Although I don’t get to Labadie often, whenever I am in the area, I try to stop into a cute bar and grill called Coal Fire Grill & Tap. The menu offers casual dining options like burgers, house-smoked pulled pork, Cuban and Rueben sandwiches. The sides are some of my favorites, like crispy fries, baked beans, and potato salad, to name a few.
On my most recent visit I ordered one of my favorite burgers ever, the patty melt. The Coal Fire version, called The Frisco Melt, plays up all the classic flavors that make this option such a hit for me: a juicy burger, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese, served on toasted marble rye with a side of thousand island dressing.
The Frisco Melt at Coal Fire Grill & Tap. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
In addition to the sandwiches, there’s also pizza, wraps, and salads to choose from. And, the eatery typically has a number of daily specials and on the day we visited, one of the specials was a bourbon glazed ribeye sandwich. My husband ordered the steak sandwich, which was very tender and was served on a sturdy hoagie style bun.
A ribeye sandwich was one of the restaurant’s daily specials. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
Although I love The Frisco Melt, I’ve also ordered a couple of their other burgers on past visits and have been impressed with both The Stackhouse, which is a burger topped with pulled pork, bacon, cheese, and onion straws, and the Black & Bleu, which is a burger served with Bleu cheese crumbles.
For drinks, there’s soft drinks like sodas, plus a full bar and a decent selection of beers on tap, and there’s even ice cream for dessert, although I never save room for it! If you get out to Labadie, give the restaurant a try.
This week there’s lots of kid and family-friendly events, from a bubble experience to a free drive-in showing of Jumanji, as well as two community movie nights, the Franklin County Fair, and the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival in Pacific, a three-day affair which will have a family movie night, kid zone, music, and of course, lip-smackin’ barbecue! Check out the entire list of events below.
Tuesday, June 17 The Bubble Bus is rolling into the Union Branch of Scenic Regional Library! Bring the family to the library parking lot for an afternoon of fun with bubbles from the Bubble Bus. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Tuesday, June 17 Learn how to preserve food in a healthy way at the dehydrating fruit leather event at the Washington Public Library at 6 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Wednesday, June 18 Take a mid-week break for a fun fundraiser for Wally Mills, at The Alley, in Washington. This is a family event so bring the kids. Play music bingo, check out the silent auction items and purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to help Wally and his family with medical expenses. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 18 Acoustic Jammers will gather again at 6 p.m. at Hansen Park in Union, weather permitting. (Be sure to bring your lawn chairs.) In the event Mother Nature decides to send rain, they will move to The American Legion. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or just come and enjoy the music.
Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22 The Franklin County Fair is held Thursday – Sunday in Union. The event features concessions, entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a lot more. Get all the details.
Thursday, June 19 Catch a free drive-in showing of Jumanji in the parking lot of Cinema 1 in Washington. Parking spaces are first come, first serve and the movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22 Liberty Field in Pacific is the site of the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival, a three-day extravaganza of mouthwatering BBQ and toe-tapping tunes that is fun for the whole family! Kick off the event by watching the Route 66 classic, Disney’s “Cars” on the lawn, catch performances by bluegrass bands all three days, and enjoy delectable barbecue all weekend long. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 Rescheduled from Friday, June 13 due to the weather! Head to Gerald for a special Movie Night at Legion Park hosted by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation! Enjoy family fun with a 50/50 drawing, raffle tickets, and a free will offering benefiting Firefighter Via Family. Food available for purchase: nachos, hot dogs, popcorn! Movie title coming soon — stay tuned! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones for an unforgettable night under the stars. Let’s show our support and come together as a community. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 It’s time to dust off those low-rise jeans, grab your butterfly clips, and get ready to party like it’s 1999! The Alley will have 90s-2000s Trivia from 7-10 p.m. and Karaoke from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. The Tipsy Keg will have True North Entertainment playing all your favorite throwbacks starting at 9 p.m. Each bar will have a 90s-2000s themed cocktail or shot. Find out more and purchase tickets.
Friday, June 20 On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their talents with the crowd. Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.
Saturday, June 21 Join a morning yoga session at the Gerald City Park! Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and dress comfortably. This class is $10/person. Learn more and sign up and pay.
Saturday, June 21 The Gerald Lions are hosting a celebration that includes a fireworks show at Gerald City Park on June 21. Learn more.
Sunday, June 22 Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of free ice cream, games, and contests at the Four Rivers Genealogical Society’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase burgers and brats and visit the Museum and Genealogical Society. Find out more.
Sunday, June 22 The public is invited to an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at Bethel Hills community in Dutzow. There will be an art show, live music, and BBQ available for purchase. Find out more about Bethel Hills and this event.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, June 20 Shake up your Friday night with a fun, hands-on cocktail workshop at St. James Winery! You’ll mix and enjoy three seasonal cocktails, snack on a charcuterie grazing board, and leave with recipe cards so you can recreate the drinks at home. Your ticket includes, 3 handcrafted cocktails, a charcuterie grazing board, recipe cards to take home, plus 10% off wine purchases during the event. Get tickets.
Saturday, June 21 Kick off summer with bold flavor and big vibes at the Backyard BBQ, Bourbon & Brews event! Head to St. James for a full day of live music, BBQ food specials, whiskey flights, and a stellar lineup of craft spirit vendors. Find out more.
Saturday, June 21 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of off-trail tours of Cathedral Cave. These tours are perfect for people who want to get a more intense cave experience, one that goes beyond the lighted tour with rails and trails. Each tour is led by an experienced guide and requires participants to climb, crawl and get a little muddy. Visitors will spend four to five hours in the cave and will learn about the cave’s geology, biology and history. Each tour is limited to 15 people ages 10 and up, and registration is required. There is a fee of $70 per adult and $50 per child. Safety is our top priority. All interested guests will be asked some questions to determine whether they are able to complete the tour, and they will be shown a video of what to expect inside the cave. The guide will send a list of items to bring, and caving helmets will be provided. To register, call the park at 573-522-3760.
Saturday, June 21 Celebrate the Summer Solstice with gentle flow yoga in a beautiful, natural setting in St. James. Maramac Spring Park’s overlook will be the site of this outdoor yoga class, which starts at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own yoga mat, towel, and water. $15 to participate, payable through cash or Venmo. Learn more.
During the summertime I love to be outside. Yes, this time of year can be hot and muggy, and you may encounter your fair share of insects during a Missouri summer, but you can also hit trails, swim in rivers, creeks, and lakes, and take in nature. And since Franklin County is near the Katy Trail, it provides the perfect opportunity to walk, jog, or bike on the scenic trail. However, if you’re anything like me, all that fresh air, sunshine, and movement can make you hungry and thirsty.
If you’ve never ventured off the trail for food or drinks, please find some suggestions of places to visit that are near the Katy Trail trailheads that are in the Warren, Franklin, and St. Charles County areas.
On the Warren County side at the Marthasville Trailhead, you’ll want to make sure you hit Depot Street and stop by Country Grounds Coffee Shop for an iced coffee, tea, energy drink, or pastry.
Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville serves coffee, energy drinks, and teas. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
And if you’re hungry for an actual meal, then you’ll also want to check out Philly’s Pizza or Mavericks, both of which are also located on Depot Street in Marthasville. Or, head up First Street to Cory’s Twin Gables, at the corner of First Street and Highway 94.
And on the Franklin County side of the Katy Trail check out Dutzow Deli. You can see this eatery from the Dutzow Trailhead, and its menu features breakfast items, sandwiches, salads and a variety of other meal choices.
If you want to adventure further along the trail into St. Charles County, you can venture into the Defiance and Augusta areas. In Defiance, you will find Good News Brewing, located parallel to the trail. The brewery serves craft beer as well as small bites like wood-fired pizza. There’s also Circle 6, serving items like burgers and fries.
Just a short distance off the Augusta Trailhead, you’ll find a number of choices, like Augusta Winery, Good News Brewing’s Augusta location, Root Food + Wine, and Augusta Bakery & Coffee Shop.
The Socialite suggests you stop into some of these small locally owned coffee shops and restaurants the next time you’re on the Katy Trail.
Summer’s here, and that means families are looking for things to do with kids. Luckily, there’s lots of fun in the air right now with outdoor events like fairs, concerts, and community movie nights, plus summer is always a perfect time for car shows, or to hop in the car take a little day trip to explore things to do in other small towns near Franklin County.
Tuesday, June 10 What could be better than a good summer read? Making it sparkle! Bring your favorite book, or choose from the selection the Washington Public Library provides, and spend the evening adding a little bling to your book. All bedazzle supplies provided (while supplies last). Fun for ages 12 & Up. Learn more.
Thursday, June 12 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movies with a showing of the classic “Grease.” The movie will start 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is first come, first serve for these free events. Learn more.
Friday, June 13 On Friday afternoon from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., attendees of the family-friendly Summer Dance Party will rock out to some catchy tunes using shaky eggs, scarves, and bean bags. And since it’s hosted by the Washington Public Library, you’ll take a “Book Break” during the hour-long party! More details.
Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 Hot Rods for Heroes, a 501-C3 organization with the goal of funding heroes through sharing the love of automobiles, is hosting a two day event in Pacific. Whether you want to show up for the car cruise on Friday or participate in the car show Saturday, there is something for everyone at this event. All proceeds for this event benefit the Pacific Police Department, Pacific Fire Department, and the Veterans Community Project. Find out more.
Friday, June 13 Head to Gerald for a special Movie Night at Legion Park hosted by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation! Enjoy family fun with a 50/50 drawing, raffle tickets, and a free will offering benefiting Firefighter Via Family. Food will be available for purchase and attendees can choose from nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn. Get all the details.
Friday, June 13 Pacific is hosting an evening of live music by Twist of Fate at the Sunset on the Rails event. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and coolers and settle in for an evening of fun, family-friendly music and yard games, plus Case & Bucks Food Truck “Patty Wagon” will be on site. Get more info.
Saturday, June 14 This restorative yoga class focuses on gentle poses, deep breathing, and mindful meditation to help you release tension and find inner balance. It’s perfect for individuals of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner. The class is happening at Red, White, and Brew Coffee Company in Union, and the cost is $10. Find out more and get tickets.
Saturday, June 14 Stop by and check out DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs’ new sewing space on Main Street in St. Clair Drawings for giveaways and more for those who attend the Open House. Find the event on Facebook.
Sunday, June 15 Orchard Park in St. Clair will be the site of a Father’s Day car show. Visit the City of St. Clair’s Facebook for further details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, June 13 Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer, with the kick-off event happening on Friday, June 13 with a showing of the film “Moana.” The movies will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and Moana will start at 8:30 p.m. Find the full list of days and times of each film.
Friday, June 13 The City of Eureka is hosting a Concert on Central event, featuring family fun, live music by That 80s Band, plus food and drink from area restaurants located on Central Ave. Find out more.
Friday, June 13 – Saturday, June 14 The Jefferson County Fairgrounds will host the Jefferson County Rodeo, a two-day event that will feature live music, mechanical bull riding, kids activities, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, June 14 Shop vendors, enjoy food, and take in the sights and sounds of a car show at the Belle Swap Meet & Extravaganza, happening from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Belle City Park. *UPDATE*as of June 9, this event has been canceled.
Saturday, June 14 Take a short drive to Bourbon for its annual BBQ Fest, featuring live music, vendors, BBQ competitions, and lots of family fun! Find out more on the Facebook event page.
Small Town Socialite 