Picture this: you're all packed up, about to head through the front door ready to embark on your exciting adventure to St. Charles, IL. You imagine that you have everything that you could possibly need for your trip, whether it be for a week-long vacation or just a one-day getaway. However, you realize one thing: you don't know exactly what to expect out of your visit. Luckily, your favorite St. Charles guides are here to give you the top 5 things you must know before coming. Keep reading below to find out more!
1. You'll Leave with a New Favorite Song
Photo #1 Courtesy of C&E Photography, Photo #2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
You simply cannot take a trip to St. Charles without experiencing the live music scene throughout town. Every week, you can find numerous live music performances from very talented artists at local establishments that include restaurants and theatre venues, no matter the time of year. Listening to catchy songs while having a meal or drink out is the perfect formula for a memorable evening out. You can also experience terrific performances at one of the first-class theatres in this city, such as the newly restored Moonlight Theatre, or the historic Arcada Theatre that hosts over 250 events per year! Look ahead at all the upcoming weekly live music performances by viewing our Weekly Live Music Schedule here.
2. Make Sure to Bring Your Appetite
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
It's no secret that St. Charles has some of the best dining options that you can find throughout the entire Chicagoland area. With more than 126 restaurants to choose from, you have a wide range of culinary choices to indulge in and a variety of atmospheres for whatever you're looking for. From fine-dining Italian spots, like Mio Modo and La Za'Za' Trattoria, to exquisite gastropubs where you can catch all the latest sports action, like at Flagship on the Fox or Tap House Grill, there is something out there that will cater to everyone's taste buds. Need a little inspiration? Read our Dining Guide here to start planning!
3. Get Ready to Do Some Exploring
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
It is critical that you ensure that you don't walk out the front door without a good pair of walking shoes! In St. Charles, there is an abundance of trails, like the Fox River Trail that follows alongside the beautiful Fox River, or the Great Western Trail that will take you on an adventure out west towards Sycamore. On top of the trails, there are also many magnificent parks and forest preserves that are home to stunning natural features and delightful wildlife. In fact, it's easy to plan an entire day at one of the green spaces around! If you want to see as much as you can, we recommend either bringing your own bike to navigate the trails, or to rent one from Sammy's Bikes for the convenience!
What Halloween Activity Are You Most Looking Forward to This Year?
Taking the Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
Shopping for Spooky Decorations
Participating in a Trunk or Treat
Attending a Halloween Party
4. You'll Be Inspired to Redecorate Your Own Home
Photo #1 Courtesy of Trend + Relic, Photo #2 Courtesy of The Pep Line
Whenever you take a getaway, it's always fun to admire the different styles of homes to try to get some inspiration on how to decorate your own. That way, when you do eventually head back, you'll have a handful of ideas on how to refresh your living area. While in town, you have to make some time to do some shopping and visit the award-winning home décor stores that call St. Charles home, like The Pep Line or Trend + Relic. The experts at these shops can help you create the perfect atmosphere that you're aiming for, with plenty of lovely decorations and furnishings that will transform your space into something sensational.
5. Plan On Taking Some Amazing Photos
Let's face it - sharing your vacation photos with your friends and family is one of the best parts of traveling. Fortunately, St. Charles has no shortage of picturesque spots to snap a photo that will impress all your followers. With five of our murals in the downtown area - two of which were added this summer - each location provides a stunning backdrop that is definitely photo-worthy. In addition to the murals, the city boasts over 180 pieces of public art, not to mention countless other breathtaking locations to capture your memories. Be sure to tag @stcalliance and @travelstcharles for a chance to be featured on our social media!
Before you leave, make sure that you download our Travel St. Charles App! This is the perfect resource to find everything St. Charles: events, shopping, dining, and so much more. This is a must-have before your trip, so download the App today here!