Hot Block: Lafayette Square

For as short a time I’ve been a St. Louisan, I’ve created what feels like a lifetime’s worth of fond memories surrounding Lafayette Square. Maybe it’s the charming Victorian surroundings that make it seem as though the memories are like sepia-toned, age-weathered photographs, because no matter where you are in Lafayette Square—whether relaxing in the beautiful park, walking in down a street of stately Painted Ladies or sneaking a kiss by the romantic fountain in the square’s center—you feel like you’ve stepped back to the most elegant period in St. Louis history. Look around, however, and you’ll spot modern loft buildings, unique dining concepts and state-of-the-art fitness centers that squarely place Lafayette Square in 2010.

With ALIVE’s new office located a short 5-minute drive away, I’ve been forgoing my usual Starbucks in favor of a cup from Park Avenue Coffee. Known for their selection of gooey butter cake, Park Ave. offers over 70 varieties of the decadent St. Louis favorite. The atmosphere here is both energetic and relaxing, and oftentimes, co-workers will meet for brainstorm meetings or take a late-afternoon field trip for a snack break.

For even more decadent delights, there’s Baileys’ Chocolate Bar. This romantic restaurant is a favorite spot for amorous diners to indulge in one of the two dozen potent chocolate martinis (my favorite is a spicy one called “Sexual.” As a feisty Scorpio, this isn’t merely a preference, but a way of life), or a tantalizing array of delicious desserts like the Chocolate Inebriation—layers of chocolate cake topped with chocolate stout, chocolate ganache and cinnamon ice cream. Swoon!

Browsing Rue Lafayette reminds me of the cute antique shops in Paris. Co-owner Araceli Kopiloff-Zimmer’s adventure in remodeling the space at 2024-26 Lafayette Avenue were captured on an episode of “Renovation Realities” on the DIY Network. Her and her team’s efforts were well worth it. Here, you can treasure hunt antiques, shop for unique gifts (many with fabulous French flair) and also dine and sip at the cozy adjoining cafe.

On nice days, I sometimes spot a small group practicing yoga in Lafayette Park. I find out that they are yogis with Marbles Yoga, a studio that offers classes in all levels of yoga practice, from basic Hatha yoga to Ashtanga-based Power yoga. What’s more, I’ve recently learned that Marbles is also an art studio that displays the works of local artists. Just up the street from Marbles is VFit, a facility that offers studio space for group workout classes and a gym for public membership. They also help clients get in shape with personal training and small group training.

Tour the block with Associate Editor Sheniqua Faulkner here: www.alivemag.com/aliveTV/sub_aliveTV_main.cfm