Cherokee St Urban Hike XIV - St. Louis, MO - Photo Essay

Hello to all,

Welcome to my neighborhood. Today we're going to take a hike along both ends of Cherokee Street in South St. Louis. Divided by Jefferson Street, Cherokee has an Antique Store District to the east and a Shopping District to the west. The Antique District is visited by tourists and locals looking for deals or quaint places to sip coffee and eat pastries. West from Jefferson is very different. It is a low income shopping street that is trying desperately to improve. Three blocks west is a burdgeoning Hispanic area that has great bakeries, grocery stores, and one of our favorite places to eat - La Taqueria El Bronco - with the best burritos around.

You won't find pictures of business in this photo essay. Just the odd, pretty and provocative things along the way. I'll tag them EAST or WEST depending on what side of Jefferson they were on.

Enjoy the journey. Go take one of your own and post your words and pictures on Urban Hike the World Group.

Namaste, Wayne

The recently restored Native American (Cherokee) statue at the corner of Jefferson and Cherokee Streets. WEST 

WEST - At one time this wall blazed with graffiti art by local artists. It brought color and vibrancy to the blighted neighborhood. It gave folks a place to release their creative energies. For some reason the city fathers decided it had to go and it was cleaned off. It hasn't kept some die-hards from returning. Good for them.

ON THE WALL - Oscar the Grouch looks out his window.

ON THE WALL - Get the message? 

ON THE WALL - This artist's work is all over the city. Love in many languages and a face made for love.

WEST - Look at the beautiful detail along the roof of this building. Lovingly restored.

Now we'll travel east. All along the street are antique stores and other businesses. The most telling difference between the west and east are the profusion of flowers planted in this direction.

EAST - Pink flowers bloom along the cracked sidewalk.

Striking blooms welcome you to a shop.

EAST - Lemp Brewery Building looms over the end of the street.

Going back home along the side streets and through Benton City Park offered some more beauty.

Red Roses in the sun.

  Eye catching colors.

I know I am almost back home when I see the Benton City Park sign,