If You’re….

The Leisurist

You love to relax, enjoy nature, and most importantly be comfortable. Our list of products that you’re sure to love includes the Eno Hammock, clothing from ExOfficio, the GSI wine collection, a good ole’ bird watching book, and the Marmot Urban Hauler Pack.

The Experience Seeker

You need and love gear that gets you to those wild places but can switch from one of your activities to another. Versatility and durability are your top concerns, next to experiencing the backcountry. You’re a native to the outdoor world, meaning your closet is jammed with your favorite pieces from brands such as The North Face, Marmot, and Columbia. You love these pieces so much you wear them out on the town, to work, and outside because its simply your style. Of course you own a yeti, or you’re looking forward to that purchase very soon and you are comfortable using technology to map out your adventures.

The Endurance Achiever

You are fast and you love the speed meaning you need the type of gear that is not about to slow you down! For you its not just about a certain piece, its about the brand, the technology, and the top of the line fit. You are sure to love anything and everything from Arc’teryx, Salomon, Spyder and Kjus for ski apparel. If someone would describe you they would say you’re a double black diamond skier in the winter, a whitewater kayaker in the spring, a trail runner in the summer, and extreme mountain biker in the fall; because high intensity is your passion. You track your achievement, performance, and pace with technology and you love a little competition.

There is no doubt that St. Louis and the surrounding areas boast many outdoor and urban retreats to help keep our weekends busy.  What better way to spend the weekend than to get outside, get a little active, and experience some adventure? Sounds right our alley! We wanted to procure some of the best weekend destinations that include a safe and accessible route using cycling as the main mode of transportation, not to mention some shopping and dining establishments while we’re at it! We’ve chosen four of favorites that include a parking spot, routes, and activities.

Downtown Kirkwood

Where to park: Our store! Park your car in our expansive lot at the Kirkwood location. Stop in before you go for a last minute stock up on cycling accessories, tune, and water!

Route: There are many routes to take in and around Downtown Kirkwood. Our favorite is to turn right out of our parking lot onto N. Kirkwood Road, turn right onto E. Bodley Ave , right again onto N. Taylor Ave, and right onto E. Argonne Drive. Now you are smack dab in the middle of Downtown Kirkwood in less than 10 minutes!

What to do: Right at the corner of N. Taylor and Argonne is the Kirkwood Farmers Market, perfect for picking up your Saturday evening dinner essentials. Fresh fruit, vegetables and other local ingredients fresh and ready for your dish! Walk down to Kaldis Coffee at Argonne and Kirkwood Road. Enjoy a cup of coffee and pastry out on the patio if its in the morning or enjoy their full breakfast and lunch menu. To make it a full-day activitiy, you can ride your bikes all the way down N. Taylor to the Magic House for a fun-filled day with the kids! Stop by the Kirkwood Park on your way back to Alpine Shop to pick up your car and finish your day off with some shopping!

Forest Park

Where to park: The Saint Louis Zoo now includes parking in Dogtown off of Oakland Ave.

Route: Oakland Ave which faces the the south side of Forest Park near Highway 40 has been completely re-done that includes a bike lane that has a good amount of space between cars parked and the cyclist. Oakland Ave can take you right into the park via Tamm Ave, which bridges over the highway. Take your time going through the park and once you get to the other side, which hugs up against Lindell, head east into the most exciting areas around town-The Central West End.

What do to: First, there are tons of things to do in Forest Park. On your way down Oakland you can stop by Turtle Park then head either to the Zoo, The Boathouse, The History Museum, or the Grand Basin & Art Museum-all of which are totally free attractions (besides the food & paddling at The Boathouse). Once you ride into the CWE stop and get breakfast or brunch at Crepes or Wildflower Loft. Lunch and dinner is always enjoyable at Pi Pizzeria and a little sweet treat can be had at the brand new Jeni’s Ice Cream Parlor. If you have tickets, hit the Muny on your way back into the park and then your car!

Downtown Saint Louis

Where to park: The Clayton Metro Station

Route: Take the Metrolink from the Clayton station with your bikes and head downtown to the Union Station stop. From there, head north on 18th Street, where you will then come to Chestnut. Chestnut has been completely re-vamped making it one of most safest cycling lanes in the area. There is now a protected bike lane that includes buffer zones between parked cars and motorists. Your route includes a straight shot east on Chestnut, turn right onto N. 8th where you then take to Clark at Busch Stadium. You would then hop onto the Stadium Station westbound to Clayton Station.

What to do: Stop and check out Union Station as you head towards Chestnut, there you will have a handful of great attractions on your way towards the Arch. Along the way you’ll see City Garden, the Fountains, the Old Courthouse, and the Veterans Memorial Museum. As you head south on 8th Street, you can catch a Cardinals baseball game or just head on into the brand new Ballpark village for some food and brews!

Saint Charles

Where to park: Trail Smokehouse and Visitors Center at 2886 S. Highway 94

Route: Southward on the Katy Trail

What to do: When you stop the Trail Smokehouse you will be literally on the Katy Trail. This small town boasts a handful of restaurants, shops, and wineries all along the historic Katy Trail. The Visitors Center also has food and beverages in a nice sit-down atmosphere. While heading south on the trail you’ll come across a bike shop, if there is anything you need, as well as bike rentals. You can also stop by the number of vineyards and wineries along the way, including the Yellow Farmhouse Vineyard and Winery, Sugar Creek Winery, and the Augusta Winery.

Around the shop, we share and converse over our favorite wild places all of the time. Recommending a site unseen by most or the perfect little spot to catch the most amount of trout, etc. This time around we wanted to hear from you; our guest. Where do you find wonder and seclusion right outside the city? Between Illinois and Missouri the list can seem to go on forever; from river-ways to mini-canyons you shared with us your favorites!

Missouri

Montauk State Park

Located at the headquarters of the Current River in Salem, MO. Famous for its Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout fishing!

Bass’ River Resort

Located near Steelville, Missouri, enjoy your summer days relaxing in a canoe, kayak, or raft on one of three rivers. The resort is located on the Coutois, Huzzah and Meramec Rivers. The resort boasts campsites as well as accommodations in their lodging units.  Perfect for a family summer getaway!

Council Bluff Lake

Located within the Mark Twain National Forest, Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area includes a large lake which was created by dam built on the big river, camping areas and sheltered picnic areas. Enjoy the sandy beach, swimming, canoeing, angling, and no-wake speed boating.

Silver Mines

Also part of the Mark Twain National Forest, the Silver Mines Recreation Area is located right on the St. Francis River. The only river in Missouri that is categorized as “White Water” which is popular for kayaking during the Springtime high waters. Explore the abandoned “Einstein Mine” which was once mined for silver, lead, and Tungsten.

Red Bluff

Along the Huzzah Creek near Davisville, MO this recreation area is named for its towering red bluffs. Enjoy the weekend camping, swimming, tubing, and fishing!

The Paddy Creek Wilderness

Home to the Big Piney Trail, Paddy Creek Wilderness boast hiking trail as well as the Big and Little Paddy Creeks. Located 10 miles northwest from Licking, MO enjoy horseback riding, hiking, camping, and fishing!

Meramec State Park

One of the most popular destinations for St. Louisans due to distance; this Steelville, MO gem boasts the Meramec River and a diverse collection of ecosystems. Enjoy canoe and raft rentals, campsites, cave seeking, and hiking! This state park almost has it all!

Illinois

Jackson Falls

Located near Ozark, IL Jackson Falls is known for its spectacular rock climbing! Arguably the best in all of Southern Illinois. If you’ve been meaning to find a perfect outdoor rock climbing in Illinois, you’re in luck!

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Located in Goreville, IL this outdoor gem includes breathtaking rock formations, vistas and a wide array of vegetation! There are equestrian trails, camping, and fishing available!

Cedar lake

Southwest of Carbondale, IL in Southwestern Illinois boasts the 1,750-acre reservoir Cedar Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views during the summer and fall; as the tree leaves turn a magnificent orange and red!

Rend Lake

Located in Southern Illinois near Benton, IL one can enjoy some serious lake time! Rend Lake Resorts have plenty of lodging options as well as campsites! There are water sports, hiking trails, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, and boating! The perfect outdoor weekend awaits you!

Garden of the Gods

A geological wonder formed by millions of years and an ancient in-land sea. A great uplift occurred along with years of thawing, windblown sand, and other environmental actions created the area that is now known as the “Garden of the Gods”. Interpretive signs throughout this recreation area, located in the Shawnee National Forest near Harrisburg, IL will explain the geological history.

On those hot summer days and nights one might find the bugs to be a little overwhelming either in your backyard or in the backwoods. We’ve all used traditional insect repellant spray to help most of Mother Natures’ buzzing nuisances from biting us and potentially passing an insect-borne disease. Though the traditional form of insect repellant- spray- is effective; a safer and more comfortable way to protect yourself outside is to wear the repellant on your clothes and not your skin.

Insect Shield®

A proprietary formulation of the insect repellent permethrin for treating clothing used by major outdoor brands, including White Sierra and ExOficcio. Insect Shield is an odorless invisible insect repellent treated within the garments, meaning your repellant stays on your clothes, not your skin! While you’re in the back woods you’ll have Insect Protection against Mosquitoes, Flies, Chiggers, Ticks, Ants, and Midges. These insects are those who can carry Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, Malaria, and other insect-borne diseases.

Benefits & Features

• Built in bug protection
• Near your skin, not on it
• Quick drying and easy care
• Lightweight and packable

Garments treated with Insect Shield® are perfect for evening walks, hanging outside on the deck, hiking, camping out in the backwoods, traveling and safaris!

Tested & Proven

Insect Shield® technology results from years of intensive research and field study. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of permethrin-treated clothing as an insect repellent. Insect Shield®’s own testing methods follow United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, and the results conclusively show that our unique, long-lasting insect protection works.

Care Instructions & Durability

The repellency of Insect Shield apparel is EPA-registered to last through 70 launderings—the expected lifetime of a garment. This is also well beyond the life of most performance finishes commonly used in the technical-apparel industry. Wash on its own in laundry, normal home laundering is recommended. Insect Shield repellent apparel can be bleached, starched, pressed, etc., without effect on the repellent quality; however, it should not be dry-cleaned. Eventually the garments treatment will wear out due to washing and wearing. You can discard the garment via trash.

Safety

Insect Shield is safe for the whole family. Please keep your Insect Shield® off of the floor if you own pets, to keep your pets from getting sick.

ExOficcio®

ExOficcio, a leading outdoor and traveling brand who has a BugsAway®  Collection containing accessories treated with Insect Shield® Technology. Alpine Shop carries the most popular styles such as the Paisley Bandana, Adventure Hat and the Classic Cap (Sold In-Store). All of the pieces are quick drying, 30+ SPF protection, and treated with Insect Shield®.

White Sierra®

White Sierra is another leading outdoor apparel company that has made functional, stylish and comfortable Insect Shield® treated garments in their Bugs Free Collection. Alpine Shop offers White Sierra’s wide variety of pieces at a really great price-point for Men and Women. Styles include the Men’s Swamp 1/4 Zip and Swamp Longsleeve; Women’s Gauze Tunic, Pull On Pant, Pullover Hoody, and Zip Hoody; Unisex Kool Brim Hat and Kool Sun Hat.

Father’s Day is June 21st

The day is coming up quick, so we asked our staff ” What would you LOVE to get your Dad this year?” OR “If you’re a Dad, what would you LOVE to receive?”. These are a few of their answers!

Michelle, E-commerce Manager: ” My father really needs a new jacket and loves Myles’ Arc’teryx. As with most Arcteryx, the Beta AR just feels sooo nice when you put it on, completely non restricting, and waterproof.  Plus the brand has a dinosaur for its logo, and my dad is a nut for fossils. He’d never splurge on himself so I would LOVE to get him the Beta AR Jacket this Father’s Day!

Emily Korsch, Programs and Event Coordinator: ” I would LOVE to get my Dad a Eagles Nest Lounger Chair or a DoubleNest Hammock with a set of Twilights Camp Lights to go with it!”

Angela Roam, Camp Buyer: ” My Dad always LOVES a new pair of Sanuk Sandals!”

Cathy Blaies, Chesterfield Store Manager: ” My Dad is a big fan of the Ex-Officio Air Strip Shirt and Insect Shield products… Hats, bandana’s, shirts etc.”

Kevin Bouckaert, IT Director: “As a father of 5, I’d say Earplugs for peace and quiet, kid trailer so we all can go for a bike ride, or a Yeti Rambler Tumbler to hold my soda and keep it ice cold!”

Dave Colby, Our newest addition to the Buying Department & Snowsport, Footwear, and Sunglasses Buyer: “For my Dad it would be a book like “Ten million steps” and a new pair of Kuhl Revolvr pants.

1989-1995: The Early Years

The small brand, based out of a Mark Paigen’s Paonia, CO home was first called Gecko to signify his shoe as “The Ultimate Sport Sandal”. You see, the Gecko has tiny micro-suction cups on the bottom of their feet helping them scale walls quickly and efficiently.  When the company was four years young, Mark moved his operations outside of his home. The real change that has helped this brand sky-rocket into fan dome was their highly designed footbed, the Z1 in 1994. The footbed was given the name due to its creator,  Dr. Gerhard Rill, a graduate of the Munich School of Orthopedics, who famously stated “That’s ze one!”.  Finally, in 1995 Mark decided it was best to give the company a much-needed make-over. The name Gecko was too closely related to another brand and in order to choose a new name, the company held a competition. This is how the brand we know and love today is called Chaco.

Why we love this brand?

There are so many reasons to love this brand. Our top  reasons include the shoe (of course!), their warranty program ReChaco, their involvement, and their sociability! Who doesn’t love a shoe that gives you complete arch support, keeps your foot supported while having the breezing feel of a sandal? Not to mention the never-ending array of patterns and colors for the straps in their MyChaco program!  Their warranty program, ReChaco involves re-strapping, repairs and even replacement helping you keep your favorite pair of Chacos forever. The company is super social! They are always asking for your favorite pictures while wearing Chaco sandal or a Chaco tan to share on social media, as well as your outdoor adventures in their Chacosphere. Finally, we love how involved Chaco is with their dealers and their customers!

Chacos + Alpine Shop

We’ve been selling Chaco for more than 15 years and they continue to grow year after year. You can purchase your new Chacos online at alpineshop.com or in store! Today through Friday, June 5th when you purchase a pair of Chaco sandals online you will receive a special edition Chaco belt (6/3/15-6/5/15) ONLINE ONLY. Chaco has also teamed up with Alpine Shop in the upcoming Al-Pint Night-Luau this Sunday, June 7th from 4-7pm. During the event we’ll sell limited edition 16 oz. acrylic double-wall tumblers brought to you by Chacos for $10 which includes two pours of craft beer. The proceeds will be donated to the Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region.