Welcome to this week’s St. Charles Newsletter! Here’s what you’ll find inside:
🌮 Get the scoop on a new Mexican restaurant at the Streets of St. Charles.
🏘️ Learn why St. Charles County is rethinking short-term rental regulations.
📅 Mark your calendar with upcoming seasonal events.
👩🍳 Meet the women behind Ju Ju B’s on Main Street.
🏡 Peek inside a $1 million St. Charles home that's about to hit the market.
A selection of food and cocktails at Sobremesa in St. Charles. Photography by Amy De La Hunt
📰 AROUND THE BLOCK
Sobremesa replaces Session Taco Joint at Streets of St. Charles: Same cuisine, new concept. The Tilford Restaurant Group has replaced Session Taco Joint’s Streets of St. Charles location with a new restaurant centered on what co-owner Adam Tilford describes as Mexican comfort food. While tacos remain on the menu, the recently opened Sobremesa shifts away from Session Taco’s bar-focused approach in favor of a more family-friendly atmosphere built around fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas, and customizable combination plates. Read more in our online story.
County pumps brakes on short-term rental regulations: A plan to regulate Airbnb- and VRBO-style rentals in unincorporated St. Charles County appears to have stalled after county council members raised concerns during this week’s work session. The proposed ordinance, introduced last month, would require operators to obtain licenses, undergo inspections, and comply with new occupancy and spacing restrictions. But several council members questioned whether additional regulations are needed. “I really don’t like government getting too much involved in this,” District 1’s Matt Swanson said. District 3 council member Mike Elam added: “It’s my 13th year [on this council]. I’ve never heard of this problem. What I’m really worried about is we’re taking a bad actor in a neighborhood, and we’re going to put a new policy in place for the entire county because we have a bad actor. I’m worried about overstepping.” At the same time, there was support for the possibility of grandfathering existing operators. “I don’t want to put anyone in an economic disadvantage by telling them they have to sell something that they’ve invested in,” District 7’s Tim Baker said. It currently seems unlikely that the bill will advance in its current form.
A MESSAGE FROM MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM
Kids love the Summer Family Fun Series at the Missouri History Museum
Enjoy free family activities including crafts, performances, and more! Kids and families can learn about Juneteenth, celebrate America’s 250th birthday, explore Vietnamese culture in STL, and discover the wonders of the Mighty Mississippi.
Hot Tub and Swim Spa Expo(June 12–14, St. Charles Convention Center): Explore a wide selection of hot tubs and swim spas. Times vary. Free.
Bourbon & Brews Festival(June 13, Frankie Martin’s Garden): Sample bourbon, whiskey, craft beer, cocktails, and more while enjoying live music and food trucks. General admission from noon–3 p.m.; VIP entry begins at 11 a.m. $45 GA; $85 VIP.
Block Party - The Steamroller Print Event(June 13, Foundry Art Centre): Watch steamroller printmaking in action, and enjoy interactive art projects, a print market, food trucks, beer booths, and live music. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
Hot Summer Nights (June 13, Frenchtown): Hear Beatles classics reimagined with a blues twist as Brazil’s internationally acclaimed Blues Beatles take the stage. Food trucks and local breweries open at 6 p.m.; live music from 7–10 p.m. Free.
New Town Concert Series (June 13, New Town Amphitheater): Put on your dancing shoes, and enjoy an evening of country favorites from the band Drawl. 7–10 p.m. Free.
Summer Concert Series(June 13, Boulevard Park Amphitheater): Bring a lawn chair, your favorite snacks, and enjoy an evening of live music from Fanfare. 7–10 p.m. Free.
All Saints Car Show(June 14, All Saints Catholic Church): Check out classic cars and family-friendly fun during the parish’s first picnic car show. Noon–4 p.m. Vehicle registration, $10; spectators free.
Jazz at the Riverside(June 14, Frontier Park): Enjoy a free riverside performance from the St. Charles Big Jazz Band. 7:30 p.m. Free.
Garage Brewer’s Society(June 16, Third Wheel Brewing): Connect with fellow home brewers during this monthly meetup. 7–9 p.m. Free.
Music on Main(June 17, North Main Street): Bring a lawn chair for a free outdoor concert from Pink Houses USA. 5–7:30 p.m. Free.
Pride St. Charles Festival (June 20, Family Arena): Celebrate Pride with live entertainment, local vendors, food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and resources from LGBTQIA+ community organizations. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
Courtesy of Ju Ju B’s
⭐️ COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Beth Butchko and Julie Cullinane help women feel confident at Ju Ju B’s
When Beth Butchko and Julie Cullinane opened Ju Ju B's on Main Street, they wanted to create a boutique where women could enjoy a personalized shopping experience. Today, the owners say that mission remains unchanged. They continue to focus on helping customers find pieces they love while building the relationships that have kept shoppers coming back for more than two decades. —Kathleen Lees
O’Fallon’s recent investment in synthetic turf at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex is already paying dividends. During this week’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, it was noted that the complex has been forced to close only three days this year (because of lightning), while Westhoff Park has experienced 32 rainout days. The city completed a major turf-field upgrade at the complex earlier this year that was designed in part to help reduce weather-related cancellations.
Dardenne Prairie is inviting residents to City Hall Park on June 18 for a community celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the city's incorporation. The event, scheduled from 4–7 p.m., will feature remarks from Mayor Keith Widaman and former mayors, along with cookies, ice cream, and other family-friendly activities. During last week's Board of Aldermen meeting, city officials highlighted the milestone and encouraged residents to attend.
The St. Charles City-County Library is helping fill lunch plates this summer. Children ages 18 and younger can receive a free weekday lunch at the Kathryn Linnemann Branch (2323 Elm) from noon–1 p.m., with meals provided through a partnership with Operation Food Search.
The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis is expanding its wellness offerings with the addition of two new fitness concepts: Discover Strength and The Pilates Perspective. The studios, which recently opened at the mixed-use development, specialize in science-based strength training and reformer Pilates classes, respectively.
St. Charles County continues to rack up national accolades. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked St. Peters as the best place to live in Missouri, followed by O’Fallon and St. Charles.
Tour this home from noon–3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Courtesy of Eaton Properties
🏠 HOME OF THE WEEK
Four-bed St. Charles home coming soon
Room for the whole family: Built in 2012, this four-bedroom, five-bath home offers 5,623 square feet on a nearly half-acre lot, with a three-car garage in a gated community with a lake and walking trail.
The backyard turns the home into a retreat: A wall of windows in the great room overlooks a landscaped pool area with a rock waterfall. Outside, the covered patio includes a built-in grilling station and fireplace, while the finished lower level adds a rec room, custom wet bar, fireplace, built-ins, two ensuite bedrooms, an office, workout room, and storage.
Every year, we highlight the A-List, our tribute to the region’s finest. Now through June 16, cast your votes to help us recognize the best of the metro area! You may vote once a day.
The Magic House Adult Play Date Series features three adult-only nights with food, drinks, themed experiences, and after-hours museum play, all included with your ticket. Purchase tickets!
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