St. Louis provides farm and garden fresh goods from local growers all summer long. With several great markets throughout St. Louis, St. Louisans and visitors alike have lots of choices if they’re looking for organic, fruit and veggies, or locally baked bread to stock up on. Here’s a guide to the city’s farmers markets.

Soulard Farmers Market
When you mention farmers markets in St. Louis, Soulard market is most likely the first to come to mind. The market located just south of downtown St. Louis in Soulard was founded in 1838. The market has just about everything you could possibility want including fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, bread, flowers, t-shirts, purses, sunglasses and much more! Soulard Market is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Address:
Soulard Farmers Market
730 Carroll Street
St. Louis, Mo 63104

Clayton Farmers Market
Clayton Farmers Market located in St. Louis County has all kinds organic and locally produced food including breads, cheeses, fruits, veggies and honey. You’ll also find candles, ornaments, cookbooks and gourmet dog treats. It’s open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from May 4 – November 2, 2013.

Address:
Clayton Farmers Market
8282 Forsyth Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105

Tower Grove Farmers Market
Beautiful Tower Grove Park is located in South St. Louis and each Saturday morning you’ll find crowds buying fruits, vegetables and more. The list of vendors changes from week to week, but there’s always a variety of local and organic produce, bread, and cheeses. It’s open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, from May 4 – November 2, 2013.

Address:
Tower Grove Farmers Market
4256 Magnolia Ave
St Louis, MO 63110

Schlafly Farmers Market
Every Wednesday dozens of vendors set up shop at the Schafly Bottleworks in Maplewood. They offer a wide variety of local and organic produce, meat, and more. You can also enjoya cold Schlafly beer and live music while you shop. It is open Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. from April through October.

Address:
Schlafly Farmers Market
Schlafly Bottleworks
7260 Southwest Avenue
St Louis, MO 63143

Sources: About.com

Mothers Day!
It’s Mother’s Day weekend, so we suggest you show some love to the one person on this planet that knows it’s your birthday without a day-of prompting by Facebook. The Missouri Botanical Garden, 9th Street Abbey, Mount Pleasant Winery, LoRusso’s Cucina and The Boathouse in Forest Park are all offering Mother’s Day celebrations.

Missouri Professional Cycling Series
Cycling enthusiast alert! The Missouri Professional Cycling Series rolls into town this weekend. Champion cyclists will pump it up during three events: Midtown Grand Prix on Friday, May 10 in the Grand Center/Locust Business District; Tour de Grove on Saturday, May 11 in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood; and Dutchtown Classic on Sunday, May 12 in South St. Louis.

Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair
Indulge your interest in the finer things in life at the annual Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair on Mother’s Day weekend, Friday May 10 through Sunday, May 12. This fine art and crafts event features the work of national artists selling glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and other oh-so-fun objects. Take your mom for the art and stay for the music, food and beer and wine garden. Admission $10 for 12 – up and $5 for children 6 – 11

105.7 The Point Pointfest
Be a part of one of the largest outdoor rock music festival at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater  presented by 105.7 The Point. The Point brings to you yet another Pointfest full of everything alternative. This year they will be turning up the heat as The Point brings Alice in Chains, Three Days Grace, Papa Roach, Bullet for My Valentine, Volbeat, Hollywood Undead, Sick Puppies, Halestorm, P.O.D., Stardog Champion and Bloodnstuff for the fans. Make sure you grab your tickets and rock out all evening to some of your favorite music. Admission $38 – $100 per ticket

Yoga Under the Gateway Arch
Get Fit! Join the Gateway Arch for a FREE yoga class on the Gateway Ach grounds! Classes with instructors from the South City YMCA will be held  on Saturday  at 9am, May 11 weather permitting.

If none of these events are your thing, check our calendar of events for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

Blues fans will flock to St. Louis this summer for the St. Louis Blues Week Festival (May 24-26) and the Big Muddy Blues Festival (August 31-September 1).

The Blues Week Festival will kick off the summer music season at Soldiers Memorial on Memorial Day weekend. The FREE festival will feature headliners Trombone Shorty & Orleans Review, Mavis Staples and Big George Brock along with a host of other local and national acts. This year’s event features the first ever BBQ Battle Royale, in which 30 teams will compete to win cash, prizes and of course, big-time bragging rights. The Blues Week festival supports the National Blues Museum, now in the planning stages for development in downtown St. Louis.

The Big Muddy Blues Festival is back for another year of rockin’ Blues performances on Lacelde’s Landing! Featuring three outdoor stages and 30 bands, the Labor Day weekend festival showcases the genre’s rich history while celebrating St. Louis’ place in American music. Once again, the BMBF main stage at 700 N. First Street will host a talented and diverse collection of local acts, national headliners and a Grammy winner from the world of Blues, Rock, Soul, Rockabilly and Country. The headliners include the Reverend Horton Heat and Walter Trout.

If blues is not your thing LouFest is sure to speak your language. The two-day festival featuring more than 30 national and local bands on three stages takes place in Forest Park September 7-8. LouFest is a sustainable music festival for all-ages featuring food and retail and for the youngest fans there is Area K, a special area filled with music, magic, kid-friendly food and more. Don’t miss out on the best lineup yet featuring Wilco, The Killers, The National, Alabama Shakes and many more.

If you’re looking for a music festival that is more low key and also fun for the whole family here are some more great options:

Fair Saint Louis Concert Series

Fair St. Louis, synonymous with St. Louis summer concert going for so long, brings on a big mix of popular music genre including Tracy Adkins July 4, Bret Michaels July 5 and Counting Crows July 6

Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts

St. Louis Summer Concerts, a newer staple brought to us from the same folks who run Fair St. Louis, include a special headliner this year. Headlining this year is Josh Turner on July 12, The Urge on July 13, K’NAAN on July 19 and finally NEEDTOBREATE on July 20

Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series

Zoos are full of all types of sounds, but none quite as melodic as those heard during the Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series. Whiskey Morning (Country) start the ball rolling on May 24, with other acts including Bottoms Up Blues Gang (Blues) on June 28, 3 Handsome Guys (Rock and pop) on July 12, July 26 – Johnny Henry Band (Country/Southern rock) on July 26, Miss Jubilee & the Humdingers (Jump blues, swing & hot jazz) on August 2, August 23 – Funky Butt Brass Band (New Orleans) on August 23 and many more!

Missouri Botanical Garden Whitaker Music Festival

You’d be hard pressed to find a more scenic setting for an outdoor concert than the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens. This year’s series kicks off with the Funky Butt Brass Band on June 5, Terence Blanchard on June 12, Kim Massie on June 19, Ransom Note on June 26, Beth Bombara on July 3, Victor & Penny July 10, Montez Coleman/Willie Akins Project on July 17 and many more!

Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce heats up its summer nights in Faust Park with acts such as Bob Kuban on June 4, Trilogy on June 11, Scott & Karl on June 18, Spectrum on June 25, Abbey Road Warriors on July 9, Mirage on July 16, Everyday People on July 23, Gypsy Jones – Tribue to Janis Joplin on July 30, Yessir on August 6 and Billy Peek on August 13

Missouri History Museum Twilight Tuesdays

Twilight Tuesdays got off to a great start with beautiful weather for the first show in the lineup, none other than Marquise Knox. The series continues with Dr. Zhivegas on Tuesday, May 21 and A Tribute to Earth, Wind, & Fire on Tuesday, May 28

Go! St. Louis Marathon Weekend in Downtown St. Louis, April 6-7
Get out and enjoy the spring weather at the 13th Annual GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend. The weekend event is two days filled with races and activities for all ages and skill levels. The half-marathon this year will be attracting top national and international athletes to compete for the $10,00 prize.

Art Fair at Queeny Park, April 5-7, $5 per person

One of the longest-running and reputable art fairs in the region, the Art Fair at Queeny Park is a juried showcase of more than 130 artists from across the United States. It’s the perfect opportunity for art admirers to see and purchase fantastic new works, ranging from ceramics, fiber art and jewelry to painting, digital art and photography. Find a piece you like, and you can purchase it directly from the artist.

First Friday in Grand Center, March 1st, various locations, FREE, 6 – 9 p.m.

Every First Friday of the month in Grand Center, museums in St. Louis’ Grand Center are free and open until 9:00 pm. It’s the perfect way to discover the neighborhood’s remarkable array of visual arts at eight venues that are all within walking distance of each other. This premier art district has something for everyone. You can come down for the art and stay have dinner at one of the many great dinning establishments. Participating venues include: Bruno David Gallery; Craft Alliance; Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis; Portfolio Gallery, the Pulitzer Foundation of the Arts; the Sheldon Art Galleries; and on the St. Louis University Campus, the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art and the Saint Louis University Museum of Art.

Repeal of Prohibition Beer Festival at Schlafly Bottleworks, April 6 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
Grab your friends and head on over to the Schlafly Bottleworks to celebrate the Anniversary of the End of Prohibition! You’ll have the opportunity to sample 30 plus beer styles, including plenty of Schlafly’s favorites, great beer styles from a guest state and live entertainment from Swing DeVille.

First Bank Sea Lion Show at the Saint Louis Zoo, April 6-7  $4 per person
The Saint Louis Zoo five experienced sea lions Roby, Rosie, Bennie, Dixi, Nikki and newcomer 2-year-old Mandy make their way back to the stage this weekend for the First Bank Sea Lion Sound. Watch as they perform hurdle and high jumps, flipper walks, balancing acts, high dives, Frisbee tosses and other acrobatic and athletic behaviors from your seats at the new home Sea Lion Sound.

If none of these events are your thing, check our calendar of events for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

St. Louis’ top animal attractions re-open in the spring after a winter break. Grant’s Farm debuts for the season on April 14. Operated by Anheuser-Busch, the Busch brewing family’s estate presents animal shows, a petting area and a trackless train ride through a wildlife preserve filled with exotic animals from around the globe.

At Purina Farms, visitors can have St. Louis-style springtime fun with adorable baby barnyard critters or enjoy some time watching talented dogs and cuddly cats. Cow-milking demonstrations, a hayloft play area and wagon rides open for spring at the visitor center.

The spring fun begins at Six Flags St. Louis with weekend openings until May 18 when the theme park begins its full weekly schedule. This year, park guests will be greeted by Boomerang, a 125-foot-tall steel rollercoaster designed to rocket riders through a thrilling combination of twisting, turning surprises.

It’s spring training time at the always-open Saint Louis Zoo. This time of year, the Zoo’s sea lions stage a show filled with hurdles, flips, balancing and flipper walks to the delight of visitors. Shows are held at 1 and 3 p.m. and public feedings are fun at 11:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Riverboat rides herald the start of spring as the Gateway Arch Riverboats begin their season of cruises on the mighty Mississippi River. Hop aboard the Tom Sawyer or the Becky Thatcher paddlewheelers for a magical history tour through the Port of St. Louis.

Nothing says springtime like the great outdoors, and St. Louis has plenty of open spaces that celebrate the beauty of nature. From the charming and quirky Citygarden, where contemporary sculpture blooms in the heart of downtown, to the internationally acclaimed Missouri Botanical Garden and its 79 acres of lovely landscapes, St. Louis embraces the outside. The community’s back yard is the 1,371-acre Forest Park where beautiful fountains and scenic lakes share space with top attractions including the Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center and History Museum.

Space may be the final frontier, but this spring St. Louis celebrates the 50^th anniversary of an institution that brings the universe close to home. For the past half century the James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center has been teaching about the stars, planets and space exploration. Visit the interactive space station, see a magnificent star field projected overhead and see historic space vehicles with St. Louis roots.

And finally, it wouldn’t officially be spring in St. Louis without Cardinals baseball. The 11-time World Series champion Redbirds take the field at Busch Stadium for a season that is sure to thrill their fans. Tours of Busch Stadium are available and on game days, ticket holders can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities inside the ballpark.

Monster Jam, February 2 at 6 p.m. at the Edward Jones Dome, Tickets $135 – $10.00

Gentlemen and ladies, start your engines! Monster trucks are racing, spinning and kickin’ up dirt at the Edward Jones Dome this Saturday for the return of Monster Jam. Fans of the racing and freestyle competition can see their favorite drivers put the pedal to the metal in outrageous vehicles including: Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Raminator and Scooby-Doo.

Purina Beggin Pet Parade, Parade kicks off at 1 p.m., FREE

Whether or not you have a lovable, furry friend, you’ve gotta head to Soulard to join the thousands of tail waggers and tailgaters as they parade through Soulard during 20th Annual Beggin’ Pet Parade and “Tailgating Party” this Sunday. With thousands of pets taking over the streets, this is one of the largest pet parades in the world! There’s a small fee to register your pet, but it’s free to watch. The parade begins at the corner of Menard and Allen in St Louis and The BACON BROTHERS will serve as Grand Marshals and perform a special set. Click here to download the parade map.

Mardi Gras: Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard, February 2 and 3

Cajun stuffed mushrooms, hot tequila wings, bread pudding with whiskey sauce, or Johnny’s famous red beans and rice? Try them all this weekend during the one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras event, Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard. Soulard’s fine establishments will offer samples of their signature dishes in this unique create your own experience event. Mosey through Soulard with your seven taste tickets and choose your six samples of signature dishes and one taste of Southern Comfort. Buy ticket booklets in advance or the day of the event at one of the several participating restaurants.

PRISCILLA Queen of the Desert, January 29 – February 10, Times Vary, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Tickets $66 – $15

Don’t miss the most outrageously fun Broadway musical: PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT! This wonderful show tells the uplifting story of three companions on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered, old bus searching for love and friendship in the midst of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed. The musical is an international hit with Tony-Award winning costumes. Bette Midler presents the outrageously fun musical to the Fabulous Fox Theatre – St. Louis with hits including “It’s Raining Men,” and “I Will Survive.”

Orchid Show Madagascar, February 2 – March 31 at the Missouri Botanical Garden

The plants in your yard may be brown and lifeless, but you can escape the Missouri winter and journey to the tropical island nation of Madagascar where you will enjoy beautiful, fragrant flowers during the Missouri Botanical Garden annual Orchid Show this weekend! This year visitors will get a peak at life in Madagascar as native plants, artifacts, water falls  fill the 5,000 square foot Orthwein Flora Display Hall. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 plus price of Garden Admission

If none of theses events are your thing, check our calendar for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

When and Where:
The 2013 Grand Parade is February 9 at 11 a.m. The parade begins at Busch Stadium, makes its way south along 7th Street and ends at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

What You’ll See:
The Grand Parade is all about the elaborate floats built by dozens over several months leading up to the grand parade. The theme for the 2013 parade is Carnival Comics. Attendees on most floats throw beads, candy and other prizes to parade watchers. If you want the best view of the floats, in my opinion find a spot along the parade route as close as possible and get there early. By the time the parade is about to start, the crowd could be 20-30 people deep or more in some places.

After the Parade:
The Grand Parade is just the beginning of a day-long Mardi Gras party in Soulard. Many of the neighborhood’s most popular restaurants serve up food and drink specials and live music all day. As you stroll around Soulard you will find street vendors that will be selling food and drinks and many of Soulard’s resturants will be open like McGurk’s or Molly’s.

Where to Park:
Parking is very restricted in Soulard on the day of the Grand Parade, so you’ll either have to park in an adjoining neighborhood and walk, or take the shuttles running between Soulard and other parts of the city. Metro St. Louis will once again, be offering a shuttle to and from St. Louis Mardi Gras in Soulard. If you can avoid it don’t bother with the traffic and parking, let them drive you! Metro will be running a shuttle from the Civic Center Metrolink Station located at the corner of South 14th St. and Spruce St. in Downtown St. Louis. The shuttle will run every 15 minutes and will drop off and pick up riders at 10th St. and Marion St near the Soulard Farmers Market. It costs $5 for a round-trip ticket and will run from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Another option is to park at Laclede’s Landing and take the free shuttle from the Landing to Soulard. The Laclede’s Landing shuttle will run from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. And finally, you might consider a taxi. You can also take a Yellow Cab by calling them ahead of time to order it and get dropped then return to the taxi stand at 10th and Marrion near Soulard Farmers Market to get a ride home. Their telephone number is (314) 993-8294

Sources: Mardigrasinc.com and stlouis.about.com

Soulard Mardi Gras festivities last for weeks, beginning with Twelfth Night in January and concluding with Fat Tuesday in February. Filled with parties, happiness and a frenzied atmosphere, Soulard Mardi Gras has come to symbolize all that is pleasurable. Regardless of the history of Mardi Gras and where it is celebrated, the theme is the same – to have nothing but a great time. Take your pick below.

Mardi Gras Wine, Beer & Whiskey Taste January 25 at the rotunda of St. Louis City Hall from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hurricanes might be the drink of choice during many Mardi Gras festivities, but Soulard Mardi Gras also celebrates with wine, beer and whiskey. Guests will purchase a tasting booklet that contains (12) perforated tickets for tastes and (4) food tasting tickets for samples.

Crystal Cajun Cook Off January 26 at the rotunda of St. Louis City Hall from noon – 4 p.m.
You definitely get your fill of Cajun and Creole food at the Crystal Cajun Cook Off. Ten professional chefs and 10 amateur cooks will compete in respective categories for the title of Best Cajun/Creole dish. You can watch chefs prepare their dishes, and then it’s time to dig in and enjoy the live music. Everyone attending gets (4) food tickets and samples of Bud Light, beer and Southern Comfort hurricanes! Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door

Southern Comfort Taste of Soulard February 2 and 3 at Various Locations
The taste of Soulard is the perfect way to sample food from many of Soulard’s best restaurants. Several of Soulards fine restaurants will be offering samples of their signature dishes. Attendees are able to stroll through Soulard using their (7) taste tickets.

Beggin’ Pet Parade February 3, Parade kicks off at Menard and Allen in Soulard at 10 a.m.
Whether or not you have a lovable, furry friend, you’ve gotta head to Soulard to see the 20th Annual Beggin Pet Parade and “Tailgating Party.” With thousands of pets taking over the streets, this is one of the largest pet parades in the world! There’s a small fee to register your pet, but it’s free to watch. Click here to download parade map.

PetSmart Wiener Dog Derby February 3 at Banfield Stadium at 2 p.m.
Yep, we let the dogs out and they will have a blast during Mardi Gras. If your pet is a dachshund, you might want to consider racing it in the 18th annual PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby which comes at the end of the Pet Parade. Medals go to the winner and there area even racer pictures. The “tiny, but mighty” pooches can race in one of three divisions based on age–Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks, and Hot Dogs. At the end of the finals, a trophy ceremony takes place in Wiener’s Circle. It’s a sight to see.

River City Casino Grand Parade February 9, parade steps off at 11 a.m. at Busch Stadium and concludes at Anheuser Busch
Throw me some beads, woohoo! The River City Casino Grand Parade is the biggest event of Mardi Gras in St. Louis, bringing in tens of thousands to the streets of Soulard. The Parade makes its way from Busch Stadium to Anheuser-Busch then after the parade, the crowd makes its way into Soulard neighborhood to enjoy food, plenty of drinks, live music and crazy events through the day. For details on parking and things to do and see at the Mardi Gras Grand Parade: click here

Lumiere Place Light Up The Night Fat Tuesday Parade on Washington Ave February 12, parade kicks off 7 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Broadway and heads west to 14th
If you haven’t had enough of Mardi Gras, the Light Up Night Parade is your last chance. Some of the floats from the River City Casino Grand Parade will fill the streets as the crowds come together to party, listen and dance to music and catch a few more beads for their collection.

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez, Roulez et Roulez! … Let the Good Times Roll and Roll and Roll!

The Loop Ice Carnival, Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. FREE
Celebrate the winter season at the Loop Ice Carnival in University City this weekend. This family friendly event kicks off on Saturday with a 10k or 5k Frozen Bun Run at 10 a.m. Runners can register before the race at Blueberry Hill from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. After the Frozen Bun Run, The Loop Ice Carnival heats up with dozens of great activities like game booths, a temporary tattoo scavenger hunt, ice slides, ice carving demonstrations and more. If your not interested in the Loop Ice Carnival The Loop is also the home of some great venues like The Pageant and Blueberry Hill. You can also enjoy the St. Louis Walk of Fame dedicated to famous St. Louisans like Chuck Berry and Nelly. Either way your bound to have a great time spending the day in the Delmar Loop this weekend.

Saint Louis Zoo Delta Dental Winter Zoo, Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. FREE
There is one upside to the cold-it’s penguin weather! To celebrate the Saint Louis Zoo is hosting Delta Dental Winter Zoo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Zoo’s Living World. It’s filled with penguin-themed activities, games, crafts and more! If it’s 50 degrees and below, several king and gentoo penguins that reside indoors will venture outside and waddle the path from the P&P Provisions gift shop to the entrance of Penguin & Puffin Coast at 2 p.m.

Fifth Third Bank Family Winter Carnival, Saturday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. FREE
Mardi Gras celebrations in St. Louis are already underway! This weekend is the Fifth Third Bank Family Winter Carnival. The fun takes place this Saturday in Soulard Market Park at 8th and Lafayette at 11 a.m. This family friendly event will surly get everyone in the Mardi Gras spirit with arts and crafts, interactive games and special appearances by Fredbird and the Rally Squirrel. If you’re worried about the cold weather this weekend don’t – this event is held under a large, heated tent. This event also features food, drinks and a children’s parade at 4 p.m. through the streets of Soulard where kids can show off their new costumes.

Watching the Eagles, Saturday at the Audubon Center at Riverlands 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE
For a real winter treat, head to the Audubon Center at Riverlands for a 140-degree grand vista of the Mississippi River, in West Alton, MO. During this time of the year hundreds of bald eagles spend their winter along the banks of the Mississippi River in Alton and Grafton, making this the best time to see eagles, swans and other waterfowl. The World Bird Sanctuary hosts a meet and greet where they bring one of their bald eagles so you can get up close and personal. Then, take one of the guided tours or drive yourself along the Great River Road for some prime eagle spotting.

Catch a Dinner and Movie at the new MX Movies, Movie  Times Vary, $8 – $12
Hollywood just hit downtown St. Louis with the grand opening of the MX Movies at 7th and Washington! The luxury, three screen dine-in movie theater serves up the hottest movies and delicious food by Chef de Cinema Josh Galliano. During the movie you can order your meal right from your seat. This isn’t just popcorn and candy, you can look forward too entrees like Seared Viking Village Scallops and Ricotta Dumplings. First up on the big screens at this hot new theater are, Lincoln, Les Miserables, and Django Unchained.

If none of theses events are your thing, check our calendar for a bunch more. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have a great time.

Holiday bills were rolling in, skies were often gray and, unless you were an ice skater, there wasn’t much to look forward to except spring which seemed a long way off.

Then several years ago the eagles landed, and January hasn’t been the same.

Suddenly St. Louisans and visitors alike realized the first month of the year in St. Louis was for the birds.

Each year, eagles dip south in search of food they can’t find when the rivers freeze further north. Watching our national bird has become a major sport in St. Louis for locals and visitors.

To help visitors glean successful encounters with the bald eagle, the World Bird Sanctuary, the Audubon Center at Riverlands and other local organizations mark eagle-watching days in the area.

January 5 is the kick-off day of a flurry of eagle activities at the Audubon Center at Riverlands with the Riverlands Eagle Festival. World Bird Sanctuary have a meet-and-greet with live eagle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be a host of kid-friendly eagle activities. Local partners–Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, Pere Marquette State Park and Jones Confluence Point State Park will participate. Short bird walks to the edge of the bay for viewing birds out on the water as well will be offered.

The center’s actually open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. so you can plan to come early and stay late. It’s located at 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton, MO.

Spotting scopes for eagle viewing will be set up in the center which is off a back water area of the Mississippi River across the bay from Ellis Island. Eagles like to roost in the winter on a strip of trees there.

“It can be a nice warm area to view bald eagles during the colder months of the year,” says Lane Richter, senior ecologist at the center. “You can get nice views of them. Last year we had quite a few visitors see them soaring over the bay or swooping down to catch cat fish in the water.”

The World Bird Sanctuary will repeat its eagle meet-and-greet (without the family activities) during “Eagle Days” at the center on Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Feb. 3 and 10.

Even if warm weather keeps the eagles further north, you’ll still have a great chance to see them in their natural habitat because resident eagles produce young and stay in the area year round, Richter says.

And, there’s a bonus for those who attend Eagle Days at the center–seeing trumpeter swans that winter in the area.

“In the early 1900s there were only about 68 of them in the Lower 48 and now we’re having hundreds of them show up after they were reintroduced in the Great Lakes area,” Richter says. “Recently we’ve had over 200 and that usually increases up until January,” he says.

The birds hang around until end of February when they go back to Wisconsin, Minnesota and southern Canada for the breeding season.

“They’re really just awesome birds to see,” Richter says. They’re almost five-foot from the tip of their bill to their feet with about a seven-foot wing span. And, they’re very vocal, always communicating with each other as they fly overhead or feeding in the wetlands. Their call kind of sounds like a trumpet, or a French horn, a really rich, deep sound.”

The historic Chain of Rocks Bridge is an excellent place to view our national bird in action. Eagles can often be seen soaring above the bridge, diving into the Mississippi River and nesting nearby. The bridge, located at 10950 Riverview Drive in St. Louis, was part of Route 66. It is now open to pedestrian and bicyclists during daylight hours. Visitors can enter from either the Missouri or the Illinois side of the bridge. Tip: Dress warmly–it’s often chilly on the bridge and high winds are not uncommon.

Another eagle event will be held at Fort Bellefontaine County Park, 13002 Bellefontaine Road, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 19. The World Bird Sanctuary present an eagle program from noon to 2 p.m.

“Dress for the weather,” J. D. Magurany of the County Park system says. “You never know what we’ll get but we always have eagles.”

Insider tip: Love eagles?

Plan to return to St. Louis in March when the World Bird Sanctuary celebrates World Eagle Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, March 24, 2013. Not only will you learn about eagles from around the world, you’ll have a photo op with a real live eagle. Kids will delight at the craft center and tours of the wildlife hospital will also be available. Both admission and parking are FREE.

Guest Blogger Kathie Sutin a freelance writer from St. Louis, Missouri contributed this blog.