Farmers Ralph Clayton and Martin Hanley are to thank for bequeathing a combined 104 acres of land to establish the St. Louis County seat, better known as the city of Clayton.
Both native Virginians, Clayton and Hanley settled in the area in the 1830s. When the city of St. Louis split from the county in 1876, the county was forced to find a new location for its courts. Clayton offered up the majority of the land to be used, and he only required that the area around the new county seat be named after him. Hanley contributed a smaller acreage to the east of Clayton’s land, and the combined expanse extends across Clayton’s Central Business District.
Adopted as the new county seat in 1877, Clayton was formally incorporated in 1913. The city began to experience steady growth soon after, and by the 1920s, it had become the preferred neighborhood for a few elite St. Louisans who wanted to get away from the city. Clayton’s population steadily increased, as well as the value of its real estate.
Clayton’s identity as the hub of St. Louis’ metropolitan area became established by mid-century, following an expansion of its commercial district. More buildings were built, allowing more businesses to develop within its boundaries.
Today, the city of Clayton stands proud as an ideal St. Louis community, with highly desirable residential hamlets, walkable streets and a bustling downtown district where some of the area’s top dining destinations and crowd-pleasing gatherings and public spaces – like Shaw Park – can be found.
Speaking of public spaces, much of Clayton’s downtown area transforms into one big gathering spot for the Saint Louis Art Fair. This month, the fair – touted as one of the best in the nation – will be held from Sept. 8 to 10. In addition to showcasing some of the best handcrafted art in St. Louis and across the country, live entertainment on three stages, a children’s area, and food booths from local establishments will be available.
SAINT LOUIS ART FAIR
5 to 10 p.m., Friday, Sept. 8
11 am. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10
For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit saintlouisartfair.com
IN AND AROUND CLAYTON
Clementine’s
Just like its original Lafayette Square location, this new “naughty & nice” creamery on DeMun Avenue is all about decadence. The ice cream is made by hand in small batches using all-natural ingredients (many of them locally sourced) and high butterfat content for a rich, velvety mouthful. A naughty (boozy) fave is Maple Bourbon with Salted Candied Pecans. A few nice (non-boozy) flavors topping our list: Manchego with Truffles & Honey, Lemon Buttermilk Chess Pie, Coconut Chocolate Fudge and Salted Crack Caramel. clementinescreamery.com
5 Star Burgers
Craving an honest-to-goodness burger with all the proper sides and fixings – and then some? You can’t go wrong with the classic 5 Star Burger, or try the Blue Ribbon Burger with bacon, port-braised onions and gorgonzola to wow your palate. Don’t forget the fries, be it russet, sweet potato or chili cheese. Plus, floats, ice cream shooters, boozy shakes, and an array of Maine Root Fountain Soda flavors should keep things exciting at your table. 5starburgersstl.com
Vincent Van Doughnut
Aside from having one of the more endearing names for a doughnut shop (yes, there is an actual Vincent at the helm of this operation), the fantastic display of sweet, doughy pastry that greets customers is not just for show. It’s impossible to play favorites, but the Chocolate Salted Caramel, Lemon Lavender and Maple Bacon doughnuts truly stand out. vincentvandoughnut.com
The Libertine
The Libertine’s cocktail menu immediately commands your attention as soon as you’re seated. With inventive concoctions like Boba Fett’s Knapsack (tequila, blueberry boba, wildflower honey and lime) and Aimless & Uncalculating (bourbon, Benedictine, smoked ice, Punt e Mes), you’ll be sure to find something to amuse your taste buds. And we can’t say enough about the food, from starters and snacks (fancy a Deviled Duck Egg?), to the haute, but hearty suppers such as Braised Lamb ‘Denver Rib’ or the Wild Missouri Mushroom Romesco. To top it all off, the wait staff is friendly and well-informed – a winning combination! libertinestl.com
