work tirelessly to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
Mike outlines a myriad of consumer benefits that result directly from wood.
WOOD
IS HEALTHIER
Because wood flooring requires fewer chemicals to make and install, it helps promote healthier living and workplace environments. EPA officials found that hardwood floors improve air quality because they're less likely to harbor dangerous microorganisms, pesticides and allergens, such as dust, mold or pet dander.
WOOD IS SUSTAINABLE
Wood is a zero waste product. For example, old wood from flooring can be turned into other products or simply bio-degrade. Other flooring types,
such as vinyl, are made from plastics or synthetic fibers that take multiple decades to break down and decompose. Recycling companies typically reject old vinyl flooring because it’s not profitable for them; burning as the alternative form of disposal releases harmful phthalate chemicals into the air.
WOOD
IS DURABLE
Quality wood flooring can last more than 100 years. Wood floors will stand up to foot traffic and will maintain their color finish with proper maintenance. Wood floors are easy to maintain and can be repaired with relative ease.
WOOD MAKES SENSE ECONOMICALLY
Many homeowners love the look of hardwood flooring and other features in their home. But they are also concerned about the initial expense of installing wood. Putting wood floors into homes is truly a good investment. Real hardwood floors add to the resale value of houses; the average return on investment is an impressive 70-80%.
JOBS, ECONOMIC BOOSTS FROM WOOD
Brian Brookshire, Missouri Forest Products Association executive director, says the logging and lumber industry employs at least 42,000 Missourians. "The economic impact goes much further when calculating equipment purchases, gas, tires, insurance and banking. In fact, the logging and forest products industry contributes more than $10 billion annually to Missouri’s economy."
CONTINUED >
FUN FACTS ABOUT WOOD:
• The world is home to more than 23,000 different kinds of trees.
• Trees trap 50% of all the sun's energy caught by living organisms.
• All wood is biodegradable.
• Wet wood, unlike dry wood, can conduct electricity.
• The terms softwood and hardwood describe the leaves, seeds and structure of the trees rather than the type of wood they produce. (Softwoods are not always softer than hardwoods.)
• The world's blackest wood is ebony, the world's whitest wood is holly.
• Trees get 90% of their nutrition from the atmosphere and only 10% from soil.
As a beautiful, strong and renewable resource, wood is an extraordinary natural material with endless uses for consumers.
573.634.3252 ChooseWood.com
“If you’re lucky enough to own wood products from Missouri, life is good.”
Sponsored Luxury Travel Insights // ‘Secrets Tides’ Resort In Punta Cana: A 5-Star Experience
Publishers’
Tropical Paradise
ARTICLE BY KELLEY LAMM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORDON MONTGOMERY
Imagine stepping into a slice of paradise, where the vibrant allure of the Dominican Republic meets unparalleled luxury. We recently had the extraordinary opportunity to host the IN YOUR CITY Show live from the brand new ‘Secrets Tides’ resort in Punta Cana, and it was nothing short of a publishers' dream.
From the moment our private transport arrived, we were enveloped in genuine hospitality. Welcomed with a refreshing glass of bubbly, our adventure at this adults-only, all-inclusive resort began in true tropical style.
Nestled along 800 feet of palm-fringed beachfront in Uvero Alto, Secrets Tides Punta Cana is a picturesque seaside escape, just 40 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. The resort seamlessly blends lush tropical landscapes with opulent accommodations, creating an unforgettable retreat.
LUXURY AND CONVENIENCE COMBINED
The Unlimited-Luxury inclusions were simply sensational. We enjoyed unlimited access to gourmet à la carte dining options, no reservations required, and a variety of top-shelf international and domestic spirits. Our mini-bar was daily refreshed with soft drinks, juices, water and beer. With 24-hour room and concierge services, pool and beach wait service, daily maid service, and all taxes and gratuities included, every detail was designed for effortless luxury.
EXQUISITE ACCOMMODATIONS
Our suite was breathtaking, offering ample space to relax and unwind. The resort boasts 668 luxurious suites, each adorned with modern Caribbean décor. Every suite features 24-hour room service, a private furnished terrace or swim-out access, and a daily refreshed mini-bar, ensuring a truly lavish stay.
“Imagine
stepping into a slice of paradise. We recently hosted the IN YOUR CITY Show live from ‘Secrets Tides’ resort in Punta Cana.”
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Dining at Secrets Tides was a 5-star experience. With nine gourmet restaurants, we savored a range of global cuisines. Meraki offered an exquisite Mediterranean fusion, while Tierra delighted us with bold South American flavors. The resort’s seven bars and lounges, serving top-shelf spirits, were perfect for unwinding in the evenings.
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
The pools and spa were nothing short of spectacular. Three expansive pools, including a stunning infinity pool, along with two outdoor hot tubs, provided the perfect spots for relaxation. The Secrets Spa offered a comprehensive menu of treatments and a hydrotherapy circuit, ensuring ultimate relaxation.
ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT
There was always something to do at Secrets Tides. The resort provided a variety of entertainment options, including live shows at the outdoor theater and activities such as water sports and dance classes. You also can enjoy special dining experiences, such as the Sip, Savor & See Dining Experience, allowing guests to explore meals and entertainment at nearby resorts.
EXCLUSIVE AMENITIE s
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Preferred Club offers exclusive access to a private pool, lounge and upgraded amenities, enhancing the luxury and exclusivity of the stay.
“We were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional travel service provided by Travel Leaders St. Louis/Chesterfield and our unforgettable experience at the breathtaking
Tides resort.”
Secrets
With more than 40 years in the travel industry, insights and connections, Marcie provides access to the best deals, hidden gems and exclusive opportunities not offered online. From the moment travelers start planning until returning home, she handles the complexities of travel logistics, giving you the freedom to relax and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
TRAVEL EXPERTISE AND ADVICE
Marcie Boyle, owner and travel expert at Travel Leaders St. Louis/Chesterfield, offers invaluable advice when traveling to Secrets Resorts. She emphasizes that Secrets is often their go-to recommendation for upscale adults-only getaways, whether for couples looking to reconnect or for planning a girls’ spa getaway. Marcie highlights the benefits of using a travel agent to ensure every detail of the trip is perfect, from personalized experiences and insider knowledge to time savings and support during the trip.
Marcie says, "I cherish the opportunity to create unforgettable memories for our clients. They come to us with their vacation dreams and trust us to bring them to life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people plan trips, whether it's an intimate getaway or a funfilled family adventure."
As Lifestyle publishers and hosts of IN YOUR CITY Show, we were thoroughly impressed by the exceptional travel service provided by Travel Leaders St. Louis/Chesterfield and our unforgettable experience at the breathtaking Secrets Tides Resort. We wholeheartedly give it 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking to relax, reconnect and revel in tropical luxury.
Note: Travel Leaders St. Louis/Chesterfield is a Lifestyle advertiser.
Discover MARVELOUS MUSEUMS
ONE BRAND-NEW EXHIBITION OFFERS INTERACTIVE OPTICAL ILLUSIONS AND VISUAL PERCEPTIONS
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions recently opened within the City Foundry in St. Louis. With more than 9,000 square feet of mind-bending exhibits, it blends entertainment and education for visitors of all ages. Founded in 2015 in Zagreb, Croatia, the Museum of Illusions reportedly since became the largest, fastest-growing chain of private museums globally, with almost 50 locations open in 25 countries, welcoming millions of visitors worldwide. Now, St. Louis joins the ranks of cities, such as Las Vegas, New York and Paris, offering this new way to explore, learn and have fun.
The Museum of Soda History, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts tax-deductible donations of old soda items, and visitors can see wall-to-wall soda collectibles in St. Charles at 126 N. Main St. Step back in time with items from the 1880s to 1980s, including many childhood favorites. Downstairs in the building is an arcade at which guests play Pac-Man.
Examples of other specialty museums to visit this summer: Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, 1050 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles; Iron Spike Model Train Museum, 1498 High St., Washington, Missouri; Red Cedar Inn Museum on Historic Route 66, 1047 E. Osage St., Pacific; Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, 1 Brookings Drive, Washington University; Fast Lane
Classic Cars, 427 Little Hills Industrial Blvd., St. Charles; Myseum, 283 Lamp and Lantern Village Town and Country; The National Museum of Transportation, 2933 Barrett Station Road, Kirkwood; St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, 36 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur; St. Louis Car Museum, 1575 Woodson Road, St. Louis County; Faust Park Thornhill Home and Historical Village, 15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield; Jasper's Antique Radio Museum, 2022 Cherokee St., St. Louis; Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum, 14301 Creve Coeur Airport Road, Maryland Heights; and African Schoolhouse #4, Missouri’s oldest surviving one-room schoolhouse, also in Chesterfield's Faust Park.
Courtesy of The National Museum of Transportation
Courtesy of Faust Park
Museum of Illusions
Red Cedar Inn Museum /
Photo by Julie Brown Patton
Courtesy of Myseum
ARTICLE BY MARK SUTHERLAND, MISSOURI’S STOWLOCH WHISKEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MARK SUTHERLAND
Highlands Trail Drink The Ozark
ADVICE EDITORIAL: OZARK HIGHLANDS OFFERS UNIQUE, HISTORIC AND QUALITY
EXPERIENCE FOR AMERICAN WHISKEY LOVERS THAT COULD RIVAL KENTUCKY
Stone Ledge’s Mark & Amy Sutherland at Chandler Hill Vineyards
Whiskey and good spirits are all about community. The perfect place for a good whiskey is in the company of friends, and many groups head to Kentucky to embrace the distillery experience.
However, one doesn't need to travel that far to connect with fantastic spirits. Missouri’s Ozark Highlands encompass the Southern half of the state, and the region has been distilling since 1819. Locally, just travel along the Missouri River in the northeastern section of the Ozark Highlands for a fantastic distillery experience.
A DEFIANCE DRAM
Launch a distillery journey in the company of one of the most famous St. Louis families: the Busch Family. The new Busch Family Brewing and Distilling located off Benne Road in Defiance offers whiskey finished in Missouri White Oak barrels, other locally produced spirits, and their own fantastic beer, such as Kraftig, the Gussie, the Adolphus or Her Majesty’s Golden. Built on the family farm, the scenic location with its resident alpacas and Clydesdales is the perfect place to spend a few hours over a good drink and some fine German-style food.
In downtown Defiance, Stone Ledge Distillery’s tasting room is currently under construction in what used to be Don’s Place, and will be open in the fall, but one can visit Chandler Hill or Defiance Ridge Vineyards to talk whiskey and enjoy Stone Ledge’s Stowloch Whiskey. Stowloch and InverXion Vodka are available at stores across Missouri.
Further down 94 is the hilltop location of Sugar Creek Winery. Founded in 1994, it is also the home of the Distillery of Defiance where they create brandy and vodka under the name of a local historic location: Judgment Tree. The location offers great views, music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Stone Ledge Distillery
Hermann Farm Distillery Tasting Room
Hermann Farm Distillery
ACROSS THE RIVER
Situated between Union and Washington is Nobletons Distilling House on Highway 47. Led by ninth-generation distiller Demetrius Cain, their tasting room offers not only great drinks, but also tours of their facility where guests can see the magic happen and sometimes even taste right out of the barrel.
Head to Hermann to take in a private tour at Black Shire Distillery. The distillery actually has two tasting rooms. The easy to find one is located on Gutenberg Street, but my favorite is at the end of the Hermann Farm Distillery Tour. And for dinner, stop by Fernweh Distilling Company for dinner and drinks in their 1867 historic building.
MORE OZARK HIGHLANDS
These great locations barely scratch the surface, as the Ozark Highlands offers many more distilleries and experiences all across the bottom half of Missouri, including the End of the Road Bar at Top of the Rock in Big Cedar near Branson, the Cave Distillery in New Offenburg, Blacksmith Distillery in Lohman in or the Ty Lechyd Da Distillery in Springfield. For a list of distilleries across the Ozark Highlands, visit OzarkHighlands.org.
Editor's Note: Mark Sutherland is founder of Missouri’s Stowloch Whiskey and InverXion Vodka.
Black Shire Distillery
Judgment Tree
Busch Family Brewing & Distilling
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN ST.CHARLES COUNTY.
JULY 2024
NEW!
Schedule your Free Consultation Today and mention City Lifestyle Magazine for $1000 off treatment
NEW LOCATION! CREVE COEUR
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 3RD - 6TH
O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest
Ozzie Smith Sports Complex | 4:00 PM
In addition to free concerts and fireworks, July 3-6 activities include a carnival and midway, family-friendly sideshows and free activities in Entertainment Alley: axe throwing, soccer shootout challenge, oversized trikes, a Monster Mural. Admission to the festival grounds at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is free. Free parking also will be available, with free shuttle service provided on July 4–5.
JULY 4TH - 5TH
St. Charles Riverfest
Frontier Park | 12:00 PM
This festival will feature live music, great food and drinks, children's activities and a carnival. This year, a fireworks display will be hosted on both evenings. Also part of Riverfest is the Riverfest 4th of July parade presented by the City of Saint Charles and the St. Charles Jaycees. The parade is at 10 a.m. on July Fourth. Schedule: StCharlesCityMO.gov/1037/Riverfest.
JULY 10TH
Streets Of St. Charles Free Concert
Beale Street | 6:00 PM
This 2-hour concert is free. The band scheduled is Russo and Co. Based around guitar-playing, singing, and tap-dancing front man, Anthony Russo, Russo & Co. blends upright bass, banjo/dobro, guitar, vocal harmonies, percussion and tap dance to create a truly authentic Country/Americana sound. This band also offers a wide range of popular cover songs, ranging from classic to modern.
JULY 13TH
Hot Summer Nights
Frenchtown, Second Street | 6:00 PM
Join hot music, great times with friends and good food and drinks. The rock band playing is All Together Now. Food trucks and local breweries begin serving at 6 p.m. Live music will be available from 7-10 p.m. Sponsors are: Ameristar, Fast Lane Classic Cars, La Belle Vie, Lindenwood University, Riviera Too and The Elm - Taphouse and Kitchen.
JULY 13TH
2024 Mud Volleyball
10100 Ecology Drive/10100 Mid Rivers Mall Drive | 9:00 AM
This 9th annual volleyball tournament is a rain or shine event until 5 p.m. It's $250 per co-ed team; must be 21 years or older. Team maximum is 10 persons. Food and beverages are available for purchase on-site, proceeds benefiting the Central County Fire & Rescue Community Outreach. Phone 636.970.9700 or email outreach@centralcommunityfire.org.
JULY 14TH
Sister Cities
International Festival
Lewis And Clark Boathouse Parking Lot | 12:00 PM
This celebration lasts until 6 p.m. and observes German, Irish and French Sister Cities. Join a fun day featuring live music, vendors and cultural activities from Germany, Ireland and France. A vendor application for products or services that match this international theme is available online and must be return to St. Charles city staffers.
JULY 17TH
Music On Main
Between 100 And 200 Blocks Of North Main Street | 5:00 PM
This free concert provides food, drink and live music in historic downtown until 7:30 p.m. The band is "Sometimes a Fantasy: a Tribute to Billy Joel." Prepare for cash transactions. They also sell Main Street T-shirts for $25 each. Regarding questions, call 800.366.2427.
JULY 20TH - 21ST 4th Annual Christmas In July Craft And Vendor Event
O'Fallon Elks Lodge | 10:00 AM
This is free to attend, and offers crafters and food vendors, with a visit from Santa Claus for pictures. Organizers indicate they'll have 50/50 and vendor raffles, plus a chance to win two $25 gift cards. All proceeds go to their Adopt a Family for Christmas Fund for meals/gifts for others. If interested in being a vendor, email to TLCMOEvents@gmail.com.
JULY 25TH - 28TH
All Shook Up
Music Performance
Cottleville/St. Charles Community College | 7:30 PM
This 2-hour Performing Arts Department theatre performance by Joe Dipietro is inspired by and featuring songs of Elvis Presley. It will be held in the ST RM Theater. Organizers indicate it's appropriate for ages high school and older. July 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m.; July 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit StCharlesTickets.com.
In Between HeartFluttering Lines
Book Review: The Ultimate Summer Page Turner: Bonding Over Books
A BOOK LOVER'S BOOK ABOUT BOOK LOVERS. CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?
Kristina Forest's first novel of a soon-to-be, three-part series will have readers' eyes glued from cover to cover as she unveils the love life of Lily Greene, as a shy Lil navigates the literary world as an editor and strives to achieve Black excellence.
The Neighbor Favor is a feel-good romance and the quintessential summer read as Lily somehow falls for her neighbor, who just so happens to love books just as much as she does.
Kristina Forest authors romance stories for both teens and young adults.
KristinaForest.com
"Love was closer than they knew."
ARTICLE BY CHELSEA HAYNES
Studio STL
