There's No Community More Enchanting And Historic Than Soulard In Missouri
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 08, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Living in Missouri means so many opportunities to explore. Sure, we’ve got an abundance of charming small towns that dot the state, but have you ever stopped to think of the many neighborhoods we can explore? If you’ve got a few free hours or an entire day, spend it in the enchanting and historic community of Soulard, Missouri.
Nestled just two miles from downtown St. Louis, the vibrant neighborhood of Soulard stretches more than 380 acres and boasts a rich history that dates back to the 1790s.
Named after Frenchman Antoine Soulard, who came to the area at the behest of the King of Spain, the neighborhood earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and was named a Historic Neighborhood of the City of St. Louis in 1975.
Soulard is perhaps best known for the historic Soulard Farmers Market, heralded as the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi. The year-round market has been a neighborhood staple since 1779.
A stroll through the neighborhood offers a glimpse of historic homes, including some in Victorian style, that were built in the early 1800s. You’ll also pass the historic Saints Peter and Paul Church and School.
Visiting Soulard means stopping by one of its restaurants for a delicious bite to eat, too. You’ll find a little bit of everything in this charming community, including barbecue, Mexican, and burgers.
Soulard is the place to be throughout the year. The neighborhood hosts a variety of popular events, including Mardi Gras, which earns props as the third-largest celebration of its kind in the world.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Paying homage to its French heritage, the community celebrates Bastille Day in July and hosts a summer concert series that typically runs from May through August.
Have you been to the enchanting community of Soulard, Missouri? What do you think? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a history buff, take a look at the six oldest towns in Missouri. How many are on your bucket list?
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