It doesn't get much better than the fall season here in St. Charles. With all the beautiful colors around, seasonal foods to eat, and festive activities to take part in, this town makes for the ideal place to visit during the harvest season. To make your planning easier, we've put together a three-day itinerary for your next fall getaway to St. Charles. Keep reading below to learn more.
Breakfast at Alexander's Cafe
Photo 1 Courtesy of Alexander's Cafe. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
It's important to start your day off on the right foot, so for your 3 day fall getaway to St. Charles, your first stop is going to be to Alexander's Cafe to try their special Fall Menu! With offerings that include Apple Cider French Toast, or The Great Pumpkin Pancakes, this is an outstanding way to dive head first into the spirit of the season.
Shop for Fall Décor
Now that your filled with some unbelievable fall flavors, it's time to do a bit of shopping! It's always exciting getting to decorate your living space with all sorts of fun fall décor, and with plenty of shops in town that can offer you just this, you'll be 'wowed' when you embark on this shopping spree. Stop by establishments such as The Pep Line, trend + relic, and House of Charlemagne to find unbelievable products to add festivity to your home.
Lunch at Smitty's on the Corner
Photos Courtesy of Smitty's on the Corner
Now, following your shopping spree, you're going to need to refuel before you embark on your next activity. Smitty's on the Corner is an absolute staple in the St. Charles community, offering delicious sandwiches only using the freshest ingredients! If the day has a chill in the air, you can even warm up with a bowl of their homemade soup!
Admire Fall Colors
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
You simply cannot go on a fall getaway without admiring the stunning fall colors, and St. Charles is an excellent spot to do so! With the vast amount of parks, forest preserves, and trails throughout this city, you'll stumble across unbelievable natural beauty in every direction. If you're looking to bike the trails to see colorful views, Sammy's Bikes rents all different kinds that you can use while you're cruising the paths.
Dinner at The Filling Station Pub & Grill
Photos Courtesy of The Filling Station Pub & Grill
For your final meal of day one of your fall getaway, you're going to head over to another St. Charles staple - The Filling Station Pub & Grill. Calling this town home for over 35 years, you can never go wrong with a visit here to savor one of the best burgers around, and their other tasty fare. Plus, fall calls for chili, and they offer a homemade turkey chili that will be sure to hit the spot every time.
Hay Ride at Primrose Farm
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
What better way to celebrate the Harvest Season than on a farm? For the last activity of day one, you're going to take a trip to Primrose Farm to take an Autumn Hayrides. These tractor-drawn rides are available until October 19th, and will give you a wonderful views of the farmland that simply can't be beat. Plus, after the ride concludes, you'll be able to make yummy s'mores over an open fire to end your evening on a high note. To find more information and to register, please click the button below.
Breakfast at a Coffee Shop
Photo 2 Courtesy of Maple Leaf Coffee House
Now that you're all rested from day one of your fall getaway, it's time to embark on day two! For your first stop, head over to a local coffee shop in town such as Maple Leaf Coffee House, Arcedium Coffeehouse, or Coroco Coffee for seasonal beverage, because what's autumn without a little pumpkin spice? This is a superb way to start off your morning on a high note, as you can pair your drink with a scrumptious pastry to fuel up for the rest of the day.
Shop for Fall Apparel & Self-Care Products
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Don't you worry, your shopping experience didn't end on day one! For your next shopping spree, you're going to be on the hunt for fashionable fall clothing, and self-care products that will get you in the spirit of the season. For apparel, you won't be short on options, as you can find fantastic clothing at Jeans and a Cute Top Shop, Double Take Consignment, and Makoma House, just to name a few. Once you've found your perfect fall look, make a visit to Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. for plant-based self-care products, or MION Artisan Soap for their Cinnamon and Orange Scrub and Body Butter.
Enjoy Pho for Lunch
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Pho Ly
Fall season means soup season, and we can't think of a soup more warm and comforting than Pho! For lunch, head to either Pho Ly right downtown, or Pho 95 just east of downtown for this Vietnamese staple. This is an exceptional meal to enjoy on a cool autumn day, filled with mouthwatering broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings that are sure to thrill your taste buds!
What Are You Looking Forward to the Most at Scarecrow Weekend?
The Scarecrow Contest
Stage Performances
Family-Friendly Activities
Roaming Entertainment
Sip Cider at Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
The fall season and craft cider is a match-made in heaven! Fortunately for St. Charles, there is an amazing business in town that makes some award-winning ciders and meads that can certainly get you in the fall spirit, if this trip hasn't done it to you already. At Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, Not only are their drinks wonderful, but talking with the owners in itself is worth the trip, with their vast knowledge on everything brewing and fermenting.
Dinner at McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen
Photos Courtesy of McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen
Now that you've tried some fantastic cider, it's time to get some food in your stomach! Right in the heart of downtown is a community favorite: McNally's Irish Pub & Kitchen. Here, you can relish in some unbelievable Irish cuisine, all surrounded by an authentic Irish ambiance. Not only is their fare second-to-none, but you can also enjoy one of the best Guinness's around.
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Your not celebrating the fall right if you don't mix in a little spooky entertainment! It's always fun to see how people use their creativity to deck out their homes with all sorts of Halloween décor, and you can admire some of the scariest homes in St. Charles with the St. Charles Park District's Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour. Starting October 17th through Halloween, you can visit their website by clicking the button below to access a free tour guide to all the homes! It's recommended to view the homes from dusk until 10pm, and it's important to remember to respect the homeowner's property!
Breakfast at Tasty Biscuit Pancake House & Restaurant
Photos Courtesy of Tasty Biscuit Pancake House & Restaurant
It's hard to believe your already on the last day of your fall getaway, but we're going to make sure that day three has just as much autumn fun as the first two. You're going to do a lot today, so make sure you get a hearty breakfast from Tasty Biscuit Pancake House & Restaurant! Specializing in waffles and pancakes, you have to try their Cinnamon Swirl Bomb Pancake made with Cinnamon Butter and Topped with Swirls of Cream Cheese Icing. If you're after something savory, try their Tasty Chicken and Bacon Waffle made with Fried Chicken Breast, Two Eggs Scrambled, Cheddar Cheese, and Country Gravy.
Get Pastries from a Bakery
Who said you can't have dessert after breakfast? Explore a variety of fall baked-goods by visiting a local Bakery in town, like Mad Batter Bakery & Confections or Brown Butter Bakery to pick up a sweet treat to enjoy! What's great about doing this on the last day of your visit is that you can even pick up a few more to enjoy in the mornings when you get back home, ensuring your fall getaway doesn't come to an end when you leave St. Charles.
Visit a Brewery
Did you know: St. Charles is home to six craft breweries? A popular activity in the fall is savoring the flavors of craft ales, so make sure to set aside some time to visit ours in town! The breweries are as follows: 93 Octane Brewery, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, D&G Brewing, Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling, and Riverlands Brewing. Looking to visit all six? Take our Brew Tour Challenge and check in at each spot to receive an exclusive brew tour t-shirt! Click the button below to learn more.
Catch a Football Game at Lunch
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
The fall season means football season, and football season means visiting your favorite local establishments to witness all the big plays! While you're on this fall getaway, don't forget to root for your favorite teams! St. Charles is home to wide-array of restaurants and bars where you can watch all the action, including Flagship on the Fox, Rookies All-American Pub & Grill, The Hive Tavern & Eatery, and Dukes Northwoods, just to name a few. So, sit back and relax with a thirst-quenching beverage and some gameday food, and you'll feel like you're the one who just scored that game-winning touchdown.
Make a Craft at Board & Brush
Photos Courtesy of Board & Brush
You can't take a trip without getting a souvenir, and what better souvenir to get than one that you've created with your very own hands? Board & Brush allows for individuals to craft their own wood sign, with all the guidance and materials needed to create a masterpiece. They have a variety of fall décor to create, which you can view on their website. Plus, with wine available for purchase, your class is sure to be a great time. To view their upcoming class schedule, please click the button below.
Dinner at The Graceful Ordinary
Photos Courtesy of The Graceful Ordinary
Let's make your final dinner of your fall getaway a great one! Discover the award-winning flavors of The Graceful Ordinary. Each dish they create is made only with the freshest ingredients, sourced locally. Because of this, every dish is seasonal, like their Slagel Farms Truffle Stuffed Chicken, ensuring they you are getting a delicious meal that is ideal for the autumn season.
Grab a Fall Sweet Treat
Photo 2 Courtesy of Kilwins
Since your getaway is starting to come to a close, let's make sure to end your trip on a sweet note! For your final stop, you're going to savor a delicious fall treat from one of the local establishments in town, such as the famous Caramel Apples from Kilwins, or a seasonal scoop of super premium small batch ice cream from Kimmer's. It's the perfect "cherry on top" to end your fall getaway with a goodie that will leave you smiling!
2024 Scarecrow Weekend is just around the corner! While you're enjoying all the creative scarecrows and festivities taking place, make sure to stop by and support our amazing local businesses! Many places are offering sales, specials, and promotions in honor of the weekend - click above to learn more!