Here's the thing about Dogtown: You need to explore it on foot. There's hardly a St. Louis neighborhood that rewards walking more than this one. So park that vehicle ASAP and hoof it through the interesting warren of hilly, winding streets that characterize this sturdy corner of our city. Matter of fact, today is the perfect day for your urban hike, which you can start off with the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dogtown. The perennial favorite, going strong every year since 1984, begins at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Tamm and Oakland avenues and ends at Tamm and Manchester. Now, for a lot of folks Paddy's Day boils down to just one essence: booze, and lots of it. But the Dogtown Parade is designed a family-friendly event -- so, hey, behave. Hold your liquor, green-tinted revelers, and designate a sober driver (also, be aware that the Dogtown merchants have a strict no-cooler policy in effect). As always the big parade is free and open to the public, but be prepared for scarce parking throughout the area. All the better reason to enjoy that long ramble through Dogtown. For more info call 314-504-2925 or visit www.stlhibernians.com.
Mon., March 17, 12:30 p.m., 2014