During the cold, blistery days of February, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a great place for eagle watching. But once the warm weather arrives, the bridge is full of bikers, joggers and walkers enjoying the beautiful view. Come celebrate the glory days of the Mother Road at the 2011 Route 66 Festival at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Visitors will be entertained with live music, entertainment, Route 66-themed products, refreshments, activities and a chance to learn about the rich history of this iconic road.

This weekend my family and I were lucky enough to catch a rocking performance of Dan Zanes and his Friends at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA). As we approached the entrance, I realized that a large blue Wings in the City fiberglass butterfly was welcoming us to COCA!

Earlier this week we braved the frosty weather to explore some fun outdoor festivities taking place in January. Let’s warm up our bones and head inside for some indoor winter merriment. On deck is an event for the birds. Redbirds, that is.

There are a lot of parades celebrating the Fourth of July, but one of the oldest and grandest is the Veiled Prophet Parade. Since 1878, St. Louisians have been lining the city streets to enjoy the parade’s elaborate floats and spectacular fanfare. The original parade was sponsored by the Veiled Prophet Organization, a group of civic-minded businessmen promoting the City of St. Louis. It was the crown jewel of the early-October fair. The floats were pulled by horses and illuminated by 1,000 torchlights and hundreds of lanterns.

A lot of things have changed over the last 130-plus years, but the Veiled Prophet Parade is still a St. Louis family tradition. In fact, it’s been recognized by USA Today as one of the top 10 events in the nation to attend on the Fourth of July weekend. With a raving review like that, how can you miss it?

Happy Birthday Zoo! You’re turning 100 this year! How should we celebrate? I know — let’s have a slumber party or two!

Mmmm. Funnel cakes. Snow cones. Slushies. These sugary sweet treats are an integral part of my summer diet. Luckily for my sweet tooth, it’s festival season in St. Louis.

Mardi Gras is my favorite holiday. And yes, it is a holiday. One of the best parts of this wintertime debauchery is the Pet Parade. Thousands of animals (mostly dogs, but my mother swears she saw a buffalo once) get dressed up and strut their stuff in Soulard every year. My dog and I never miss it.