Discover magic at the St. Charles Fairy Walk in downtown St. Charles

Downtown businesses in St. Charles and women’s support community The Modern Domestic Woman are collaborating on a fun initiative involving fairy houses for the second year in a row. Over 500 people visited the fairy houses in 2023 located on Main, South First, Illinois Street, and Cedar Avenue in the historic Century Corners Shopping District.

How does the Fairy Walk work? Community members and visitors discover small houses hidden among the landscaping and nestled in planters of various businesses.

The goal? To bring a bit of magic and whimsy to downtown St. Charles, shop small businesses, and encourage people.

“The mission is two-fold,” explains Elizabeth Rago, St. Charles resident and founder of The Modern Domestic Woman. “I’ve always been a huge supporter of shopping small, so bringing a tour of magical fairies woven throughout town is just downright fun and gets people to explore the businesses and restaurants in our beautiful city. Secondly, my organization is all about providing women with resources for support and sharing encouragement. There are so many people struggling, and often, a kind word is just what they need to give them a boost of encouragement.”

Rago is referring to the interactive element of the fairy houses which includes a mental health aspect.

Visitors who stumble upon a fairy house will find a QR code adjacent to the tiny abode. This QR code links to a landing page on the St. Charles Fairy Walk website (stcfairywalk.com) that will reveal an uplifting message to the community member and a potential “perk” from one of the participating businesses.

For example, Kimmer’s Ice Cream will be giving Fairy Walk participants a free topping on their ice cream scoops, some businesses will offer discounts to shop or fairy-themed trinkets, and Magnolia Soap and Bath Company will be giving participants a bit of “fairy dust.”

The Fairy Walk is a self-guided tour that starts on June 8th and ends on November 1, 2024.

The 2024 Fairy Walk Launch Party will be hosted at The Pep Line on Saturday, June 8, from 12 PM - 4 PM. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite fairy.

The Launch Party will include the following vendors, events, and St. Charles businesses:

• Heinz Brothers Garden Center will be selling fairy garden supplies
• Shadow Lux Soapery will be featuring luxurious vegan, palm-free soap for sale
• Magpie Gemstones will have a booth with beads, handmade jewelry, gemstones, and crystals for sale
• Tiny n’ Tall Rescue will be on-site hosting a Meet 'n Greet with Adoptables where attendees can meet dogs up for adoption and fill out applications if they meet a pup they are interested in

• Fairy-themed swag bags are available for purchase before the event
• Face painting for purchase by Party Like Da Vinci Face Painting

• A free magical fairy dance lesson with LUX Dance Studio

• Fairytale live book readings

• Free fairy-themed treats from The Graceful Ordinary

• A raffle with items from local businesses

• A sidewalk sale at The Pep Line

• Toadstool selfie station sponsored by Kate Durham
  
• A quiet sensory corner for kiddos who need a break sponsored by Relief Mental Health and Growing Awareness Counseling.

Cedar Avenue businesses include The Pep Line, SG Too, Hunt House Rooms, and Flower of Life Yoga and Wellness Center. Main Street businesses include the House of Charlemagne, The Graceful Ordinary, Double Take Consignment, and Ghoulish Mortals. First Street businesses include MION Artisan Soap, FIT St. Charles, and Jeans a Cute Top Shop. Illinois Street businesses include Kimmer’s Ice Cream, Magnolia Soap Shop, Maple Leaf Coffee House, and Lux Dance Studio.

Co-host and St. Charles real estate agent Kate Durham is partnering with the Fairy Walk again this year and hosting the toadstool selfie station.

“The fairy houses bring fun, whimsy, and a touch of magic to downtown St. Charles,” said Durham. “I love the idea of strolling along and spying something unexpected and delightful among the businesses. It’s what our city is all about - beauty and a friendly community,”

The custom fairies for each business featured on the website are created by St. Charles Compass Academy student Nora Rago.

Learn more on stcfairywalk.com , @stcfairywalk on Instagram, and St. Charles Fairy Walk on Facebook.

About The Modern Domestic Woman

The Modern Domestic Women (MDW) is a pioneering organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to women of all ages and backgrounds. In an increasingly demanding world with high expectations, MDW stands as a beacon of empowerment, offering practical resources and a supportive community for women facing various challenges.

Central to MDW’s approach is the creation of a local directory of practical resources tailored to women's needs. Whether it's legal assistance, social services like temporary housing and food, or connections to positive female communities and mental health organizations, MDW strives to provide a comprehensive network of support to help women take their first steps toward empowerment.

Through resource sharing and workshops, MDW equips women with the tools and knowledge they need to tackle life's obstacles with confidence. From support groups to connections with professionals, we ensure that no woman walks alone or unprepared. MDW is not just an organization; it's a movement dedicated to creating a brighter future for women everywhere.

Join us in our mission to uplift, empower, and support women from all walks of life as they navigate life's journey.

Visit mdwcares.com to learn more.