Local businesses are the heart of our community

February is a great reminder that small, local businesses are the heart of our community — especially during the slower winter months. Whether it’s grabbing coffee from a neighborhood café, ordering takeout from a family-owned restaurant, or hiring a local service provider, those choices truly make a difference. Here are a few local favorites we love and recommend:  Local Coffee Shop – Perfect for warming up on cold mornings –  Southern Grace Coffee (Troy, Elsberry, Lake St. Louis) –  Crooked Tree Coffee House (St. Charles) –  The Annex Coffee and Foods (Webster Groves)   Neighborhood Florist – Valentine’s Day or “just because” flowers – Mary Tuttle’s Finest Floral Arrangements & Gifts (Chesterfield)  – The Flower Stop (Cottleville)  – Serendipity Floral Design (St. Peters)  Restaurant or Takeout Spot – Great food, great people – The Rack House (Cottleville) – MK Ranch Bar & Grill (Warrenton) – Cafe Amalia (Kirkwood)   Small Retail Shops – Unique gifts you won’t find in big-box stores – Ellbee’s General Store (Wentzville) – Sweet Boutique (Clayton) – The Personal Gifting Co (Foristell) Other easy ways to support local this winter: – Leave a positive online review for a business you love – Share your favorite local spot with friends or neighbors – Support community fundraisers and events We’re incredibly grateful to be part of this community and to work with homeowners who believe in supporting local businesses like ours. A Fresh Look for Local Libraries We Love Last month, we were excited to work with the Scenic Regional Library locations in Wright City and Warrenton. They wanted a fresh coat of paint to brighten the walls and keep their libraries looking inviting and well-maintained for everyone who visits. With a wide variety of activities and programs for all age groups, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re joining an event or finding your next favorite book, these amazing libraries offer a welcoming space for the whole community. https://scenicregional.librarycalendar.com/events/month/2026/02