BEST WORKOUT FOR NEW MOMS
Materra Method
When Abby Erker launched Materra Method in 2019, she did so with the goal of helping moms stay fit. The studio, which opened its first brick-and-mortar location in University City last year, offers classes that mix principles of Pilates and barre with exercises designed to boost strength in areas of the body where pregnancy takes a toll. Classes are divided into levels that correspond to each trimester and early postpartum, ensuring there's a carefully designed workout for moms at all stages of pregnancy and beyond. materramethod.com.
BEST SOAP SEQUEL
KIND Soap
After a decade at its former location, KIND recently moved about a block away, to a new, larger storefront in the heart of Webster Groves. Now, owner Jean Scholtes offers more than naturally scented, handmade soaps, including more skin, bath, and beauty products, in additon to hosting events and classes. kindsoap.com.
BEST CREATIVE USE OF LEATHER
Ansgar Leather
Owner Svein Staaby makes all of the leather products that you might anticipate: belts, wallets, and journals… But it's the more adventurous wares—chess boards, mason-jar-mug koozies, coasters, and custom-designed items with topographical maps—that make this family-owned business a standout. ansgarleather.co.
BEST FOLLOW-THROUGH
Topgolf
The success of Topgolf is found in its simplicity: gather a group of friends, order some food and drinks, and smack golf balls at a bunch of fixed, glowing targets. You don't have to be anything close to a seasoned golfer to have a good time. Maybe you've already taken some swings at Topgolf's location in Chesterfield, which opened five years ago. Later this fall, the company will open a new location in Midtown, featuring three levels and 102 hitting bays, as well as an on-site bar, restaurant, and private event space. topgolf.com.
BEST NEW ANTIQUE MALL
Get Your Picks on 66
Vintage shopping is as popular as ever. At Randi and Josh Benedick's antique mall in Webster Groves, you can find anything from furniture (from any decade) to retro records, toys, and clothes. There are also booths that offer antique materials and finishing products to help bring your latest restoration project to completion. facebook.com/getyourpickson66.
BEST NEW MULTI - MODALITY FITNESS STUDIO
TruFusion at City Foundry STL
The locally owned gym opened its newest location in March. The 13,000-square-foot studio features a variety of group fitness classes tailored to all fitness levels. TruFusion specializes in exercises that prioritize highintensity interval training. So whether bootcamp workouts, Pilates classes, or boxing is your jam, there's a class to suit the kind of sweat you're looking for. trufusion.com/st-louis.
BEST NEW COMMUNITYDRIVEN PHARMACY
GreaterHealth Pharmacy
Upon obtaining his Ph.D. in human development at North Carolina State University, Dr. Marcus Howard returned to his hometown to open a pharmacy that could help underserved communities. At GreaterHealth Pharmacy, which opened last year at the Delmar Divine, Howard has created a business that offers wideranging health and wellness services, including point-of-care testing, counseling, immunization, and prescription fulfillment. greaterhealthpharmacy.com.
BEST CREATIVE USE OF ANTIQUE ENDPAPERS
Papillon Press
Vernon and Madeleine Wiering comprise the father-daughter duo behind this decorative printing business, which expanded from its home base in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to St. Louis in 2020. To create its catalog of stationery, linens, greeting cards, and notebooks, Papillon Press uses designs inspired by the antique endpapers traditionally found on the front and back covers of books. The result is a collection of intricately patterned paper products that make perfect gifts or treats for yourself. papillon-press.com.
BEST WATERWAY CONCEPT
Dardenne Creek Blueway
Rent a kayak and spend a day exploring one of the region's newest outdoor attractions. The blueway opened last summer in St. Charles County with a 3.5-mile water trail that stretches from Riverside Landing Park to 370 Lakeside Park in St. Peters. When the waterway is completely cleared in the coming years, it will cover a 19-mile track. For now, anyone can hop in a watercraft and enjoy a paddle trip, while admiring the native wildlife in a relaxing setting. sccmo.org/2248/Blueways.
Present Perfect
BEST WAY TO ENTERTAIN KIDS ON THE MOVE
Keke Kids
Any parent of a small child knows that one of the biggest challenges of leaving the.
