#8 Grove Fest

Pre-Bucket: St. Louis is a city made up of very diverse neighborhoods.  The Grove is probably the one I know least well, making the festival a perfect way to jump-start my education.

On Saturday, I stopped by Grove Fest, a street party held on Manchester Avenue, the main throughway of the Grove neighborhood.  Scheduled to run from 2-11pm, I arrived at the stretch of blocked off street around 2:20 and found that several booths and both music stages were still setting up.  This led to one of the day’s highlights as it resulted in my ducking into Rise Coffee House hoping to kill some time.  I ordered a fall spice latte off of Rise’s menu, which is handwritten on several sheets of notebook paper tacked to a cork-board hanging on the wall.  The drink was a little expensive, but I quickly got over this when I tasted caffeine in a truly delicious form.  Better yet, I sat in this somewhat hipster, somewhat vintage-feeling coffee shop watching festival attendees out the window.  It wasn't until I was finished with my drink that I realized there is an even cozier upstairs lounge with windows overlooking the street.

As for Grove Fest itself, it represented the neighborhood’s eclectic vibe well.  I got a free massage from the Healing Arts Center tent, ate a cornbread fritter from one of the many food booths, and chatted with vendors ranging from organizations like Planned Parenthood to a group selling artwork that artists with disabilities had created.  I also met a player advertising from one of St. Louis’ female roller derby leagues, to whom I confessed my desire to become a roller girl ever since watching Whip It.  She kindly acted as though this was the first time someone lamented over the inability to be Ellen Page’s character for a day. Regardless, I already know a bucket adventure to add to November’s list!  Best of all, before I left, I experienced Bubble Bus.  The greatest school bus.  Ever.  

Post-Bucket: The Grove lives up to its reputation as an eclectic neighborhood.  This was not my favorite street festival, but I recommend it as a great free way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.  Or, head to the festival later in the evening with a group of friends and take advantage of the many libations – the vendors were serving up every alcoholic fall-themed drink imaginable!