Young, single, professional...where do I go? (St. Louis, St. Charles: violent crime, hotel)

[Brickmama]

St Charles is much like South St Louis Co if not worse. I try to stay away from St Charles county as much as possible.

[atl_to_stl]

I'd like to know more about Soulard if you don't mind. A few locals have suggested I visit. They've also mentioned an area called "The Mills"...is this a shopping destination and where is it located?

[atl_to_stl]

Eek, ok, no St. Charles either. This is kind of sad, lol. I guess I'm not missing much by skipping out on those places, though.

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by atl_to_stl

Eek, ok, no St. Charles either. This is kind of sad, lol. I guess I'm not missing much by skipping out on those places, though.

Actually, there is St. Charles aka St. Chuck the suburbotopia, and then there is St Charles, downtown district Historic Main Street. The former, not so appealing to some... the latter, worth a drive to see/experience that part; and while there, boogie on down MO highway 94 West - get a taste of the Missouri River country too. I know you are looking/asking more in regards to city stuff, but would be cool to take a ride out that way too. Take 94 out to Hermann, then 100 East back to the city. Allow yourself a full day, if so desired, and should be relaxing enjoyable trip.

For example: Missouri Wine Country Tour: Missouri Motorcycle Rides

And yea, take some gooey butter cake with ya for snacking...

[aragx6]

I agree with Shadow about St. Charles.

I grew up, in part, out there (I also lived with my dad in Rock Hill at times) and my mom still lives there today.

I am surprised to hear Brickmama say St. Charles is worse than SoCo in terms of race relations -- I would absolutely disagree with that, but a lot of former NoCo residents moved out that way in the 90s, partly for better schools, but there was certainly a racial aspect as well.

But there are also another group out there -- the ones who grew up in West County and found they couldn't replicate their lifestyle in very expensive west county, so they moved out west. Two very different crowds.

Also important to note that while blacks are still a very small minority in St. Charles (3.5% according to city data) that's still significantly more than in most of South County, so you will blend in a bit better. I had several black friends growing up and none of them ever experienced any problems in school.

Also, not sure what movie theater was recommended, but there are definitely plenty in the county just as nice or nicer than those in St. Chuck, so I wouldn't make the trip our there for that.

Oh and the wineries out in Augusta are lovely -- the views of the river are extraordinary, and if you like biking the Katy trail is perfect for that!

Also -- can't believe I forgot about Lafayette Square earlier. BEAUTIFUL homes, and there is a frou frou-y place Bailey's Chocolate Bar that is delish. Definitely don't miss this neighborhood.

[Brickmama]

Soulard is 2 miles south of downtown and was originally founded by the French. There is just about a bar on every corner. It contains beutiful homes and some of the best looking red brick homes in the city. Anything from Irish Pubs, shops, dive bars, and other trendy places. I would recommend going to the Soulard Farmers Market on a Sat afternoon and then try out places like Lewyellans, McGuirks, Molly's, Joanies Pizza, and Big Daddy's later that night. While you are at the market you may also want to wander a block south to a store called the Porch while you are at it. You could also do a free Brewery tour later that afternoon.

Also dont forget the neighborhood just south of Soulard called Benton Park. You could grab some dinner at Fraziers and walk over to the eclectic Venice Cafe for a few drinks.

[Brickmama]

Sorry I am not that big of a fan of St Chuck since it is so far and has very little to offer.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Brickmama

Sorry I am not that big of a fan of St Chuck since it is so far and has very little to offer.

St. Charles is not like other suburbs because it's not actually an original suburb. It was founded around the same time as St. Louis -- back when the 30 some miles that separate the two cities were a far more substantial distance than today.

The downtown St. Charles area is really lovely if you're into the quaint B&B antiquing experience. It's the first capitol of Missouri and the starting point of Lewis and Clark's expedition to explore the newly purchased land good ol' T. Jeff had purchased for the U.S. from the Frenchies, so it's hardly in the same boat as suburbs created post WWII.

I also, perhaps incorrectly, thought you (Brickmama) were referring to race relations in specific when you said St. Charles was possibly worse than South County. I take more offense to that then you saying it's a stupid lame suburb -- which, at least in some respects, I agree with you on.

[Brickmama]

Sorry to offend you or stray from the topic but if race relations werent as bad or worse than So Co then why are most St Chas Co residents former white flighters from No Co?

Sorry but I have experienced a lot more ignorant comments from St Chas residents than from So Co residents.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by Brickmama

Sorry to offend you or stray from the topic but if race relations werent as bad or worse than So Co then why are most St Chas Co residents former white flighters from No Co?

Sorry but I have experienced a lot more ignorant comments from St Chas residents than from So Co residents.

Most city of St. Charles residents are not former NoCo-ers, though if you look at St. Charles County as a whole they almost certainly are.

I find that the race thing is actually a lot worse out in the Dardenne Prairie/Wentzville area because it's actually, over the last few years, become 11% black and some folks aren't real pleased by that.