Frenchtown is a growing arts district located just steps away from North Main Street. Find quaint cafes, antique shops, and unique things to do in this growing creative community. Growth means there’s some ongoing construction, but detours are available to help visitors get around, and it’s still walkable from Main Street. Go for a cup of artisan coffee, stay for the vintage shopping, and soon you’ll find yourself with a craft brew on the patio of a local brewery. Discover activities and places to eat to add to your Frenchtown itinerary the next time you’re in Saint Charles.
HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE FROM COURSE COFFEE ROASTERS
Fuel up with a cup of coffee from Course Coffee Roasters, an independent coffee shop on Second Street in Frenchtown. They craft their drinks using coffee beans roasted in-house, sourced directly from trade distributors to preserve the unique flavors of each country and region. Whether you prefer a latte, a bold black coffee, or want to compare different flavors with a coffee flight, Course Coffee Roasters is a must-try in Frenchtown.
EXPLORE THE GALLERIES AT THE FOUNDRY ART CENTRE
The Foundry Art Centre is a vibrant hub where art and creativity bring people together. Home to rotating art exhibitions, a dozen studio artists, and a wide variety of art classes, the Foundry Art Centre invites visitors to connect with the arts in meaningful ways. Open to the public and free of charge, explore the latest gallery displays and sign up for classes in mediums such as painting, jewelry making, and ceramics, available for kids, teens, and adults.
Visit on the first Friday of each month when the Foundry Art Centre stays open late, offering free art programming, live entertainment, and often unveiling new exhibitions. The Foundry Art Centre has exceptional events throughout the year, like the Merry Makers Market in December, Fire Arts Fest in January, the Block Party in June, and the Tattoo Arts & Crafts Fair in August, making it a lively destination for art lovers of all ages.
RENT A BIKE FROM JUICED WHEELS AND RIDE THE KATY TRAIL
Hop on the 240-mile-long Katy Trail that borders the east side of Frenchtown. See more of the Katy Trail from the back of a rental e-bike from Juiced Wheels, where you can zip around further, faster. Enjoy views of the Missouri River, pass Historic St. Charles, and even make your way out to Historic Missouri Wine Country. Explore the interactive trail map on the Juiced Wheels website to plan your ride right from Frenchtown.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
ENJOY BRUNCH AT LA BELLE VIE
La Belle Vie is a charming Frenchtown café with a menu of flavorful coffees, sandwiches, and soups. Signature dishes include the Hinton French Dip, the La Belle Vie Lake Bake (two crispy hash brown nests topped with bacon, sausage, cheddar, and medium-over eggs), the Rogers Biscuit & Gravy, and the Old Fashioned Omelet. Enjoy your meal indoors or relax on the cozy outdoor patio.
GET A LOAF OF HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH FROM BIKE STOP BAKERY
Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread. Grab a loaf (or two) during your trip from Bike Stop Bakery. Choose from their assortment of handmade breads and baked goods, including their popular cinnamon rolls available on Saturdays and Sundays. While you’re at it, visit Bike Stop Café on Main Street, where you’ll find a full menu of their baked treats, wraps, sandwiches, and salads.
TRY A PINT OF LOCAL CRAFT BEER AT GOOD NEWS BREWING COMPANY
Cheers to a great time at Good News Brewing Company! Housed in an old firehouse, this spot serves wood-fired pizza alongside locally brewed craft beers. Try the Vampire Deathwish Pizza, topped with garlic sauce, spinach, feta, and mozzarella, perfectly paired with the citrusy Local 636 Hazy IPA. Grab a beer flight and take a seat at the bar, or enjoy a seasonal brew outside on the patio next to the historic ATSF train car.
GO INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING AT CLIMB SO ILL
Reach new heights at Climb so iLL. This indoor rock climbing gym has climbing walls designed for beginners, experts, and everyone in between. Rent climbing equipment or bring your own and explore this 1800s rail car manufacturing building from a new perspective. Try the rope stations, tackle the massive bouldering wall, scale the moon and tension training boards, and utilize the auto belay units. There’s even a special climbing zone just for kids: The Gravity Lab. It’s the perfect thing to do indoors in St. Charles. Young climbers will have a blast scaling the 20-foot-tall towers, floating blocks, fun climbing walls, and the top-out boulder (where they descend via a tube slide).
DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES AT ANTIQUE STORES
Explore three antiques stores within six blocks in Frenchtown. Black Cat Antiques & Such spills out onto the sidewalk and features antique items and décor that are as mysterious as a black cat (but without the superstition). Secondhand Chic Marketplace is only open for a vendor market on first weekend of every month. These events are extremely popular, and for good reason! These monthly markets feature vendors with vintage, rustic, farmhouse, and industrial furniture and décor. Frenchtown Antique Mall & Collectibles is an expansive mall that beckons visitors to discover a one-of-a-kind antiques and collectibles for their collection. Walk from store to store or drive (you may need a U-Haul for all of the goodies you find!). Discover more antique stores on the official St. Charles Antique Trail.
EAT MOUTHWATERING BARBEQUE AT BIG MO’S BBQ
Big Mo’s BBQ is a family-owned barbecue restaurant in St. Charles known for authentic, slow-smoked flavors. Indulge in their smoked meats and home-style sides like the pork steak, rib tip dinner, chicken wings, and ribs. Take your order to-go or enjoy it in their dining area for lunch or dinner.
Stop in Frenchtown the next time you visit St. Charles to see the charm and experience the creativity for yourself.