Get Your Kicks in St. Charles
February 28, 2025 | Logan Breer
The 2025 Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference is coming to St. Charles, MO at the St. Charles Convention Center between July 22nd and 24th. The Convention Center will be our hub where the conference sessions, deep dives, tour pickups, and networking will take place. There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to see St. Charles Main Street during select evening events, lunch breaks, and scavenger hunt side quests.
St. Charles
St. Charles has gone by many names over its 200 plus year history including “Les Petites Cotes” by the French when it was founded in 1769, “San Carlos Borromeo” between 1762-1800 when under Spain’s control, and its current name “Saint Charles” that was coined following Lewis and Clark’s visit through on their exploration westward. Located on the Missouri River, it is perfectly positioned to be a hub for westward expansion. As the town grew to accommodate more pioneers and settlers – including German settlers who would develop the area into a lush wine region with many vineyards – it kept its French heritage that can be found in the architecture of its downtown buildings. St. Charles even served as Missouri’s First State Capitol for a short period of time. The town has been well preserved by its past and current residents who ensure that its unique history and architecture will remain intact for people to learn from, explore, and enjoy.
With countless restaurants including pubs, coffee houses, and retail, you will discover the historic ambiance that millions of visitors have enjoyed including explorers, pioneers, statesmen, and steamboat captains. There are great meals in a variety of cuisines including Southern, Mexican, Barbeque, Asian, Thai, Yemeni, and more. St. Charles’ Main Street is a great shopping destination to research about a great business mix or purchasing wonderful items and souvenirs. If you have time to arrive early or stay late and are a wine fan, you can visit the Historic Missouri Wine country that was recognized as the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1980. This region around St. Charles includes amazing wineries and vineyards developed by German settlers including Augusta Winery, Balducci Vineyard, Chandler Hill Vineyard, Defiance Ridge Vineyards, Montelle Winery, Mount Pleasant Estates, Noboleis Vineyard, and Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyard.
St. Charles Main Street Foundation
The St. Charles Main Street Foundation works to support 300 local businesses and organizations within its historic commercial district spanning 13 blocks. This historic commercial district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a designated National Historic District. Their volunteers continue the tradition of preserving the character and history of St. Charles by supporting new and existing businesses, enhancing the physical and visual assets of their downtown, positioning their district as the center of the community, and fostering community engagement.
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) is also excited to preview this year’s conference theme “Get Your Kicks on Main Street” and invites you to embrace our theme by getting your kicks in St. Charles. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the theme in March’s Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference featured article. In the meantime, MMSC alongside St. Charles Main Street Foundation and Discover St. Charles warmly welcomes and encourages you to get to know the quintessential, charming City of St. Charles where endless possibilities await you at this year’s conference.
