Olivette, MO

Beginning as a mid-19th century farming community along an Native American trail which now comprises much of Olive Boulevard, the city of Olivette continued to expand and thrive around that trail into what it is today.

If you're up for a bit of a drive, you'll find the area immediately surrounding Olivette has a flourishing arts and cultural scene. Dedicated to Holocaust survivors, the Holocaust Museum & Learning Center located northwest of Olivette off route 67 provides a moving and educational look at one of history's greatest tragedies. Sign up for one of the frequent guided tours to get the most out of the experience.

For a fun weekend family outing, the St. Louis Art Fair can be found on Forsyth Boulevard in the heart of Clayton each September. The event showcases a stunning mix of commissioned and local pieces, live bands and interactive opportunities for the kids.

Despite Olivette's quiet side streets and pleasant suburban neighborhoods, St. Louis unmistakably flavors the city's restaurants. An eclectic mix of international cuisine and local favorites, the businesses of Olivette provide locals with a surprising amount of variety.

St. Louis barbecue has a storied tradition of smoked pork and sauce-soaked ribs. Both local barbecue enthusiasts and those looking to try St. Louis' trademark taste should not overlook Sugarfire Smoke House. Located just west of Interstate 170 off of Olive Boulevard, Sugarfire Smoke House puts its own spin on the St. Louis brand of barbecue, offering more than 10 homemade sauces, including cranberry amaretto and Frostee Rootbeer sauce. Not sure how much to order? Two meats and a side should have all but the hungriest taking home leftovers.

Situated between Bonhomme Lake and Newcastle on Olive Boulevard, the unassuming Olivette Diner remains a well-kept secret among locals. Open for breakfast and lunch, Olivette Diner's extensive menu can please the pickiest of eaters. Try the pecan waffles for a sweet and filling Olivette breakfast specialty. Not up for breakfast? You can't go wrong with The Slinger, a beef patty smothered in chili with a side of eggs and hashed browns.

Sushi lovers can stop by the corner of Friese Drive and Olive Boulevard for one of St. Louis' greatest takes on the Japanese menu. I Love Mr. Sushi serves a range of rice and noodle-based dishes in addition to sushi favorites. Many of the servings run larger than your average sushi restaurant and newcomers have a range of combo meal options to ensure a tasty and filling dinner. Call ahead or order online for pick-up, or just to ensure you can dig in the moment you arrive.

The bars along Olive Boulevard come attached to restaurants. Those looking to dance the night away or chat up the bartender at a local dive can travel east to University City or west to Creve Coeur, but if you're up for getting a group together over food and drink, stop by Fallon's Bar & Grill. On the corner of Price Road and Olive Boulevard, Fallon's Bar & Grill sports an Irish pub vibe while remaining roomy, with extra private rooms and patio space available. If you're looking for a little entertainment with your drink, stop by Friday and Saturday nights to catch performances from local bands.

Route 340 runs through central Olivette and Interstate 170 can be found on the east end, ensuring easy travel beyond the city in any of the cardinal directions. Those staying local have plenty of options available. In addition to Lyft and Uber services, a range of taxi cab companies from the greater St. Louis area provide transportation to and from Olivette. Metro Transit of St. Louis services Olivette with bus stops along Olive Boulevard and Warson Road.

Public parking is available for a fee. The major city streets lack bike lanes, relegating city bikers to side streets. The division between residential and commercial districts means those living near the city's edges require a car to get around.

Olivette possesses 80 acres of publicly accessible green space spread across five parks throughout the city. Local residents desiring fresh air or a family picnic trip don't have to travel far to meet their needs.

West of Interstate 170 along Old Bonhomme Road, the Irv Zeid Citizen's Park features all necessary amenities for a weekend family excursion. In addition to the pavilion, picnic tables, grill, baseball field and playground, a section of the park has been designated as a dog park, allowing you to let your pooch off leash and run free with the other attendees.

On the opposite end of town, Warson Park remains Olivette's largest park, encompassing more than 18 acres. The soccer and baseball fields give kids plenty of space to run around while parents take a breather in the shade of the gazebo.

The city of Olivette's cost of living averages 23 percent higher than in St. Louis. A bus ride into downtown St. Louis costs $3 for a two-hour transfer pass, and a one-day pass good for both the bus and city MetroLink costs $7.50. A typical one-bedroom apartment costs $700 on average for one month's rent, and a pint of beer runs about $5 at most pubs. The Olivette area gas average hovers around 14 percent lower than the national average.

Olive Boulevard runs east and west through central Olivette, marking the commercial line through the city's north and south residential districts. This commercial hot-spot ensures accessibility for residents searching for both name brands and specialty shops.

While Olive Boulevard contains a large number of shops, supermarkets and specialty stores, those in search of name brands and shopping centers can drive north along Interstate 170 to Overland to meet their needs.

Those who love searching high and low for great deals on hidden treasures should stop by the Byrd Designer Consignment Boutique just east of Interstate 170 on Maryland Avenue. The wide selection includes designer brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Tory Burch, in addition to many unique and vintage pieces, ensuring you'll find what you're looking for. If something lies beyond your current price range, don't fret. The owner of Byrd Designer Consignment Boutique offers layaway on many items.

Brides-to-be can call ahead to make an appointment, or just stop by to check out the selection at Enchanted Bride. The staff prides themselves on customer service and flexibility, working closely with each customer to ensure they meet her needs. Any desired alterations can be made right in the store. Check back often as sales occur frequently.

ALDI, Dierbergs, CVS and Walgreens are your options for local pharmacies and groceries, all of which can be found either along Olive Boulevard or to the north near Overland. Those searching for an international selection of groceries can follow Olive Boulevard east into University City to find the China Town Market, Worldwide International Foods, Olive Supermarket and Seafood City Supermarket.

The Clayton Farmers Market east of Interstate 170 at the corner of Maryland and Forsyth acts as a hub for those after fresh, local products from the farmers, butchers, chefs and craftspeople of the area. The Clayton Farmers Market is open from May through October each year, making it the perfect place to bring your dog along as you browse over 30 vendor stalls.