10 Things to do in St. Charles in the Summer

Inspired by a post I saw on 10 things to do in the spring in New York, I created a list of back in March.

Now that the heat of summer has arrived, it's time to update that list with some quintessentially summer activities. These are my favorite things to do in and around St. Charles in the summer, having lived most of my life in the area.

I'd love to hear from you though. Care to share your top 10 list with our readers?

Head here and click "Post on Patch"  to upload your favorite things. We'll have a great collection of ideas for summer! I'll feature the posts as they are submitted. 

Here are my picks 

Go to to pick out books, then stop by Lyons Frozen Custard for a post-library treat. This was our routine growing up and to me, Lyons says summer.

Catch fireflies. Let them go.

Participate in Relay for Life. The Central St. Charles event will be this weekend from 6 p.m. July 13 to 6 a.m. July 14. It's a humbling and moving experience to participate in the candlelight walk and remember loved ones who have died from cancer. 

Reread Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine. A summer tradition for me for many years.

Pick peaches at Herman's Farm in St. Charles off of North Highway 94. I love to pick peaches and this is the first year we were able to stay so close to home to pick. 

Take the Golden Eagle Ferry from St. Charles County across the Mississippi and go exploring in Calhoun County, IL. There are a few restaurants in Golden Eagle and plenty of windy roads to explore. See a schedule here.

Attend the  Yes, it'll be really hot out. Yes, you've been before. Yes, it might be hard to find parking. But you can't pass up an opportunity to eat chocolate covered bacon and look for some terrific treasures. This is the ultimate St. Charles festival with hundreds of craft booths, food tents and live music. This week's festival will run from 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 to 5 p.m., Sunday Aug. 19.

Head to a . You're never too old to go down the slide.

Grill and enjoy a meal on your porch. There's nothing better than sitting down to a plate of grilled chicken, fresh fruit and corn on the cob. I like to hit up a for fruit and veggies. Grilling makes for a pretty quick, healthy meal and when it's not over 100 degrees, it can be great to enjoy the outdoors.

Pack a picnic and watch a movie outside. I've been to the movie nights in Frenchtown, but New Town also hosts outdoor movie nights. On Aug. 10 the Historic Frenchtown Association will show a movie outdoors in