Wydown Skinker - Saint Louis, MO

Many of Wydown Skinker's larger houses hearken back to the 1920s when the neighborhood developed and expanded into what it is today. If you're looking to delve further into Wydown Skinker's past, the Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center can be located at the corner of Fauquier Drive and Skinker Boulevard. In addition to an array of exhibits focused on the formation of the state, the Missouri History Museum hosts numerous community events and workshops on film, culture and the arts each year.

The city of Clayton to the west fosters a flourishing arts scene, with multiple art festivals each year and many local crafts stores. Fellow thespians can find plenty to keep busy with the personal performances offered at Clayton Community Theatre on Clayton Road and well-known classics showcased year-round at Fontbonne University's Mustard Seed Theatre.

Creative new dishes abound in the restaurants surrounding Wydown Skinker. Most of the dining and nightlife scene can be found along De Mun Avenue and south of Wydown Skinker on Clayton Road. The compact size of the neighborhood ensures those living nearby are always within walking distance.

If you find yourself rising late on a Sunday morning and just don't feel like cooking breakfast, Sasha's makes for a great brunch. Meal-sized sweet, savory and vegetarian crepes are served hot alongside a number of well-crafted hot and cold plates. Looking to add a little bite to your morning? Sasha's extensive wine and cocktail list has you covered. Don't forget to order a mimosa for the perfect addition to any order.

Vegans and vegetarians rejoice, Seedz Cafe lies just off of De Mun on Rosebury Avenue. The sleek and cozy interior provides a great spot to dine in with friends and sample some of the best flavors vegan eating has to offer. If your stomach is feeling particularly bottomless, the Raw Pad Thai sprinkled with jalapeños makes for a filling meal. Those new to vegan-style cooking should try Seedz Cafe's staple, the Tempeh Reuben. Live acoustic acts perform within the cafe from time to time, so check the website's calendar for upcoming events.

Wydown Skinker nightlife revolves around the area's local restaurants, though those looking to dress-down can head south of Clayton Road to McCausland Avenue to enjoy the relaxed vibe of the Par Lounge. Queue up a couple of tunes on the jukebox, and kick back with some friends on the leather couches while you sip your drinks.

As St. Louis' westernmost point, Wydown Skinker makes both local and farther travel convenient. Interstate 64 runs south of Wydown Skinker, and Forest Parkway lies just to the north, ensuring easy access by car for those headed into the city or beyond.

User-based services Lyft and Uber are available for locals to take advantage of, and St. Louis' wide range of taxi cab companies service the greater St. Louis area. Metro Transit of St. Louis bus stops line Skinker Boulevard, Wydown Boulevard and Clayton Road, and the MetroLink station can be found just north of the neighborhood on Skinker Boulevard.

Public parking is available for a fee on a few of the major roads. Clayton Road contains the neighborhood's only biking lane, though Forest Park possesses a number of biking trails for recreational use. Those staying local to Wydown Skinker should find the area very walkable.

Opened in 1876, the 1,371-acre park marking Wydown Skinker's eastern border contains four museums, the open-air Municipal Theatre, the St. Louis Zoo, numerous athletic fields, two golf courses and half a dozen lakes, ranking it among the largest parks in the United States. Freely accessible to the public, Forest Park was the site of the 1904 World's Fair. The extensive hiking trails, sloping hills, forests, and open fields make for a great place to set out and explore.

In addition to weekly events held by various institutions, a number of annual events bring St. Louis together on the city green of Forest Park. Over 40 years running, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race remains a sight to behold. Walk through, and admire the hot air balloons on display, but don't forget to come back the following day for the race through the sky. Other favorite annual events include the free Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, the LouFest music festival and St. Louis Earth Day Festival, the second largest Earth Day celebration in the nation.

Ranking among St. Louis' most affluent districts, the cost of living in Wydown Skinker averages 42 percent higher than the overall average of the city of St. Louis. One-bedroom apartments local to the area cost an average of $850 for one month's rent.

A St. Louis Metro two-hour transfer pass costs $3 for a ride into downtown. If you plan to be out all day, one-day passes cost $7.50. Local pubs charge an average of $5 for a pint of beer. The St. Louis gas average hovers around 14 percent lower than the national average.

Wydown Skinker lacks a centralized shopping area. You'll have to hail a cab or drive north to Delmar Boulevard or west along Clayton Road to fulfill your shopping needs.

Bargain hunters should swing by Pitaya in University City north of Wydown Skinker for wall-to-wall sales and great deals on women's clothing spanning casual attire, dresses and club wear. Clothing is generally sorted by color, so if you've found a piece you love and just wish it came in a different color, chances are it's on another rack. Most prices range from $10 to $30, with high-end pieces rarely going above $70. If you're looking to save money without sacrificing style, Pitaya has what you need.

For a wider selection of trinkets and hidden treasures, Byrd Designer Consignment Boutique in western Clayton forces many a St. Louis resident to make frequent trips into the suburb for its mix of vintage accessories and designer brands. In addition to such well-known brands as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Gucci, the consignment offerings add unique and highly affordable items to the selection. Don't forget to say hello to the shop's mascot Chloe; the cheerful pot-bellied pig often greets patrons near the door.

Schnucks is the closest grocery store option, located southwest of Wydown Skinker at Ethel Avenue and Highland Terrace. In addition to standard supermarket offerings, Schnucks sells a number of imported foods, wines, liquor, and beer.