The Up-and-Coming City in Illinois That’s Perfectly Sized

Teeny-tiny towns are all the rage with travelers, and they certainly have their charms. Exploring all the best small towns in Illinois is a great way to find fun local businesses and discover hidden gems that many aren't familiar with. Of course, large cities also have wonderful appeal - there's a reason Chicago draws around 50 million tourists each year! When I'm traveling, I love to abide by the Goldilocks principle and try to seek out spots that are "just right." Mid-sized cities tend to offer up tons of attractions, but without the crowds and traffic that typically come with larger metropolitan areas. They're especially wonderful for if you only have a day or two to visit an area and want to experience as much as possible. One of our favorite mid-sized cities in Illinois is St. Charles, and it's perfect for an afternoon or weekend getaway.

St. Charles lies about 40 miles west of Chicago and its population of around 34,000 gives it a busy, bustling feel that's still not too stifling. The Fox River runs right through the center of town and is the source of the city's slogan: "the pride of the Fox."

This place has a great cultural scene, with a diversity of entertainment options. There are several great festivals held in St. Charles throughout the year. The Kane County Fair and Dragon Boat Festival take place each summer, and October brings a Scarecrow Festival. The Arcada Theatre has been hosting performers for nearly 100 years and regularly has concerts, comedy performances, and plays on the schedule. There are plenty of holiday events held in St. Charles each winter, meaning that no matter when you schedule a visit, you'll find plenty to enjoy.

Love shopping? Bargain hunters will find a lot to check out here. The Kane County Flea Market takes place each month in St. Charles and is one of the largest flea markets in all of Illinois. There are also loads of national retail chains and locally-owned shops like Jeans and a Cute Top and Ghoulish Mortals, a fun horror-themed shop that's perfect for curiosity seekers.

There's nothing like enjoying time outside when visiting a new city, and the Great Western Trail passes right through St. Charles. This scenic 31-mile rail trail is perfect for hiking or biking, as it's got a flat, paved surface that's suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. You can learn more about the western segment that runs from St. Charles to Sycamore from our friends at AllTrails.

There are more than enough attractions in St. Charles to entertain you for several days, so if you decide to spend the night, make it a real adventure with a stay at Hotel Baker. It's centrally located right along the banks of the Fox River and is allegedly one of the most haunted hotels in the Prairie State.