Ballwin, MO

Named after John Ball, the man who settled the town site in 1804, Ballwin has continued to grow and expand through to present day.

Those with small children can stop by the Worldways Children’s Museum on 15479 Clayton Road. Split into four different country exhibits, this compact museum educates while it engages using interactive cultural stations and the indoor play place.

While Ballwin itself does not provide much in the way of live theatrical performances, Stages St. Louis entertains audiences willing to travel north of Ballwin in nearby Chesterfield and can be accessed via Route 141. Stages St. Louis combines crowd-pleasing performances with an educational focus. Aspiring actors should be sure to check out their year-round workshops and community outreach events.

Ballwin's eclectic mix of restaurants combines classic St. Louis flavor with a unique twist. Whether searching for a new favorite dish or deciding upon a place to meet up with old friends, the city of Ballwin has what you're looking for just around the corner.

Many recognize St. Louis for its barbecue. Charlotte's Rib Barbecue heaps a trademark smoky sauce atop pork steaks and spare ribs right in Ballwin to save you a the trip to the big city. Known for quick service, generous portions and affordable prices, Charlotte's Rib Barbecue rotates specials nightly, so check its website before coming in to save a few extra bucks on your favorite meal. Salad lovers can rest easy, as Charlotte's prepares a number of chef specialty salads packed with enough ingredients to be considered their own meal.

Those looking for a hip local favorite should head on over to the corner of Clayton and Clayheath and give The Wolf a try. Head on up to the counter to order once you've scanned the traditional American, local-grown menu. While you wait for your meal, don't forget to stop by the self-serve, freshly-ground coffee bar to pour yourself a cup. Musical acts perform live almost every night, with open mics, local showcases and other community-driven events worth coming out for each week. The Wolf is dog-friendly, so bring your pooch along during the warmer months. Early-risers should know thatThe Wolf opens at 6 a.m. and serves a full breakfast menu.

Señor Pique brings authentic Mexican dishes to the Ballwin area. Fans of fish or shrimp tacos should not miss out. The roomy interior and full drink menu make it a great spot for group meet-ups, and the attached indoor golfing range provides patrons with a great after-dinner activity. Golf enthusiasts should keep an eye out for the Señor Pique Golf League, which begins in October each year.

Ballwin's nightlife varies as wildly as its dining options, with most of the activity happening on Manchester Road. If you're searching for a place to see your favorite bands, Sky Music Lounge on 930 Kehrs Mill Road is the place to go. Live bands perform each Friday and Saturday evening, with other events sprinkled throughout each week. The Loft on the second floor makes a great event space for private bookings. If you just want to get your groove on, the French Quarter Bar and Grill on Manchester Road has you covered. With daily specials, karaoke and a live D.J. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, those looking to cut loose after a long work day won't be disappointed.

Routes 100 and 141 run through Ballwin, ensuring swift travel in any of the cardinal directions, and Interstate 54 can be found just north of the city in Chesterfield. For those traveling local, other options are available. In addition to the Lyft and Uber services, a range of taxi cab companies from the greater St. Louis area provide transportation to and from Ballwin. Metro Transit of St. Louis services Ballwin with both local and express stops all along Manchester Road.

Public parking is available for a fee. Bike lanes remain absent from most major city streets, relegating city bikers to side streets and neighborhoods. The division between residential and commercial districts means those living near the city's corners require a car to get around.

Ballwin maintains a number of public accessible parks throughout the city, ensuring that those in need of fresh air or a family picnic trip don't have to travel far.

Vlasis Park in central Ballwin wraps itself around a small lake open to fishing. The dog-friendly park contains an expansive field, plenty of shade and tennis courts. The pavilion overlooking the lake provides a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or a quiet read.

South of Manchester, along New Ballwin Road, New Ballwin Park includes a sand-filled volleyball court and synthetic turf tennis courts. The benches allow for a relaxing place from which to view the fish swimming in the lake.

The city of Ballwin's cost of living averages 16 percent higher than in St. Louis. A bus ride into downtown St. Louis costs $3 for a two-hour transfer pass. A one-day pass good for both the bus and city Metro costs $7.50. A typical one-bedroom apartment costs $650 on average for one month's rent, and a pint of beer runs about $5 at most pubs. The Ballwin City gas average hovers around 14 percent lower than the national average.

Manchester Road runs east and west through central Ballwin and marks the dividing line between the residential areas to the north and south. This commercial hot-spot ensures accessibility for both residents in search of name brands and those hunting for bargains in specialty shops.

The Olde Towne Plaza in east Ballwin along Manchester Road collects a variety of well-known stores in one place. Browse the discount racks at Marshalls, or try on a new pair of sneakers at Shoe Carnival before searching for furniture items in Big Lots, Home Goods and Stein Mart. After working up an appetite, stop by McAlister's Deli for soup and sandwiches before heading home.

The Rayna Jewelry Boutique along Manchester Road between Old Ballwin Road and New Ballwin Road sells a range of designer, signature and fine jewelry. Whether you seek a beautiful gift for a loved one or a stylish personal accessory, Rayna Jewelry Boutique has you covered.

Chocoholics flock to Rick Jordan Chocolatier. This boutique shop sells beautiful handmade chocolates created from small-batch roasted cacao. The master chocolatier hand grinds the cacao to form his masterpieces. Truffle options at Rick Jordan range from traditional milk chocolate to unique cardamom and coconut.

With Shop 'n Save, ALDI, Schnucks and Dierbergs nearby, Ballwin presents residents with a number of options for local supermarkets, all spread conveniently along Manchester Road. Costco members can find the bulk grocery warehouse just beyond the city north of route 100 along route 141.

Scotty's Fresh Produce Market on Manchester Road between School Street and Louis Avenue remains open year-round, supporting farmers by selling locally grown produce during the summer months.