One thing I’ve learned about St. Louisans is that a clear hierarchy exists between city, county, and small town Missouri. The majority of the St. Louis City residents I’ve met look down on St. Louis County. And the majority of the St. Louis County residents I’ve met have made jokes about [...]]]>

G is for Glass Olive, photo by smalltowngirl

One thing I’ve learned about St. Louisans is that a clear hierarchy exists between city, county, and small town Missouri. The majority of the St. Louis City residents I’ve met look down on St. Louis County. And the majority of the St. Louis County residents I’ve met have made jokes about Jefferson County residents (the next county south of St. Louis).

I dedicate this South County St. Louis blog to changing the perspective of the snobbish St. Louisan.

There’s at least one decent bar in South County that deserves notice by this small town girl; The Glass Olive martini bar.  The next time you’re South of St. Louis City and looking for a martini, check this place out. Its chocolate martini is Smalltowngirl-approved.

Cheers, photo by smalltowngirl

I spent my Sunday tooling around South County St. Louis in a convertible, taking in the sunshine and enjoying good company. After a great omelet and coffee and First Watch, we headed to Bee Tree Park to get some exercise.

The park sits along the Mississippi River and has concrete and gravel trails [...]]]>

Bee Tree Park 1, photo by smalltowngirl

I spent my Sunday tooling around South County St. Louis in a convertible, taking in the sunshine and enjoying good company. After a great omelet and coffee and First Watch, we headed to Bee Tree Park to get some exercise.

The park sits along the Mississippi River and has concrete and gravel trails for walking, jogging or biking.

Bee Tree Park, photo by smalltowngirl

We stood on the Chubb Memorial Overlook, gazing out at the slow but powerful river, and my mind wandered to my good friend Matt, who’s older brother Mike kayaked the Mississippi River from beginning to end. Mike was killed very recently in Afghanistan. His memorial service was Friday, and his family had been on  my mind all weekend. Standing over the Mississippi put me in awe that Mike had kayaked the entire thing alone.

Mississippi River, photo by smalltowngirl

Mississippi, photo by smalltowngirl

We continued walking down trails through the woods before venturing onto the “fish trail”, which circled a seven-acre lake. The park was filled with families walking dogs, fishing, riding bikes and picnicking.

Bee Tree is the first St. Louis County Park I’ve spent any time in, and I was impressed both by the park itself and by the number of people using the park on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

Lake, photo by smalltowngirl

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For more about Bee Tree Park, visit the St. Louis County Website.