1. Embrace a fresh adventure
Break free from the mundane and explore new activities in the upcoming year. Seeking a warm getaway from the frigid temperatures, even just for a few days? St. Louis Lambert International Airport is set to launch weekly direct flights via Alaska Airlines to the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Vallarta from January 25 to April 5. If you plan to remain in St. Louis, you’ll find ample opportunities to pamper yourself—just keep reading! If variety is indeed the spice of life, then consider this our unique take on New Year’s resolutions.
2. Unearth a hidden lounge.
Big Chief Roadhouse (17352 Manchester, Wildwood): This speakeasy exudes a Prohibition-era ambiance with its classic cocktails and curated bourbon offerings.
Boombox Lounge (7150 Manchester): Crafted by the minds behind Tim’s Chrome Bar, this vibrant space below the Majorette event venue in Maplewood offers a delightful mix of music and retro charm.
Clements Lock & Security (2626 Cherokee): Savor a beer or get a key made at this locksmith shop-turned-bar every Thursday night.
Mississippi Underground (1441 N. 2nd): Set against the riverfront, this no-fuss venue hosts warehouse music events and raves.
New Society (3194 S. Grand.): Located underneath Monstera Mezcaleria, this “experimental cocktail lab” creates unique and innovative beverages.
None of the Above (3730 Foundry): Nestled beneath City Foundry STL, chef Gerard Craft’s trendy lounge showcases refined drinks and appetizers.
Tschüss (2847 Cherokee): While the name means “farewell” in German, it refers here to a sprawling industrial nightclub.
3. Savor an upscale twist on soul food.
Situated in Downtown West, Gourmet Soul (1620 Delmar) is among the pioneers to innovate traditional soul food recipes. Meanwhile, Creole with a Splash of Soul (4353 Manchester) in The Grove presents chef Ronda Walker’s family recipes in an elegant atmosphere. The Foodie Bistro, run by siblings Ty-Jai and Aniya Tutson, focuses on elevating soul food through a private chef and catering service. Chef Tai Davis of Lineage incorporates elements of music, art, and the flavors of the African diaspora into his creations, and he has even triumphed on Food Network’s Chopped. Renowned chef Ben Welch is also set to introduce Lucy Quinn and Little Lucy (4156 Manchester), two Southern-themed venues reflecting his family history.
4. Explore a cannabis-infused dining experience.
STL’s Pot Chef orchestrates quarterly dining events featuring chefs. The St. Louis Cannabis Club arranges a monthly dinner serving infused fried delicacies from RootedBuds at The Cola Lounge. Yonder Eats hosts pop-ups at local music venues, alongside the Canna Cuisine + Concert series. The Chartreuse Dinner Club plans cannabis-themed dinners until February, led by chef Aliya Waldman before her move to Phoenix. Keep an eye out for chefs hosting cannabis-infused dinners, including Nick Bognar from iNDO, Alex Henry of El Molino del Sureste, Juwan Rice from Rated Test Kitchen, and Antoine Bailey of Pennydrop Bar + Kitchen.
5. Elevate your coffee experience.
Even for casual coffee aficionados, attending a coffee “cupping” session can be enlightening. This process — a professional method for assessing coffee’s flavors and aromas — involves grinding roasted beans and brewing them in hot water before they cool. The coffee is then slurped to explore its various flavor profiles. By 2025, several local coffee shops will host roasting and cupping events, including Sump Coffee, Blueprint, Kaldi’s, La Finca, The Living Room, LongStory, Quarrelsome, and Stringbean. Additionally, on February 22, STLCoffeeFest will showcase roasters, curated exhibits, and delightful brews at City Foundry STL.
6. Relax at a chic new bar.
The drinks scene is currently buzzing with Italian spritzes and liqueur-based cocktails, with amaro taking the spotlight.
At Bormio (5105 Westwood), the rathskellar bar situated below Noto in St. Peters features a creative drink menu curated by bartender Travis Shook, highlighting infused spirits.
Another prime location for amaro enthusiasts is Aperi (4317 Manchester), a wine and aperitivo bar adjacent to Good Company in The Grove that boasts an extensive amaro selection.
From a global perspective, Mexican agave spirits continue to gain popularity, evident in Grand Spirits transforming into Monstera: Mezcaleria & Natural Wine Bar (3194 S. Grand) and mezcal cocktails available at the forthcoming Chico Bueno (3942 Laclede).
7. Try your hand at orienteering.
Are you feeling uninspired by your current outdoor workout regimen? Or perhaps you’re too dependent on map apps for navigation? Consider giving Orienteering a go! This sport involves using a topo map and compass to locate hidden checkpoints within a specified time, where exceeding the time limit negatively impacts your score. Some events require a predetermined route while others allow for flexibility in path choice, providing an opportunity to refine a rare yet valuable skill set.
8. Join a full-moon float adventure.
St. Louis’ historical significance is deeply rooted in its access to the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers. To truly appreciate this connection and experience the grandeur of these waters, participate in a full-moon float organized by Big Muddy Adventures. Each month from March to November, “Big Muddy” Mike Clark and his team of skilled river guides lead canoe trips to Mosenthein Island for a campfire dinner. As the moon rises, paddlers drift towards downtown St. Louis, culminating in a journey to the cobblestones beneath the Gateway Arch. Trust us, this is an experience like no other!
9. Explore Pelican Island Natural Area.
Navigating the main channel should only be undertaken by those with experience. Always check weather conditions, river forecasts, and securely wear a life jacket before launching your adventure. Remain vigilant for ticks and poison ivy during the summer months.
Western area: Search for arrowheads among the large gravel banks at the end of the chute.
Along the Car of Commerce chute: Ideal for birdwatching (look out for eagles, hawks, and great blue herons) and animal tracks in the mud.
Central region: Admire the towering cottonwood trees, spot deer, and wander deer trails while gathering morel mushrooms in the spring.
Northern shore: For the more experienced, navigate the Missouri River for an exhilarating paddling experience.
Eastern access point: Great spot for fishing catfish and crappie; watercraft can be launched and taken out here, where a land bridge appears during low-water periods.
Optional: Consider camping at Sioux Passage Park’s campground located near the access point.
10. Discover a new pastime.
Craft studios and makerspaces across the region offer long-term classes and drop-in workshops that explore a variety of crafts and hobbies, ranging from watercolor painting to furniture making.
Perennial (3762 S. Broadway) is beginning 2025 with classes like Intro to Papermaking, DIY Stationery, Intro to Upholstery, and Intro to Natural Dyeing. This studio and reclaimed craft supply store also hosts “Tools 101” classes focusing on safety and skill development with various tools, alongside a wide array of workshops.
The Studio (4605 Olive) at Bowood Farms consistently holds classes and workshops centered on crafting, skills, and horticulture. Their offerings include flower arranging, plant potting, embroidery, and calligraphy. Since classes are small and tend to sell out quickly, it’s wise to secure your spot early.
In the Delmar Maker District, Craft Alliance (5080 Delmar) is a nonprofit art center dedicated to nurturing community and creativity through contemporary craft and offers both workshops and extended classes in various skills, including woodworking, metalsmithing, ceramics, and fiber arts.
11. Become part of a book club.
Are you interested in diving back into literature this year? Joining a book club could be the answer — find one that aligns with your interests.
Open Door Romance (7905 Big Bend) has recently established a vibrant romance book club, while its parent store, The Novel Neighbor, offers clubs for all ages and interests, along with events that extend beyond just reading—check out their dinner, wine, and movie book clubs.
Left Bank Books (399 N. Euclid) features several themed groups, including those focused on horror, Shakespeare, queer literature, and science fiction.
If you prefer something shorter, you might enjoy the graphic novel book club at Betty’s Books (10 Summit) in Webster Groves.
12. Unearth more of the city.
13. Refresh your home’s decor.
Whether your entire home needs a makeover or just a single room, consider utilizing a virtual design consultation. “We often work with clients who are local but prefer not to meet in person. This method provides a highly efficient option,” explains JML Interior Design‘s owner, Jeanne Lashmett, who has dedicated the past four years to perfecting her firm’s virtual design offerings.
Here’s a brief overview of how the process works:
- An introductory call is arranged where Lashmett discusses the project’s size, goals, design preferences, and aesthetics.
- A proposal detailing the project specifics and cost is sent to the client from JML.
- The client provides JML with photographs, measurements, and inspiration images.
- Virtual renderings, including a design board, floor plans, and elevations, are delivered to the client. The design board is both shoppable and interactive, allowing clients to express preferences for specific elements, enabling immediate or gradual ordering based on budget.
14. Embark on a road trip to discover a new part of Missouri.
Kansas City has welcomed the world’s first women’s professional sports venue: CPKC Stadium, home to the Kansas City Current. The new entertainment district in KC, Pennway Point, offers attractions like a Ferris wheel. Plans are also in motion to transform the historic Carter-Waters building into boutique shops, office spaces, and event venues. To the west, the Rock Island Bridge will feature entertainment options including a 300-person event space and settings for farmers markets and festivals along with outdoor activities.
Furthermore, the Oasis at Lakeport at the Lake of the Ozarks will emerge as a top tourist destination, complete with amusement rides, an indoor waterpark, public boat docks, restaurants, and various attractions. In Branson, Silver Dollar City has recently unveiled a revamped version of its beloved Fire in the Hole ride, and its parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, aims to invest half a billion dollars to develop 1,200 acres of land adjacent to the theme park, which will include a 262-room resort projected to open later this year. Additionally, in nearby Ridgedale, catch a live show at the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, which hosted the Rolling Stones last summer.
15. Strengthen your team.
From mini-golf excursions to escape rooms, local attractions can bolster morale and enhance teamwork within your organization.
Game Show Battle Rooms: Step away from the office and onto the set of classic TV games at this venue located in Chesterfield’s The District. Teams will engage in friendly competition through games like Survey Says, What’s That Cost?, Spin and Solve, and MatchUp Wars, among others. Game Show Battles typically last between 60–75 minutes, depending on group size.
Adventures of Intrigue: Situated in the Jefferson Underground building, this newly opened escape room experience is modeled after New York’s Museum of Intrigue, featuring over a dozen uniquely themed rooms enhanced by props and costumes crafted by local artisans.
Topgolf: With the late 2023 opening of its Midtown location, the St. Louis area now boasts two Topgolf venues (the original Chesterfield location opened in 2018). Organizations can reserve space for up to three hours for corporate events, with customizable dining options and add-on features like private rooms and gifts.
16. Refresh your closet.
Personal stylists can streamline shopping, saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary purchases while enhancing confidence with their styling recommendations based on individual body types, lifestyles, and preferences. Beyond simply acquiring new clothes, consider rummaging through your own collection: “Think about the potential value of unworn items lingering in your closet,” advises personal stylist Dacy Gillespie, who provides both in-person and virtual styling services. “A personal stylist can guide you in changing your shopping habits, ultimately saving you money.”
Here is a curated list of local stylists and stores that provide styling services:
17. Schedule workout sessions—make them quick.
Known as “exercise snacks,” micro workouts consist of short bursts of intense movement scattered throughout the day, cumulatively forming a comprehensive fitness routine. Interested in trying this approach? This trend has been embraced by local fitness experts such as 18STRONG, who shared a sample workout here. Most professionals endorse two segments of what’s termed “fitness microdosing”: workouts lasting 20-60 seconds and those spanning 3-7 minutes. 18STRONG physical therapist Jeff Pelizzaro suggests integrating these brief sessions into your daily schedule for optimal results. “Providing shorter, yet effective circuit-style workouts has given our community the opportunity to maintain regular training sessions while accommodating their busy schedules,” Pelizzaro explains.
18. Prioritize self-care in a simple way.
Taking steps toward better self-care as the new year begins isn’t a new idea, but thanks to local organizations that emphasize a holistic approach, it doesn’t have to be overly complicated.
Local concierge services like VIVIA serve as a one-stop shop for popular wellness services that enhance daily relaxation. Offerings include massage therapy, stretch sessions, nutrition guidance, design and styling programs, cosmetic services, and even childcare assistance.
Additionally, Oasis, an organization devoted to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, opened its new national headquarters in St. Ann last fall, providing various special interest courses covering subjects such as history, arts, current events, and exercise programs—all aimed at enhancing the well-being of local residents.
In a similar vein, the relatively new health and wellness center Your Village STL offers an array of resources for St. Louis families, including lactation and nutrition guidance, pediatric occupational therapy, and pediatric sleep therapy. Moreover, the facility features a play village for children to develop social skills and engage in explorative that encourages learning through play.
19. Explore new spa treatment options.
As trends blossom on social media platforms like TikTok, consider indulging in a spa experience you’ve yet to try: the scalp facial, also referred to as a “head spa.” This treatment elevates a basic salon scalp massage, providing a thorough cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration of the scalp to promote improved health and aesthetics. Schedule a session at local spas/salons such as Haven Salon, Salon Elite, Salon 210, and the Four Seasons.
For another trendy treatment, consider red light therapy, a non-invasive method using low levels of red or near-infrared light that addresses various issues such as skin concerns or joint stiffness. To explore this innovative option, visit places like Woodhouse Day Spa, SubZero Wellness, Victory Men’s Health, and Revival Health and Wellness.
20. Create lasting memories and preserve them.
At St. Louis County Library’s new Clark Family Branch, the cutting-edge Emerson Genealogy Center features interactive family history search screens, a memory lab for recording family stories, and a space dedicated to digitizing old photos or converting VHS tapes into digital files. The center also houses The Personal History Recording Studio, equipped with comfortable seating and editing software for visitors to record their personal narratives via webcam.
21. Treat yourself to something special at a new venue.
The Fountain on Delmar: Sample the delightful Cracker Jack snickerdoodle cookies, pineapple upside-down muffins, and a delicious cherries jubilee. For adults, the new location offers exclusive ice cream martinis like the Staycation and the Currant Craze.
Half Pint: Dabble in a myriad of flavors at this Webster Groves shop, which includes varieties like brandy Alexander, brown butter salted caramel, gooey butter, and cinnamon.
Soda Fountain Express at Westport: Enjoy one of their signature Freak Shakes offering delightful flavors like cotton candy, “A Very Happy Un-Birthday,” and the aptly named “Everything But.”
Sylvie Dee’s: Sample the hot-selling ice creams at this Webster Groves shop, featuring enticing flavors such as salty caramel swirl, lemon sorbet, and Cookie Monster.
22. Explore new avenues for play.
The metro area boasts a surge in new options for families. In 2025, three new indoor play cafés will open: TotSpot Social in Clayton, Little’s Loft Play Café in Kirkwood, and Urban Fort Play at City Foundry STL in Midtown.
For parents with older kids, St. Louis Union Station’s upcoming amusement park—set to launch this summer—will feature a train-themed coaster, a pirate ship ride, a swing ride inspired by the 1904 World’s Fair, food stalls, and classic carnival games.
Don’t forget that a road trip to Kansas City to visit The Rabbit hOle offers an engaging immersive museum experience that brings children’s literature to life.
23. Create art through mess-making.
Engage in the liberating experience of total destruction at a smash or splatter room, conveniently located within two hours of St. Louis.
From hurling hammers to splattering paint, these entertaining activities allow your entire group to vent frustration without any repercussions: Smash Rage Room, Pinspiration Chesterfield, Splatter ’N Rage, Project Human X.
24. Expand your network.
Forge relationships, present project ideas, and connect with individuals from diverse fields through these innovative networking events.
- WHEN: Thursdays, 5:30 p.m.
- WHERE: Aloft St. Louis Cortex (4245 Duncan)
- IN A NUTSHELL: Following the closure of Venture Cafe in 2023, local entrepreneur Christian Johnson initiated Founders Lounge to fill that space. These free weekly meetings blend networking with business education.
- WHEN: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
- WHERE: Cortex, Dorris Building (20 S. Sarah)
- IN A NUTSHELL: Marketed as a “warm and fuzzy” take on the popular show Shark Tank, these complimentary weekly sessions assist startup founders in meeting new people, pitching their concepts, and gathering valuable feedback.
- WHEN: Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30–7 p.m.
- WHERE: Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Bierhall (4465 Manchester)
- IN A NUTSHELL: Tech professionals are invited to network during these happy hour events, with each gathering featuring an interview with a different local tech leader.
25. Revamp your work atmosphere.
If you’re seeking a change of scenery or a flexible workspace that encourages productivity, these local coworking spaces provide comfort, community, and convenience.
HeyDays (3139 Olive)
Unlike traditional coworking facilities, HeyDays is designed for meetings, pop-up events, and classes while offering workers an environment that sparks creativity.
- PART-TIME MEMBERSHIP: $100/month
- FULL-TIME MEMBERSHIP: $200/month
- VIRTUAL MEMBERSHIP: $40/month
- YEARLY VIRTUAL MEMBERSHIP: $400/year
- RETAIL MEMBERSHIP: $500/week
- DAY PASS: $20
- MEETINGS: Start at $25/hour
St. Louis Fusion (555 Washington)
Situated downtown, this contemporary space caters to various needs with options like private suites, desks, and meeting rooms.
- DAY PASS: $35
- DROP-IN COWORKING: $250/month
- PRIVATE OFFICE: Negotiable
- MEETINGS: Start at $25/hour
This local coworking company boasts multiple locations in the Central West End (4818 Washington), The Grove (1040 S. Taylor), University City (725 Kingsland), and downtown (401 Pine). Members enjoy access to all four locations and benefits such as weekly happy hours, art displays, and networking.
- VIRTUAL OFFICE: $50/month
- PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE: Start at $475/month
- DESK: $250/month
- OPEN SEATING: $150/month
