Chesterfield, MO

Some carvings and artwork unearthed in Chesterfield have been dated as far back as 4,000 years ago, when the area was home to Native Americans. Until recently, Chesterfield was largely unincorporated, referred to by metro residents simply as "West County." The numerous cultural slices of present-day Chesterfield carry their own contrasting styles and charm relating to diverse historical communities.

Performance art is widespread in Chesterfield as well, with both intimate and large-scale theater productions. Stages St. Louis is worth looking into for lovers of musicals. Stages also offers educational programs. The central Chesterfield Amphitheater is a hot spot for live entertainment, boasting a summer movie showcase series and a wide range of annual neighborhood events in addition to a family-oriented city concert series.

Chesterfield manages to reap the benefits of downtown city living without losing that family-focused suburban charm. Gourmet restaurants and inviting bistros abound amid residential areas are always just around the corner. Chesterfield Airport Road, just east of the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, as well as the Chesterfield Parkway around Chesterfield Mall are both recommended spots if you're seeking activity at any time, day or night.

Presenting classic American food with a gourmet twist, Annie Gunn's Restaurant serves those looking to experience an old favorite in a new light. Burger lovers should give the classic burger a try. Composed of the leftover meat from other dishes, this complex and flavorful meat fusion was featured in Feast Magazine and named "Best Gourmet Burger" by St. Louis Magazine. Those willing to pay for thoughtfully composed and prepared meals along with selections from an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu shouldn't miss this Chesterfield favorite.

An adventurous mixture of Korean and Mexican classics, Chesterfield residents frequent Kim Cheese for its low prices, generous portions and that taste you can't quite get anywhere else. Family-owned and operated, Kim Cheese retains a commitment to high-quality food, doing away with ground beef in favor of rib-eye beef marinated in a tasty Korean barbecue home recipe. For those without time to dine in, Kim Cheese's drive-through allows you to get your quick fix. A local favorite, newcomers should be sure to check out the spicy pork tacos, a solid introduction to Korean-Mexican fusion spices and flavors.

Tucked away behind Clarkson Road is a fantastic Chesterfield secret for those with a stomach for delightfully decadent desserts. The Cup crafts artful, flavorful, moist and, most importantly, large cupcakes, serving as reminder of why the shop's slogan is "Crave the Cup." With more than 30 flavors on option, including several limited edition and seasonal entries in constant rotation, The Cup always has something new to try. Order online beforehand to ensure the shop has your favorite flavors ready the moment you arrive.

The nightlife on offer in Chesterfield retains the surprising variety of its restaurants. Fancy some live music with your meal? The Hangar Grill hosts regular live performances from a wide variety of local music acts, with great food to boot. Located just across the square, on the corner of Long Road and Edison Avenue, the Chesterfield International Tap House was made with beer snobs in mind, and with nightly live DJs, trivia and numerous other fun events, there's always something going on.

Interstate 64 intersects with Route 340 in central Chesterfield, ensuring easy access by vehicle to anywhere in the neighborhood and beyond. Public parking is usually free. If driving isn't your thing, Chesterfield holds a wide variety of options for those looking to move about the suburb.

The Metro Transit–St. Louis services bus stops all along Airport Road and around Chesterfield Parkway. A two-hour transfer pass for a Metro Transit bus ride into downtown St. Louis costs $3, and a day pass is $7.50. Chesterfield Taxi, the St. Louis American Cab Co. and Premier Car Service are but a few of the major St. Louis taxi services whose business encompasses Chesterfield. Uber is available as well.

While biking is an option, many of the major roads do not incorporate a biking lane, relegating bikers to side streets and neighborhoods. Several biking trails run throughout Chesterfield for those looking to make good use of their mountain bikes.

Despite the rapid commercial expansion and development Chesterfield has undergone, the neighborhood maintains a focus on preservation and opportunities to get away from the city. Residents can experience a bit of fresh air at one of the many free Chesterfield parks.

Located off Olive Boulevard in east Chesterfield, Faust Park Thornhill Home and Historical Village is open to the public, making it a prime weekend destination for the family. Combining historical architecture with extensive walking and jogging paths, a carousel, a fountain and a famous butterfly house, Faust Park contains affordable fun and variety for the whole family.

Accessible from Lydia Hill Drive, just west of the Chesterfield Parkway, Chesterfield Central Park remarkably allows escape to the lush, natural beauty of Missouri just minutes from the Chesterfield Mall. Numerous dog-friendly nature trails are open to walkers and runners alike, crossing over streams, winding through forest and wrapping around the lake. Don't forget to stop by "The Awakening," a massive sculpture of hands stretching toward the sky. Sharing space with the Chesterfield Amphitheater, the Chesterfield Central Park hosts many community events, live concerts and more.

The average cost of living in Chesterfield is 41 percent higher than in St. Louis, and 25 percent higher than the U.S. average. Those looking for less expensive housing options can find one-bedroom apartments for about $750 monthly in complexes near central and southern Chesterfield.

On the plus side,food and gas prices are in the realm of affordability. A pint of beer averages about $6, and the neighborhood gas average hovers at around 12 percent less than the national average.

As with the restaurants and bars of Chesterfield, Airport Road east of the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, and the Chesterfield Parkway surrounding Chesterfield Mall are both prime locations for spree and specialty shoppers.

For those in search of their favorite brands, Taubman Prestige Outlets provides shoppers with an outdoor alternative to the Chesterfield Mall. Pet friendly shoppers, bring your cute pup along as you peruse the latest offerings from Ralph Lauren, Coach and Lucky Brand, or swing by Restoration Hardware to sort out your furniture needs. Across Interstate 64, St. Louis Premium Outlets gives shoppers more opportunities for bargains on brand-names merchandise.

Just south of the Parkway on Clarkson Road is The Sound Room, a must-see specialty shop for home theater enthusiasts. In addition to selling audio and video gadgets and known brands, The Sound Room performs custom planning and installations fit to your home's specifications. If anything goes wrong, just give them a call and they come out to make repairs.

Aldi, Dierbergs and Trader Joe's prevail in Chesterfield for residents' grocery needs, with most locations along Airport Road and the Chesterfield Parkway. A local supermarket option, Schnucks, has a few locations in Chesterfield, and the Clayton Road branch includes a pharmacy.

While Chesterfield does not currently contain any farmers' markets of its own, several surrounding neighborhoods host well-known farmers' markets for those willing to make the drive. Some nearby options include the Ellisville Community Farmers Market in Bluebird Park, the Wildwood Farmers Market at Fountain and Plaza within the Wildwood town center, and the Kirkwood Farmers Market at the intersection of East Argonne Drive and Taylor Avenue.