The Shaw Neighborhood is a fantastic neighborhood nestled in the heart of South St Louis City. The area is a local historic district so the type of new construction and style of rehab on existing structures has some limitations in order to keep the historic integrity of the neighborhood. The Shaw Neighborhood has a wide variety of housing options, a great variety of walkable dining and shopping options and a killer central location.

The Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association is one of the most organized and well run neighborhood associations in St Louis City. The SNIA has a fantastic presence in the neighborhood offering communication for all area residents and sponsoring amenities and events such as the Shaw Dog Park and the Historic Shaw Art Fair. Several of the City’s most desirable schools are located within the Shaw Neighborhood catchment borders. City Garden Montessori is a Charter School located on  Tower Grove Avenue and offers programs for children in pre-k through 8th grade. Saint Margaret’s of Scotland is a private parochial school located on  Castleman and also offers programs for children in pre-k through 8th grade.

In addition to the walkability of local restaurants, shopping and schools, The Shaw Neighborhood is nestled right between two of the biggest St Louis City attractions, Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. If you have a green thumb or just enjoy the opportunity to see some of natures finest, being right between these two landmarks is ideal.

All within walking distance

Some of my FAVORITE dining is in the Shaw Neighborhood. Locally owned and delicious, these are the types of places that you become a regular at.

First and foremost is my all time favorite wine bar, Sasha’s on Shaw. The patio alone is worth the trip. They have a fantastic selection of wine and local beer and a great menu. Spend the afternoon on their patio in the summertime enjoying one of the many rose selections or cozy up to the fireplace in the winter with a glass of cab. Either way it’s a great way to spend time with friends or just get some reading done.

One of my other favorites is Sweet Art on 39th Street. Hands down one of the best Vegan burgers I have ever had. They also have a wonderful selection of pastries, cakes and cupcakes that are a big weakness in our household. My son, who has a dairy allergy can always get a sweet treat at Sweet Art and typically it’s more decadent and ooey gooey that the traditional version. They sometimes have limited hours though so make sure to pay attention to when they are open.

Another favorite is Ice’s Plain and Fancy on the corner of 39th and Shenandoah. If you do nothing else this summer go to Ice’s and get the Iron Grandma. It’s a boozy ice cream float made with 4Hand Brewing Co’s Cast Iron Brown and Grand Marnier. The best!

Two St Louis Treasures

The Shaw Neighborhood is nestled between two of St Louis City’s greatest treasures. Tower Grove Park and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Tower Grove Park is one of St Louis City’s greatest treasures. The park, located in Tower Grove South is nearly 300 acres, the second largest in St Louis City. You can find the Tower Grove Farmers Market open for business on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Fresh, veggies, coffee, live music and yoga. One of my favorite festivals is in the park every summer, The Festival of Nations.

Just to the north of Tower Grove Park is the Missouri Botanical Garden, just a quick walk across the park. According to their website: “Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. For over 158 years, the Garden has been an oasis in the city, a place of beauty and family fun—and also a center for education, science, and conservation.”

Don’t miss the live jazz concerts on Wednesday evenings in the garden during summer months. Such a fantastic way to spend a warm summer evening, and just a couple minute stroll from the beautiful homes of The Shaw Neighborhood.