St. Charles (Missouri)

St. Charles, Missouri is just outside of St. Louis on the bank of the Missouri River. It was Missouri's first state capital and was one of the first stops by Lewis and Clark on their journey to explore the Louisiana Territory. Its historic Main Street has largely been restored to its 1812-era appearance and is lined with shops selling artwork, handicrafts, home decorations, and antiques. There are also many restaurants.

Get in
St. Charles is located on I-70 about 15 minutes West of St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

Get around
The city's historic district and casino are easily accessible on foot from the public parking garage on North Second St. next to the courthouse. Parking on Main Street itself is often difficult to find during the day, but lots on either side of this strip are usually free and open outside of special events. Little public transportation is available, but horse-drawn carriages make an enjoyable, if not entirely practical, way to visit the historic area.

Do

 * Attend the many festivals on Main Street and nearby Frontier Park.
 * Hike or bike the Katy Trail, the longest rails to trails park in the U.S.
 * The RecPlex in nearby St. Peters offers swimming, diving, a fitness center, indoor jogging, ice skating, and rock climbing and has been the home of U.S. Olympic Trial diving competition.
 * There are a number of county and city parks offering a wide variety of activities, and.
 * - located in St. Charles
 * There are a number of county and city parks offering a wide variety of activities, and.
 * - located in St. Charles

Buy

 * Historic Main Street has largely been restored to its 1812-era appearance and is lined with shops selling artwork, handicrafts, home decorations, and antiques.

Eat
There are many fine restaurants in St. Charles City and County. Among them are:

On North Main St.:

Others in the city:
 * Pio's on First Capital Drive.
 * Concetta's on First Capital Drive.
 * Vivian Vineyards North Second St.
 * Vivian Vineyards North Second St.

In the county:
 * Rizzo's Mexico Rd. in O'Fallon.
 * Erio's Jungerman in St. Peters.
 * Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, 3020 Highway K, O'Fallon, 379-3994
 * Mellow Mushroom, 4716 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, MO

Drink

 * City Club Tavern, corner of First Capitol and Main Street. Loud, smoky watering hole for locals lacking anything in the way of class or style. An increasingly popular hangout for twenty-somethings looking for a bargain. Bands play on some Friday nights and pool is free in the back. $2 domestic bottles. $3 specialty. $7 pitchers. Open till 1:30AM. Cash only.
 * Llewelyn's Pub, on Main St. is a converted bank with great food and daily specials. The outdoor patio offers a great place to eat while overlooking the Missouri River.  The restaurant offers a variety of food with one of the best Caesar salads around.  Private dining can be had in the vault with its original vault door nicely on display.

Go next
St. Charles County is filled with things to see and do. The Missouri Weinstrasse, State Highway 94, offers a lovely drive through the Missouri wine country, with many wineries to visit and scenic overlooks as it winds its way through hills and valleys and quaint villages along the Missouri River. The Daniel Boone Home and Village is nearby with tours for the public. The August Busch Conservation Area, a few minutes from downtown St. Charles, offers a multitude of lakes for fishing, hiking trails, a shooting range and a nature museum.


 * Troy is a short drive from St. Charles and offers many places to shop and eat as well as Cuivre River State Park. The State Park offers acres and acres of hiking, fishing, hunting and swimming.