Weekend in St. Louis

I spent this past weekend in St. Louis and had a great time. My home for the weekend was the apartment of John (aka Cookie), Troy, and Sirius.

While John and Troy were at work on Friday I got to spend the day with Anne and Anne. We had a wonderful time catching up and hanging out in the Central West End.

Once back in Soulard, I got lots of quality time with John and Troy and Sirius. The three of us went to the Symphony on Friday night. On Saturday, John got in a long run while I went to my old yoga studio. Then he and I ran errands and did some shopping while Troy worked.

Sirius was his usual charming and fun self. It was great to see him.

John did lots of cooking and we ate some delicious meals that he made. As you can see, Sirius is always nearby when cooking is going on.

He's also nearby when snuggling is going on.

The weekend weather was unseasonably warm and sunny with clear blue skies.

No time in St. Louis is complete with enjoying some good beer. John and I visited Side Project Brewing on Saturday while Troy was working behind the bar. We shared this bad boy, a 13% coffee stout that was absolutely and utterly fantastic.

On Sunday, en route to the airport, we stopped at Narrow Gauge, a newer brewery in the far northwest corner of the city. It opened after we left St. Louis and I learned that they're known for their hazy IPAs. Wow, were they good!

I also got the tour of some of the wedding venues that I hadn't yet seen. This is Salt & Smoke, location of the rehearsal dinner. It was built after we left town and after talking to the people there on the phone for months, I was glad to see it in person. They have another location in town so their barbecue is well known to many and it was John and Troy's first choice for the rehearsal dinner.

Coincidentally, the french fry truck that will provide appetizers at the wedding reception was parked next door to Salt & Smoke.

I'd also never been to the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park, which is where the wedding ceremony will take place. This is it on the outside.

And this is it on the inside. It's very pretty with lots of natural light and I think it'll be a gorgeous place for the wedding.

And then before I knew it, it was time to say goodbye to St. Louis and head home. Brad and I will be back there in April, for a visit and to see a bit of theatre. (Did someone say Hamilton?!)

As much as I loved my short visit to St. Louis, it's always good to get home. Brad and Allie held down the fort all weekend and they both came to pick me up at the airport too.