Okay, I'm one of "those" who just doesn't love the urban sprawl. St. Charles (or Chucks as I mockingly call it) is just that. Strip malls and cookie cutter houses. If I had to live like that I would... More

Okay, I'm one of "those" who just doesn't love the urban sprawl. St. Charles (or Chucks as I mockingly call it) is just that. Strip malls and cookie cutter houses. If I had to live like that I would stab myself repeatedly in the eye with a pencil, as well as the neighbour measuring my lawn to make sure it is up to code. But I'm not going to dwell on that. I will to dwell on the good bits. Like Old St. Charles. Downtown. The cobblestone streets, the old capital! I LOVE downtown St. Chuck! They have a great brewpub (trailhead), many adorable shops, and lots of bars. Picasso is a great coffee house. I would not die if I had to live in this old French Quarter district. On Saturday we saw a wedding, and they always have horse drawn carriages going up and down main street. My favourite tea place is just a few blocks away. The French Quarter is far away from surburbia. It brings out the culture and love in a community. And I would move there, if I didn't have to admit I lived in St. Chucks. Blah.
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One tends to become a tad bit jaded living their whole life in Chicago. You forget that not every place in the world is filled with...(fill in name of "big city life" problems here). On a... More

One tends to become a tad bit jaded living their whole life in Chicago. You forget that not every place in the world is filled with...(fill in name of "big city life" problems here). On a recent trip to visit my old pal, City of St. Louis/Gateway Arch, I stayed in this lovely, welcoming little town. It's like a Norman Rockwell painting! The streets are lined with all NON MAN stores and restaurants, cobblestone roads and a beautiful park alongside the Missouri River. My personal faves were the sweet shops with the chocolate covered strawberries and yummy home made fudge. There was also a store that sold about a zillion bottles of hot sauce, and they even carried the Mike Ditka line (can't get away from him even in St. Louis) of BBQ sauce and mustard. I will definitely be returning to this small town charmer very soon
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