COMMUNITY & CULTURE
Colonial Marketplace
MEET ME IN…
Ladue
I
f you are looking for city sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed
in holiday style, believe it or not, you just may find that special
something for that special someone in the mostly residential
enclave of Ladue, which remakes itself into a shopper’s delight
come the holidays.
You can bet shoppers will be lining the sidewalks at some of Ladue’s
shopping destinations such as the Market Place in Ladue on Clayton
Road, Colonial Marketplace, Clayprice Shopping Center and Ladue
Crossing, where you’ll find many locally owned and operated boutiques,
specialty stores and eateries.
But once you get your fill of all the hustle and bustle, it’s time to shift
your focus from the presents, to just being present - and one of the best
ways to experience the joys of the season in St. Louis can be found in
Ladue.
Tilles Park has long been a favorite for family picnics, casual strolling
or for relaxing lakeside to watch the world go by. Just like much of
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GAZELLE STL
the acreage in Ladue, the property was formerly farmland, owned by
Andrew “Captain” Tilles. Born in St. Louis in 1865, Tilles was in the
cigar and tobacco business, and also worked in real estate. He donated
the land to the city of St. Louis in 1932 for use as a public park in
memory of his mother, Rosalie. St. Louis County purchased the park
from the city in 1957.
This time of year, Tilles Park is one of the most popular destinations
in town. That’s because from now until Dec. 30, more than a million
twinkling lights transform the park into Winter Wonderland. The
drive-through display, which is now in its third decade, features a toy
factory, a bubbling stream, a tunnel of lights, and - of course - Santa and
his reindeer.
In recent years, Winter Wonderland has also become an idyllic spot
to pop the question. Couples looking for a romantic, holiday setting opt
for the sweetheart carriages for two; there are also carriages for families
and bigger groups.
County
B y T r i s h M u y c o - To b i n