The List: Destinations
Edwardsville-Glen Carbon
What’s your shopping pleasure? If you like parking and leisurely strolling, downtown Edwardsville offers a charming mix of small-town shops, cool cafes and soul-satisfying restaurant fare. If you also need some big-box buying convenience, you can find plenty of that, too, throughout Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, two Metro East gems just a quick 25-minute drive from downtown St. Louis.
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Children’s storybook coasters • Whether you are a kid or just a kid at heart, these storybook coasters will take you back to your favorite childhood tales. Curl up with a beverage and a good book — maybe one that’s depicted on these locally made coasters. $4.00 at Afterwords Books, 441 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Edwardsville author’s books for children • Shop local, read local: It’s easy to do with nature-themed books for children by former teacher and Edwardsville resident Jennifer Ward. Her titles include “Feathers and Hair: What Animals Wear,” and her latest, “Mama Dug a Little Den,” but she has many others available. $17.99 at Afterwords Books, 441 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Leather statement cuffs • It’s bling with an attitude — these statement cuffs mix “reloved” leather with vintage jewelry for a knockout look that will jazz up casual Friday and add some sparkle to your Friday night out. This cuff features a rare, vintage Watermelon Schiaparelli gem. $350.00 at Sour Mash, 116 North Main Street, Edwardsville.
“Coffee and Jesus” baseball T-shirt • Some people wear their heart on their sleeve; how about wearing your faith on your chest? These locally designed shirts give a shoutout to the power of Jesus and coffee as the perfect way to start your day. $22.00 at Sour Mash, 116 North Main Street, Edwardsville.
Creative journal kit • Showcase your creativity — or warn prying eyes to buzz off — with this creative journal kit, available in multiple colors. Spell out words or create designs on the soft, pliable grid on the outside of the journal while you use the pages inside to share your private thoughts or keep track of what’s going on in your life. $30.00 at A Wildflower Shop, 2131 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Plant kindness ornament • Sow some seeds of compassion with this “plant kindness” angel ornament. These ornaments add a sweet touch to any tree, or they could adorn a kitchen cabinet knob any time of the year. They also are available in several other positive messages. $20.00 at A Wildflower Shop, 2131 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Garden angel • Let these Wings of Whimsy garden angels watch over your garden — they are durable for outside use and come with a stand — or keep them inside to add a sunny touch to your decor. $60.00 at A Wildflower Shop, 2131 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Big Bunny musical storyteller • This Big Bunny “edutainment” toy is a sweet multitasker for children up to 1 year old. It comes with a remote control and is preloaded with songs and rhymes, plus soothing white noises to lull your little one to sleep. Prefer your own music? It’s also a speaker that you can use to share a playlist. You can even record stories, so your baby can hear the voices of a mom, dad or grandma and grandpa. And did we mention it’s a nightlight, too? $74.99 at Happy Up, 6654-A Edwardsville Crossing Drive, Edwardsville.
Loog electric guitar • For those about to rock, the Loog electric guitar will be music to your ears. Yes, it’s a real guitar: Tune it, form chords and play songs. If you’re just learning or want to learn, download the free app to play songs by artists including Taylor Swift, the Rolling Stones and Bruno Mars. Guitar straps are an extra option. $199.99 at Happy Up, 6654-A Edwardsville Crossing Drive, Edwardsville.
Kitchen Boa • Drape this boa around your neck while in the kitchen and you’ll never fumble for a towel to wipe your hands or grab a messy tray of food again. It’s long, so unlike a dish towel, it won’t slip off your shoulder onto the floor, and the two ends can be grasped easily by either hand. They are available in multiple styles and colors. $19.99 at Chef’s Shoppe, 2320 Troy Road, Edwardsville.
Emile Henry pizza stone • Forget takeout; with this French-made Emile Henry pizza stone you’ll be crafting delicious pies in your own home. It’s durable — cook and cut on it with no worries; it has a 10-year guarantee — and makes an eye-catching addition to any kitchen. $59.99 at Chef’s Shoppe, 2320 Troy Road, Edwardsville.
Spinster Sisters soy lotion candles • Is it a candle or a lotion? Well, it’s both. Light these soy lotion candles, and as the oil melts, you can pour it onto your skin and massage it in for added moisture. An added bonus: They smell wonderful and are available in some favorite holiday scents, including cedar saffron, pumpkin pie and apple pie. $14.00 at Revival Boutique & Gifts, 101 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Whimsical lavatory mists • There’s nothing funny about nasty bathroom smells, right? Wrong. Put untimely odors in their place with Vladimir Pootin (red tea and jasmine) or Total Eclipse of the Fart (bright lilac and amber), just two of the silly scents you can buy in these lavatory mists. $12.00 at Revival Boutique & Gifts, 101 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Morse code necklaces • Telegraph your feelings in a more subtle way with these Morse code message necklaces. A series of 14-karat-gold-plated dots and dashes replace the letters to some sweet and inspiring words, including “loved” and “happy.” $15.00 at Revival Boutique & Gifts, 101 East Vandalia Street, Edwardsville.
Hot cocoa dog toy • Chocolate isn’t a wise choice for dogs, but this hot cocoa dog toy is. The toy squeaks, and your dog is likely to let out a happy little squeak, too, when you hand it over. $12.99 at Four Muddy Paws, 2127 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
Christmas tree dog toy • This twinkly Christmas tree toy is likely to fare better with your dog than your actual tree might. While no dog toy is indestructible, this wag-worthy selection is an Orbee-tuff item that’s made to withstand some chewing. $15.99 at Four Muddy Paws, 2127 South State Route 157, Edwardsville.
While you're there
Holiday happenings • The annual Winter Market returns from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 1 and 8 on North Second Street, along the south side of the Madison County Courthouse. Shop a selection of arts and crafts items, baked goods and boutique gifts, plus enjoy caroling, activities for kids and hot cocoa, courtesy of the city parks department.
House tour • Get into the holiday spirit — and snag some seasonal decorating ideas — by checking out the décor in a select group of area homes. The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon is once again hosting its biennial holiday house tour. This year’s event runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2.
Holiday tunes • A downtown Edwardsville fixture since 1909, the historic Wildey Theatre is busy year-round, but especially at the holidays. Enjoy original holiday tunes and classic Christmas favorites at the Rough Shop Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 21. The next night, Dec. 22, Opera Edwardsville will host its inaugural holiday concert.
Grab a bite • You can’t control the weather, but you can bring some heat to your plate. Edwardsville and Glen Carbon have a robust assortment of Mexican restaurants. Two to try are Catrina’s, 1027 Century Drive, Edwardsville, which features a Latin American fusion of flavors, and Taqueria Z, 109 East Park Street, offering a sizzling menu of Mexican street food within walking distance of Edwardsville’s downtown shopping district.
Be sure to check out • Restore Decor offers gently used and refurbished furnishings that often rival their brand-new counterparts. All sales support area families in need and nonprofits. It's open for sales on Saturdays at two downtown Edwardsville locations, 111 North Second Street and 223 North Main Street.
More info
http://cityofedwardsville.com