Hot Summer Nights in St. Charles

One of the best (and sometimes worst) things about where I live is that my family has always lived here. I can trace parts of my family’s arrival to Missouri in 1850 and some even earlier. A part of this state was even named for my family. At times it can feel a little strange knowing my family has spent over 150 years in the same area but sometimes it really makes me feel like part of a community.

Why do I bring up all this history? Yesterday I spent the evening in Historic St. Charles, Missouri. They had a monthly concert and block party called Hot Summer Nights. After a summer of heat advisories, Thursday’s weather seemed very mild but the night was hot judging by the number of people down there.

My husband and I had dinner at R.T. Weiler’s, a fun themed bar and restaurant. The food is simple yet dependable and quite delicious. For the downtown festivities, the city had shut the road down for traffic and we dined in the street. Jumping back into the history lesson, R.T. Weiler’s building was built in 1867 and though it has changed hands many times, it’s amazing knowing you’re inside a building so old and so well preserved.

The Irish Xiles at Hot Summer Nights in St. Charles

During our dinner, the band The Irish Xiles began to perform. The band is a family band that originally hails from Ireland and perform all over the St. Louis area. Their music was calm yet kept us animated and it was a perfect backdrop to the evening. The Irish Xiles will be performing at the Race for the Rivers Festival this Saturday from 5:30-7 PM and they’ll be back at R.T. Weiler’s from 9 PM until close. Both are in St. Charles. For a complete schedule, check their website.

After dinner, we strolled around St. Charles. Some shops were open and most of the restaurants were too. I had brushed up on my St. Charles history and was showing it off as we walked down the riverfront. I had recently discovered one of my ancestors had worked for a cigar shop in St. Charles and when we located it we realized my husband once worked in the same building. 150 years later and my history connected with my present. That’s what’s so exciting about St. Charles, Missouri, the history is alive as you walk the streets. The city offers you ties to Lewis & Clark, the first state capital, Daniel Boone, historic churches and even your own history.

Hot Summer Nights in St. Charles

For similar experiences, check out these upcoming St. Charles events:

• Music on Main: September 21, 2011 from 5-7:30 PM. Dine in the streets and hear the Arbogast Band perform.
• Oktoberfest: Celebrate the city’s German side September 23-25. This year is the 25th anniversary so it’ll be better than ever. Expect races, music, dancing, a wiener dog derby, bratwurst, and beer.
• Christmas Traditions: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving through Christmas, St. Charles features a Christmas celebration like no other. You’ll get a taste of Christmas in other cultures and in other eras as well. Meet Santa, go on carriage rides, and listen to carol singers while eating hot chestnuts. Read a brochure about the event here.