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St. Charles, IL: The Perfect Spring Break Staycation

  • Writer: STC Business Alliance
    STC Business Alliance
  • Mar 20, 2023
  • 9 min read

Updated: Apr 1

You don't have to travel far for incredible dining options, fantastic shops, and exciting entertainment. St. Charles, Illinois offers all of this, and more, and it's right in your own backyard. Instead of dealing with the headache of traveling a far distance for your Spring Break getaway, plan a Staycation right here in this city, and enjoy some terrific activities that you may even be trying for the very first time.



Home Away from Home

The beauty about staycations is that you have the flexibility to do whatever you want. While some people choose to stay home, others like to treat themselves to a night out. We recommend staying at one of the 10 lodging options that this city offers. This way, you feel like you really are away from home, and can solely focus on days packed with activities. Below are the excellent places that you can stay at throughout St. Charles:


Now that you're all settled in to where you are staying, it's time to start planning out days jammed-pack with activities!



Taste the City

One of the best things about taking a trip is trying different cuisines of where you're visiting. This is a perfect opportunity to spend some time trying spots in St. Charles that you may haven't had a chance to try, even if they've been at the top of your list. Here are some restaurants that are sure to give your trip some flavor.


Breakfast


Photos Courtesy of Coroco Coffee

You've got a full day of activities ahead of you, so you'll need to fuel up with breakfast! Coroco Coffee is a great spot right on First Street to get your morning cup of joe, as well as baked goods such as scones and muffins to go with it. Being right downtown, this female-owned boutique coffee roastery is in walking distance of some shops and other activities to fill your day with.


Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography and Kava Diem

Situated right by the Fox River, Kava Diem can help you start your day with an organic, grass-fed, sustainable breakfast, including favorites like their "Can't Beet it Avocado Toast". They also pair with local coffee roasters who provide them with direct, fair trade coffee beans, and offer a full vegan menu. After you've got your fill, you'll already be right next to the Fox River Trail to take a nice morning stroll.


Lunch



A Made in St. Charles award recipient, Smitty's on the Corner is the go-to place to pick up a delicious sandwich for lunch, made with only the freshest ingredients. This has been a staple in the community for some time, and for good reason, too! You won't find sandwiches like this anywhere else in the area, and their pickles that they make in-house with an over 100 year old recipe are the "cherry-on-top" of the meal.


Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography

Take some time to relax mid-day and head over to Gia Mia on First Street. Here, you can find some of the best wood-fired pizza in the area, as well as pastas, salads, a wide selection of wines and more. During lunch (11am-3pm), they have a special menu where you can get an entire meal for only $13.


Dinner


Photos Courtesy of Shakou

One of OpenTables Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America in 2016, Shakou should certainly be on your list of restaurants to try on this Staycation, as you can enjoy an award-winning sushi meal. With a stylish interior decor, and a menu filled with unique rolls, this is the perfect way to spend a special a night out.


Photos Courtesy of Club Arcada Speakeasy

Go back in time to the "Roaring 20's" at the Club Arcada Speakeasy. Not only is this a fun atmosphere to dine at, but they have offer delicious culinary creations, like their "Charlie Chaplin Chicken", and a large variety unique, hand crafted cocktails. They frequently host live entertainment for you to experience while enjoying your meal.


Sweets


Photos Courtesy of Kimmer's Ice Cream

Add some sweetness to your trip and stop by Kimmer's Ice Cream! You can taste the difference in their ice cream, as it's all homemade and in small-batches. With fun flavors that are always rotating like "Yellow Cake Batter" that you can get on one of their fresh-baked "Sparkle Cones", a stop at Kimmer's Ice Cream is always a treat.


Photos Courtesy of Mochinut

If you like donuts, you are going to absolutely love Mochinut's Mochi Donut - a mix between an American donut and Japanese Mochi. With it's unique shape and wonderful texture, you'll be hooked after eating just one. Make sure that you wash it down with one of their refreshing bubble teas, too!


Drinks


Photos Courtesy of The Lewis

Named after St. Charles' first mayor, The Lewis is this town's premier cocktail, wine and whiskey lounge right in the heart of downtown. The Lewis offers a vintage, 70's feel and has an impressive menu of incredible drinks, including a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, as well.


Sit back and relax with a bottle of wine at The Wine Exchange this Staycation. The Wine Exchange frequently hosts live music and wine tastings (click here to view upcoming events), and offer wine and spirits by the glass, as well as by the bottle. Pair a glass with one of their gourmet boards and dips, and you've got yourself an excellent afternoon.



Explore the Shops

Now that you've got your fill of some tasty food and drinks, it's time to shop. You can't go on vacation without bringing something back home, and St. Charles is filled with unique shops that offer products that you just can't find anywhere else. Here are some places you have to explore during your Staycation.


Photos Courtesy of The Pep Line

Located inside one of St. Charles' oldest buildings, The Pep Line has everything that you need if you're planning on giving your home a makeover. From furniture, artwork, rugs, and much more, all their products are "designer approved". Right now, their Spring Collection is now available online and in-store, and is the perfect way to bring the season into your home.


Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography

Located inside the St. Charles History Museum, is where you'll find the Curious Fox Gift Shop. If you're looking for something to bring back to remember this Staycation, this the place to go. They carry a wide-range of items that showcase this city, such as t-shirts, home goods, and prints. This is an ideal chance to visit the History Museum, too, and learn about how St. Charles came to be.


Photos Courtesy of Double Take Consignment

You never know what you'll stumble upon at Double Take Consignment. Filled with quality clothes and accessories for both adults and children, as well as toys, books and more, you'll have a blast exploring every inch of this store. There is a lot to look at, but their friendly, experienced is staff is there to help you find what you're looking for and to answer any questions that you may have.


Photos Courtesy of Ghoulish Mortals

Looking for a scare? Ghoulish Mortals is Chicagoland's only retail monster and horror store that offers unique artist-created merchandise that you just can't find anywhere else. From art prints, stickers, and jewelry, this shop is a great time that everyone will love, as long as you don't mind a little bit of a spook!


What Do You Look Forward to Most When Going on Vacation?

  • Trying New Restaurants

  • Going Shopping

  • Spending Time Outdoors

  • Seeing Live Entertainment


Have Some Fun

With both food and shopping all planned out for your Spring Break Staycation, next up is figuring some activities to put on your calendar. St. Charles offers tons of way you can have some fun, and with there being so much, you may even find something you've never done before. Below are some excellent activities that will make your Staycation a memorable one.


Rent a Bike from Sammy's Bikes

Want to explore the trails but don't have a bike? There's no reason to worry. At Sammy's Bikes, you can rent a variety of different bikes for the day, including road bikes and mountain bikes. Once you've got your ride, pedal on over to the Fox River Trail that runs right by the shop and enjoy the ride.


Create at Board & Brush

Photos Courtesy of Board & Brush

The best type of souvenir to take home is one that you created with your own two hands! At Board & Brush, you can create your very own wood sign without having to buy your own supplies. Frequently on Saturday mornings, they have a class where you can create your very own doormat, while sipping on $2 mimosas. Be sure to check their schedule here for upcoming classes.


Play a Round at Pottawatomie Golf Course

Opening Day for the Pottawatomie Golf Course was March 16th, and that's right in time for your Spring Break Staycation. Try and make par at this 9-hole course, while admiring the beautiful views of the Fox River. Originally designed in 1939, this course offers a variety of challenges like an island green design on hole 3.


Get a Massage at Sage Healing Collective

Photos Courtesy of Sage Healing Collective

Vacations are all about unwinding, and the best way to get there is with a massage. Book a massage at Sage Healing Collective, where they offer a variety of different options that will improve the mind and the body, such as a hot stone massage or a warm bamboo massage. On the Staycation with a significant other? They also offer a couples massage so both you and your partner can relax together.



View the Art at 116 Gallery

Photos Courtesy of Bigette Burgman Photography and 116 Gallery

116 Gallery is the premier independent gallery in the Western Suburbs, and is a must-visit on this trip. You'll get to view the works of local Chicagoland, national, and international artists in a variety of mediums, all inside a modern environment. Be sure to check their website here beforehand to view any upcoming events and exhibits.


Test Your Skills at iPanic Escape Room

Photos Courtesy of iPanic Escape Room

Want a challenge? Test your escape skills and head over to the iPanic Escape Room! Everyone will need to work together to find clues and solve puzzles in order to escape and win. There are a handful of different rooms to choose from, all with varying difficulty levels. Make sure to bring your "thinking-cap" and your best teamwork skills. Good luck!



First-Class Entertainment

Did you know that St. Charles is home to some outstanding, first-class theatres that show countless amounts of wonderful entertainment? From hearing the sounds of live music at the Arcada Theatre, to enjoying a theatrical performance at one of the local theatres, there is always good entertainment that awaits. If you're planning on going on your Staycation soon, these are a couple of shows coming up that you have to get tickets to.


The Steel Beam Theatre Presents: The 39 Steps, from now until April 2nd. The Steel Beam Theatre describes this fast-paced "whodunit" production as a mix between a Hitchcock masterpiece, a juicy spy novel, and a dash of Monty Python. This production is a two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award winner, is filled with non-stop laughs, and has over 150 characters that are played by a cast of four. Click here to get your tickets today, as this is one show that you won't want to miss.


Photos Courtesy of The Moonlight Theatre

The Moonlight Theatre is having a very special performance on March 31st, as you'll have the opportunity to listen to St. Charles native, Leslie Hunt, perform. Leslie Hunt is not only the owner of Hunt House Creative Arts Center in downtown St. Charles, but in 2007, she made it to the top-10 females on American Idol. For tickets and for further information, please click here.



While these are all fantastic activities to do during your Spring Break Staycation, there are tons more restaurants, shopping, and things to do around town. To find more of what this city offers, be sure to download the Travel St. Charles App - your insider's guide to everything St. Charles.






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