St. Charles, Missouri: 3 Days of Dining and Historic Charm

St. Charles’ historic Main Street has welcomed visitors – and diners – since 1769. Today, food lovers can enjoy dozens of restaurants on this strip, many of which offer al fresco dining with views of the charming downtown scene. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio at Bradden’s and relax in the laid-back charm of this cozy restaurant. Bradden’s offers a number of lunch and casual dining options, making it a favorite spot for locals. Gather friends to share small plates (and a glass or two) at Bella Vino Wine Bar & Tapas. Dishes include inventive salads like the Grapefruit Shrimp with pistachios and parmesan, and shareable plates including seasonal nachos, sliders and chorizo-stuffed dates.

Start with breakfast or lunch at farm-to-table powerhouse Prasino. The restaurant (whose name means “green” in Greek) offers high-quality, sustainable ingredients in a delicious “Contemporary American” style cuisine. Then head to the restaurant-packed Ameristar Casino Resort in St. Charles to maximize your evening dining options. The entertainment hub has been named “Best Overall Dining” by Casino Player Magazine. In the mood for a burger and fries while watching the game on a giant screen? Head to the Amerisports Bar & Grill. Looking for a martini and appetizers? Slide in to the swanky King Cat Club. Savor fresh seafood with a Southern flair at Pearl’s Oyster Bar. (Don’t miss the clam chowder in a bread bowl.) Stroll the Landmark Buffet for fresh-made pasta dishes, wok-sizzled stir-fry and much more. Or, indulge in a perfectly seared steak at Bugatti’s Steak & Pasta.

Dotted with family-run wineries and tasting rooms, the highway between Defiance and Augusta is the first-designated American Viticultural Area in the U.S. Take a glass of wine out to the wine deck at Chandler Hill Vineyards to revel in stunning views of the Missouri Valley. Founded in 2007, Chandler Hill specializes in Missouri wines and also offers a selection of wines from their vineyards on the U.S. west coast.  At scenic Sugar Creek Winery in Defiance, wine is the family business. Sugar Creek produces a wide range of wines from the dry Vidal Blanc to their spicy Sunset Red to the ruby-rich Signature Port, a great after-dinner sipper. In addition to their award-winning wine selection, the winery often hosts food trucks and live music.

St. Charles is located on Interstate 70, just minutes from Lambert St. Louis-International Airport (STL) in Missouri.