On Saturday afternoon, we took a short day trip to St. Charles to hang out with friends we haven’t seen since they had their first child (they now have two!) The group chatted away while I ran into shop after shop looking for little gifts items and enjoying the warm afternoon. The Missouri River was very high but nothing compared to the Mississippi near downtown St. Louis.

One highlight was the Foundry Art Center at the far end of the historic district. Most of the artist studios on the second floor were closed, but we enjoyed peeking in the windows and walking around the common gallery space.

This place reminded me a lot of Long Grove, IL. Lots of Irish shops, restaurants with patios and art galleries. Very charming.