TUXEDO PARK STL B&B
May 2025
Since 2018, Bill and Maureen Elliott, along with their brown and black labs, Guinness and Murphy, have welcomed guests. Tucked into the township of Webster Groves, the inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The perfect spot for a stroll or a run, meandering streets flanked by charming homes surround the quaint downtown. Old Webster was originally a hamlet organized along the railroad line until it was annexed to St. Louis in 1906. The neighborhood was built without electricity or water, which were added after annexation.
Bill, an architect specializing in historic renovation, envisioned repurposing the church. He took on the daunting 18-month project while Maureen pitched in at every turn. Vacant more than 10 years, absolutely everything within the property was replaced. The second-floor was converted to four spacious guest rooms with private baths. The Elliotts live on site. Experience as a former elementary teacher, mother of three and construction firm office manager prepared Maureen to become an innkeeper.
“Due to extensive water damage, only the stone exterior and part of the wood floor are original,” says Maureen. “The roof of the former choir loft, now the Rose Room had completely caved in.”
Breakfast is served in the open kitchen at a massive, curved island. Before arrival, Maureen always asks guests about their preferences and caters to their individual needs. She prefers to whip up low-sugar, low-carb entrees. Maureen served us made-to-order eggs on sliced and broiled sweet potatoes topped with cheese and accompanied by fruit. Bill’s indulgent apple cobbler rounded out breakfast and satisfied my sweet tooth.
Not only is the B&B within a 10-mile radius of iconic St. Louis attractions, but several Route 66 sites and noteworthy restaurants lie nearby. Our locally-sourced dinner at Big Sky Cafe impressed us. Another highlight was a Turkish lunch at Balkan Treat Box. Lines often wrap around the corner building, which attests to their award-winning wood-fired cuisine.
Visit TuxedoParkSTL.com for more information.
The Ozarker Lodge, Branson
February 2025
My husband and I checked in at the coffee and wine bar. Serving specialty coffees incorporating their “Scenic Blend” custom roast, it also offers natural wines, Turkey Creek beer on tap and local pastries. With a curated welcome brochure in hand, I quickly reviewed the property map and on-site amenities as well as detailed recommendations for food and drink, museums, outdoor activities, tours and more. Morning perks include a hearty continental breakfast buffet served in the communal pantry that can also be reserved for small private events.
“We want to bring back the joy of the family road trip,” said co-owner Dustin Myers who, prior to purchasing it, first stayed at the property during a weekend trip with his son. “My business partner, Jeremy Wells, and I own Longitude°, a hospitality branding company in Springfield. We’ve worked on a lot of cool concepts across the nation and the world, but we wanted to reimagine something in Branson. This area is special to us because we grew up visiting here.”
Opened July 2023, the lodge’s 102 rooms include four suites and ever-popular double queen bunk rooms accommodating families. Thoughtfully planned, the renovation took 15-months to complete. Mid-century modern touches, cozy throws and found objects from antique shops reflect intentionality of design.
Creekside, guests unwind in Adirondack chairs surrounding firepits or enjoy soaking in the hot tubs. Umbrellas dot the deck of the new heated pool (open March through December) so guests can even take a dip on New Year’s Eve and warm up by the pool’s two firepits. There’s a small, natural play area for kids and, of course, the creek entices sloshing and splashing.
A highlight was the two-hour private fireside experience; pricing varies seasonally, and reservations are recommended. Under a canopy of trees, my husband and I relaxed in Adirondack chairs. Friendly staff started our fire and delivered a bottle of chilled wine, a generous charcuterie board and s’more fixings complete with skewers for marshmallow roasting.
Daily “Golden Hour,” from 4-6 p.m., offers discounts on wine, beer and charcuterie boards. The lobby’s Mercantile sells merch and regional quality crafts. The Ozarker hosts live music on Wednesday evenings, guided wine and cheese tastings, seasonal kids’ craft nights inspired by nature and movie nights by the pool through December 31.
Visit TheOzarkerLodge.com for more information.