Locations – Page 7 – Alpine Shop Blog

June 18, 2012

Summer Camping Near St. Louis, Missouri

If you enjoy the summer heat, then you’ll love camping at the nearby parks in Missouri during the hottest times of the year. You can take shelter in a shady wooded campground, feel the cool misty air evaporating from spring-fed streams and rivers, or take a swim. There are several great state campgrounds within a few hours drive from St. Louis.

For those who prefer a staycation, one of the closest campgrounds to St. Louis can be found at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park. Babler park has some great hiking trails and plenty of open picnic areas for large groups of people. If you enjoy horseback riding there is also a 6 mile trail for the equestrian.

Driving north brings you to Mark Twain State Park and Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. The campsites are located near Mark Twain Lake where you can paddle and fish. If you like American history, you can learn about life in the 1800s with tours of Civil War battlefields and the birthplaces of Harry S. Truman and Mark Twain.

About an hour and a half drive southeast of St. Louis is Hawn State Park. There are backpacking trails where you can hike along Pickle Creek and set up camp in the woods. If you are quiet and observant you will find wildlife throughout the park. There is also an orienteering course to challenge your navigation skills with a compass.

An hour’s drive southwest of St. Louis will take you to Meramec State Park where you can camp, paddle, fish, and explore caves. There are several caves within the park that you can explore on your own or you can take a guided tour of Fisher Cave. Fisher Cave has some impressive formations including 30 foot tall columns and cave-dwelling wildlife.

Farther southwest of St. Louis brings you to the popular Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. You can camp near the shut-ins and swim and hike the nearby geological wonders. The shut-ins are pools of water in the igneous and sedimentary boulders connected to the Black River. The park staff at the visitor center will explain the geology of the area and is a great place for children to learn about natural hydraulics.

The five camping areas listed above are a small sampling of what is available to you in Missouri. There are at least 40 Missouri state campgrounds where you can have a variety of outdoor camping experiences. You can research those campgrounds on the Missouri State Parks website.

It’s important to be prepared for any camping or backpacking trip. Alpine Shop has a great backpacking checklist that you can use for shopping and packing. Check out the following list for essential camping items from Alpine Shop:

Water containers to carry pre-filtered water

Water treatment products for natural water sources

Stoves for cooking outdoors

GPS devices and compasses

First Aid safety and repair

Apparel

Make everyday an adventure with Alpine Shop and get outside yourself!

April 27, 2012

The Continued Effort to Create Missouri’s Premiere Trail

This weekend, Alpine Shop and the Ozark Trail Association will host their ninth annual Mega Event on the Ozark Trail.

Many of us at Alpine Shop can still remember John Roth, the OTA’s founder, walking into the upstairs offices at our old Webster Groves store in 2002 and 2003, discussing plans for his vision of the OT and the organization he was founding.

2003 Alpine Shop and OTA Ad — Alpine Shop's 2003 Advertisement in our Spring Swap Guide introducing the Ozark Trail and the OT to its customers.

Alpine Shop helped design the first maps the OTA gave out. We helped introduce the OTA in a full-page ad in our 2003 Spring Swap Guide when almost no one knew what the Ozark Trail was, let alone an organization created with the sole purpose of finishing its creation and maintaining it.

Alpine Shop used its first Patagonia environmental grant to support the OTA in 2004 in a presentation during the intermission of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. At that festival, we announced and recruited the first of what would become the Spring OTA Mega Event. Throughout the years, the Mega Events have grown bigger and now include working with many of the Shop’s brands to come up with more than $12,000 in give-aways, auction items and donations each and every year.

For some multinational business that might not sound like a lot, but we’re a local business. “Local” is a vital part of our DNA. We do everything we can to transform our little slice of world here in the Midwest into a better place. Alpine Shop’s vision states that we strive for “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors.” We believe that experiencing the outdoors fundamentally changes each and every one of us.

This is why the OTA is so dear to Alpine Shop. It’s a part of our creed to be a “Local Business Helping Local Organizations Transform Our World.” What better example of that is there than our relationship with the OTA? By transforming the Ozark Trail into the premiere trail throughout Missouri, the OTA has provided the perfect opportunity for generations of Missourians to transform their lives in the local beauty of the Ozarks.

So, this weekend, as nearly 200 people work to complete another section of the Ozark Trail, we send out and open invitation for a new generation to transform themselves in the discovery of this gem right in our own backyard.

April 18, 2012

Top 20 Outdoor Family Destinations Near St. Louis and Columbia, Missouri

St. Louis and Columbia are amazing locations for outdoor adventures with your children. With our two cities as your base camp, you have access to miles upon miles of wilderness featuring trails, rivers, springs, caves, forests, bluffs, rock formations, waterfalls and more. Set your sights within just two hours of our metro areas and we have more opportunities than we can possibly tell you here. Best of all, many of these locations are absolutely free for your family for a day visit. A camping trip may cost you as little as $10 for the night.

Each of the areas we have listed below have the potential to provide your children (and you) with experiences that will last a lifetime. We may not have the dramatic mountain silhouettes of the Rockies or the crashing waves of the ocean; but we do have the beauty of the Ozark Mountains, spring-fed rivers that run stunningly, perfectly clear and a vast system of caves that appeal to every child. Best of all, because of our Midwestern geography, most of our outdoor destinations are surprisingly kid-friendly.

So if you’re looking for some ideas for a new adventure for you and your kids, we’ve included a list of our top choices below. Some are nearby. Some are further away. But all of them offer families a chance to have fun and experience the great outdoors.

Camping Adventures

Meramec State Park, Sullivan, MO – The absolute gem for camping and outdoor adventures for kids. Trails, beaches on the river, and over 75 caves and numerous springs.
Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg, MO – Camping, cave tours, canoeing. Great place for a long weekend.
Silver Mines Recreation Area, Fredericktown, MO – One of Missouri’s unknown wonders. Explore an old dam. Watch whitewater kayakers make their way through the St. Francis River rapids. The Missouri Whitewater Championships are held upstream of this location each March.

Hiking & Exploring Adventures

Rockwoods Reservation, Eureka, MO – Trails for hikers of all ages and skill levels as well as wildlife exhibits. Plenty of picnic grounds and fields for group meals.
Powder Valley Nature Center, Kirkwood, MO – Easy to get to, incredible nature center, easy trails. Great local asset.
Amidon Conservation Area near Fredericktown, MO – The Castor River Shut-ins here is one of Missouri’s best play spots for kids both young and old. (Shhhh! It’s a secret!)
Pickle Springs Natural Area near Farmington, MO – Short length, incredible rock formations, fun for everybody!
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia, MO – Diverse trail network for hiking or mountain biking, or plenty of space for a nice weather picnic as well. And for a true adventure, explore Devil’s Icebox on a park-led tour.

Paddling Adventures

Simpson Lake County Park, Valley Park, MO – A local, hidden gem just off Highway 141. Bring a bird guidebook, a canoe and fishing poles.
Meramec River, Consider launching your boat near Steelville, Leasburg or Sullivan for best water quality and natural beauty. Besides the Missouri and the Mississippi, probably the most recognized river in the area – and the easiest to access.
Huzzah Creek, Leasburg, MO – (Hoo-za) More advanced young paddlers can take off on their own sit-on-top kayaks (rented through numerous outfitters) on this gorgeous clearwater gem which drains into the Meramec near Leasburg, MO
Missouri River, West and South of Columbia, MO – Experience the same river Lewis and Clark explored; offers great opportunities for experienced paddlers.

Rock Climbing Adventures

Okay, we’re cheating on some of these here. Some aren’t really outdoors. They’re climbing gyms. But, the skills learned here could very well lead to the ability to tackle the real rock walls of the area.
Center of Clayton Climbing Gym – Clatyon, MO – Geared towards kids more than any other gym in St. Louis.
Upper Limits Climbing Gym – St. Louis, MO – Best overall climbing gym in the area.
Capen Park – Columbia, MO – Close to campus and featuring some good top roping and sport routes.
University of Missouri – Columbia Climbing Wall – Columbia, MO – Open to University Students and Staff

Biking Adventures

Grant’s Trail in South County, St. Louis – Flat, easy, and even at its most crowded is still enjoyable. And now the trail starts almost in our Kirkwood store’s backyard!
Katy Trail, beginning in St. Charles, MO – One-day trips to week-long adventures on 235 miles of bike trail between St. Charles and Clinton, MO.
Lost Valley Trail in the Weldon Springs Conservation Area in St. Charles – Fabulous for both hiking and biking with clear creeks and miles of wooded, flat trails.
Forest Park, St. Louis, MO – Local, with a myriad of opportunities for other activities.
MKT Trail, Columbia, MO – Another rails to trails project, but runs right through Columbia for some easy, family-friendly riding.

April 11, 2012

Grab a 20% off Coupon Just for Bringing Your Used Gear In to Swap

The Swap Tent is up in Kirkwood and our Swap Center is ready in Columbia and we are accepting used items during normal business hours through Friday, April 13 at 5 pm.

Swap Tent in Kirkwood, MO — Are you ready to swap? The Midwest's largest outdoor gear exchange begins Friday, April 13 in St. Louis and Columbia

Bring in your bike and your kayak, or your skis and snowboard along with camping gear and that jog stroller you haven’t used lately. Throw in a few pieces of clothing and your ready to roll. Your first ten items are absolutely free to enter into the Swap. After the 10th item, each additional item is $1. To help reduce your check-in time, please download and print this form, fill it out as much as you can and bring it with you.

To thank you for participating, everyone who checks in used gear receives a coupon good for 20% off one clothing or footwear item on that day!

For more information about Swap Check-In Procedures, please visit our Swap info headquarters here.

March 23, 2012

Spring MK Day! $10 Off All Mountain Khaki Items on Sat. March 24, 2012

Mountain Khaki has declared Saturday, March 24, 2012 as Spring MK Day!

On this day only, All Mountain Khaki items (pants, shirts, accessories) are all $10 off at Alpine Shop.

The best part is, a portion of the proceeds will benefit an organization Alpine Shop has close ties with as well, the Conservation Alliance.

This deal is only good in our stores, but you can see what we have available by visiting alpineshop.com’s Mountain Khaki page here.

Spring MK Day! $10 Off all MK items — On Saturday, March 24, 2012, All Mountain Khaki Items are $10 Off!

March 2, 2012

Great Canoe & Kayak Event Begins Today

Alpine Shop Kirkwood is decked out in paddling imagery and there’s a big tent in the front of the parking lot filled to the brim with canoes and kayaks.

A complete view of the GCKE Tent at Alpine Shop Kirkwood — Boats, boats & more boats. Must be the Great Canoe & Kayak Event!

Yes, we agree – it’s a beautiful sight.

Tonight, Friday, March 2nd, we host the Missouri Premiere of the Reel Paddling Film Festival for the first time here in St Louis. There are still some remaining tickets, but not a ton. If you’re interested in what should be a great night of paddling flicks, we definitely recommend you come by tonight. Films start at 8 pm. Seating is first come-first served.

All sale prices are currently in effect for the event and will stay in place through Columbia’s Great Canoe & Kayak Event next weekend, March 7th through the 9th. While we don’t sell boats on-line, you can see everything in the paddling department is at least 15% off.

Speaker and Film area ready to go for tonight — The Book Area theater is already set up and ready to go for this weekend's programs and activities

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 3rd, our full plate of programs throughout the day will begin at 10:30 am and go all the way through till about 6 pm when our Paddlers’ Party takes us through to our store close at 9 pm. You can find more information on all of this here.

Also don’t forget about our Boat Auction which takes place at 2 pm on Saturday. If you’re interested in selling your boat, you can bring it in to our Kirkwood store between 9 am and 1:30 pm.

Finally, one of the best parts about this event is all the local groups and organizations that will be with us all weekend long looking forward to speaking with you about activities on the water this year. We’re pleased to welcome the following:

Aker’s Ferry Canoe Rental
Author Bob Myers
Camp Manitowa
Gingko Adventures
The Great River Rumble
Missouri Whitewater Association
River Hills Traveler
St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club
St. Louis County Parks
Webster Groves Nature Study
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

February 25, 2012

Customer Appreciation Day Begins at Alpine Shop Kirkwood

Alpine Shop - 2012 Retailer of the Year for Growth of Outdoor Sports

Last month, Alpine Shop was named national Retailer of the Year for Growth in Outdoor Sports by the industry experts at SNEWS and Backpacker Magazine. In honor of this, Alpine Shop invited our loyal customers from the past 38 years to come celebrate with us on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at all three of our locations.

Alpine Shop's Customer Appreciation Day Brought out a Crowd — Food and drink started to go fast as soon as 1 pm came around at Alpine Shop's Customer Appreciation Day to celebrate their recent Retailer of the Year Award.

Eagle Creek Packing competition at Alpine Shop's Customer Appreciation Day — How fast could you pack your bags? The Eagle Creek Bag Pack Test brought out the competitive streak in some customers.

Alpine Shop Programming Director Marty Koch discusses upcoming clinics and events. Because our Retailer of the Year Award was so closely tied our programs and events, we had tables set up around the store to find out more information on getting outside in 2012.

November 21, 2011

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Us on 11/26

This November 26 is a big day for everyone at Alpine Shop. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses. We recently celebrated our 38th birthday here in the St Louis area and we look forward to serving your outdoor adventure needs for 38 more!

To celebrate this day, we will provide $50 in Alpine Shop Cash to the first 25 people to walk through the doors of any of our three stores. This Alpine Shop Cash will work pretty much like cash (with some exceptions) and will only be good on Small Business Saturday, 11/26, during normal store hours. You can also get a one-time $25 statement credit from American Express when you use your registered or linked American Express Card on Small Business Saturday to make a purchase of $25 or more at a small business.

Donít forget to “Like” and recommend us on Facebook at facebook.com/alpineshop.

We hope to see you in our stores on Saturday, Nov. 26!

November 11, 2011

Help Us Collect 2000 Coats in 21 Days Starting November 14

UPDATE: As of Sunday, December 5, we are up to 800 coats collected. So, we are extending the deadline to this coming Sunday, Dec. 11. You have one more week to donate a gently used coat or sweater at any of our stores and receive a 15% Off coupon for one clothing item for each and every coat you donate. If we get the same sort of response this week that we did just this past weekend, we may get over our 2000 coat goal and pull names for four $100 Alpine Shop gift cards.

In November of 2010, Alpine Shop decided to put a call out to the St. Louis and Columbia communities with one goal in mind: collect 1000 coats in 30 days to donate to those in need during the winter months. We had gathered 373 jackets the year before and had been dismayed to discover just how many people were still left out in the cold.

The response last year was nothing short of amazing. Over 2000 coats, jackets and sweaters for all ages and genders were donated at our three stores. Here’s some footage from last year’s efforts:

The 2011 Drive Begins Monday, November 14

This year, once again, we’ve teamed up with the national organization One Warm Coat to help collect clean, gently used coats. And this year, we’ve raised the goal to 2000 coats. Except, we’re going to try to do it in less time than ever before. Last year, we were still trying to collect coats when one of the worst cold-snaps of the year hit us. We don’t want that to happen again. So this year, we’ll be collecting for 21 days—from Monday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, December 4 at all three Alpine Shop locations.

To help reach the goal, Alpine Shop is offering a free coupon for 15% off the purchase of a new jacket or clothing item in their stores for every jacket or sweater donated. If we hit our goal of 2000 donated coats, Alpine Shop will celebrate by giving away $100 gift certificates to four lucky coat donors.

Alpine Shop has made donating simple. Just bring your clean, gently used coats and jackets to any Alpine Shop location. Bring your coats inside the store and check them in with one of the store’s outfitters to make sure you receive your coupons and get entered into the drawing. Then, Alpine Shop and One Warm Coat take care of the rest. Donated coats will be split among organizations in St. Louis, including: Sunshine Ministries, St. Patrick Center, Coats for Kids and Edgewood Children’s Center.

“As much as we love being outside, we also know this time of year can be hard on families struggling to simply stay warm,” says Russell Hollenbeck, Alpine Shop owner. “We know our communities will do everything they can to help. We’re just trying to do our part.”

About One Warm Coat

One Warm Coat is a national non-profit organization that supports and encourages coat drives. It helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute the coats free to people in need. More than one million coats have been provided to those in need at no cost since its inception in 1992.

October 28, 2011

Ski Like a Girl Weekend Will Be Rescheduled

The best laid plans and all of that… Due to Cardinal Circumstances beyond our control (and evidently beyond the Rangers’ control as well), we have decided to reschedule the entire slate of the Ski Like a Girl Weekend activities. If you already signed up for a custom fit with us this weekend, our Certified Pedorthist Angie Bono would love to take care of you at your scheduled time – as she does for hundreds of other customers – according to the same principles of Jeannie Thoren’s Thoren Theory.

Thanks for your understanding.