You're probably already aware that St. Charles is a thriving community, filled with iconic businesses and features. To celebrate this, we've put together a list, A through Z, of some of the notable elements that you'll find throughout this city. Keep reading to learn more!
A for Arcada Theatre
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Since 1926, the Arcada Theatre has been a staple in the St. Charles Community, having 200+ live performances per year. Throughout the years, the Arcada Theatre has hosted notable musicians including Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, and Pat Benatar, to just name a few.
B for Breweries
St. Charles is home to 6 amazing breweries: 93 Octane Brewery, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, D&G Brewing, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, and Riverlands Brewing. Once a year, all of these breweries get together to brew the STC Six collaboration beer, where a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit a local non-profit.
C for Coffee Shops
Photo 2 Courtesy of Coroco Coffee
Who doesn't love a little pick-me-up in the morning? In St. Charles, you can discover wonderful coffee shops, including Arcedium Coffee House, Coroco Coffee, Mapleleaf Coffee House, and Biggby Coffee. It's a delicious way to start off your day - with a hot or a cold brew and a tasty baked treat to go along with it.
D for Downtown
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
It's not hard to spend an entire day exploring downtown St. Charles, with all the shopping, dining, and attractions that it offers. Plus, with the newly-renovated 1st Street Plaza, you can sit-back, relax, and soak up the sunshine.
E for Events
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy C + E Photography
Regardless of the season, there is always an upcoming event to look forward to, such as parades, live music performances, and of course, the award-winning Scarecrow Weekend. These events are perfect for all ages, and even great for your furry friend, as well!
F for Fox River
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
The Fox River is a 202 mile-long river river that runs runs right through the heart of downtown St. Charles. This natural feature allows for watersports such as boating, kayaking, and canoeing - not to mention breathtakingly beautiful views!
G for Golfing
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @RachelKawate
In St. Charles, we are fortunate to have an renowned public golf course in the Pottawatomie Golf Course. Aside from this 9-hole course, you can also find member-only courses at the St. Charles Country Club and the Royal Fox Country Club. If you're looking to golf on a smaller scale, the River View Miniature Golf Course is a blast for all ages, with unique obstacles and a terrific view of the Fox River.
H for Hotel Baker
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
The historic waterfront Hotel Baker has been a pillar in St. Charles since 1928. Offering state-of-the-art guest rooms and suites, this hotel is an ideal place to stay, being within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and retail shops.
I for Ice Cream
Photo 1 Courtesy of Colonial Cafe. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Ice cream: the perfect treat to cool off on a warm summer's day. And in St. Charles you have a plethora of options to get this sweet dessert, including Kimmer's, Kilwins, Oberweis, Fanny's Thai Roll Ice Cream, Colonial Cafe, and more!
J for James K. Lewis
Photo 1 Courtesy of the St. Charles History Museum. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Did you know: St. Charles' first mayor was James K. Lewis. You can find more history on the beginnings of this city at the St. Charles History Museum, with over 10,000 photos and 15,000 artifacts! Before you head out, make sure to stop at the Curious Fox Gift Shop inside the museum to purchase a St. Charles souvenir!
K for Kayaking
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Thanks to the Fox River St. Charles is a sensational place for kayaking and other water sport fun! Don't have a kayak? Not to worry. You can rent one at the River View Miniature Golf Course in Pottawatomie Park by the hour, as well as Pedal Boats!
L for Live Music
Photo 2 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
On almost every night of the week, it isn't uncommon to hear the sounds of live music throughout the air in St. Charles. Many local establishments host performances by very talented local musicians. To make finding live music easier, we've created a Weekly Live Music page on our website, to ensure you don't miss that musician that you've been wanting to hear.
M for Murals
It's no secret that St. Charles is certainly picturesque, but did you know that it's filled with fantastic photo opportunities, as well? Throughout downtown St. Charles, you'll find a variety of murals, including five designed by New York Artist Steffi Lynn! While you're admiring the works of art, make sure to "check in" to each of those 5 murals on the Travel St. Charles app, to win a FREE mural inspired water bottle!
What Are You Looking Forward to This Fall?
Scarecrow Weekend
Autumn Hikes
Fall Treats
Hayrides at Primrose Farm
N for Non Profits
Photo 1 Courtesy of Project Mobility. Photo 2 Courtesy of Lazarus House
St. Charles is home to many wonderful Non Profit organizations that are for great causes. It's important to make sure that you can support whenever you can, in order to make a positive impact in our community. Some of these organizations include: Big Hearts of Fox Valley, Project Mobility, Lazarus House, STC L.E.A.R.N., Tri City Health Partnership, and more. Reach out to see how you can get involved in order to make a difference. To view more Non Profit organizations in St. Charles, please click the button below.
O for Outdoors
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
From the breathtaking views that the Fox River offers to the natural plants that can be found in the parks and forest preserves, we certainly are fortunate for all the natural beauty that can be found in St. Charles. There are so many ways that you can get outside and experience the scenery including the many outdoor dining options, parks and trails, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Click the button below to begin your adventure today.
P for Pottawatomie Park
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @RachelKawate
One of the more popular parks found in St. Charles has got to be Pottawatomie Park. Here, there's a little something for everyone such as Swanson Pool, Riverview Miniature Golf Course, Paddlewheel Riverboats, and of course, the iconic pavilion. Not to mention that this spot is an ideal area to have a picnic, too! To learn more about Pottawatomie Park, please click the button below.
Q for Q Center
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
If you're looking to plan your group event in St. Charles, look no farther than the Q Center! The Q Center has over 150 thousand square feet of IACC-Certified Space, fitness and business center, 1,043 guest rooms, and much more, making it the premier option for corporate gatherings. Did we mention that the Q Center is only a short distance away from the vibrant downtown St. Charles, as well?
R for Restaurants
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
If you're a foodie, then you've come to the right place! St. Charles has over 125 restaurants, making it easy to find something you love. You'll find a wide range of different cuisines throughout the city, as well as award-winning kitchens, outdoor patios, views of the Fox River, and of course, mouthwatering meals.
S for Shopping
It's easy to shop local in St. Charles, with all the fantastic retail shops offering extraordinary products. Regardless of what you're searching for - apparel, self-care, home decor, antiques, and even horror (just to name a few), you can find all of that and more when you plan your next shopping spree in St. Charles.
T for Trails
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @RachelKawate
St. Charles is an exceptional destination for those who love venturing trails, whether it be by bike or by foot. With many trails throughout the local parks and forest preserves, as well as regional trails like the Fox River Trail or Great Western Trail, you'll have plenty of options in terms of length and scenery.
U for Unique Products
There are many products found throughout St. Charles that are one-of-a-kind. To celebrate this, we've launched the Made in St. Charles Program to showcase these inspired creators, and to highlight the wonderful products that are crafted right here in this city. To learn more about this program, as well as to view previous winners, please click the button below.
V for Volunteer
Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Here at the St. Charles Business Alliance, we are always looking for volunteers for our events and committees. Volunteers are the backbone of this organization, and the events that we put on couldn't be possible without their help! Plus, volunteering is an outstanding way to get out in the community, and to even make new friends. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the St. Charles Business Alliance, please click the button below.
W for Wedding Venues
Photo 1 Courtesy of Cedar Fox Weddings and Events. Photo 2 Courtesy of Hotel Baker
Say "I do" in St. Charles! Looking for your dream wedding venue? St. Charles is a beautiful community to tie the knot it, with terrific venues and wedding essentials (like florists, and salons), that can help you make your big day be everything you've imagined and more.
X for X Marks the Spot
Photo 1 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Who doesn't love a little challenge, especially when it allows you to get a deeper dive into St. Charles? On our FREE Travel St. Charles app, you can take part in a variety of self-guided Challenges and Tours, like the Mural Challenge, Brew Tour, or Tortilla Tour!
Y for Yoga
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Power Moves Yoga
There are many benefits of practicing yoga: increased balance and flexibility, relaxation, reduced pain relief, and more. In St. Charles, you can get started with this healthy, mindful activity at one of the studios in town, like Flower of Life Yoga & Wellness Center, Bent Dog Yoga & Pilates, Power Moves Yoga, or at Greenleaf Yoga.
Z for Zzz's
Photo 1 Courtesy of Hampton Inn. Photo 2 Courtesy of Courtyard Marriott
If you're looking to stay the night in St. Charles, you have plenty of options when it comes to accommodations. You can catch some "zzz's" at one of the 10 hotels in town! Whatever your needs may be, whether you're looking for pet friendly spots, or places with a pool, you'll be able to find the perfect hotel to make your stay memorable.
Need help planning your next getaway to St. Charles? Our Destination Guide is a remarkable resource that will help make your next trip to this city a memorable one. Get your FREE virtual copy today by clicking above!