St. Charles, Illinois - A place of charm, history and treasures

04/21/2007 - St. Charles, Illinois, embracing the banks of the Fox River, beckons visitors from around the world with its natural charm and historic treasures. Located just one hour west of Chicago, St. Charles offers the perfect leisure, meetings, and group traveler destination.

The city, founded in 1834, remains true to its 19th century heritage yet also presents the very best in today's accommodations and tourism amenities.

Many of its original homes, churches and commercial buildings are still standing, enabling visitors to step back in time to early Midwestern America.

St. Charles' charming downtown boasts museums, historic shopping districts, fine cuisine and architectural treasures all within walking distance.

Discerning shoppers delight in browsing throughout downtown St. Charles and visiting specialty boutiques and antique stores.

St. Charles "antiquing" reputation dates almost 40 years back when the nationally famous Kane County Flea Market launched its monthly gathering of merchants from throughout the Midwest.

For shoppers seeking more contemporary treasures, the Charlestowne Mall features more than 120 stores, including Von Maur as an anchor, a food court offering a splendid array of choices, and a unique, Italian double carousel that is a "must ride" for delighted shoppers and children. Monthly events and special shows entice shoppers to visit time and again.

As the lovely Fox River winds its way through the center of St. Charles, the east and west banks offer historic, architecturally pleasing shopping districts: "Old St. Charles" on the west and "Century Corners" on the east. St. Charles' Main Street Bridge offers spectacular views - as well as easy access to both sides of the river - to pedestrians who are welcomed by four bronze foxes, commissioned from France in 1927 by famous plumbing magnate Herbert Crane, who proudly guard the community's main thoroughfare.

Just as the river nourished the early economy of the city, the river's banks fostered today's outdoor recreation options. North of the bridge lies Pottawatomie Park. Dating back to the 1870's, this is the first park established for public use by the Illinois Park Act of the early 1900s.

Today, two paddlewheel boats, reminiscent of the days of Mark Twain, depart from Pottawatomie Park, enabling visitors to cruise and enjoy the Fox River, while its stately pavillion, recently renovated by public donations, graces the lush green lawns of the park.

Visitors marvel at the charm and beauty of many restored buildlings built in the early 1900's when St. Charles' economy felt its first "boom". Local businessman, John "Bet-A-Million" Gates made his fortune by mass-marketing barbed wire and oil and, when he died in 1911, the bulk of his estate went to his wife, Dellora and son, Charlie. Sadly, both Charlie and his mother passed away by 1918, leaving the Gates' estate to Dellora's brother, "Colonel" Edward Baker, and niece, Dellora Angell (Norris).

By 1926, Dellora Angell was married to her childhood sweetheart, Lester Norris. Together, they built the Arcada Theatre, located on Main Street on the river's east side. Opened at the height of vaudeville's popularity, the elaborate, Spanish/Moorish-style structure seated 1000 and showcased entertainers including Burns and Allen, Ginger Rogers, and John Philip Sousa.

Two years later, in 1928, "Colonel" Baker (not a military title; rather, one of endearment and respect) built the fabulous Hotel Baker on the Main Street Bridge west side. With 53 beautiful and unique guest rooms and a oval ballroom featuring a lighted glass floor (only one of four in the WORLD), the grand property earned the nickname of "honeymoon hotel".

Both magnificent buildings - the Arcada Theatre and Hotel Baker - stand today as regal testaments to the passion held by the Baker and Norris Families for the City of St. Charles.

In 1940, another gift from the Norris and Baker Families resulted in the Art Moderne style design and construction of the Municipal Center. Today, the landmark stands sentry on Main Street, directly accross the Fox River from the equally impressive Hotel Baker.

The "Golden Twenties" and the era of Prohibition drew Chicagoans to St. Charles and the secluded woods along the river north of town. The area became a favorite site for bootleg liquor sales and bungalow-style speakeasies.

Though the days of "bathtub" gin are long gone, St. Charles still boasts an authentic 1920's Speakeasy...Al Capone's Hideway continues to draw visitors lured by the famous gansta's reputation.

Tree-canopied wooded paths and sun-drenched trails of Illinois' Prairie Path provide countless opportunities for biking and hiking, and the lavish green spaces of St. Charles provides outdoor venues for seasonal festivals. From Memorial Weekend's Fine Arts Festival to June's Pride of the Fox RiverFest to October's annual Scarecrow Festival, downtown St. Charles is alive with special events.

In addition to Hotel Baker, lodging choices abound in St. Charles. Pheasant Run Resort features 36 holes of golf, three swimming pools (one indoor/outdoor!), the award-winning Harvest Restaurant, Terrace Cafe and two lounges PLUS live entertainment by the Noble Fool Theater Company and Zanies Comedy Club. Eight other properties offer a wide range of amenities and a total of almost 800 additional guest rooms.

St. Charles reputation as a leisure destination was secured at the beginning of the 20th century. Toward the end of the 1900's, the community began to claim fame as a destination of choice for motorcoach trips and meetings and conventions.

The city's ample entertainment, shopping and cultural offerings coupled with its proximity to Chicago were magnets for busses filled with eager visitors.

Meeting and convention planners are attracted by the 100,000+ square feet of space conference and exhibit space of Pheasant Run and by the Q Center (formerly Anderson World Wide), one of the nation's most significant corporate training facilities. IACC-approved ACT Training Center and the TRECC Center of DuPage Airport add additional weight to the city's impressive portfolio of meeting facilities.

With its rolling hills, panoramic views, distinctive shopping, abundant dining and rich history, St. Charles offers something for everyone.

The St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau staff is available to assist potential guests, group tour operators, convention and meeting planners, and sports events rites holders to make visits to St. Charles memorable and repeatable!

For additional information, call 800-777-4373, access visitstcharles.com or scarecrowfest.com, or email info or sales@visitstcharles.com ----30-----

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