Clayton tends to be "upscale" and not super welcoming to those who are "outsiders". Go somewhere…read moremore fun like the Tower Grove farmers market!

Love Taste of Clayton! I've attended for 30 years! I love the various food and people I encounter!…read moreAlways top shelf and very diverse.

This was an amazing event! Great for the entire family with so many different art forms to embrace…read more Oil, acrylics, acrobats, jewelry, sculptures...you name it, it's at the Clayton Art Fair. Streets are blocked throughout the perimeter so plan to park and walk. Bring a little cash (or a lot) depending on your lifestyle and pay grade lol.. There's so much to see and do. Make a day of it. Thank me later.

This year 2019 was even better. Great jazz bands! I loved…read morethe Syrian foods, and draft beers! The food court have improved tremendously. Love the art works! Excellent weather!!!!

The City of Edwardsville has really come a long way over the years. It's grown into a great college…read moretown while still keeping that welcoming, family-friendly feel. There's a nice balance here--plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, along with a strong sense of community. Whether you're a student, a family, or just visiting, there's always something to do and somewhere new to check out. Overall, it's a well-rounded area that continues to grow and it's easy to see why so many people enjoy living and spending time here

From my yelp hub of St. Louis to home, you go over the bloodcurdling bridge, past the terrifying…read moretower of trash, left at the horrible hill, and north until you enter the heart of E'ville. My facetious "directions" are inspired by encounters with people who seem fearful of crossing the Mississippi, like the medieval cartographer who wrote on the edge of his map: "Beyond here, there be dragons." In response to this fear, I like to remind people that Edwardsville functions as a "suburb," using the second definition in Webster's Dictionary: "A smaller community ... within commuting distance of a city." I know many residents who commute to downtown for work, and some as far as west county. They'll tell you that the drive to downtown is easier than from places like Wildwood, St. Charles, or Lake St. Louis: commuting time is generally shorter, and morning into St. Louis and evening out, you have the sun at your back rather than in your face. There are at least six ways to approach E'ville, but, if you're coming from St. Louis, three make the most sense. If you happen to be looking for something on the east side of town, you could take I-55 to exit 23, then travel the new Governors' Parkway west. This is the way most people approach if they're coming from northern Illinois, or from eastern outlying areas to shop in grocery stores or strip malls. If you want a peaceful approach that takes you by the northern outskirts of SIUE, and through the historic St. Louis Street residential area, you could travel I-255 north to New Poag Road, then go east. Perhaps the best all-purpose route, not too busy, but takes you by or near restaurants, schools, and shopping, is to travel I-270 to exit #9, then left over the bridge, then veer right on Illinois 157 and northeast up the long hill on the bluff. You'll travel five or six miles through several traffic lights, and end up at the "T" intersection for St. Louis Street, where you'll turn right to find downtown. My LEAST favorite approach is I-270 to exit #12, which takes you north along Illinois 159, Troy Road, sort of the Manchester Road of our area. I've lived in Edwardsville very nearly ten years. It's the seat of Madison County, with a long history (third oldest city in Illinois). The establishment fifty years ago of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville slowly changed the flavor of the community, in many positive ways, I think. I moved here for two reasons: a fine job, and excellent public schools for my children. The bike trails are as good as any you'll find in the metro area. The shopping and dining options get better every year. I don't work for the city or the chamber of commerce, but I want to encourage you to try it sometime. It may be E'ville, but it's really not so scary.

Maplewood has done numbers revitalizing over the last 10 years. It just gets better and better…read morewhat can I say. The home of great coffeehouses and breakfast nooks like Foundation Grounds, Living Room, Strange Donut, Tiffany's Diner and many more. Maplewood also has great retail and antique shops for your pleasure.

When I think of Maplewood, I think of that strip of Manchester Road and beyond. Maplewood offers…read moresoo many attractions from delicious eateries, grocery stores, boutiques, bars, a swimming pool and more. I grew up going to summer camp in Maplewood at the school across from the pool. I spent my summers at the library, bowling and swimming daily amongst activities. Maplewood will steadily surprise you with it's ever changing flare. It trully is a gem of a neighborhood to checkout.

Heard this was a must-see tourist attraction in St. Louis, so I HAD to see for myself! This area…read morewas really run-down and seemed really sketchy; the roads seemed pretty destroyed and surrounding buildings were mostly obliterated or inhabited. So, I wouldn't recommend visiting at night, as you never know what you may encounter. The Grafitti wall was much more longer than I thought it would be! The vibrant colors from various artists that join together to create a complete picture was truly astounding. It's actually so inspiring to see so many different artists working together, incorporating their own unique styles to create one single piece of artwork. If I took a few minutes to really take in and admire each grafitti, finishing the wall would take HOURS! I was skeptical that this mural was worth the trip to an abandoned area, but I'm truly so glad that I came to see this beauty. If you're in Saint Louis, you have to come take a look!

I've lived in STL my entire life and I'm kicking myself that I'm just now coming here! The amount…read moreof art and creativity that I found at the Graffiti Wall was mind blowing! I've seen several mural walls throughout the US and this is by far the most extensive one I've come across. Aside from the surprising length of this mural walls the quality and the meaning behind these works of art stood out to me the most. This wall is repainted every year during the Paint Louis festival on Labor Day weekend and it will definitely be worth checking out!

The city could care less to impose ordinances , they have them there but will pick and chose which…read moreones to enforce. Since 2016 I've been dealing with this person over at 608 Deppe lane in fairview heights who day or night doesn't matter to her is outside yelling at the very top of her lungs police quit showing up city could care less about the noise complaints not their problem but they'll sit pretty and collect that pretty paycheck!

Fairview Heights, IL is a small city 10-15 minutes from St Louis, MO. One of the many small cities…read morein the southern IL area. Decent place to live, raise a family or just a quiet area for single life. There's tons of shopping including Saint Clair Mall, many chain restaurants and a hand full of mom and pa places as well. It's a pretty quiet area, plenty of parks, you may need to watch out for deers and other small wildlife, entertainment for all ages and low crime. Business close early so if you're looking to hang out extremely late, you may want to cross the bridge. At the end of the day... yes I will continue to come here.

What a fun experience. This was for our whole family. We enjoy finding like welcome to greetings…read morefrom in the city name. This is St. Louis definitely check it out.

Such a fun neighbor especially during Mardi Gras! Lots of bars and restaurants. Fantastic…read moreexperience!

-- The Lovably Wild Aunt of St. Louis…read more If Soulard were a member of your family, she'd be that crazy aunt you can't help but adore -- the one who shows up already tipsy, tells stories that make your parents cringe, and might just leave with something from your mother's jewelry box. But here's the thing: you'd always ask if she's coming, because she's the life of the party. This neighborhood is pure character -- historic brick buildings, streets meant for wandering, and an endless lineup of bars, restaurants, and live music joints that feel like they've been here forever. Stroll the streets with a drink in hand, pop into a corner pub for some blues, or time your visit for one of the many events that take over the area. From Mardi Gras to market days, Soulard never fails to please the senses... even if it occasionally offends your nose. Honestly, Soulard should lean into its reputation even more -- imagine a Crazy Aunt Run in the spirit of the Mrs. Roper Romp or the Red Dress Run. The crowds are already here, so why not throw in a few more wild, themed events to keep the energy rolling year-round? It's gritty, it's charming, it's unpredictable -- and that's exactly why you'll want to keep coming back.