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?”
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
PRO TIP: 
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: J
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I stayed in the 
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the 
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at 
The 
From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, 
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at 
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the 
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. 
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed while enjoying the sounds of vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. Carve out time to visit the 
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
The boots are a tribute to T. C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store open in the 1870s. He made the first pointed toe boot. A fitting tribute since Abilene was a major stop on the Chisholm Trail.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the 
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). 
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the 
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their 
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include 
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale as the owner, Ron, told us the brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters. They are the only brewing in town that serves beer on nitrogen.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
Just like everything else in Fort Dodge, this TV-turned-fishbowl was yet another unique surprise to what could have been a typical stop for coffee experience.
We were pleased with the friendly customer service (the owner does it all!) and impressed by the breakfast menu featuring Eggels (bagel sandwiches) and an Acai Energy Bowl for health-conscious eaters.
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
The north-central community of over 45,000 people has much to be proud of. Daytrippers will be impressed by the downtown area’s thoughtful design and unique businesses with something for every kind of traveler.
THE BATH PUB
The staff can also help you recreate a scent from an item you bring into the store, like an old perfume bottle or candle.
The fun continues throughout the store. Visitors are encouraged to take a photo in the store window’s bathtub. Children accompanying parents will enjoy the kids-only area that encourages artful play.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover hand-made gift wrap, stationary for sale, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
Whether you’re in the mood to create a seasonal gift for your home or a complete dishware set, On The Pot provides all the supplies you need to finish the project.
Be sure to check out their inventory of Julie’s Stickers, a collection of whimsical drawings and sayings, to add to your purchase. The owners are in the process of creating five downtown Salina stickers to sell as well.
PRO TIP: Traveling with family? Groups of 10 or more can book the studio for a reduced rate on studio fees with a 
From outfits with vibrant colors to unique Cansuelas handbags, the store lives up to its motto, “Be a Little Eccentric.” Shoppers searching for day-to-day closet staples will also find what they’re looking for.
The clothing and shoes inventory is constantly rotating for the seasons, and shoppers are guaranteed to find sizes available from XS to XL.
Beautifully upholstered chairs sit adjacent to elegant lamps and candleholders. Ornate plates adorn tabletops. Framed artwork, figurines, blankets, and garden urns reveal the shop’s distinctly different inventory. Body products and greeting cards near the register make a fabulous gift for a friend.
PRO TIP: Browse Baron Mushmouse’s clothing racks for Bohemian-style blouses, dresses, and dark denim jeans.
Every well-equipped kitchen needs decorative towels and cookbooks with a pantry stocked with dip mixes and jarred condiments. You’ll find it all and more at The Market Shop.
PRO TIP: Wind your way through the store’s thematic displays for scented candles and home decor. The rear of the store is a clothing paradise for fashion-forward women.
A new outfit isn’t complete without matching accessories. Blushe Boutique’s selection of hats, jewelry, and shoes makes shopping for a last-minute dinner date a breeze.
PRO TIP: Because the store stocks seasonal clothing, check the clearance racks in the rear of the store for mega deals.
Locally-made furniture, art, and pottery are the focus of the shop’s inventory, and Flipping Fabulous carries most of the supplies one needs for at-home projects. You’ll discover the most extensive stock of Redesign with Prima in the world and Melange One Paints.
PRO TIP: Walk upstairs to admire custom-made gifts and home decor created by local and regional artists.
Thanks to ever-changing displays, you’re guaranteed to see something you want to purchase each time you visit.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend about half an hour inspecting the store to see everything it offers. If you bring a gal pal to shop, prepare to spend more time because so many of the finds are conversation-inducing.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet as a small group.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The menu consists of “world regional” fare, which to my surprise, includes 15 types of sushi rolls as well as nigiri and sashimi platters.
The linen tablecloths, orchestral music playing in the background, and robust menu options deliver an unforgettable meal experience at Barolo Grille.
I stopped for a refreshing margarita only to discover it was already Happy Hour at 2:30 pm. The setting was relaxed, and I made conversation with the bartender between sips while sports played on the TVs. I look forward to returning for lunch and Horchata Bread Pudding.
I felt like a kid again, savoring every bite of Lemon Custard ice cream as a Dagney’s employee shaped homemade waffle cones behind the counter. The color-changing plastic spoon made the whole experience nostalgic.
Choosing my entree, Penne Carbonara with Chicken, wasn’t easy because the menu ranged from seafood dishes and steaks to wood-fired pizzas. I appreciated the pasta dish, topped with a raw egg yolk that I was encouraged to stir into the black pepper cream sauce before enjoying it.
While all the street art designs are worth discussing, the enormity of the Mural at the Mill (343 N. Santa Fe Ave.) by Guido van Helten begs visitors for a closer look. The Australian muralist’s work wraps around all sides.
There is a buzz of creative momentum in Salina’s downtown. You can feel it as you shop, eat, and admire the area’s art scene. I recommend spending the day exploring it like a local.
