Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Missouri Tourism in partnership with Discover St. Charles. All opinions and photos are mine. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interest.

St. Charles, Missouri’s picturesque setting drew me to town. After exploring the Northeast Missouri River town overnight, I knew I wanted to return to see and do more.

Located a 30-minute drive from St. Louis, the city of over 70,000 residents maintains its “historically awesome since 1769” charm while offering locals and visitors one-of-a-kind restaurants, Main Street shopping, a thriving arts scene, and more.

The town may be known as the oldest city on the Missouri River, but its modern-day appeal makes it a town to put at the top of your travel bucket list.

Sip and Savor on Main Street and Frenchtown Historic District

The culinary scene is thriving, and the best way to familiarize oneself with the scene is to drop into eateries along Main Street and the Frenchtown Historic District.

Salt + Smoke

Locals told me to dine at Salt + Smoke (501 S. Main St.) before I walked the bricks to locate it. Known for its Texas-style barbecue restaurant with a massive inventory of bourbon, people love it for its relaxed patio setting and delicious menu selections. If you’re a beer drinker, they’ve also got you covered.

After placing my order for a cocktail and slow-smoked ribs appetizer, I listened to a band playing in the distance over the chatter of diners. A slight summer breeze blew enough to keep me cool and comfortable on a hot July day. I watched parents observe their kids feeding fish at the patio’s pond.

My server revisited the table to ask how my ribs tasted after a few minutes. “So good!” I muttered between bites. The deep smokey flavor and dry rub seasonings created the perfect outer crust, while the rib meat had just enough chew.

My dinner-sized kale salad arrived layered pulled smoked chicken and topped with copious amounts of goat cheese and walnuts. I didn’t leave a bite on the plate.

The server returned to clear my plate and we chatted about his love of aviation, an industry close to my heart. The final sips of my cocktail went down smooth.

I loved my dining experience so much that I returned the following evening for happy hour. Tempted to order the popular Eldest Uncle, a strawberry-infused gin cocktail, I caved and ordered another bourbon drink.

PRO TIP: Arrive for an early dinner or happy hour before the line forms for patio dining. I arrived on a Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and was ushered to an umbrella-covered table without issue. The line on Friday evening at the same time stretched about 12-15 people deep. Indoor seating is limited.

Bike Stop Café

Don’t you love an early-morning breakfast shared amongst friends? At Bike Stop Café (701 S. Riverside Drive), local cyclists converge on the restaurant to enjoy breakfast before a ride. It’s also a place locals love for its healthy menu choices ranging from its egg scrambles to unsweetened oatmeal bowls with seasonal fruit.

As I enjoyed a bowl of fruit and a coffee, I watched as cycling groups and individual riders parked their bikes, enthusiastic to see one another. Tourists entered the adjacent bike shop to inquire about renting bikes and helmets for a day’s trek along the Katy Trail State Park’s route.

Cyclists need a nourishing, healthy meal to last them through a long ride, and Bike Stop’s Café’s all-day breakfast and burger lunch menus fit the bill. Not a cyclist? The café is the cozy outdoor locale for those seeking to kick back on the patio over a made-to-order meal on a beautiful weather day.

PRO TIP: The bike shop doubles as a bike rental stop and retail store. Reserve an e-bike, hybrid, or gravel bike in advance to ensure availability.

Frontier Perk Café

Frontier Perk Café (108 S. Main Street) is a place to chat over coffee and fresh pastry and a locally popular breakfast and lunch destination. Now located in a space offering more seating, the restaurant caters to diners who appreciate made-to-order meals served until 3:00 p.m. six days a week.

Some locals warned me there might be a wait for a table, but I sat at a bar seat facing the barista within 15 minutes of my arrival at peak lunch hour. The restaurant’s brick-exposed walls and rustic wood, with a black accent interior, gave it a casual café vibe. As I devoured the poké bowl, I noticed servers delivering the popular Jake’s BBQ Wrap and crocks of French onion soup to diners.

MochaPoint Yemeni Coffee Co.

One of the newest businesses downtown, MochaPoint Yemeni Coffee Co. (343 N. Main Street), is worth experiencing for its non-traditional tea and Turkish coffee selections and fresh baked goods. Unfamiliar with Adeni Chai, an employee offered a sample of it. I loved it.

Its flavor depth was unlike standard Chai tea, containing pronounced floral and herbaceous notes. I drank the iced tea between bites of warm Honeycomb Bread stuffed with cream cheese and soaked in honey. Newcomers approached the counter and were greeted warmly as each one inquired about the unique menu items.

Other drinks on the menu included fruit refreshers and match teas. Coffee lovers may order boiled and unfiltered Arabic or Turkish coffee to pair with one of many fresh-baked pastries, including pistachio or almond croissants.

Good News Brewing Company

Good News Brewing Company (1121 N. 2nd Street), located in the nearby Frenchtown neighborhood, is a faith-based brewery and wood-fired pizzeria. Patrons become friends as they discuss the day’s happenings with bartenders and fellow beer lovers. Located in a restored firehouse, a back patio is a haven for locals (dogs welcome!) who want to enjoy small-batch craft beer in the sunshine.

It wasn’t long before I was visiting with locals about the Frenchtown Historic District, a hub for art and music lovers who care deeply about the neighborhood and its history. The brewery’s lack of televisions created a setting conducive to making new friends.

The pizza was so delicious that I nearly ate the entire 9″ pizza on my own. After finishing my meal and an IPA, which I also liked, I walked through a doorway to the adjoining Frenchtown Heritage Museum, where photography adorned the walls and poster artwork displayed behind glass.

PRO TIP: The museum is open during brewery hours and its contents rotate frequently.

Schlafly Bankside

At this point in life, I consider myself a craft beer connoisseur, having lost count of how many breweries I’ve frequented during my travels. So, I wanted to drink a pint at Schlafly Bankside (920 S. Main Street) since I was familiar with their beer list.

Originating in St. Louis, Schlafly’s Bankside location is a three-story brewery and restaurant with indoor-only seating. I choose an unfiltered IPA from a list of 14 beers on tap. Although I wasn’t hungry, the gastropub-style menu options sounded good, and the portions were large by the looks of someone’s burger.

PRO TIP: Ask about the Drink of the Day and the Soup of the Day.

La Belle Vie Café

On my last day in St. Charles, I returned to Frenchtown for breakfast. La Belle Vie Café’s (1200 N. Second Street) name lived up to the district’s European roots, with outdoor café tables on the front and back patio areas. Inside, exposed beams jutted from the ceiling to walls covered in ornate paper.

I previewed the menu in advance of arriving, so I knew I wanted to order The Figgins Sandwich, a scrambled egg croissant meal prepared with basil pesto, cheddar cheese, and spinach. The knife-and-fork breakfast arrived with toast, so I reminded them I wanted the customary fruit cup with it instead.

The baker’s croissant was one of the best-tasting I’ve eaten and the largest. (They bake fresh pastries daily.)

PRO TIP: I agree with Google reviewers. The restaurant gets busy by 10:00 a.m., so consider beating the rush and arriving at 9:00 a.m. like me.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Riverside Sweets

“Hey, Vanessa! Do you want to grab dessert after dinner?” You never have to ask me this question. I’d happily order a scoop of ice cream at Riverside Sweets (416 S. Main Street) any time of day, and its assortment of homemade candy is yet another reason to visit the confectionery.

Decadent ice cream flavors entice under illuminated glass. My purchase, a heaping scoop of cookies and cream in a cup, was perfectly portable for strolling Main Street’s brick sidewalks back to the hotel.

Grandma’s Cookies

Grandma’s Cookies (401 S. Main Street) was voted #1 Cookie Shop by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2024. I’ve never tasted a better homemade cookie. In fact, I saved one of my chocolate chip cookies for the drive home eventually eating it bite-by-bite over the next several days to savor it.

PRO TIP: Inquire about the Cookie of the Month flavor available Friday through Sunday.

Shop & Stroll Main Street

Park and walk Main Street to gain access to a multitude of locally owned shops selling clothing and home decor accents or experience hands-on fun making candles.

Candle Fusion Studio

I would rather make my candle than buy it at a big box store. At Candle Fusion Studio (104 S. Main Street), customers become artisans smelling aromatic oils to add to hot candle wax in a vessel of their choosing. With over 100 fragrances, I was excited to create mine made from an equal combination of vanilla and sandalwood, which I dripped into a small ceramic pot.

The staff poured the way, I stirred it for less than a minute, and then they added a trimmed wick to complete it. Within two hours, my custom candle was available for pickup.

I appreciate the simplicity of the experience and the staff’s helpfulness. I recommend the experience, and if shopping for others, pair a candle with other retail such as a 4-ounce handmade soap.

PRO TIP: View my Instagram Missouri highlight reel to watch a video of my candle-making experience.

MJ’s by Jujub’s

Women seeking a boutique selling on-trend apparel and accessories will appreciate MJ’s by Jujub’s (112 S. Main Street). A table covered with baskets of brightly colored patches caught my eye.

Shoppers can adhere patches of their choice to trucker-style ballcaps, a trending fashion accessory, or get creative and add them to a denim jacket. MJ’s offers hundreds of patches to choose from, whether you’re creating a hat for yourself or someone else.

Chuck and Lou

Chuck and Lou (610 Main Street) is where you shop when you want to take home a wearable souvenir or gift representing your St. Charles trip. The owner’s combined love for St. Charles and St. Louis is evident in the many branded shirts on display.

PRO TIP: The shop and its sister location in town host regular events. View its Facebook page to learn about DIY tie-dye t-shirt workshops.

Happy Camper Clothing

Do you love the outdoors? Shop Happy Camper Clothing (510 S. Main Street) for wearable threads that showcase your appreciation for nature. While the store specializes in screen-printed merchandise with outdoorsy messaging, you’ll also discover gift-worthy shirts, socks, and hats for those who love to support all things local.

Fig & Sparrow

I squeezed a stop at Fig & Sparrow (300 N. Main Street) into my shopping schedule, and I’m glad I did. The one-room shop specializes in kitchenware and gourmet food products, making it a must-stop for home cooks.

Cookbooks, cutting boards, bakeware, you name it, they carry it. Choose from table linens to bottled condiments as you collect items for purchase.

PRO TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for deals. Their signature line of bottled glazes and burger starters were marked down to only $5 at the rear of the store alongside other bargains the day of my visit.

April’s on Main

I love a boutique that caters to my love of the changing seasons, and April’s on Main (222 N. Main Street) suits me. Of course, the home goods store carries more than holiday decorations, but its thematic displays are a definite draw.

The store’s inventory included year-round home decorations, faux flowers and plants, lamps, wall decor, candles, pillows, handbags, and jewelry.

If you’re looking for a treasure for yourself or someone else, expect to spend at least a half-hour perusing displays in the 4,700-square-foot store.

Explore Local History

Considered “Historically Awesome Since 1769,” St. Charles was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader, Louis Blanchette. In its early days, it was settled by Canadian French colonists. When they arrived, they discovered Osage and Missouri Native American tribes.

Fast-forward to 1804 when Lewis & Clark used the town as the last stop to gather supplies before explored West up the Missouri River.

Today, it is home to over 70,000 residents who appreciate it for its historic roots as the state’s first capital city.

Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum

Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum (1050 S. Riverside Dr.) provides a visual timeline of events detailing Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s travels beginning in St. Charles. President Thomas Jefferson tasked the men with keeping detailed records of what they saw and who they encountered during the 8,000-mile journey West.

Retrace their journey by taking a self-guided tour of dioramas and exhibits that showcase natural artifacts. The most fascinating artifacts on view were the geological samples (Missouri geodes) and replica journal entries.

The museum sees over 25,000 visitors anually, including school groups, and many of its displays are kid-friendly. They will appreciate the Little Classroom walk-in house.  

PRO TIP: Walk behind the museum to see the boats on display, a traveling fleet of three replicas based on drawings by William Clark. They are on view when not used in events.

Lewis & Clark Monument at Frontier Park

After learning about the brave explorers, drive to the Lewis & Clark Monument (500 S. Riverside Drive) to shoot photos of the 15-foot bronze statue. Imagine your life as Lewis and Clark preparing to depart for an expedition in May 1804. The bronze busts installed around the monument represent men who joined the expedition.

Take a stroll along the Missouri riverfront’s paved sidewalks, taking breaks to admire one of the town’s well-known landmarks, Katy Depot. The restored building was restored and moved to its home on the Katy Trail State Park. If you travel with a bike or want to increase your step count, this is a recommendable rail-trail line for exercise enthusiasts.

Hit the Bricks Walking Tour

The single best way to immerse yourself in St. Charles’s history is to sign up for a Hit the Bricks Walking Tour. There are two tour themes, each departing from the tourism center (230 S. Main Street) in groups limited to 15 people.

My group, on The Key to the West: Pioneers, Explorers, & Traders…Oh My! tour, was handed old-school viewfinders to use when prompted by the tour guide along a five-block route. The guide talked as we walked from historic building to building, telling stories about the people who chose to live and work in St. Charles’ early days.

People of all ages are invited to participate in one-hour tours, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for uneven sidewalk surfaces.

First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site

When you experience a guided one-hour tour of the First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site (200 S. Main Street), you’re standing in the very place where the state’s first legislators met and made history-making decisions.

St. Charles was a center for trade, so the town’s center wanted it to become a capital city. Governor McNair signed a bill confirming its status in 1820, and legislators met there the following year to debate states’ and enslaved people’s rights.

The most interesting aspect of the tour was listening to our enthusiastic tour guide talk about the historical artifacts inside the restored Peck brothers’ general store and residence. The 1820s furnishings served as visual reminders or the hardship of early 19th Century life.

The tour costs departs from the lower-level gift shop, where St. Charles-themed merchandise is sold.

The Soda Museum & Arcade

If you or someone in your travel group loves quirky museums with unique themes, pay admission for a self-guided tour of The Soda Museum & Arcade (126 N. Main Street), a new addition to downtown.

The top two levels of the building contain glass display cases filled with vintage soda bottles and merchandise representing a portion of one man’s collection. The main floor showcases many Coca-Cola-branded items, while the third floor showcases other soda brands.

Gazing into display cases filled with thousands of bottles, cans, and fan merchandise is a nostalgic walk back in time. Which carbonated beverage did you drink as a kid?

For me, the best part of the museum experience was playing vintage arcade games downstairs. For $15, you can play unlimited retro games, ranging from classic Ms. Pac-Man and Ice Ball to old-school pinball machines.

PRO TIP: Add to the arcade experience by enjoying a meal from the snack bar with your favorite carbonated soda.

Admire Amazing Art

Foundry Art Centre

Art lovers will feel right at home at Foundry Art Centre (520 N. Main Street). The lower level’s galleries showcase rotating exhibitions and the upper level contains artists’ studios.

Some artists teach classes in their studio spaces while others use it to create their projects and sell them.

Once a train car factory in the 1920s, the building’s lower-level grand hall often hosts public events, including bingo nights and live performances.

I was impressed by the volume and variety of pieces curated for the Main Gallery’s show. The center’s events calendar lists upcoming art exhibitions.

Relax in Comfort

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Country Inn & Suites by Raddison (1190 S. Main Street) is a massive hotel within walking distance of Main Street restaurants and shops on picturesque Main Street. My check-in was easy, and the front desk staff greeted me warmly.

Admittedly, I didn’t use the hotel’s amenities like the indoor heated pool or fitness center because I spent time in my room relaxing when I wasn’t exploring St. Charles. Do you know what I love most about a comfortable hotel stay? Peace and quiet, a plush mattress, and a clean walk-in shower with good water pressure. Country Inn & Suites checked all the boxes.

Despite the hotel’s almost full capacity, I always found a parking spot in the covered garage or nearby lot. I preferred walking to most Main Street destinations versus moving my car.

As I departed, I took a last look at the hotel lobby, admiring its beautiful interior.

My overnight stay in St. Charles was one I’ll never forget. People often ask me, “What city could you return to for another visit?” It’s a short list, but St. Charles is definitely on it.

I hope you get the chance to explore the memorable sites and savor St. Charles’ best food while in Northeast Missouri. Tell them I sent you, and if you stop by the visitor’s center, ask them, “What’s up, St. Chuck?”