A reverence and respect for water is a universal theme, found in cultures from ancient Greece to the remote Pacific Island of Vanuatu. The ritual significance of water spans across the globe to include the Native American rain dance, Christian baptismal font, the gleeful splashing of the Songkran water festival of the Dai New Year and the solemn funeral pyre on the Ganges. Learning to manage water, whether it is a lot or a little, is an important part of our shared community. Well-handled water can be cleansing, refreshing, energizing. Out-of-control water has the power to drown and destroy, to wash away with time even the greatest of mountains.

Lots of events on the books now that the weather has (hopefully) come around:

Having lived and worked in St. Albans for 22-years, Melinda McCarthy has seen the area grow from a rural retreat to a much more active community. “My kids are grown now, and my oldest son lives in Chicago and hasn’t been back here for years,” she says. “He came home not long ago and said, I can’t believe all the stuff they have now, why didn’t they have all of this when we were growing up? If you’ve been here before and you think you’ve seen St. Albans, you haven’t: You need to come back. Everything has changed—but the beauty remains constant.”

A two-story home in Ladue with 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 5 full- and 1-half bath is listed for $1.375 million.

Homeowners have long focused on their property’s ‘curb appeal,’ trying to create beautiful gardens in the front yard that will welcome visitors; and one day, entice potential buyers. But more and more people are seeing the value of sprucing up their backyards, as well, since that’s where families spend a lot of time in the warmer months, notes Jim Graeler, president of Chesterfield Valley Nursery.

It's so small that if you blink, you might miss it—but that would be a shame because restaurateur Zoe Pidgeon's newest eatery, Bar Les Freres, definitely is a stop you want to make.

GREAT NEW PRICE! 15% REDUCTION FROM ORIGINAL LIST PRICE! THIS IS THE MOST HOUSE & PROPERTY FOR THE PRICE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN LADUE! Spacious home in great Ladue neighborhood. Approx. 7,000 sq. ft. of living space on 1.8 acre property. Updated kitchen with center island, family room plus hearth room-open floor plan. Main lever master bedroom suite plus upper level master suite and 3 additional second floor bedrooms. Updated baths. Walkout lower level with bar/kitchen area, exercise, game/family room, sixth bedroom and full bath. Rear deck, patio and pool. 3-car garage.

Depending on your age, this time of year can mean many different things. It can mean time to plant your garden or hose off the patio furniture. It can mean time to swimsuit shop or time to make your summer travel plans. However, if you are a high school junior or senior, this time of year means one thing and one thing only: prom. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Some of us spent prom night at home watching horror movies, eating Mint Milanos, and dreaming about how much Tom would regret not asking me after I make my first billion creating a social networking website…theoretically speaking. Nevertheless, most kids that age, whether in groups or on dates, go to their high school prom. It is the 'date' aspect that I now find interesting.

A 3-bedroom, 3-bath home in the Parkway School District is listed for $734,000.

Spring has sprung, and that means that area wineries are--or soon will be--pouring their latest bounty for everyone to enjoy. We touched base with five of the most popular wineries around to see what they have in store for fans of the grape this season.

You voted, we listened! Ladue News readers know what they like; and with this year's Platinum List, you've made your voices heard. This list compiles the best of St. Louis. 

Local landscapers unlock the gates to some of the area’s most fabulous gardens, from serene green escapes and sweet retreats to backyards bursting with colorful flora.

Marvelous Malachite

Getting ready to put your house on the market? We surveyed local design and landscape experts for quick and easy ways to make your home look its best, both inside and outside.

A backyard is just a backyard—until you turn it into something more. Outdoor living spaces are gaining in popularity and have potential to increase a home’s value and saleability. And there is almost no end to the number of uses they can serve for your family. We asked experts for creative ideas to make the great outdoors a selling point for your home—whether you’re putting it on the market in five years, or next month.

Valentine's Day may have passed, but who says you can only have a romantic evening out on Feb. 14? St. Louis has plenty of places where you and your significant other can have a fine meal and pitch some woo all year long. Here are a few of our favorites:

A one-and-a-half story home in Ladue with 15 rooms, 4 bedrooms and 2 half- and 5 full baths is listed for $2.995 million.

A story-and-a-half home in St. Albans with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4 full- and 1 half-bath is listed for $1.2 million.

Gerard Craft's restaurants have been all over the local and national press of late, what with the opening of Pastaria in Clayton, the relocation of flagship Niche, the impending departure of Ted Kilgore from Taste, and multiple appearances on all manner of 'Best Of' lists. While all of this has been going on, Brasserie by Niche has been rolling along under the radar a bit, steadily putting out its signature quality, affordable rustic French fare with very little fanfare. We made a return trip to this CWE favorite recently to refresh our memory of this gem.

It’s a true garden oasis with a brick-and-mortar backdrop at 4605 Olive St., the urban home of Bowood Farms. And amidst the lush vegetation of a nursery and gift shop and two abundant gardens, diners can enjoy seasonal fare at Café Osage. 

Dave Dunlap, Consolidated Construction Group

A story-and-a-half home in Town & Country with 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 5 full- and 2 half-baths is listed for $1.695 million.

Congratulations go out to Cafe Madeline, which celebrates 10 years in business this month. The cafe, located at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park, is commemorating the anniversary with a brunch special available through January, where guests can buy one brunch at the regular menu price and get the second for just $10.

A story-and-a-half home in Chesterfield with 16 rooms, 5 bedrooms, and 4 full- and 1 half-bath is listed for $1.195 million.