Destination: St. Charles

Historical St. Charles is called “Pride of the Fox,” named not for the animal, but for the Fox tribe of the Potawatomie Indians. Its location is on the mighty Fox River, just north of Geneva.                      

Amidst its bike paths and natural landmarks, St. Charles also offers unique shopping destinations that are a throwback to Main St. shopping of yesteryear. Antiques, home accessories, jewelry and art abound. The St. Charles shopping district is along North Avenue; you can take Rt. 88, to Rt.31 or Rt. 25 for a scenic drive along the Fox River heading north.   

Note: Many stores are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; parking is abundant and easy to find. Watch for Scarecrow Fest in October, the St. Charles Fine Art Show in late May, and Sisters Weekend in April.   

Just north of North Avenue on 2^nd Street is Century Corners Historic Shopping District, shops in former homes that date back to the 1850's. Go up the hill, and stop in Stonehouse on Cedar;the sign in front states Antiques and Simple Objects. The Stonehouse is filled with leather baskets, purses, quilts, Olivina soaps from Napa, Lotta Jansdotter products, Mat & Nat purses, and paperweights. It isthe perfect place to find a housewarming gift or pick-me-up, and also offers a gift and bridal registry. Don’t miss Cottage of Industrial Antiques located in a separate area in back of the store.   

Artemisia is on Cedar Ave, and has home interior gifts, statuary, “Scentimental Gardens” designs and accessories. Artemisia gives the shopper plenty of decorating ideas like planting wheatgrass in urns, Votivo candles and old fishing buoys. Don’t miss TownhouseBooks, charming and quirky, with funky lighting. Townhouse is stuffed with contemporary books and is a favorite place to have lunch (soups, sandwiches, coffee). Townhouse also provides “author-signing” dinners, providing entertainment beyond shopping hours.   

Crossing the street from Townhouse is Panache, a girly-girls boutique nestled in a Victorian home, carrying garden accessories, clothing (Free People) and jewelry. A small but substantial sale rack can be found in the back. Making your way back to Main St., stop in the Warehouse Antique Shoppe and Confectionary, for a sweet treat and more antiquing.   

Back on Main St., The What-not-Shoppe has fine art, marcasite jewelry and estate antiques. Crossing the bridge in the downtown area, discover the cement foxes that oversee the town, and peek into the retro HotelBaker (the lobby bar is perfect for martinis and jazz). Venture into the 3^rd Street Shops: 20 individually owned boutiques that include CrystalLifeTechnology for stones and environmental products, Coffee Drop Shop, Needle Things, Pottawatomie Popcorn, and ThePretty Palette for rubber stamps and supplies.  

Heading west on Main is Eliza Jane, a shopper’s find, with Em Gray & Sif purses, ME! Bath products, Bessie’s Girl custom handbags (a mix of vintage mink, fabrics), Fair Trade lines and Petunia Pickle Bottom fabulously chic diaper bags. Eliza Jane has a spa in the back, whose PMS (Pamper Me Silly) package includes an ice cream pedi complete with marshallow masque. Check out the complete menu of services at elizajanegirl.com. Eliza Jane even offers a “manners university” for young men and women!   

For big appetites, and thirsty shoppers, Main St. overwhelms with pubs and eateries. Try McNally’s for Irish cuisine, The Beehive Tavern and Grill, Pub 222, Miguel’s on the Fox for Mexican, or The Filling Station,which isbilled as a navigational landmark in downtown. If shopping isn’t your forte, then stop at the St. Charles Heritage Center and Museum on east Main and 3^rd Ave, the Arcadia Theatre (vaudeville and movie palace), or the paths along the Fox and observe the year-round fishermen, and the fish that try to jump up the falls!  

Whatever way you decide to spend your day in St. Charles, you can’t help but be charmed.

 

WHAT YOU’LL FIND HERE:

 

Antiques: Antiques Market I & III, Artemisia, Tivoli Garden, Warehouse Antiques, What-not-Shop, Dearborn House Antiques and Garden

 

Apparel: Bella Bridal Shop, Directions in Clothing, Panache, Le Grande Trunk

 

Spas: Mario Tricosi, The Men’s Groom Room, Nuances, Tranquility Skin/Body Care, Eliza Jane  

 

Specialty Stores: The Cottage Stamper, Vertical Drop Ski & Patio, Eliza Jane, Diamond Mart, La Galerie, Lucky Dog, Luxurious Suds, Mr. Marco’s Jewelry, Bull & Bear Tobacco, Panache, The Stonehouse, American Black Forest Clocks

 

Restaurants/Specialty Foods/Coffee Shops: Blue Goose Super Market, Coffee Drop Shop, Townhouse Cafe, Smitty’s on the Corner, Starbucks, Breadsmith, The Beehive Tavern, The Filling Station, Thirsty Fox Pub, Pub 222, Miguel’s on the Fox, McNally’s Irish Pub, 18 North

 

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer - Meg'n Braida.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by SeeMoreShopping.   Publ. 04/08.