Let me first offer a thousand apologies for being away from you for so long. Fortunately, the real estate market has been keeping me and the team at Real Estate Solutions pretty busy helping our clients achieve their goals. Speaking of my team, our newest member, Joi, recently said that The autumn season brought golden sunshine and a kaleidoscope of leaves that dropped from the trees to lay a colorful tapestry at our feet. After I wiped the tears from my eyes, I realized that I just have to let you know about some of the Fall activities to enjoy around St. Louis. The upcoming holidays and winter months, likewise, will kindle a spirit of excitement for things to do around town. There's a chill in the air, so bundle up as you head out the door... Join Real Estate Solutions as we take in some of the magic that St. Louis has to offer! |
![]() November 29 - December 4 If you are looking for a thought-provoking discussion tonight, join Kimberly Norwood, law professor at Washington University, as she discusses her book Ferguson's Fault Lines: The Race Quake That Rocked a Nation on Tuesday at 4:30pm (Olin Library, Room 142). The Fabulous Fox presents Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker on Wednesday at 7pm. This stellar performance from Russia will delight audiences of all ages with awe-inspiring dance, fantastic stage sets, and spectacular costumes. Two other engaging events on Wednesday night, will ring in the holiday season: Stile Antico, an award-winning vocal ensemble, performs "A Wonderful Mystery" at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, and A Christmas Carol takes center stage at the Repertory Theatre. On Thursday night the 5th Annual Santa Jam performs a concert at the Peabody Opera House to benefit Youth in Need. Thursday through Saturday evenings, The Stray Dog Theatre showcases Buyer and Cellar, a comedy about a guy from Los Angeles and his never-to-be-forgotten shopping experience with Barbra Streisand. You and your family definitely will enjoy the Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk Friday at Citizens National Bank Park. Festivities begin at 6pm and will include caroling, the lighting of the tree, carriage rides, hot chocolate, and the arrival of Santa Claus!... Take advantage of shopping specials at area businesses. Make a day of it on South Grand on Saturday where Mr. Grinch will be visiting for Grinchmas. From 9am-1pm, the event benefits Shriner's Hospital for Children. With a $7.00 donation, get your picture taken with the Grinch. Bring a toy for children at the hospital and the photo costs $5.00. While in the neighborhood, stop by the International Institute Holiday Bazaar (3401 Arsenal Street). From 10am-4pm, shop for gifts among a variety of unique creations by local artisans. There will be a kids' craft area, hot drinks, and food trucks. Also on Saturday night, KDHX The Stage presents The Kiss &Tells: Lost in the Twilight Zone, an eclectic group of talented entertainers. Sunday morning, the Show Me Reptile and Exotics Show at the Machinists Hall is sure to amaze. December 5 - 11 On Monday and Tuesday morning, Whole Foods in Town and Country will host a free Story Hour - Holiday Parade and Pizza with Santa! Wednesday, attend Sip, Sketch, And Socialize: Design In Color with Aiden Douglas at the World Chess Hall of Fame starting at 6:30pm. $5.00 at the door. Free for members. Rod Picott, a former construction worker, is building a name for himself with the guitar instead of tools. He will perform soulful arrangements at The Stage at KDHX Thursday night, 7:30pm. Friday marks the first in a 3-day series of appearances by Ambassadors of Harmony, a 140-man chorus from St. Charles, performing "Sounds of the Season". Shows also on Saturday and Sunday. At the Saint Louis Art Museum, yesterday's social norms as portrayed on television are analyzed in two video artworks by Dara Birnbaum: Technology/Transformation: Wonder Woman and Kiss the Girls: Make them Cry. Hurry... on view through the end of this week, Sunday, December 11. Gallery 301. Join me on Saturday to listen and learn from great speakers. TedxGatewayArch has scheduled various personalities to engage and educate at the Skip Viragh Center, (Chaminade High School). Take a trip to the North Pole on the The Santa Express Train Ride Wednesday through Sunday, now through December 30, at Union Station. Also enjoy family-friendly indoor activities at the station, including toy making with Elfin, fudge making with the elves, and gingerbread house decorating at Gingerbread Junction. Sweet! Holiday lights Be sure to check out the annual Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, which features a million lights surrounded by unique installations. Take advantage of photo opportunities, traditional holiday music, food, and drinks in this winter wonderland. The display continues through New Year's Day. The Garden will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Also, check out the Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo, which boasts top ratings in holiday zoo lighting as surveyed by USA Today. Also, we have compiled a list of our top Ten Sights for Holiday Lights that you can check out on the LivingSTL website. December 12 - 18 Start your work week right Monday night. Nobodys perform punk rock at Fubar, 3108 Locust Street, 7:30pm. Tuesday evening there's bawdy comedy at Playhouse@Westport. Dixie's Tupperware Party will have you rolling in your seat. Showtime 7:30pm. Check the schedule for recurring shows through this Sunday, December 18. Finding Neverland will delight and inspire at the The Fabulous Fox on Wednesday. Performances continue through Sunday, December 18. On Thursday, Sara Evans makes a stop in St. Louis on her country music tour at the River City Casino & Hotel. Performance at 7pm. Tickets $39-$49. A Holiday Benefit for Refugees & Immigrants will be a worthwhile event at The Heavy Anchor (5226 Gravois), Friday 7:30pm-1:00am. All proceeds go to The International Institute with a suggested donation of $7 and/or goods at the door will provide entry. Highlights include Chris Ward, The Vigilettes, The MERCS, Traveling Sound Machine, among others. Needed donations: gently used clothing and shoes in all sizes (including children's), winter items, furniture, household goods (towels, bedding, rugs, lamps, kitchenware), toiletries, toys, and diapers. The St. Louis art scene confronts hot topics in the Kelly Walker exhibitions at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: Schema and Direct Drive . What's all the talk about? Check it out now through December 31. The museum is closed Mondays. Your pooch will enjoy a holiday event Saturday 12-2:30pm at Celebration of the Dog. Visit the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog for photos with Santa, dog games, and talent contests, silent auction, raffle, food, free nail trimming and ear cleaning. Microchipping available for $25. Take part in the Ugly Sweater Contest for both dogs and humans! All breeds welcome. Must be on leash and have shots up to date. Free. Also on Saturday, I will be teaching "The Keys to Homeownership" at The Heights. This free monthly seminar is designed to educate people about the process of achieving home ownership. Real Estate Solutions believe that educating our clients is the best way to ensure that they are prepared to make good real estate decisions. Children young and old will delight in a Swedish Breakfast with Santa, Sunday at IKEA in midtown, 9:30am to 11am. December 19 - 25 What happened The Night the Toys Came to Life at Bob Kramer's Marionnettes? Find out this Monday through December 31. I can't wait to check out The 442s Holiday Spectacular on Tuesday, featuring Jeremy Davenport, Erin Bode, Peter Martin, and others in concert at the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall. Wednesday, don your warmest -- and ugliest -- sweater at the Ugly Sweater Party at Howl at the Moon, where dance and party beats will get you groovin' in your knits. Drink specials include Cinnamon Toast Shots. $200 cash/prizes for ugliest sweater. Think zig-zag patterns. Meet author Richard Newman at the Webster Groves Public Library Thursday from 7-8:30pm. Newman is past editor of River Styx and other publications. He will read from and sign copies of his first novel, Graveyard of the Gods. Get some Fresh Heir, as the band presents Believe, with Divine Hours, at Delmar Hall (next door to The Pageant) in The Loop. Friday at 7pm. Cost $10. Spirited sounds for all ages. On Christmas Day, Pere Marquette Lodge prepares A Christmas Feast for you and your family! Take a scenic drive and a break from the kitchen. Enjoy a bountiful meal in a beautiful setting. 10am-4pm. Reservations required for parties of six or more. Prices vary. December 26 - 31 Candyland at ArtScope is part of School Daze Camp 2016-2017. Monday, 9:00am-3:00pm. Kids will construct sweetscapes like Gumdrop Forest, Peanut Brittle House, Candy Castle, and more. Check out the St. Louis Mercantile Library is Audubon and Beyond showcasing, through interactive programs, the library's contributions to St. Louis' exploration and education of the natural world. Mark your calendar for Wednesday's Kwanzaa Celebration in the Delmar Loop, an event celebrating African culture and traditions at 4pm in the Market Plaza. Take in the Kinara Lighting Ceremony and a performance by students from Bertha Knox Gilkey Pamoja Prep. Academy at Cole. The Saint Louis Galleria hosts the Virtual Reality By Facebook roadshow event on Thursday, which continues through January 5, 2017. This is an innovative exploration into computerized virtual reality -- put on a headset, go to another place, stay where you are. East Garden Court, 7pm. Visit the Missouri History Museum to view "Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis", an exhibition highlighting our city's role in the making of this historic roadway. Also see "Toys of the '50s, '60s and '70s" and reminisce about favorite childhood playthings including Slinky, Gumby, Barbie, and more. Both exhibits are free. Saturday is New Year's Eve! Ring in 2017 at Powell Symphony Hall. St. Louis Symphony New Year's Eve Celebration at 7:30pm. There's also Bollywood Night in Chesterfield at St. Louis Marriott West, 660 Maryville Centre Drive, 9pm-1am.As you can see, there are plenty of great ways to enjoy St. Louis over the next month. I hope that you have a lovely holiday season, and a safe and prosperous new year! Please don;t hesitate to let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. All the best. -Nate Nate K. JohnsonABR,CRS,GRI Broker/Owner Real Estate Solutions 314-575-7352 Direct 314-558-6025 Fax |