Alexis Zotos Blog

Planning Spring Break in St. Louis? These 7 local itineraries include the best places to eat, drink, and explore across Forest Park, St. Charles, Downtown, and more.

Looking for things to do during Spring Break in St. Louis? This ultimate guide includes 80+ kid-friendly activities, free attractions, indoor fun, and day trips.

March in St. Louis brings spring temperatures, St. Patrick’s Day fun and the return of Cardinals baseball! In fact, there’s a period of time where all FOUR of our teams are playing this month (Blues, City SC, Cardinals and the Battlehawks!). I’m rounding up all the can’t-miss events this month but don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get new events in your inbox every week!

There’s nothing like the Dogtown St. Patrick’s Parade in St. Louis!

St. Patrick’s Day Events

• History On Tap - Drinks, music and Irish-themed facts at Seamus McDaniels - Thursday March 12

• St. Pat’s in the Park at Tower Grove Park - Saturday March 14 

• Cottleville Irish Festival - Saturday March 14 

• Belleville St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Saturday March 14

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown - Saturday March 14 

• St. Patrick’s Day Run - Saturday March 14

• Dogtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Tuesday March 17

• St. Patrick’s Day Party at Edwardsville Children’s Museum - Tuesday March 17

• Shamrock and Roll at Shaw Park - Saturday March 28

Easter Events Around St. Louis

• Wildwood Spring Egg Hunt - Saturday March 28 

• Bunny at the Barracks - Saturday March 28 

• Egg Hunt at Suson Park - Sunday March 29

• Eckert’s Egg-citement - Multiple weekends

• Bunny Hop at The Magic House - March 27-29

• Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt at Grant’s Farm - Multiple weekends

• Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Brookdale Farms - March 28

The cutest petting zoo at Eckert’s Easter Egg-citement event!

Can’t-Miss Events this March

• Dialogues and Conversations opens at The Pulitzer (FREE) - Friday March 6 

• STL Sabres Women’s Rugby Club Match at Jefferson Barracks - Saturday March 7 

• Baby Brunch at Goldfish Swim School -Monday March 9 

• Craft Night at Tamm Ave Bar - Tuesday March 10 

• Fairy House Building Workshop at Affton Community Center - Tuesday March 10 

• Animals Aglow opens at the St. Louis Zoo - Friday March 13

• Grant’s Farm Opens for the season - Friday March 13 

• Toddler and Me at St. Louis Art Museum - (FREE) Friday March 13 

• Design Your Herb Garden at Bowood - Friday March 13

• Hot Country Nights at Ballpark Village - Friday March 13, 20, 27 

• CAM Playdate (FREE) - Saturday March 14 

• 100 Years of Route 66 Exhibit Opens at Museum of Transportation - Saturday March 14 

• Peppa Pig in Concert at Stifel Theatre - Saturday March 14 

• Swan Lake at Touhill - Wednesday March 18 

• Open Studio at St. Louis Art Museum - Friday March 20 

• Moolah Shrine Circus - March 20-22

• March Madness at Enterprise Center - March 20 + 22 

• Cardinals Opening Day - Thursday March 26

• Battlehawks Home Opener - Saturday March 28

• MO Botanical Garden Children’s Garden Opens - Saturday March 28 

• Lisa Frank Coloring Party at Tim’s Chrome Bar - Sunday March 29 

Opening Day in St. Louis is pretty much an official holiday!

What are YOU most excited about this month??

Last year, I walked away from my job in TV news.

For more than a decade, my career meant long days, unpredictable hours, and breaking news. If you had asked me then whether I’d hire help at home, I wouldn’t have hesitated. Of course I would. I was working full time. My time was limited. My energy was stretched.

But here’s the twist.

Now I’m self-employed. I’m building my own business. I’m home more. I control my schedule. And somehow… I feel like I should be able to do it all.

Be present.
Be productive.
Build the business.
Make the memories.
Answer the emails.
Do the laundry.
Be grateful I’m home more.

And for a while, I convinced myself that because I’m not walking into a newsroom every day, I didn’t “deserve” help. But here’s the reality no one talks about enough: Everyone deserves help and a village in motherhood.

I may not be on live TV anymore, but I’m creating content, pitching brands, managing clients, editing, planning, dreaming, networking. Most days that work happens during nap times, after bedtime, and in every sliver of quiet in between. In many ways, I’m working harder than ever. So why the guilt around help?

Thankfully another St. Louis mom had lived this story and found an answer.

MomMoment was created by Amanda Hausmann during a season when she was completely burned out. She was a mom of two toddlers, a wife, an attorney, a team leader, a daughter, a landlord, a volunteer, a board member, all the things. Amanda, like me, has a supportive and helpful husband, but sometimes even that’s not enough. At the same time, she knew stay-at-home moms were craving flexible, meaningful ways to earn income and connect outside the home.

So she built something that connects both needs.

MomMoment brings together working moms who need support with stay-at-home moms who want flexible work. An app that helps outsource the tasks so you can be a more present and better mom. An app that helps build a modern village.

I used the app to help tackle the never ending laundry (especially during this season of potty training), tackle the pantry organization and finally drop off the box of donations to Goodwill that had been rolling around in my trunk. It was so easy! And in the four hours I had help I was able to get work done without my to-do list creeping into my head and take my kids to the park guilt free.

If you also need permission to ask for help, to quiet the guilt, take it from me. You are allowed to build a village that looks different than the one you imagined.

For me, that village doesn’t just include family and friends. It includes other moms who understand this season. If you want to try out the app, Amanda gave me a code! MOM10 for 10% off.

Here’s a bit more from Amanda and the WHY behind MomMoment.

Meet Amanda:

A St. Louis mother of two, wife, and attorney and founder of MomMoment.

How have you seen MomMoment help fellow moms? 

The impact has been both practical and personal. In 2025, one local Helper mom earned

over $1,000 by completing just seven tasks. An Asker mom had bulk meals prepped so

she could actually sit down and enjoy dinner with her family instead of scrambling each

evening. Others have had basements decluttered, pantries organized, and long-postponed

projects finally completed, bringing peace and relief into their homes. One mom had her

child’s artwork turned into a Shutterfly photo album, transforming piles of paper into

something she could cherish instead of store away in a closet.

What are some of the most common tasks people sign up for? 

Most common tasks are laundry, meal prepping, decluttering/organizing, and running

errands.

What’s the one thing you want moms to know about asking for help?

Asking for help benefits your entire family. Research shows that higher levels of maternal

happiness and life satisfaction are linked to better mental health, stronger academic

performance, and greater overall well-being in children. When we get support with our

never-ending to-do lists, the ripple effect is powerful: the work gets done, our stress

decreases, and our increased sense of balance positively impacts our children. Asking for

help isn’t a weakness, it’s an investment in your family’s well-being.

Thank you to MomMoment for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions and experiences shared here are entirely my own.

February shines a spotlight on Black History Month and in St. Louis, that history runs deep.

From pivotal moments in civil rights to a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs, artists, chefs, and changemakers, our city’s story is inseparable from Black history. While February invites reflection, celebration, and learning, the truth is: supporting and honoring Black voices in St. Louis shouldn’t be limited to just one month.

Here are meaningful ways to celebrate, learn, and support Black history in St. Louis all year long.

Pillars of the Valley monument to Mill Creek Valley neighborhood in Downtown St. Louis.

Historic Sites and Museums

Missouri History Museum

Located in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum offers powerful exhibitions that explore St. Louis’ racial history, civil rights struggles, and cultural contributions. This is a great place to introduce kids to the history our community. Don’t miss the Mill Creek: Black Metropolis exhibit now open which explores the once thriving neighborhood wiped out for urban development. FREE, Open Tues-Sunday.

Pillars of the Valley

The permanent public art installation, commemorates the once-thriving Mill Creek Valley neighborhood, which was destroyed. This art installation was created by Damon Davis and is located outside Energizer Park on the Brickline Greenway (along Market Street).

Griot Museum of Black History

Dedicated specifically to preserving and sharing Black history, the Griot Museum in North St. Louis features life-size wax figures, artifacts, and exhibits highlighting African American leaders and local stories. It’s an essential stop for families looking to have meaningful conversations with kids. Open Tues-Saturday

The Griot Museum of Black History is dedicated to preserving the stories of Black history.

Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing

The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing is the most well-documented escape in Missouri, and in 2001, the National Park Service recognized the site as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. A mural marks the spot on the St. Louis Riverfront and can be found on the greenway along the river. 

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Located in Downtown, Soldiers Memorial includes important exhibits highlighting the service and sacrifice of Black veterans from St. Louis. FREE, Open Wed-Sunday.

National Blues Museum 

The National Blues Museum explores the history of the blues and celebrates the genre as the foundation of all modern American music. Featuring artifact-driven exhibits and high-impact, technology-driven experiences, the museum has a cool factor for kids. Open Fri-Sunday.

Freedom Suits Memorial

Just outside the Civil Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis is the Freedom Suits Memorial, honoring the lawsuits filed by enslaved people of St. Louis.

Old Courthouse

One of the most significant historic sites in St. Louis, the Old Courthouse is where Dred and Harriet Scott first sued for their freedom in 1846. Their case would eventually lead to the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford decision. Re-opened after a massive renovation, the Old Courthouse is a perfect place to explore the history of our city. FREE, open daily.

Scott Joplin House 

This preserved home honors ragtime composer Scott Joplin, who lived in St. Louis during the height of his career. Visitors can tour the modest brick row house and learn about Joplin’s influence on American music, including his iconic composition “Maple Leaf Rag.” The site celebrates both his artistry and St. Louis’ important role in shaping early American musical history. Open Tues-Sunday

Black-Owned Restaurants in St. Louis

We are lucky to have such a fantastic food scene in St. Louis and supporting Black-owned restaurants and businesses is just one way to support local and celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special. These are just some of the great restaurants to try out!

SweetArt near St. Louis University is an amazing Black-owned bakery and restaurant.

• Pharoh’s Donuts

• Vails Brothers

• Steve’s Hot Dogs

• SweetArt

• Blissfully Popped

• BJuiced

• Ari’s Ice Cream

• Cathy’s Kitchen

• Clara B’s Kitchen Table

• Chillax

• Elicious

• Creole with a Splash of Soul

• Latte Lounge

• Levels

• Gourmet Soul

• 4Hens Creole Kitchen

• FuFu N Sauce

• Bougie Bites

• Bold Spoon Creamery

• La Patisserie Chouquette

• Northwest Coffee

Tell me your favorites in the comments!

If there’s one thing we do really well in St. Louis during Lent… it’s fish fries.

From packed parish halls serving up golden cod and mac & cheese to local restaurants rolling out creative seafood specials, Fridays this time of year are basically a citywide celebration of fried fish. (And thankfully some spots serve their fish specials all week!

Whether you’re in it for tradition, the community, or just a really good fish sandwich, here’s your go-to guide for must-try fish fries in St. Louis. Personally I’m trying to figure out how many I can fit in the next 40 days…

How many fish sandwiches can I consume in the next 40 days…

🐟 Church Fish Fries Worth the Line

You don’t actually have to be religious to enjoy a church fish fry. There’s something about them, that make every one feel welcome. The volunteers, the homemade sides, the dessert table you absolutely didn’t need but got anyway…

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Expect Greek flair alongside your fish. Think flaky cod, seasoned potatoes, and those Mediterranean touches that make this one stand out. Dates: Feb. 27, March 6 and March 13. St. Nicholas Family Life Center, 12550 South 40 Drive St. Louis, Mo 63141

St. Cecilia Catholic Church

A South City favorite known for generous portions and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Pro tip: Arrive early and expect a long line. The margaritas make it all worth it. St. Cecilia Church, 5418 Louisiana Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111

St. Ferdinand Parish

A North County staple. Classic fried cod plates, plenty of sides, and that nostalgic parish-hall vibe. 1765 Charbonier Rd, Florissant, MO 63031

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church

This one brings Eastern European specialties into the mix, expect hearty portions and unique flavors you won’t find everywhere else. 1910 Serbian Drive, St. Louis, MO 63104

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

A beloved Brentwood option that draws a crowd every Friday. Plus a drive-thru option. 2618 S Brentwood Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63144

Pillar Church

Classic fish fry with great desserts! 401 S Lindbergh Blvd, Frontenac, MO 63131

🐟 Restaurant Fish Specials to Try This Lent

So many great St. Louis restaurants are offering great fish options. Some every day, others just on Fridays.

Winslow's Table

Fried fish sandwich served EVERY DAY during Lent!

Gioia’s

They have their classic cod on garlic cheese bread or you can go big with the King Cod, the original topped with homemade mac and cheese and Old Vienna red hot riplets.

4 Hands Brewing Co.

Crispy Atlantic cod fried in their Octohaze beer, served with housemade tartar.

Hi-Pointe Drive-In

Potato chip-crusted, beer-battered Atlantic cod stacked with American cheese, lettuce, pickles, and garlic dill tartar on a toasted potato bun. It’s messy. It’s nostalgic. It’s very St. Louis.

Farmhaus

Friday Fish Fry featuring corn flour fried halibut with glazed carrots, mac & cheese, and spoonbread.

Kalbi Taco Shack

Fried Cod Tacos back for a limited time.

Jalea & Brasas

Weekly Lenten Specials include Beer-Battered Florida Red Snapper with sofrito rice.

Salt + Smoke

You won’t even miss the meat this month with the fried fish sandwich.

Peacemaker

Crispy cod, American cheese, pickles, tartar on a soft Hawaiian bun.

Bolyard's Meat & Provisions

Fried cod filet with pepper jack, bread & butter pickles, green goddess dressing, Bibb lettuce on brioche.

Companion

Breaded Cod Sandwich with Jalapeño Slaw on freshly baked ciabatta.

FarmSpirit at Blue Jay Brewing

Catfish Po’Boy, and yes, it’s available every day.

The Biscuit Joint

Cornmeal breaded fried catfish + house pimento cheese + red pepper jam + bread & butter pickle plus they’re doing a fish plate with fillet, choice of biscuit or tots + sauce + pickles.

Six Mile Bridge Beer

A great spot to pair your fish special with a locally brewed pint.

Schlafly Tap Room

Another STL classic serving up Lenten-friendly options alongside their house brews.

Chicken Scratch

One of my favorite fish sandwiches in town! Offered at both their Foundry and Rock Hill locations.

Did I miss your favorite? Let me know where we need to go!

Discover the best coffee shops in St. Louis, from family-friendly cafés to work-from-home favorites and spots where the food is just as good.

From art festivals to Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day events, February is packed with fun in St. Louis!

10 places in St. Louis to escape the cold and help beat the winter blues.

Clayton Restaurant Week is one of the best deals for trying out some of the best restaurants in the area.

What a year of good food in St. Louis! In 2025, our city and region’s chefs, bakers, and bartenders gave us plenty to talk about. New restaurants, bold flavors, thoughtful concepts, and dishes worth building a day around. While the rest of the country might sleep on our food scene, we know it continues to shine.

You all LOVED the video sharing my best bites of 2025 in St. Louis but here’s a break down of exactly what to order at some of the new and of course longstanding spots in town. You can see my 2024 list here.

Stews in Soulard was one of my top favorite meals of 2025.

• Pretty much any sandwich at Ed's Delicatessen. House made bread, top quality ingredients make this Edwardsville spot a must try.

• Chili Spot in University City is a great spot for authentic szechuan food. The wontons and the dandan noodles are my favorite.

• If you still haven’t tried the birria tacos at Tacos La Jefa, make that your 2026 resolution.

• Russell’s on Macklind is a perfect cozy dinner spot (also great for brunch!), love their pot pie.

• At Saucy Porka, the Mexi Pho is the perfect cozy soup .

• Union Loafers is a constant of my favorite bites, specifically the Little Gem salad.

The breakfast at Biscuit Joint in Downtown St. Louis is a must try.

• Biscuit Joint in Downtown St. Louis is a must try with incredible biscuit sandwiches and perfect hash browns.

• One of my absolute favorite pastas in town is the lobster rigatoni at O + O Pizza.

• Love the BBQ and vibe at Expat at the Foundry.

• If you’re searching for the best chicken fingers in St. Louis, the answer is Sportsman’s Park.

• I crave The Zach sandwich at Vitales Deli in Glendale, add this to your sandwich shop list.

• Marconi Mercato is a new spot on The Hill and worth it for the atmosphere and pasta!

• I love the street tacos at Locoz Tacoz in Maplewood.

• Vicia is consistently one of the most special restaurants in St. Louis and their menu always surprises and delights.

• Louie. My favorite always. But the peach and and prosciutto dish in the summer is truly life changing.

Sado is a must visit restaurant for sushi in St. Louis.

• Sado is serving up some of the most beautiful sushi and their crab rangoon is amazing.

• DD Mau opened a new location in Webster Groves and do not wait any longer to try their chicken wings.

• The Farm Spirit breakfast sandwich is a must order at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market (so is their burger and chicken sandwich at Blue Jay Brewery!)

• If I had to pick a favorite meal Stews is in the contender for the top spot. Truly everything on the menu is amazing.

• Akar in Clayton is always serving up fun and delicious food.

• Of the new breakfast burritos I tried this year, Brekkie Rito was an absolute fav!

The lobster roll donut is just one of the delicious bites at the new Extra Wavy.

• Guac and margs are a must order at Ladue Taco.

• Modern Brewery not only had great beer but some of the best food! The chicken sandwich is incredible.

• Speaking of great brewery food, the comfort food at Great Heart Brewery is a must.

• One of the best new spots of 2025 is Extra Wavy. Get the lobster roll donut.

• Best pancakes, delicious burrito, perfect brunch spot: Bowood By Niche.

• A go-to taco spot for us is Taco Buddha, I love their fish taco!

• Comet Coffee has the best croissants. No notes.

• For the best chocolate chip cookie you have to try Vanilla Sugar Bakeshoppe.

• At Bolyard’s in Maplwood, get the smash burger and the fries. Yes they are worth it.

• Soup Dumplings STL is always a good idea. Go with a friend and try a bunch.

Bowood by Niche is one of my favorite spots for brunch.

The Zach at Vitale’s Deli is a must-try sandwich.

This list just scratches the surface of all the great food in St. Louis. Check out my 2024 list for other favorites and this list for other great must visit spots!

St. Louis is filled with amazing places to visit but memberships unlock savings, perks and fun!

This is your guide to shopping local around St. Louis Missouri, with local boutiques and small businesses.

How to plan the perfect family-friendly holiday weekend in Branson, Missouri.

Your guide to all the festive happenings in St. Louis this holiday season. From pop-ups to Santa sightings to the best light displays in town!

The Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station is the ultimate holiday experience for families.

Come explore the must visit wineries in Augusta and Defiance in Missouri’s wine region.

Your guide to fall family fun in the St. Louis region.

From cozy coffee shops to hidden gems and riverfront views here’s how to spend three perfect days exploring the small towns of Southwest Illinois. I grew up boating on the Mississippi River and have such fond memories of family adventures in the towns along the water. It was so fun taking my kids to some of these special places. This guide can be used for a weekend adventure, a short drive from St. Louis, or just a guide for a day trip!

Southwest Illinois is beautiful all year round.

Day 1 - Collinsville and Edwardsville

• Begin your adventure at Verona Coffee, a welcoming spot in the heart of Edwardsville that serves up expertly crafted lattes, pour-overs, and pastries. It’s the perfect fuel for a day of local exploring.

• Head to nearby Willoughby Farm, a working demonstration farm with barnyard animals, gardens, hiking trails and an amazing playground area. It’s a great stop for kids and adults alike who want a taste of rural charm without venturing too far from town. This place was AMAZING! It’s free and so much to explore. You can pack a lunch and stay all day.

• We headed to Edwardsville for lunch. Cafe Birdie is a cute, bright and cozy eatery offering seasonal fare. We also love Ed’s Delicatessen, with fantastic sandwiches and sweet treats.

• Next, spend some interactive time at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum, where little ones can explore hands-on exhibits and imaginative play spaces. It’s $10 for kids 12 and under and $8 for everyone over 13. This is a great spot for indoor play but they have an amazing out door play area.

• Hit the Great River Road, one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. As you wind along the Mississippi, keep your camera ready for sweeping river views and charming roadside stops.

• Stop at the Grafton Winery for a glass of local wine and beautiful views overlooking the river. The outdoor patio is especially stunning around sunset.

• Check in at Pere Marquette Lodge and grab dinner with their legendary fried chicken dinner. Served family-style in a historic stone-and-timber lodge, it’s as cozy and satisfying as it gets. They also have a giant chess board which is so fun for kids!

Pet the animals, explore a working farm and play for hours at the play ground area at Willoughby Farm,

Cheeseboard and local beer at Grafton Winery and Brewhaus.

Day 2: Alton & Grafton Adventures

• Kick off your Saturday with brunch at Old Bakery Beer, a certified organic brewery in a cool industrial space. Their rotating brunch menu features elevated comfort food with a local twist. They have a delicious breakfast burrito.

• After brunch, take a walk through downtown Alton. Browse boutiques, antique shops, and don’t miss Funky Planet Toys, a quirky, colorful toy store that’s fun for all ages.

• Stop at Post Commons, a beautifully restored post office turned café. Sip coffee, grab a homemade pastry, and relax in the sun-filled main hall. They also have a kids play area.

• Another hidden gem! Head into nature at the John M. Olin Nature Preserve, where you’ll find a paved trail, natural playscape, and gorgeous bluffs. It’s stroller-friendly and ideal for a gentle hike or riverside picnic.

• As the sun sets, settle in at The Loading Dock, a waterfront restaurant with live music, casual eats, and unbeatable river views. It’s a local favorite and the perfect spot to unwind.

• End the day with a stop at Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream, where homemade fudge and old-fashioned scoops will satisfy every sweet tooth.

Views from the overlook at John Olin Nature Preserve!

Day 3 - Grafton

• Brunch at Pere Marquette and a walk around Pere Marquette State Park. They have lots of trails to explore and a little visitor’s center with a few interactive exhibits.

• Grab a coffee from a sweet couple at Lighthouse Coffee!

• Time for the views! Take the Grafton SkyTour to the top of the bluffs. You can take a chairlift or enclosed gondola. It’s $12 per person and is the only way up to Aerie’s Resort, where thrill-seekers can ride the alpine coaster, zipline, or just enjoy a relaxed meal at the restaurant with panoramic river views. The restaurant and winery serves up yummy flatbreads, charcuterie plates and yummy wine!

Aeries Resort and restaurant offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River!

Where to Stay:

• Pere Marquette offers cabins which are perfect for families. They have a pool on site.

• Aeries Resort is another great place close to everything.

• There are also campgrounds if that’s more your vibe!

The giant chessboard at Pere Marquette Lodge is a hit for visitors of all ages!

There’s no shortage of fun, free and family-friendly events all summer long in St. Louis!