The weather is cooling down, the days are getting shorter, and the snow is starting to fall. All of this can only mean one thing: winter is here in St. Charles, Illinois. Even though some may dread this time of year, this city has no shortage of things to do. Here are some great activities to take part in around town that will ensure your winter season is one to remember.
Go Ice Skating, Sledding, and Snowshoeing
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District and the St. Charles Business Alliance
Even in the blusteriest of winters, St. Charles has excellent outdoor activities you can enjoy. Lace up your ice-skates and head over to one of the ice rinks at Davis Park, Timber Trails Park, or Lincoln Park. Looking for a thrill that children will love? Catch some speed by sledding at Langum Park or Timber Trails Park. If you are in the mood to take a hike, don't forget to grab a pair of snowshoes so you won't have to worry about sinking into the deep snow covering the ground. Don't let the weather stop you this year! Get out there and appreciate the beautiful outdoors that help make St. Charles so wonderful.
Dine Out During Restaurant Week
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
There's no better time to try that restaurant you've been eying than during St. Charles Restaurant Week. This five-day event takes place from February 20th through February 24th and is the perfect opportunity to support local! Participating restaurants will be offering 15% off your bill of $20 or more at any time of the day they are open (excluding alcohol, tax, and gratuity). Make sure to download the Travel St. Charles app, as well. When you download the app, create an account, and check into one or more restaurants during Restaurant Week, you'll be entered to win a chance at a $25 gift card to a St. Charles restaurant! To find more information about St. Charles Restaurant Week, please visit stcalliance.org/restaurantweek.
Enjoy the Coffee Shops
Photos Courtesy of Kava Diem, Coroco Coffee, Biggby Coffee, and the St. Charles Business Alliance
A hot beverage on a frigid day hits the spot every time. Fortunately, St. Charles is home to some terrific coffee shops that will fill you with warmth. Right on First Street, you have Coroco Coffee - a female-led coffee shop that offers a variety of specialty drinks, along with some delicious baked-goods. The Arcedium Coffee House is another great spot to grab a drink to sip on, as they roast fresh, fair trade & organic coffees daily. Nestled right by the Fox River is Kava Diem, where you can find quality and sustainable coffee, and delectable breakfast and lunch items that are organic, pasture raised, and humane. Searching for a coffee drink you haven't had before? Biggby Coffee has a "BIGG List of Drinks" filled with countless flavor options for coffees, teas, smoothies, and other beverages.
Find a Book at Townhouse Books or the St. Charles Public Library
Photos Courtesy of Townhouse Books and the St. Charles Public Library
When the weather outside gets frightful, it's the perfect time to curl up and dive into a great book. Stop by Townhouse Books, where you can find a variety of books for all ages, with friendly, knowledgeable staff that can assist you during your search. Not sure what you're looking for? Head to their website where they have popular staff-curated lists with tons of recommendations for books of all genres. The St. Charles Public Library is another excellent resource to find books, as well. If you are a St. Charles resident, you can get a free library card that will allow you to have access to tons of books, DVD's, and more!
Catch a Performance at a Theatre
Photos Courtesy of the Arcada Theatre, the Steel Beam Theatre, the Kane Repertory Theatre, and the Marquee Youth Stage
St. Charles is home to many fantastic theatres and theatre groups that offer entertainment that is second-to-none. The historic Arcada Theatre hosts many musical performances and other entertainment, such as silent film nights. In late January and early February, the STC Theatre will be presenting "The Odd Couple - the Female Version" which is a story of friends with very different personalities that become roommates. "This Random World" is a performance you can catch at the Steel Beam Theatre in late January and early February, as well, and asks the serious question of how often we travel parallel paths through the world without noticing. Other theatres in St. Charles include the Marquee Youth Stage and the Kane Repertory Theatre who also have many performances throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the opening of Moonlight Theatre - a new theatre coming to downtown St. Charles! The Moonlight Theatre will offer an array of quality entertainment, and is situated in the Idle Hour Theatre that was built in 1900.
Sip on Wine and Create Art
Photos Courtesy of Board & Brush and Pinot's Palette
Plan the perfect evening out by creating art while sipping on some libations. Stop by Board & Brush to create your very own wood sign, without having to worry about buying all the supplies and making a mess in your home. They have a wide array of different signs you can make, and you can view the options beforehand on their website. They have beer and wine that you can purchase right at the workshop, as well. If painting is more of your thing, than Pinot's Palette is the place for you! You can choose what picture you'd like to paint by booking a session on their website. When you get to the studio, their artists will guide you step-by-step through the process to make sure you leave with a masterpiece you've created yourself!
Take Your Dog to a Dog Park
Photos Courtesy of @murphy_thegoldenboy_ and the St. Charles Park District
Your pup will love the chance to blow off some energy while playing around in the snow, so take a trip to the dog park! There are three dog parks in St. Charles: East Side Sports Complex, James O. Breen Community Park, and the River Bend Community Park. All of these parks allow for your pal to run free without a leash, and to enjoy the interactive play features that the parks have. To find more information on each dog park, please visit https://www.stcparks.org/dog-parks/.
Learn to Cook at Fox Den Cooking
Photos Courtesy of Fox Den Cooking
There's never a bad time to work on a skill, so this winter, refine your culinary skills at Fox Den Cooking. This cooking school incorporates fun and excitement when learning to make new cuisines! You can learn to make a variety of different dishes such as making pasta from scratch or whipping up comforting soups and chilis. They even offer special cooking classes for kids so that they can start learning at an early age.
Compete at a Trivia Night
Photo Courtesy of the St. Charles Business Alliance
Test your knowledge at one of the many trivia nights around town, such as the R-House trivia on Thursdays at 6pm, or trivia at Alter Brewing +Kitchen on Wednesdays at 7pm. Many restaurants and bars will even have themed trivia nights, which you can usually find beforehand on their website or Facebook pages. For a weekly list of the trivia nights taking place throughout St. Charles, you can visit stcalliance.org/trivia. So grab some friends, and show off what you know!
Go Bowling
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Bowl
A "striking" good way to spend a winter's day is to hit the lanes at the St. Charles Bowl. Voted best Bowling Alley in Kane County in 2022, this is great activity that everyone will love, regardless of age. On Friday and Saturday nights, they offer "Xtreme Bowling" where you can bowl while your favorite music videos are being played on jumbo projection screens and enjoy food and drink specials. Before you head out, don't forget to visit the Spare Time Bar & Grill located in the bowling alley to grab a bite to eat before you head home.
Looking for more things to do this winter? Read our Seasons Page and download the Travel St. Charles app to find terrific local restaurants, shopping, events, and more that will help make this season fantastic.
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