Recently I got to visit a beautiful city along the Missouri river, one that is proud and ready to tell their visitors all about the interesting history of the pioneer city. This city is called St. Charles. (Best Bud and I were there to dabble in the views and shopping) It was the first capital of Missouri.
The roads along the historic district are brick, in various sizes, so your tires will let you know when you are in the heart of it all. Off to the left you can see the Missouri river, and on the right you see streets filled with dated majestic and humble homes. Inside of these various old business buildings and homes, you will find many of the areas treasures made by local artists, antiques for learning about, and several you have the option to purchase.
We parked next to the old mill, where a once working water wheel still sets against the left outside wall.
The morning shadows slowly back away to revel a small dining area nestled in a grove of gnarled trees. If you get a chance to shop in this wonderful area of town, keep in mind that most of the shops don't open til 10, or 10:30 am.
The first shop we popped in (they opened early!) was The Flower Petaler.
Oh this is a wonderful shop. On the windows walking up to the door were some beautiful wreaths. Thinking this was just a flower shop, I figured I would be in and out quickly. BOY, was I wrong! First off, there were several rooms and two upstairs! The first room was full of fall arrangements. These looked real! Wow. There were lots of pumpkins, gourds, little squirrels, acorns, and bronze, orange, and deep yellow leaves scattered amongst various arrangements. Not really needing anything for fall, I moved on into the other room, oh! This one was full of very rich colors, deep reds, and such. The next room was full of greens, so many shades and styles, I really spent some time looking around. My best girlfriend found an arrangement she wanted in this room. Hooray!
Wandering around we discovered there was also jewelry, scarves, and some antiques purchased from local estate sales. Yeah now I'm jazzed. Snooping around, with help of a great sales lady, I found all sorts of neat items I was interested in. There was even a Christmas room, with all sorts of trees decorated up and any ornament imaginable available. The nativity scenes, and ornaments, and the nutcrackers were beautiful and affordable. Upstairs, I managed to find the sale area, (go figure huh?).
Leaving the store, my friend and I both found an arrangement we couldn't leave without and a few other little items too! Score!
For lunch, we decided to try Lewis and Clark Restaurant (
http://www.lewisandclarkrestaurant.com/). We had great service, and the food was great! I got a grilled feta chicken and side order of alfredo. Delish!
So, if you are ever in the St. Louis area and want a great historic shopping/dining experience, please consider stopping by St. Charles. The people are friendly, the food is great, and eye candy is just everywhere!
Look at the towns first church/school house! The wood is laid vertical instead of the typical horizontal...hmmm. Very interesting!
