Webster Groves is a charming St. Louis suburb, and Erica Morrison and Amy Sanders share the very best parts of it with us here!
Living in Webster Groves gives you the best of both worlds: it feels like a tight-knit, small town where everyone knows each other with tons of favorite local establishments (we affectionately refer to it as “the bubble”), but it’s right in the middle of the St. Louis Metro area, so you’re never far from anything. Take a walk in any given neighborhood, and you’ll find many century homes, tree-lined streets, and those distinctive red hearts adorning the trees (learn what they represent here). Also, home to Webster University, Eden Seminary, and a reputable school district, it’s a great place to raise a family.
Webster Arts Fair
June 3-5, 2022
Typically held on the first weekend of June on the grounds of Eden Seminary, this outdoor art fair features local artists, food, and live music. Our kids love looking at all the different forms of art, and the local artists are great to interact with them on their level.
Community Days
July 1-4, 2021
A 4th of July celebration that spans 3-4 days and includes a parade, pool party, old-fashioned carnival, and fireworks displays. We attended with friends when we were deciding where to move, and this sealed the deal!
Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival
September 18, 2021
Typically held the third weekend in September, the streets of downtown Webster are blocked off for what is known as one of the most family-friendly jazz festivals on the planet. Featuring two stages of live music, street performers, and local food/drink, this is a great way to spend an evening with the kids. We look forward to it every year!
Turkey Day Football Game & Chilli Cook-Off
Known as the oldest high school rivalry west of the Mississippi river (seriously, it dates back to the 1890’s), the Webster Groves Statesmen play the Kirkwood Pioneers in a friendly high school football game on Thanksgiving day. There’s also a chili cook-off featuring local restaurants, with all proceeds going to charity.
Webster is home to some great parks that are perfect for playdates and letting the kids burn off some steam, as well as other family-friendly activities:
Blackburn Park
Offers a playground, pavilions, ball fields, tennis courts, a walking trail, and a bird sanctuary.
Larson Park
Has a playground, a pavilion, ball fields, and tennis courts.
Ivory Crockett Park
Enjoy a playground, a pavilion, ball fields, a basketball court, and tennis courts.
Southwest Park
Here you’ll find a playground, a pavilion, ball fields, and the historic Hawken House.
Yucandu
This is an art studio for kids (and adults!) where you can pick up supplies to go, work on a creation in the studio, attend a class or camp, and they host parties!
MJ’s Performing Arts Academy
Offers gymnastics, dance, cheer, and more for preschoolers through adults (aerial silks anyone?).
St. Louis Gym Centre
Gymnastics classes ranging from recreational to competitive.
Vetta Soccerdome
This is not just for soccer! Vetta hosts incredibly fun and affordable birthday parties and summer/winter camps.
Webster Aquatic Center/Ice Rink/Rec Center
Check out toddler time at the pool weekdays from 10 – 11:30 a.m. during the summer.
Webster has become known for its local eateries, and one of the silver linings of Covid was having so many great choices for takeout so close to home. It’s hard to choose a favorite!
Olive + Oak
This is our go-to in Webster Groves for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or a fancy date night. The food, drinks, and atmosphere really are worth the hype!
Clover & The Bee
Such a great place to meet for brunch, lunch, or to grab a good cup of coffee in a stylish setting. They also have a walk-up window!
O + O Pizza
My husband and I refer to this as fancy pizza and splurge on ourselves when we are SO OVER the kids’ favorite chain pizza places, and the pasta and drinks are just as good.
The Block
Part restaurant/part butcher shop, this is the place to go for meat lovers, and you have to try the bacon jam!
Dewey’s Pizza
This is our favorite “not a chain” pizza place that also has great salads and calzones.
Cyrano’s
Great for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just for dessert (you HAVE to get the bread pudding!).
Layla’s
Whether you’re in the mood for one of their eclectic burgers or classic shawarma, you can’t go wrong here.
Robust Wine Bar
This is one of my favorite places to go for Moms Night Out because the wine and food are both amazing.
Sushi Station
A great sushi place whether you’re into nigiri, the classics, or creative specialty rolls (try the Cardinals roll).
Serendipity
If you’re the name of the day, you get a free scoop! They also have adult *spirited* shakes and dipity dough ice cream sandwiches (psst, you can substitute a donut!).
The Frisco Barroom
This place has great pub-style food and the perfect patio for meeting up for drinks.
Balkan Treat Box
Traditional Turkish fare right in Webster Groves that’s approachable and delicious (get the pide — a woodfired dough boat stuffed with roasted meat, cheese, and vegetables).
The Annex
A modern-day general store that also happens to serve great coffee, breakfast, and lunch (they even serve cocktails!).
The Parkmoor Drive-In
Although you won’t see any actual carhops, check out this reimagination of the original Parkmoor for nostalgic burgers, hot dogs, and diner food. You can also get a sno-ball from its walk-up window (tip: ask for yours “frosty,” which comes drizzled in sweetened condensed milk).
Whether you find yourself in Old Orchard or Old Webster, there are a variety of great, local shops to check out:
Kind Soap
Selling handmade, natural soap and body products.
Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop
Such a great selection of house plants, succulents, perennials, and annuals (plus get a coffee, tea, or pastry while you shop).
Paisley Boutique
A women’s boutique with clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts.
Leopard Boutique
Another great women’s boutique.
Civil Alchemy
From housewares and apparel to specialty foods and beverages (try their in-house gin!).
Novel Neighbor
The cutest local, independent bookstore with an amazing and helpful staff; check out their weekly storytime for kids, book clubs, and other classes/events.
Rolling Ridge
A nursery that offers anything and everything, including great advice!
The Hub
Selling bicycles and gear whether you’re looking for a child’s first bike or a competitive model (plus they come with FREE lifetime tune-ups!)
The customer service at these local favorites can’t be beat, whether you’re looking for some pampering or taking care of business.
Sole Lounge
A nail salon that offers high-quality manicures and pedicures, plus an incredibly friendly staff. A perfect place to pamper yourself!
The Boulevard
Award-winning salon for men, women, and children that will take care of your hair whether you need a trim, color, extensions, or natural hair service.
The Bend
A cute old home turned into a fantastic hair salon! Get your cut, color, or waxing service here. Bonus- they do fantastic kids’ cuts too!
Vitality Unlimited Spa
A quaint little spa that offers an abundance of indulgences, including massage therapy, facials, nail services, and even specialized holistic treatments.
Embroider the Occasion
Need a personalized gift? Look no further than this long-time WG shop that will customize just about anything with an embroidered logo or monogram.
The Art of Entertaining
Tired of cooking? Need a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner on a busy summer night? Pop into this bright pink-painted building to pick up gourmet carry-out meals or check out their catering menu for your next event.
Webster University
Webster Groves is actually a college town, too! This small private university offers a vast array of undergraduate and graduate education programs, and they provide high-quality swim lessons at their indoor pool for kids, too.
St. Louis Gym Centre
A well-established gymnastics program that offers various programs for your aspiring gymnast or for your kiddo that just needs space to jump, wiggle, and move their body. They also offer holiday/summer break camps, as well as preschool classes, and birthday party packages.
Roger’s Produce
For over 40 years, this little farm stand has been a great spot to grab perfectly ripe fresh fruit and vegetables without dragging your kids into the grocery store. It’s also a great place to pick up seasonal offerings such as annuals, hanging baskets, pumpkins, mums, and Christmas trees.
Webster Kirkwood Times
I look forward to receiving this super local weekly paper every Thursday! The distinctive red bagged papers arrive free-of-charge to the driveways of local residents, but you can also pick up free copies around town. As with any local paper, the letters to the editor are worth a read every time. 😉
Big Bend Railroad Club
This model train club is located within a former passenger depot for the Frisco Railway and offers public viewing on the first Tuesday of the month from 7 – 8:30 p.m. A must-do if you have a little train lover in your family.
