STL Now: Destination-Midtown

Business is certainly brewing in Midtown Alley. At one time, the area was known as “automobile row,”(the place to buy a car from the 1920s until World War II), and many of the buildings are the work of famed architect Preston Bradshaw, who designed the Chase Park Plaza and other St. Louis landmarks. Over the last few years, it’s experienced a rebirth, with an influx of businesses such as The Fountain on Locust, Pappy’s Smokehouse and The Good Pie, among others. And the neighborhood isn’t losing steam yet. Over the last few months, new destinations Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Fieldhouse Pub & Grill and Double Apple Café & Hookah Lounge have opened; and venues in development like Hamburger Mary’s are soon to be must-visits and new hangouts. Residents in and around Midtown also don’t have to go far for personal services. Rock Workout, Urban Tan and 212–A Paul Mitchell Focus Salon are great go-to destinations for a little “GTL” (minus the L), and the area’s first boutique hotel, Hotel Ignacio, is hosting its first overnight
guests. (midtownalley.com).

Movin’ on Up
St. Louis’ hottest outdoor happy hour is moving out of Shaw Park and onto the streets
of Downtown Clayton. Parties in the Park, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, kicks off this month on May 11, with music by Paint the Earth at its new home on Meramec Avenue, between Forsyth Boulevard and Maryland Avenue. In its 28th year, the free event features music, drinks and live entertainment on the second Wednesday of the month through September. For more info, visit partiesinthepark.org.