Living in the Lou: Your Guide to Brentwood and Rock Hill, Missouri

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This post about Brentwood and Rock Hill, Missouri was co-written by Rebekah Coste and Margaret Matheny.

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Brentwood, Missouri, a suburb where my parents raised their young children, and now I get to do the same. Rock Hill is the city next door, and there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in this area of St. Louis. St. Louis Mom owner, Rebekah Coste, and I have got the insider list for you on all things parks, food, shopping, and more. 

 

K. Hall Studio

A few years ago, one of my friends introduced me to this Midwest-based home fragrance and personal care goods store. They have 5 brands in house of various candles, soaps, lotions, lip balms, bath bombs, and more. One heavenly scent after the other. I love their fruity scents in the summer and the snow candle during the holidays is to die for!

Artmart

Artmart is a family-owned arts and crafts store with a large custom frame shop located in the back. It’s a great stop for your art project needs or even creative gifts and knick-knacks.

 

The White Rabbit

This little shop was founded by two women who wanted to bring comfort, beauty, and warmth into your home. They specialize in rustic painted furniture as well as rustic and vintage-themed accessories for home decoration. 

 

The Vault

In my opinion, it’s St. Louis’s best resale shop. They’ve got a great kids section, plenty of Lululemon items for a gym clothing revamp, and even a men’s section in the back. Every piece I’ve picked up from them has been in great condition, which brings me back often. 

 

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Brentwood Ice Skating Rink

Ice skating is a great way to spend a few hours moving the body while having fun with friends and family. Brentwood’s Ice Rink has public skating and private lessons available, perfect activities during the cold winter in Missouri. 

 

Little Fishes Swim School

This swim school is a great place to support your child’s swimming ability and adoration for the water. Talk about calming a mother’s heart. We signed our kids up for Little Fishes Swim School last winter, and they’re now confident little swimmers and I couldn’t be more grateful. 

 

Yucandu

Located on the border of Webster Groves and Brentwood is this arts and crafts shop with an in-store studio. They’ve got boxes, frames, paper-maché animals, stepping stones, and more. It’s fun for kids and even more so for adults.  

 

Tilles Park in Ladue (just on border of Brentwood/Rock Hill)

Tilles Park

When we moved to Rock Hill, I didn’t realize we were within walking distance of the beloved Tilles Park. Known by many as the home to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Light display that takes center stage from the end of November until the new year, we know Tilles Park simply for its awesome playground, vast splash pad in the summer, clean bathrooms, walking trail, and large pond for duck feeding! This park is a local treasure and well worth your time to visit. 

 

 

Oakhaven Park 

Oakhaven Park in Rock Hill

My family and I discovered Oakhaven Park during the pandemic quarantine and it’s grown to become one of our favorites. Clean, quiet, and hidden in the residential portion of Rock Hill, Oakhaven has two playgrounds that are perfectly suited for my preschoolers. Recently renovated, we love the new playground equipment and find this play area is usually deserted in the morning, especially when the kids go back to school! Just a stone’s throw from Dunkin Donuts, I like to snag an iced coffee and relax on a bench while my girls play.

 

Memorial Park

Nestled near Brentwood Industrial Court, Memorial Park is one of our favorite spots to take a picnic and enjoy some play time. With playgrounds for tots and older kids alike, this park is also well wooded and has some great hiking trails as well. 

 

Radiance Float Wellness

a woman floating in water with her face exposedLooking for a little afternoon wellness treat? Radiance Float has a variety of services to support those in need of stress relief, an immune boost, or just a relaxing few hours. Their IV nutrient therapy, infrared sauna, halotherapy(salt room), and float therapy will have you in a state of relaxation in no time.

 

Vidan Family Chiropractor

Dr. Vidan, the former St. Louis Cardinals team physician, and his team assist patients every day for bodily pain, TMJ, prenatal and postnatal support, stress, and immune support. It’s a great spot for a wellness check-in, as getting adjusted supports a healthy body and immune system.  

 

Beautiful Nails

Only the best nail salon in St. Louis! Sometimes all we mothers needed is a good manicure in a calm environment to recharge us for the activities ahead.

 

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Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

This gem boasts one of our favorite patios in St. Louis, mostly because we love it for date night or for an early supper with our kids! The happy hour is top notch and the margaritas are just right. I usually get the steak fajitas and my husband gets the pork steak guisado (which our kids love to share!) 

Farotto’s

Farotto’s is a favorite because of their fabulous patio, reasonable prices, and unique pizza! This is a favorite of my kids. 

Twin Oak

Twin Oak Wood-Fired Pizza is arguably our favorite pizza in all of St. Louis. We default to the Smookin’ Rooster or When in Rome and never get sick of this kid-friendly establishment, whether it’s for dine-in or carryout. Bonus for the little footstool they have set up so our girls can watch the pizza cooking in the oven!

 

 

Mai Lee

Mai Lee is a St. Louis gem and our absolute favorite family-owned Vietnamese eatery. From their tasty pho to their Chinese menu offerings, this is a staple for many.

 

Carl’s Drive In

A quaint spot with about 10 spots to eat inside. Carl’s Drive In has a total old school vibe and the BEST burgers and fries.

Katie’s Pizza

It almost feels like Katie’s Pizza needs no introduction from me, or explanation as to why it’s a favorite, but my family and I love this local Italian restaurant and pizzeria for so many reasons, most notably their delicious pizzas (fresh and frozen!), and the fried artichoke salad is mom’s favorite. They have a great patio and their pasta dishes are second to none. This business is also mom-owned, which is a bonus! 

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To-Go Sushi

If you asked me five years ago if I’d ever buy drive-thru sushi, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. But what can I say? Motherhood does strange things to you, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Let me just say, it’s a good thing I took a risk on this unknown sushi drive-thru in Brentwood, because it’s the best sushi I’ve had in St. Louis! The hours are a little tricky though, so be forewarned: 

Sunday: CLOSED, Monday-Friday: 11am-3pm, Saturday: 12-5pm

Nacho Mama’s

Drive thru margaritas. What else can I say? This affordable Mexican establishment boasts a vast and affordable menu, and offers a drive thru that we’ve used more than once. You’d think the quality of the food might be compromised given the convenience, but it isn’t. It’s even better.

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St. Louis Frozen Custard Factory

We love this drive-thru frozen custard stop! They have every topping you can imagine and smoothies, too! I often opt for the light custard. This is a go-to if we’ve had a hard day. I’ll scoop the kids up and through the drive-thru we go!

Bonaventure Coffee

I was going to Starbucks far more often than I care to admit, simply for the convenience of the drive thru, until I discovered a gem here in my backyard – Bonaventure Coffee! This drive-thru coffee hut, located in the heart of Brentwood, has become my new staple. With prices and quality that leave Starbucks lacking, this is my new favorite spot for an afternoon pick-me-up. Even with a slightly limited menu, I can easily find a drink to enjoy each time, and I’m not sure I’ve ever waited more than 3 minutes for my coffee. This is a must visit!