South Grand

Authentic Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese restaurants join wine and vodka bars, ethnic groceries, boutiques, vintage clothing stores and Asian import centers along bustling South Grand Avenue in south St. Louis. Annual neighborhood events include a Chinese New Year celebration in February, an April house tour, the Festival of Nations in June and a holiday walk in November.

Tower Grove Park, an elegant 19th-century Victorian walking park, features whimsical pavilions, statuary, fountains and mock classical “ruins.” The neighborhood’s Missouri Botanical Garden welcomes visitors and researchers to one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. Renowned for its research, education, landscaping and, of course, flowers, MBG attractions include the Japanese Garden, Climatron geodesic dome, a whimsical Children’s Garden and a garden dedicated to George Washington Carver.

How to get there:

From downtown St. Louis, take I-64/40 west to the Grand exit and continue south on Grand. For more information, call (314) 772-5750 or visit www.southgrand.org.