Living in the Lou: Ballwin and Ellisville

 

The suburbs of St. Louis have so much to offer. Both Ballwin and Ellisville, Missouri, sit about 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis and are regularly ranked as great cities to raise a family. Check out some of the reasons why below!

 

 

 

 

Ballwin Days

The City of Ballwin hosts an annual festival, Ballwin Days. This year, it is slated to run from August 20 – 22 at Vlasis Park. This annual celebration has something for everyone: carnival rides and games, music and entertainment, food and beverages, and a whole lot more! Friday and Saturday nights of the festival wrap up with an impressive fireworks display. You won’t want to miss this fun event for the entire family!

 

Ballwin Craft Beer Festival at Vlasis Park

407 Kehrs Mill Road, Ballwin, MO 63021

Live music, food, and, of course, beer sampling!

 

Fourth of July Festivities at Bluebird Park

225 Kiefer Creek Road, Ellisville, MO 63021

 

Summer Concert Series at Bluebird Park

225 Kiefer Creek Road, Ellisville, MO 63021

 

 

 

PARKS

The City of Ballwin boasts five parks. Located off Manchester Road, Vlasis Park features a fishing pond, picnic pavilions, a baseball diamond, a large playground, tennis courts, and a walking path. Vlasis also has a mini splash pad. 

 

 

You’ll find New Ballwin Park, off of New Ballwin Road, nestled in between neighborhoods. Bring your tennis rackets and basketballs to play on the courts or a fishing pole to use at the pond. You can play volleyball on their sand court or play on the playground. Covered pavilions sit next to the playground area.

 

Ferris Park, also off New Ballwin Road, has a soccer field, a playground with a small water feature, and a sizable pavilion for picnics and gatherings. 

 

Greenfield Commons is the playground area at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. The Pointe is a community rec center with an indoor pool, gym and exercise area, basketball courts, and more! 

 

And finally, Holloway Park is off of Holloway Road. This park sits adjacent to the North Pointe Family Aquatic Center, Ballwin’s outdoor community pool. Holloway Park has lighted tennis courts, pickleball courts, a playground, and a pavilion. 

 

Ballwin is also home to Castlewood Park, a state park surrounding parts of the Meramec River. You’ll find ample hiking and biking trails for all levels of experience, along with fishing areas and a playground. 

 

The City of Ellisville also has an outdoor pool and recreation area in Bluebird Park, off Kiefer Creek Road. The pool has a large toddler splash and play area, and pools and slides for the older kids. Ellisville has a summer swim team and also offers swimming lessons.

 

Within Bluebird Park are tennis courts, plenty of biking and walking trails, and a playground. Bluebird Park is home to a variety of summer camp options, as well. 

 

KIDS ACTIVITIES

Daniel Boone Branch, St. Louis County Library

If you are looking for a free indoor play area to take the little ones, the St. Louis County Library Daniel Boone Branch, located on Clarkson Road, is the perfect spot. This newly renovated library has so many fun activities for the kids along with weekly storytimes.

 

Defy

14820 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

Defy in Ballwin is a great place to take the kids to burn off some energy. This trampoline park has something for all ages, from their foam pits to their aerial silks. 

 

 

Skymax Gymnastics

16241 Westwood Business Park, Ellisville, MO 63021 {off of Old. State Road}

Looking for a gymnastics studio for your little bundles of energy? Look no further than Skymax Gymnastics, in Ellisville off of Old State Road. Skymax has classes for all skill levels, from the mommy-and-me ages up to the competitive level. The very best part about Skymax, aside from the top-notch training, is the family feel of the studio. From the moment you are greeted at the door, until the moment you leave, you feel like one of the family. 

 

 

Circle 7 Ranch

14412 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

A neighborhood tap house and grill serving soups, salads, burgers, and other American classics!

 

Dogwood Social House

15682 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

New to Ellisville, Dogwood Social House not only has delicious food and beverages, plus Axe Throwing, Bowling, billiards and arcade games, and karaoke!

 

Malinche Mexican Culinary Experience

15939 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

For Mexican Flavors that are a cut above, head to Malinche’s for your next date night or girls’ night out! You won’t be disappointed.

 

Marcella’s Mia Sorella

14426 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

If you’re looking for delicious Italian fare, Mia Sorella has you covered. Meet up with your friends for a drink or two in the bar before heading to your table!

 

Mulligan’s Grill

11 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

Mulligan’s has been a favorite in Ellisville for over 25 years. Whether you’re stopping by for wings, a sandwich, or to share drinks with some friends, Mulligan’s will welcome you!

 

The Wolf Cafe

15480 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

Serving real, fresh food in their signature, creative dishes. They also serve craft beer and wine, focusing on local breweries. Bring a special someone or a group of friends and stay for their live music and events!

 

St. Louis Taco and Pita Grill

15493 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

You may miss it just driving by, but be sure to make a U-turn and head back. Every dish on their varied menu will satisfy your hunger! Burgers, tacos, pitas, and so much more!

 

 

Sweets and Treats

 

Ballwin Sno-Cone

151 Ries Road, Ballwin, MO 63021

Ballwin Sno Cone has a full menu with burgers, chicken wings, and sandwiches, but you’ll be coming back again and again for dessert. Their Sno-Cone flavors come in regular or sugar-free, and you can “stuff” any sno-cone with soft-serve ice cream!  For the adults, check out their “boozy” flavors. Bring the kids, sit around the fire pit, and enjoy!

 

Donut Palace

37 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

The best donuts around! Be sure to try their apple fritters along with a steaming cup of Kaldi’s coffee!

Kiraboo Cones

15957 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

A pop-up sno-cone stand next to Clothes Mentor and Jimmy Johns. Some of the sweetest shaved ice around!

 

 

 

C & C Butcher

15634 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

Every town needs a neighborhood butcher. C&C Butcher is Ellisville’s top choice for fresh meat and cheese! While you’re there, be sure to get some of their marinated steak tips in a variety of marinades!

 

Painted Tree

14850 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

Looking for a unique place to shop for home decor, clothing, candles, and more? Painted Tree Marketplace houses hundreds of local craftsmen under one roof. Whether shopping for yourself or looking for a unique gift for someone, you’re likely to find it here!

 

Paperdolls

14418 Clayton Road, Ballwin, MO 63011

Want to update your wardrobe or find something fun to wear on a special night out? Paperdolls not only has the trendy styles you’re looking for, but their PD Shopgirls will make the experience personable and fun!

 

Roger’s Produce

At the corner of Old State Road and Pierside Lane in Ellisville, MO

A pop-up produce stand at Old State Road and Pierside Lane in Ellisville, open 7 days a week from 10 am – 7 pm! Offering different specials each day, this easy, convenient location makes feeding your family the freshest produce and veggies a snap!

 

 

 

 

Advanced Training and Rehab

15882 Clayton Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

Advanced Training and Rehab has locations all over the STL area. One of their newer locations opened up next to Savers in Ellisville. If you need physical therapy, Justin and his team will make you feel welcome, and work with you to restore strength and health!

 

Anna’s Alterations

41 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

Located on Clarkson Road, right next to Donut Palace, you’ll find Anna’s Alterations. Not only is Anna a wonderful seamstress, but she has saved the day for me on many occasions when I have had Girl Scout patches peeling off of my daughter’s vest because fabric glue just doesn’t cut it. Just drop off the vest and badges, and Anna will ensure your scout never loses a badge again!

 

 

MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers

Pathfinder Church – 15800 Manchester Road, Ellisville, MO 63011

MOPS is a group that brings moms together with kids aged from infant through kindergarten. The group meets throughout the school year, giving you a chance to socialize your kids with other kids their age while you go off and enjoy “mom” time!

There are many MOPS groups throughout the STL area, but having attended this particular group when my kids were little, I can assure you that this is a group that will welcome you with open arms!

 

 

Finally, for any gardeners out there, here is a tip! Castlewood Stables off of St. Paul Road in Ballwin has … 

****FREE COMPOST!!****

Full disclosure, we own the stables, and between our lesson horses and the boarder horses, we will NEVER, EVER run out of fresh compost. We compost it ourselves on the property and have sent samples to the University of Missouri to verify the quality. Stop by anytime with a shovel to load some yourself, or if you need a truck bed or trailer full, call Kevin at 314-323-3440 to arrange for it to be loaded for you