I hadn’t intended on doing a post on some of St. Louis’
oldest neighborhoods. Initially I was just planning on
making a visit to the city’s largest farmers market,
Soulard Market, to see what had changed (I hadn’t
visited the market in over 10 years). As you can see
by this photo, the market is located just south of downtown.
I found that the market hadn’t changed much, but it
is on the verge of some new and welcome additions
such as this new fish and meat store under construction.
Also, many loft apartments are popping up next door
in the old baby carriage factory.
The market still has a long way to go before reaching the level
of the farmers markets in San Francisco,or even the one I
discovered awhile back in Columbus, Ohio. The pickings were
slim, but maybe that’s because I visited on a Wednesday.
Hopefully on a Saturday these empty stalls will be brimming
w/ fresh produce from the many local farms that surround
St. Louis. By the looks of the market map they will!
Even though I wasn’t impressed by the market on
day I visited I was taken in by the beauty, charm and
vibrancy of the neighborhoods that surround it. Here are
a few shots from my walking tour of the Soulard neighborhood:
Soulard is also home to many good restaurants. One of my
favorites is Norton’s which serves good Cajun and Creole
cookin’ and has a great outdoor seating area. Take a look:
One of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations also happens
in the Soulard neighborhood and as you will see I stumbled
across some remnants of the tradition…
On my way back home I decided to stop at one of the former
city hospitals (just west of Soulard) which sat abandoned and
crumbling for years but is now being converted into
apartments and commercial space. It’s looking pretty good…
From there I headed west to Lafayette Square.
St. Louis’ French heritage is reflected in the names of certain
neighborhoods as well as in some its architecture.
Located on the northern edge of Lafayette Square is
Eleven Eleven Mississippi RestaurantÂ
and their new sister restaurant Vin de Set which just
opened in mid-June.
These restaurants are both located in old warehouses,
giving them an open, rustic feel. New loft apartments and
townhouses are springing up all around. I haven’t been to
Vin de Set for a meal but plan to very soon w/ a group of my
food loving friends! Keep an eye out for the post.
Until then, eat well and play hard….
Bruno,
What beautiful pictures! Living in Canada I know very little about St. Louis but it’s always interesting to learn about other cities. I’m particularly impressed that you went back to the farmer’s market after so many years!
Thanks Ivonne! It was a beautiful day for photography. Next time I won’t wait so long between visits to the market!
When I was home in December I went down to Soulard. I think it is amazing what changes they are making. I defintely think you should go make to the market more often – I also love when are the florist are there selling flowers it is beautiful site. Anyway, hopefully the positive changes on the south side will continue to spill over to the rest of the city.
Hi Nicole,
You’ve convinced me to visit the market again on a busy day!
I too hope the urban renewal of the south side spreads to the rest of the city… that would be fantastic!!
wow! it looks like an flat to me. local market in indonesia is nothing to look that way. they are muddy and smelly. but there is the place we can buy fresh local fruits and vegies.
Hey Bruno–definitely try the Soulard market again–Fall and Spring are the best times, especially for locally grown items. January and February hardly anyone is there BUT you can often find the coolest items really cheap (like key limes I got there last Feb. on a bitterly cold day.)
If you haven’t already checked it out, you should try the Tower Grove Park Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning (8:00 am-12:00 noon, May-Oct in the center circle.) All locally grown and slow foods–many organic and heirloom. . . all in season, of course.
And, I have to ask. Are you Dave Buttrick’s friend? If so, I didn’t know you were back in The Lou–welcome!
Hi Arfi,
I think I appreciate Soulard Market a little more now… no mud and probably not as smelly as the Indonesian market you described!!
Hi Kathleen,
Yes I’m Dave B.’s friend. Thanks for the welcome home greeting. I’ll have to visit the Tower Grove market… sounds great!!