saint louis: scenes from the weekend {part one}

We had a perfect weekend of weather in Saint Louis - sunny and 70 degrees. Because we're new around here, we love exploring our surroundings. The weather was an open invitation to get out and do just that. Our inspiration of where to head first came from this excellent video I spotted on Facebook last week - check it out to see some of what gives Saint Louis its character.

We decided to start here...

World's Fair Donuts
1904 South Vandeventer Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63110
314.776.9975
Hours: 4AM-3PM

This place has been around for over thirty years and the cute old couple running it were making donuts when we walked in - but we need to get there earlier, obviously, since most of the donuts were gone. We did grab a couple since I wasn't leaving empty handed. They open at 4AM - so I think I will head there then (okay, maybe 4:30) to see a full case of donuts - AND they're fifty cents a piece! A step back in time, for sure. There's even a pay phone inside...

Sump Coffee
3700 S. Jefferson Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63118

Naturally, we needed coffee with our donuts, so we headed to Sump South City Coffee for a truly artisan coffee experience. Don't come here if you're expecting someone to pour you a cup from a pot already brewed  à la Flo's Diner (kiss my grits). Here your coffee is handcrafted from a variety of brewing methods such as the Chemex, Hario V60, and Beehouse. Since I don't drink coffee really - mainly tea - I ordered The Dirty Chai, which is chai tea with a shot of espresso. It was delicious and gingery...and almost too pretty to drink. 

Bob ordered their darkest roast with a touch of demerara sugar.

Then we were heading in the direction of a paint store, but they're closed on Saturday (big bummer). However, we ran into these fellas who were gearing up for the Cardinals game on a Barcycle - a mobile bar where everyone pedals. Why have I not seen this before? Genius - and presumable, fun.

Just had to snap a pic of the Arch on this beautiful Saturday.

Then we decided to grab lunch at a place we've been wanting to try in downtown Saint Louis called Bailey's Range. They specialize in grass-fed burgers and shakes using local ingredients. You can also find a good selection of local beers and sodas (using natural cane sugar). This place was a visual as well as gastronomic treat. I love how they used old windows as a natural divider between the dining area and their open kitchen.

Bailey's Range
920 Olive Street
Saint Louis, MO 63101

Oh, we had to get a shake with our burger...salted caramel.

We had a really good day.