Main Street St. Charles
If you want to step back in time, literally, then head over to Main Street St. Charles. It’s a small quaint cobblestone town that sits by the Missouri River. The small shops and restaurants are reminiscent of old times. The way they have preserved the old buildings is remarkable. I love visiting here when I need a break. Over the years I have come to love a few stores and restaurants that I like to visit when I’m here. The best part about this magical place is the camaraderie that each business has with each other. It’s like a family on this little street and you can really feel that.
My ALL time favorite store on Main Street is Happy Camper Clothing. Stacey and her team (including her employee of the month husband) have made this cute little store a whole entire brand. The quality of the clothing is impeccable, and the hometown feel is exactly why I keep coming back. She really knows her customers and appreciates them. Her shirt designs are fun and she always supports local! (including the candles and stickers) The store has since expanded to include children’s apparel and men’s too! You can check them out on Etsy and IG for more information and to see all they have to offer. This place is a MUST SEE if you visit Man Street.
Another favorite of mine is Joy’s. Now there are two parts to this place and I will warn you it’s sensory overload, but totally worth it. The storefront has clothes and home decor and the back part is the market. I suggest the market! This store is full of booths that offer local vendors that range from metal art to homemade clothing and jewelry. I love this place so much becasue of how eclectic it is. Each booth is different but somehow all works together. Be sure to check them out and snap some pics in their selfie booth!
As for clothing boutiques with a twist, I suggest FR& Co. This place has adorable clothes but my favorite part is the cards and accessories. Their candles are hilarious and completely inappropriate… which of course I love. The cards they have make me laugh and I will drive out there just to get them. ( I am NOT a card person but I will buy these) The “keep your shit together” makeup bag they had a couple years ago was my go to gift. I’m pretty sure I bought every last one of them. They offer a wide variety of sizes and the shoes are fantastic! The staff is wonderful and so are their products. Check them out on IG or head over to their website.
Now if you find yourself hungry… don’t fret I got you. If you’re feeling like some sammies and salads check out Braydens. Be sure to check the hours before you go through. If you are feeling like some BBQ check out Salt + Smoke and their fantastic patio! They just did an upgrade and the outdoor space if beautiful. If you just want some damn good beer and bar food, check out Schafly Taproom (formerly Trail Head Brewery) If you’re looking for some drinks and a cute patio with some fantastic ambiance, walk next door to Old Millstream. Then head over to Sweet Poppins for some delicious popcorn. They even have a cute little room with a chalkboard room for the kids to play in. BUT if you want a Main Street staple you MUST try Grandmas Cookies. I can’t explain how delicious these cookies are. You have to try them and just enjoy them for yourself.
These suggestions are just a few of many places that Main Street offers. I would definetly carve out an entire day to explore. Or if you want to make a weekend out of it, there are PLENTY of Airbnb’s to stay at. There are candy shops , ice cream parlors, art galleries, soap stores, bars, boutiques etc. Be sure to check out all the holiday activities they offer too. Christmas on Main is one of my favorite holiday traditions. Especially when Santa comes :) They also have a Halloween celebration and Octoberfest on the river is INSANE! There are so many things to do on any given day it may take a couple trips to see all of it!!!!
Oh and be sure to check out the park and trails and live music in the summer… I could literally go on forever about this place.
