Whether you’re exploring the wonders of nature, enjoying local festivals or simply cozying up at home, fall is a season that has something for everyone, especially for St. Louis seniors. The Lou and surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season.
the big dance
“Senior prom” has a whole new meaning this fall in St. Charles. The Autumn Memories Senior Prom is Oct. 2 at the Foundry Art Center. The event is for people aged 55 and older, and the evening includes hors d’oeuvres and live music from Jukebox Saturday Night, a big band-era tribute band dedicated to performing the music of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit stcharlescitymo.gov.
close knit
Knitting is a great fall activity. As a hobby, it allows you to be creative while boosting both your happiness and confidence. It also can be a great social opportunity if you establish a weekly or monthly knitting group. You can create some handmade gifts for the holidays, or team up with a nonprofit or homeless shelter to use your crafty skills to help others by knitting winter hats, socks and other much needed items. Don’t know how to knit? No problem. You can find classes at most major craft stores, or you can check out local offerings at Weaving Dept. at the Myers House in Florissant or Weave & Wobble in Belleville, Illinois.
colors of autumn
One of the highlights of the season is, of course, the changing of the leaves. While you can’t go wrong with planning a visit to Forest Park or even a drive outside of the city, you can make your fall color viewing experience something extra special this year. One of the best places for viewing is along rivers, so a boat ride is the perfect opportunity to take in the seasonal ambience. Book a river cruise with Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, or head to Grafton Harbor in Illinois to board the Hakuna Matata for a special fall color cruise. Grafton also is home to the Grafton SkyTour, which offers aerial views of the autumn foliage at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Check out the Missouri Department of Conservation for resources and tips to determine the best time to view fall color at its peak.
artistic expression
Do you have a special creative outlet? Well, two local nonprofit organizations are honoring senior artists. Art Saint Louis and Maturity and Its Muse are partnering to present Maturity and Its Muse: Celebrating Artistic Excellence 2023, a juried art exhibition featuring works by artists aged 70 and older. The theme of the exhibit is the artists’ life experiences. Original 2D and 3D artworks in all media, styles, subjects and techniques are eligible for consideration. The entry deadline is Oct. 1, and the show will be presented next spring at the Art Saint Louis Gallery. Learn more at artstlouis.org.
good brews
They say St. Louis is a beer city, and there is no doubt that fall is a beer season. You’ll find lots of great events celebrating brews, both local and international. The last weekend in September brings the St. Charles Oktoberfest, and early October, offers other options to celebrate the German folk festival in Soulard and at Urban Chestnut Brewery in The Grove. The St. Louis Beer Festival is Oct. 22 at the Saint Louis Science Center. The event brings together more than 40 local and national breweries—plus you get access to all of the exhibits at the museum.
