Neighborhood farmers markets are re-opening and welcoming back local producers—a very exciting time for those of us who enjoy the bounty of our bi-state area!

Steve Scorfina, antique 'picker,' was once the lead guitarist for legendary rock band REO Speedwagon, and later, the iconic ‘70s St. Louis band, Pavlov’s Dog.

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

As a senior artist for MAC Cosmetics, Jane McKay is a regular participant in the Fashion Weeks of New York, Milan, Paris and London. The industry veteran has worked in every aspect of the company, from artist training to customer service and the global sales division. We asked her about this season’s trends.

World-class artists are once again coming together for Sing for Siteman, a one-night-only performance to support cancer research for Siteman Cancer Center.

In celebration of Earth Day this month, we focus on electric/hybrid automobiles. Though some may think electric cars are something new, from about 1900 to the late 1920s, there were a number of electric cars built and sold in America, including Milburns, Bakers and Detroit Electrics. They were mainly driven around town by women who didn’t want to deal with the oil, gas, fumes and shifting of an internal combustion engine.

BLAKE YOUDE has been named executive director of Access Academics, a program that supports at-risk middle school students. Previously, Youde served as deputy superintendent of institutional advancement for the St. Louis Public School District.

TAYLOR ROBINSON, a senior at Ladue Horton-Watkins High School, is one of 814 high school athletes nationwide who have been nominated to play in the 2013 McDonald’s All American Games. The 2013 nominees include high school basketball players from across the country who have been selected by coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Committee. Pictured: Taylor Robinson with Colleen Schoendienst, local McDonald's owner/operator

With warmer days upon us and the return of the ruby-throated hummingbird, it’s time to start thinking about creating an outdoor space that is not only pleasing to our feathered friends, but to us, as well. Fortunately, it’s also time for the Webster Groves Herb Society’s 40th annual herb sale, which takes place Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Webster Groves. With more than 10,000 plants and 320 different varieties of both culinary and ornamental herbs, as well as heirloom vegetables, there is sure to be something for everyone, including our friend, the hummingbird.

A 5-bedroom, 4-bath home in Franklin County is listed for $735,000.

An assistant of Sir Paul McCartney recently called local designer David Deatherage to discuss purchasing a vintage desk--  the desk that was featured on the cover of LN’s Fall 2012 Elegant Living edition.

Colonial Marketplace, LN’s longtime digs, is continuing to see new tenants sign on amid the homestretch of renovation on the dining, retail  and office plaza.

Weather conditions and human activities affect the population of monarchs. And according to Dr. Chip Taylor, a continued decline could mean the migration of these butterflies could be lost.

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.

FOR SALE: 3 Sunny Meade, Ladue, MO 63124.Contact Sabrina Robb: 314-283-7590.www.RobbPartners.comDielmann Sotheby's International Realty314-881-3902

Classical music has officially made its return to the St. Louis airwaves. The station's opening week also unveiled the debut of the Ladue News Minute, which can be heard on RAF-STL.

The next time you think you’re too smart to be scammed out of money, consider the Ladue businessman who recently lost $3 million in a Jamaican lottery scam.

A 4-bedroom, 6-bath home in Town & Country is listed for $1,599,000.

At the age of 26, Ellie Hock has done a lot of things—she’s earned a master’s in speech therapy, she’s done the show-dog circuit, and she’s started her own business: Urban Nectar was the result of a journey Hock took after the death of her mother in the fall of 2011 from brain cancer. We talked to her about how it all got started.

A 5-bedroom, 6-bath home in Town & Country is listed for $1,295,000.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some higher temps and warm sunshine. Of course, the best way to enjoy all spring has to offer is in a convertible automobile. Convertibles come in all shapes, sizes and prices these days, with attractive options for just about anyone seeking some open-air fun.

Seeing stars…St. Louis will welcome a couple of big names beginning next month. On Tuesday, April 23, BOB DYLAN and his band will perform on the Peabody Opera House stage. Tickets went on sale March 15, and may still be available at the box office, by calling 800-745-3000 or through ticketmaster.com. Dylan, who will turn 73 in May, became the first rock musician to be voted into the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters earlier this month.

A one-and-a-half story home in St. Louis County with 10 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 full- and 1 half-bath is listed for $979,000.

The secret of Best Transportation’s success is out: In the past 10 years, sisters and company co-owners have built Best into the largest limousine/party bus/shuttle service company in St. Louis.

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.