Saint Charles Travel Guide

  Statue downtown
by monica71
 
  • Statue downtown
      Statue downtown
    by monica71
  • Fox Statue on the bridge downtown
      Fox Statue on the bridge downtown
    by monica71
  • Downtown St Charles Map
      Downtown St Charles Map
    by monica71
  • This is a forest preserve near Campton Hills Park
      This is a forest preserve near Campton...
    by jdsolo
  • Arcada Theatre Building
      Arcada Theatre Building
    by monica71
 

Explore Saint Charles

Things to Do  

Arcada Theatre

Arcada Theatre, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  The place where the Arcada Theatre building is located today was the home of a hotel built in 1837 by Orange C. Baird, David Howard and Dr. Nathan Collins. During the Mexican War and the Civil War, the hotel served as a recruiting headquarters. By 1889 the building's... 

Capone's Hideaway

Capone's Hideaway, Saint Charles

 jdsolo Says:  This could go under restaurant review or things to do, but I'll just drop it here in Things To Do. For a truly unique dining experience, I would highly recommend Capone's Hideaway. It was a true speakeasy back in the 20's and mobsters from Chicago would trek the 50 or so... 

Hotels  

Restaurants  

Manor Restaurant and Pancake House: Pancakes with a view

Manor Restaurant and Pancake House: Pancakes with a view, Saint Charles

 Leniwy Says:  A longtime favorite of the Sunday after-church "brunch bunch," the seating along these windows offers a nice view of the Fox River. A good 'coffee shop'-style restaurant (American coffee, that is: 'Regular' and 'Unleaded' - er, 'De-Caf' ;-) where locals would be likely to... 

Filling Station Pub & Grill: Fill 'er up!

Filling Station Pub & Grill: Fill 'er up!, Saint Charles

 Leniwy Says:  This casual lunch and dinner spot features a unique decor of walls covered with old license plates and motoring memorabilia. This unique ambiance makes it a popular place for local businesspeople to bring visiting colleagues from out-of-town for lunch.Conversely, they tend... 

Nightlife  

Noble Fool Theater at Pheasant Run Resort: Stop by for a nice play

Noble Fool Theater at Pheasant Run Resort: Stop by for a nice play, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  There are several plays that you can attend at the Mainstage Theater all year long. Some of them are really good and are worth a trip. Check out their schedule and plan to stop by.You can purchase tickets for the performance only or you can purchase a "dinner and a show"... 

Harvest Lounge at Pheasant Run Resort: One of the cooloest bars in town

Harvest Lounge at Pheasant Run Resort: One of the cooloest bars in town, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  This is one of the best bars in town. It is classy and elegant and it serves excellent wines and beer. The food is also good, especially the Pan Roasted Pheasant and the Shrimp Scampi. They also host a Winemaker Dinner 4 times a year, where you have the chance to sample some... 

Transportation  

Traveling Around St Charles

Traveling Around St Charles, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  There is always a good idea to have your own transportation, especially if you live in suburbs :)If you are still saving for that car and if you need to go places in St Charles, there are not too many options for you, but there is still hope since PACE has 2 suburban buses... 

Getting to St Charles

Getting to St Charles, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  St Charles is located about 1 hour west of Chicago. The easiest way to get here is by driving. There is really no public transportation that takes you here from Chicago, and taxis are expensive. So if you want to explore St Charles and you do not have a car, it is a great... 

Shopping  

Vertical Drop: Sports Equipment and Patio Furniture

Vertical Drop: Sports Equipment and Patio Furniture, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  This store is located in another historical building downtown St Charles. Its former name was Colson's Department Store. John Foby Colson, born in Sweden in 1853, came to St. Charles with his family before his second birthday. Colson worked for 12 years as a clerk in L.C.... 

Local Customs  

So what's going on in St Charles?

So what's going on in St Charles?, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  The best way to keep up to date with all that's going on in St Charles, is by visiting the city official page. Go to the "What's happening now?" section and maybe even add the link below to your Favorites :) 

Warnings and Dangers  

Road Construction and Driving

Road Construction and Driving, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  Well, I guess we all have to pay a toll at one point, and St Charles is no different than any other city in the Mid-West. The harsh winters and all that salt and sand thrown on the roads during the never ending months of winter do leave behind nasty holes on the roads. So... 

Where is the world are the parking spots?

Where is the world are the parking spots?, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  Oh, well, you came to St Charles and now you need to find a parking spot. So where in the world are the parking spots? Everything is full! And yes, parking spots fill out quickly especially during the summer and on weekends when there is always something going on in St... 

Tourist Traps  

Antiques Shopping
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St Charles has a number of shops selling antiques, but do not expect to find that special piece for a bargain. You need to make sure that you get a genuine antique piece and not just a cheap imitation that is being sold as an antique. This being said, either you know how to identify the real thing or just refrain from buying.

Unique Suggestions: decide what you want to buy, do a little bit of research and call the antique stores to check out if they have that special piece you are looking for. If you are lucky and if they have it, make sure you do your homework and know what to look for in the piece (to identify if it is just a kitsch) once you get there. You need to make sure you are buying the real thing since you will most likely pay big bucks for it.

Updated Apr 11, 2008

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 Arts and Culture

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What to Pack  

Dress in Layers!
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Luggage and bags: small backpack for daily trips and a rolling suitcase or an expandable duffel bag

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Clothing depends on the time of year you travel, but it is always a good idea to dress in layers since the weather changes fast here. And a pair of comfortable shoes is a must since you will be spending most of your day on your foot, exploring the town.

July and August are extremely hot and humid. Dressing in light colors, loose clothing, and lightweight fabrics will keep you more comfortable during the day. Also, don't forget a hat to protect your head from the hot sun. A light jacket for spring and fall (in case it starts raining) is also a good idea.

During the winter months the weather can be so cold (especially when the wind is blowing) that no matter what you do and how you dress you will most likely be doing short and fast trips outside your hotel and you will find shelter in a museum or a restaurant. Hat, heavy coat, warm gloves, scarf and boots are a must!

Updated Apr 11, 2008

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Off The Beaten Path  

Fox River Trail

Fox River Trail, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  This is one of the best trails that you can use for biking, hiking or cross-country skiing during winter months. The trail is 32 miles long and you will experience very scenic trails of the Fox River. You will pass several points of interest: Carpenters Dam, Fox River... 

Balaji Temple

Balaji Temple, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  This is another stunning Hindu Indian temple that is located in Aurora, IL. It is worth a visit especially during one of the special celebrations. You will learn a lot about the traditions and the people. Check out their web site for hours and special events:... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Fox River Fishing

Fox River Fishing, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  Fishing is one great way to spend few hours by the Fox River. There is a variety of fish that you can catch, but the most popular ones are smallmouth bass, catfish, musky and walleye. you need to get a fishing license and you need to bring your own fishing pole and chair 

Kayaking on Fox River

Kayaking on Fox River, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  This is the place to go to if you want to do some kayaking in the area. They also offer kayak classes for all levels. You can rent a kayak from there and start exploring the river. For a single person kayak they charge $30 while for a 2+ days of rental you pay just $45 per... 

Favorites  

The best comedy club in town

The best comedy club in town, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  If you like standup comedy, make sure you stop by Zanies Comedy Club, inside Pheasant Run Resort. I have to admit I did not check them out yet, but I plan on going there soon. Check out their web site for more information: http://www.stcharles.zanies.com/index.php 

Bourbon Street Shops

Bourbon Street Shops, Saint Charles

 monica71 Says:  Pheasant Run Resort is also the house of an indoor replica of Bourbon Street, so if you want a sample of New Orleans, make sure you stop by . You can find shops that please even the most picky shopper! There is live music and entertainment all year round. lively atmosphere... 

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Map of Saint Charles