Wine & Art, A Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Music And A Train Headline These Events

Our area is full of a diverse inventory of activities for adults and families. This week’s list includes an art fair at a winery, a new nationally-touring exhibit at the Missouri History Museum, a summer concert series tradition, an author and a train ride. Each of these events has something different for everyone.

Crown Valley Art Fair
Just 60 minutes south of St. Louis in Ste. Genevieve, Crown Valley Winery and Crown Valley Brewery will be host to over 75 artists this weekend. Ste. Gen has always been a popular getaway spot for St. Louisans and this event gives you yet another reason to head out of the city. Wine, art, tours of the estate vineyards, golf and fantastic scenery make this the perfect escape.

Where/When: Crown Valley Winery, 23589 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve; June 18 and 19; 11 a.m.—7 p.m.

More information: Call (314) 406-9112, send an email to CrownVlyArtFair@aol.cm, or visit www.crownvalleyartfair.com.


Pulitzer Prize Finalist At County Library
Presented by the St. Louis County Library Foundation, Edward Achorn will discuss and sign copies of his book Fifty-nine in ’84. The book chronicles the life of Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn, a Providence Grays pitcher, who in 1884 won 59 games—a feat that stands today. In addition to the story of this legendary player, the book describes the brutal era of big-league baseball two decades after the Civil War.

Where/When: St. Louis County Library–Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.; Thursday, June 23, 7 p.m.

Pricing: Free

More information: Call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.


Whitaker Music Festival
This summer marks the 18th year of this free concert series at the Missouri Botanical Garden. In addition to the wonderful music in a gorgeous setting, part of the fun is taking in the variety of picnic equipment and fare that attendees bring. Wine, cheese, camp tables, blankets, exotic dips and crackers are all part of this summer tradition.

Where/When: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.; Wednesdays through August 3, 2011; music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Pricing: Free admission after 5 p.m.

More information: Call (314) 577-5100 or visit www.mobot.org.


America I AM: The African American Imprint
This award-winning exhibit presented by Tavis Smiley, host of shows on public television and radio, showcases African American contributions to the United States. An exclusive just for this St. Louis tour includes documents from the Negro League. The exhibit features artifacts from such artists as Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, Alex Haley and many more.

Where/When: Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Partk; through September 25, 2011

Pricing: $8 for adults; $5 for seniors, students, military members, tour groups and children 6—12; free for children 5 and under.

More information: Call (314) 746-4599 or visit http://www.mohistory.org/node/4592.


Riding The Rails
While the trains’ heyday has long since been replaced by more modern forms of transportation, there’s still a certain allure about a train ride. And from now through October, you can experience the fun and thrill of riding the rails on the Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad, which is a cross between a full-size locomotive and a tiny model trail. The 30-minute excursions pass near the Meramec River and travel along part of the Meramec Greenway Trail.

Where/When: Wildwood, intersection of Highway 109 and Old State Road on Washington Avenue/Grand Avenue; Sundays during the summer and fall, 11 a.m.—4:15 p.m., departures are every 20 minutes.

Pricing: $4 cash donation per person is requested; children three and under are free.

More information: Call (636) 587-3538 or visit www.wfprr.com.