Marlborough - Saint Louis, MO

Marlborough is an offshoot of Webster Groves, one of the oldest settled cities in the St. Louis area. Missouri, Dakota and Osage Indians originally lived there, and the fur trappers called it Dry Ridge. Since the busy days of old Route 66, gentrification changed the neighborhood into the quiet community it is now. No museums, annual events or festivals exist or take place in Marlborough, but many are within a quick drive or even walk to neighboring areas. St. Louisans know Marlborough as a nice, quiet area to raise a family and as a central location to what the rest of the city offers.

You won't have to drive far to find great eateries near Marlborough, but you do have visit other neighborhoods, such as the Central West End District, about 8 miles northeast. Many locals travel into downtown St. Louis to Laclede's Landing on the riverfront, 10 and 12 miles northeast of Marlborough, for more choices in nightlife entertainment.

Donut Drive-In claims a spot on Chippewa Street 2.5 miles northeast of Marlborough on the famous Route 66, or Watson Road. The drive-in serves old fashioned donuts, but has no website. Find their reviews online, where their loyal customers gush frequently about all of the different flavors of donuts, and they especially love the chocolate icing. The old and charming building housing this donut-haven affords visitors fun Route 66 photo ops.

The closest place to order a beer or mixed drink in Marlborough takes residents to Sunset Lanes on Watson Road. This older building also sports a small arcade, a separate lounge and a snack bar that opens during its busiest times, but customers flock to the cosmic bowling event on Friday and Saturday nights, which allows them three hours of unlimited bowling and shoe rental for a discounted price. Beer prices won't break the bank at $2.25 for a draft, $2.50 for a bottle and pitchers cost $7.25. A mixed drink costs $2.75 to $5.25

It takes quick two minutes to drive to Cyrano's on East Lockwood in Webster Groves, just a half a mile north of Marlborough. Residents of Marlborough make this quick stop for famous deserts and Sunday brunches. The American menu varies with many one-of-a-kind creations. The wine bar stocks approximately 30 wines. Cyrano's provides musical entertainment two to three nights a week to keep locals coming back. Beer prices range from $3.50 for domestics up to $4.50 for microbrews. Wine by the glass costs between $7.00 and $9.00, and you can order half-bottles or bottles, whichever suites your evening plans.

Interstate 44 crosses Marlborough on an east-west path, which gives Marlborough residents easy access to St. Louis Interstates 64, 55 and 270. Metro St. Louis bus lines serve Marlborough via the 110 Afton Route and 17 Oakville Route, with most of the bus stops located on Watson Road, Heege Road, and South Laclede's Station Road. The closest Metrolink rail station is on Lansdowne Avenue, just 2.5 miles from downtown Marlborough, and it provides 800 parking spaces for commuters. There are no cab stands; you need to call one of the two cab companies serving St. Louis for taxis.

There's no need for public parking in Marlborough and no charge for parking at Marlborough's retail outlets. One small dedicated bicycle trail, located between Midvalley Walk and Midvalley Trail, allows for cycling exercise, but there are no other roads for cycling to and from housing and commercial zones. St. Louis rush hour traffic flows nicely, with the slow-down in Marlborough occurring at the intersection of South Laclede's Station Road, Watson Road and Heege Road. Walking through Marlborough is safe and pleasant.

Tower Tee Golf, a family owned sports-play park, gives golf lessons, features a par 3 golf course, driving range, putting greens with covered and heated tee boxes, a miniature golf course, and batting cages for baseball and softball. This establishment conveniently supplies charcoal grills, and you can bring your own beverages or buy theirs for day-long outings. Prices for everything vary, but locals consider the cost reasonable for a 365-day-a-year source of entertainment.

River Des Peres Park, operated by St. Louis City Parks, offers a green space just 2.5 miles from Marlborough. Baseball Fields with bleachers and fencing, a walking and biking trail, and soccer field dot this beltway park that follows a strip of the River Des Peres just west of St. Louis. This park also includes a playground with ponds, water fountains and restrooms. Put your dog on a leash and an enjoy a walk in this pleasant park.

Houses cost a median average of $140,000, and apartment rentals are reasonable, with prices for a one-bedroom around $600 to $700 per month. The St. Louis Metro Transit system accepts cash fares on both the Metrolink rail and bus route systems, which come in around $2.50 and $2. A day pass for riding both the bus and rail system costs $7.50. Marlborough averages out to the same cost of living as the rest of the St. Louis metroplex at 5.6 percent lower than the national index.

Two grocery stores within one mile of Marlborough offer full services, including groceries and pharmacies. Dierbergs on Watson Road and Schnucks on Big Bend Boulevard service the greater Marlborough area and beyond. A strip mall on Watson Road includes both stores for necessities, such as Dollar Tree, and a few specialty stores. You'll find Helen's Clock Co., the General Grant Antique Mall, Uncle Sam's for sports and outdoors, and Tropical World Pets. For all other shopping excursions like the malls and boutique districts, leave Marlborough, and head to the St. Louis Galleria only 5.5 miles north and easily found on South Hanely Road. Webster Groves Farmers' Market, open from early May until late October, entertains with not only seasonal produce, but live music, artisans, chef demonstrations and children's activities, but it only opens on Thursdays. Travel 2 miles to Gazebo Park at the intersection of Big Bend Boulevard and South Old Orchard Avenue just north of Interstate 44 to cash in on this seasonal delight.