Main Street Christmas: Holiday Celebration in St. Charles, Missouri

Housed in a pair of restored 1837 and 1867 shops, Boone's Colonial Inn bed-and-breakfast blends history and luxury with a bit of whimsy appropriate for a town where Jack Frost runs around at night. (After a soak in the whirlpool tub, you can slip into a fluffy robe--or a Colonial-style nightgown.)

When the crowds drift away, Natalie and I climb the stairs to the Thomas Jefferson Suite. We blow out the lanterns on our balcony and gaze out at the dark ribbon of the Missouri River, wondering what St. Charles will be like in the morning.

Even better than at night, it turns out. We wake to caramel French toast served on a table nearly as old as the inn. We imagine we're shopkeepers 200 years ago, tucking into a hot meal before unlocking downstairs. Outside, Main Street is still. No Santas or kettle corn.

Pictured: Owner Stephen Powell dresses up for breakfast at Boone's Colonial Inn.