Restaurateur Sam Kogos faithfully recreates the Cajun/Creole comfort food of his Louisiana upbringing at Riverbend Restaurant & Bar, right down to the Gulf Coast-sourced blue crab, shrimp and spice blend.

Separated by nearly 700 miles, New Orleans and St. Louis are nonetheless connected by their common French heritage and linked by life on the Mississippi River. An informal exchange has taken place between the two cities, with citizens and cuisine bridging the geographic divide.

Like many of St. Louis’ stately World’s Fair-era mansions, Patti and Kevin Short’s majestic three-story harbors a wealth of history between its walls.  Fortunately, much of this landmark’s colorful story has been well documented over the years. It’s been a featured stop on the Central West End House Tour several times and even the subject of an HGTV episode. 

Moving back to St. Louis after living in Germany for several years, the Dubray family was ready to re-lay their roots in the Gateway to the West. With three boys, it was a top priority for Julie and Drew to design a home that was both elegant yet functional for their family. “We wanted our boys to want to be at home,” says Julie.

With the help of interior designer Janice Rohan Hulse, Park Avenue Design, whom the homeowners met through a neighbor, their two-story Frontenac home is not only workable for all, but reflects the worldly style they came to love.

Just approaching Dr. Deb Carlin’s front door is a treat. Stroll along the walk and you encounter a planter overflowing with greenery that looks just like a red-rubber boot. Step a few more feet and encounter a colorful glass bauble reflecting light. In the autumn watch for pumpkins and squash tucked in among the plants. At the festive front porch seasonal ribbons twine their way through the wrought-iron railings and pumpkins, squash and mums cascade down the steps.

When the inclement fall and winter weather keeps you from your outdoor gardening, bring the outdoors in with indoor houseplants. SLHL asked local landscapers to share their favorite indoor plants. 

Treat out-of-town holiday guests to a walk through the Climatron® at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Climatron is the first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory, incorporating the principles of R. Buckminster Fuller, inventor of the geodesic system. The Climatron opened to the public on October 1, 1960. The Climatron has no interior support and no columns from floor to ceiling, allowing more light and space per square foot for plants than conventional designs.