Municipalities in Central St Louis

Established in 1853, Kirkwood is called “The Queen of the St Louis Suburbs”. This truly unique town of around 30,000 is home to the world headquarters of Pioneer Pest Management and Mosquito Misting, the best pest control and exterminators in town. In addition to that distinction, Kirkwood is absolutely teeming with great restaurants, community-minded family businesses and tremendous people.

Oakland is a tiny buffer between Kirkwood and Webster Groves. While there is not much commerce in Oakland, it is is the home to some very unique architecture (see below). Most people who travel through Oakland end up cleaning out their glove compartments while they wait for a train to pass on either the Union Pacific or the BNSF line, both of which pass through this town.

Glendale in many ways is an extension of Kirkwood. beautiful neighborhoods and a quaint downtown business district that consists of 3 businesses. Glendale also touts some interesting history, including one of the oldest homes in all of St Louis county (#9 Hill Dr) is located in Glendale (traced back to 1808).

If you are passing through Glendale, you’d be foolish not to stop at Hanneke’s market (pictured below) for a custom sandwich. This neighborhood grocer and caterer has been in business since 1934 (so they are probably getting the hang of it) and has a really neat community mural painted on the side of it.

Originally settled by the Missouri, Osage and Dakota Indians and fur trappers in the late 1700’s, Webster Groves has come a long way.

Webster Groves began with five separate communities between the same Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines that pass through Kirkwood and Oakland. The Webster, Old Orchard, Webster Park, Tuxedo Park and Selma areas merged in 1896 to form Webster Groves.

If you breeze through Webster and need a haircut, go to Charlie’s Barber Shop. He’s been in business since haircuts were a nickel. The prices are a little higher now (not much) and Charlie still cuts hair there. . But hurry, word has it he may retire someday soon.

Rock Hill is home to two legends. The first is Sgt. Robert Ziegler, the motorcycle cop.This man has singlehandedly handed out more traffic violations than any other police officer ANYWHERE. The guy probably gets a cramp from writing so many speeding tickets. The late great Jack Buck nicknamed “Captain Midnight” due to his stellar black leather riding apparel and stealth radar shooting hiding spots. They’ll probably rename a park or erect a monument in this guy’s honor after he retires.

The other legendary thing in Rock Hill is Farotto’s Restaurant, famous for it’s St. Louis style pizza.

The city of Brentwood, or more recently branding itself as “The City of Warmth” has a population of 7,693. This municipality has some great little spots. Brentwood also serves as a “launching pad” for many in the central corridor because it provides easy access to the “new” 64/40 and North to 1-70. If you are in Brentwood, don’t miss the rectangle pizza at O.B. Clark’s. This place is the official bar of hockey in St. Louis and a great spot for after any game.

Visit the City of Ladue)

What is there to say about Sunset Hills that hasn’t already been said? Just kidding… Sunset Hills is nestled in between Crestwood and Fenton and is home to some breathtaking neighborhoods. Founded in 1957, Sunset Hills is quiet. However, if you are looking to get rowdy, drop in at Growler’s Pub after a round at the brutally challenging Tapawingo Golf Course. Someone once said that Tapawingo is Native American for “break your confidence”. I doubt that’s really what it means, but play this course and you’ll understand.

If you are in Sunset Hills and have some time on your hands, you should definintely check out Laumeier Sculpture Park. There are some really freaky and neat lawn sculptures there.

Crestwood is east of the interchange of Highways 270 and 44. Many moons ago, Crestwood was the original home of legendary St. Louis rock station KSHE-95. Incorporated in 1949, Crestwood has about 12,000 folks living there and covers about 4 square miles.