Amanda

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, August 4 – August 10, 2025

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Amanda

The Washington Town & Country Fair kicks off this Wednesday, plus there’s other events happening throughout the week, including retreats and classes to help you recharge and manage stress, a free family-friendly movie, and more.

Tuesday, August 5
Do you need to learn some new practical strategies and experiences to help deal with stress and increase mindfulness, positive emotions, optimism, resiliency to stress, coping skills, and self-care for the body, mind, and spirit? Attend the free Taking Care of You class at Scenic Regional Library’s Sullivan Branch.
Register here.

Photo via Washington Town & Country Fair’s Facebook.

Wednesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 10
The Washington Town & Country Fair is happening this week! This year the theme is “Summer’s Homecoming” and there’s fun every day of the fair – from livestock shows, carnival rides, food, motorsports, music and entertainment, and more.
Learn more.

Wednesday, August 6
Want to learn to crochet? Grab a skein of yarn and a size H 5mm hook and head to DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair for this class.
Register here.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10
If you’re looking for an opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with likeminded people, and regulate your nervous system, then you should check out the Rewild & Restore Retreat, a three-day, two-night interactive weekend, happening at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. This outdoor adventure in nature will focus on nervous system regulation and embracing the elements.
Get tickets.

Saturday, August 9
Head to Lang-a-Tang Cafe in New Haven to have breakfast, brunch, or lunch and grab some fresh flowers by Bright Side Blooms at the Flower Pop-Up event from 8 a.m. – noon.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Friday, August 8
Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer and fall, with a showing of “The Princess and the Frog” on Friday, August 8. The movie will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and will start at 8 p.m.
Find the full list of days and times of each film.

Freelance Services business ad — Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, August 9
If you like sipping wine, delectable barbecue, and family-friendly fun, then you will want to head to St. James to celebrate Prairie Barn Winery’s three years in business. There are festivities happening from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy music by Bob Kraus from 4 – 6 p.m., Swafftastic BBQ serving up delicious eats, plus wine, yard games, hayrides and more!
Find out more.

Saturday, August 9
The town of Salem is having a Wild West Show-deo from noon – 5 p.m. at 465 County Road 2630. The free event includes games, prizes, and food.
Get the details.

Saturday, August 9
The Flow at the Spring with Rachel yoga series continues this month at Maramec Spring Park overlook in St. James. The class is at 8 a.m. and is $15. Attendees should bring a towel, yoga mat, and water.
Get more information.

News and Features

Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon Serves Home Cookin’ With a Side of Comfort

Posted on July 31, 2025 by Amanda

Have you ever walked into a place that felt so welcoming that being there almost gave you a sense of déjà vu? Because that’s the kind of vibes I got when I visited Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon.

Full of knick-knacks, treasures, and lots of references to Dolly Parton – from pictures to quotes and more – the interior is welcoming and almost feels as though you’re stepping into someone’s home. While there’s no shortage of traditional restaurant-style seating in the form of tables and bar-type seats, there’s also a cozy sofa and chairs, inviting guests to relax with a coffee and book, or chat with friends. And near the front of the dining area is a stage where musicians perform, adding to the ambiance.

Broccoli cheese soup from Bourbon Cafe and Coffee Saloon. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

I visited the café twice within a matter of ten days or so and on my first trip (a solo adventure) I sat near the stage and enjoyed the woman playing the fiddle and singing old hymnals with a country twang. I didn’t catch her name while in the restaurant, but after scouring the café’s Facebook, I found a video identifying her as Kathy. She’s wonderful and her voice and style of playing makes me a little emotional. I grew up listening to many family members on my mom’s side sing and play instruments in what I tend to think of as that old-timey Appalachian style, sorta bluegrass, sorta gospel, sorta old Western saloon, that comes straight from the heart.

Three Blind Mice panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Listening to that music did my soul a lot of good, and all that ambiance won me over before I even tasted the food. I have followed the business on Facebook for a while now, so I knew that some menu selections rotate each week.

I visited first during lunch and later at breakfast. I also knew from social media that the made in house dessert offerings change weekly. The sweet treats range from a lemon cake with lemon buttercream (which I got as a to-go order on my first visit but forgot to photograph, delicious by the way!) to chocolate cake, gluten-free gooey butter and more.

One of the cakes that the cafe serves sometimes is Truvy’s cuppa, cuppa, cuppa cake. If you don’t know what that means, it’s a reference to Dolly Parton’s character in the 1980s movie “Steel Magnolias,” and that character’s famous cake recipe. I was hopeful that the cake would be on the menu on one of my visits, but no dice, so I’ll have to go back sometime just for the cake, because guys, I was raised on this movie!

Bagel panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

During the breakfast visit, my hubby ordered a bagel sandwich, which he let me have precisely one bite of! It was really good, and since I love eggs benedict that’s what I chose and it didn’t disappoint! We visited on Fourth of July, a Friday, so the biscuits and gravy weren’t on the menu (that’s a weekend-only offering), so I have yet another item I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

Eggs benedict. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

During lunch, I ordered the three blind mice panini, a staple on the lunch menu and it was so, so, so good. I mean cream cheese on a grilled cheese, whaaaat? And I got the soup of the week that week, which was broccoli cheese, and so comforting, it almost made me wish it were autumn. The soup was loaded with bite-sized pieces of broccoli and a creamy, cheesy base, topped with crunchy croutons and shredded cheese.

It was clear that everything I had at the restaurant on both visits was homemade right at the café and it was all so yummy! While I was in town, I browsed through some of the other nearby businesses, like CDR Naturals Health Food Store located next door, Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon, and I plan to drop by other restaurants and shops on my next trip.

The Socialite recommends Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon!

The details:
373 East Pine Street, Bourbon
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Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 28 – August 3, 2025

Posted on July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Amanda

Although back-to-school time is on the horizon, summer fun activities continue around the area this week. There’s a free concert, it’s the final free drive-in movie of the season, there’s also a free family movie in the gardens of a local winery, plus farmers markets, a back to school safety class, and more.

Tuesday, July 29
Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. author Ed Wheatley will be at the Washington Public Library to talk about his book “From St. Louis To Cooperstown: Legends Born and Made in the Gateway City.” The talk and book signing is sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 31
Catch a free drive-in showing of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” in the Cinema 1 Plus theater’s parking lot in Washington. The movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Parking spots with orange cones will be reserved for drive-in moviegoers. When you arrive, move a cone and claim a space.
Learn more.

Friday, August 1
Parents can attend a free Back To School Safety Community Event at St. Clair Library from 6-7 p.m. Presented by Compassion Healing and Excellence, led by Timothy J. Fancher, MAPT, BA, AS, founder and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. This verbal seminar is designed to equip parents, older siblings, and concerned adults with tools to teach kids practical alternatives to “Stranger Danger,” de-escalation skills to handle bullies, safety awareness for public and school settings, and ways to make safety engaging for children. Due to direct discussions on street safety, it’s recommended adults attend without younger children to ensure open, focused conversations. Reserve your spot by emailing Tim directly at timothyfancher@gmail.com

Friday, August 1
The City of Union’s next Concert in the Park will feature the music of Kaleidoscope. The fun is going down at the large pavilion at City Park beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 2 & Sunday, August 3
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday of the month at Stacked Coffehouse. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, August 2
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon, in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, August 2
Hear live music performed by the duo Scott and Karl at Triple 3 Vineyards in Washington from 2-5 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, August 3
Get ready for the Washington Town and Country Fair with the WashMO Fair Parade. The parade begins at 4 p.m. at Main and Cedar Streets, traveling East to Jefferson Street. Participants will move South on Jefferson, then West on 5th Street to the Elks Lodge at 1459 W 5th Street.
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Thursday, July 31
Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars at a screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included.
Get more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1073981004063629

Friday, August 1 & Saturday, August 2
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its Balloon Glowdeo event. It’s part hot air balloon festival, part rodeo, and 100% fun! The event will feature food and drink vendors, live music, a petting zoo, and more.
Purchase tickets online.

Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3
The Owensville Regional Arts Council presents a stage performance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby.” The play will have three performances, and tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students.
Learn more.

Saturday, August 2
Listen to live music and keep cool while doing so at Hot August Night, Cool Cave Music, a summer concert inside Onondaga Cave in Leasburg. Tickets are $30 per person and space is limited.
Find out more.

News and Features

Old Bridgeview Brewing in Washington Boasts Beers and Pub Style Food

Posted on July 24, 2025July 24, 2025 by Amanda

I think by now my readers understand how I feel about beer, but if you’re new here, I’m what you call a beer geek, (haters will say I’m a beer snob). I love craft beer. Similar to the way a wine drinker enjoys trying wines from varying regions to explore the different flavor profiles, aromas, and characteristics, beer geeks enjoy how the variety of brewing styles, hops, and ingredients used can impart different flavors into brews.

A go-to brewery in the Franklin County area for this beer geek is Old Bridgeview Brewing in Washington. The beer selection rotates heavily depending on the season, although there’s also some flagship offerings, such as the Fraulein Hilda, a Berliner Weisse or the German Style Kolsch, called Put on Your Drinking Pants.

A beer flight at Old Bridgeview Brewing. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Non-beer drinkers, don’t worry, you have lots of choices here! There’s the hard root beer, which is delicious and tastes remarkably like the soft drink, on the menu all the time. There’s always a hard cider or two available, and a hard seltzer, as well as iced tea and canned sodas.

Old Bridgeview Brewing makes a number of different styles of beer depending on the season. Find stouts, ambers, IPAs, lagers, and more on tap. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

When it comes to food, there’s a selection of shareables like nachos, fried mushrooms, and wings. Mains include smash burgers and fries, with a rotating monthly smash burger special, with past offerings including varieties like a donut burger (where glazed donuts serve as the bun), a taco burger, and the cowboy, complete with BBQ sauce, bacon, onion rings, and served on Texas toast. However yummy the monthly specials may sound, I typically stick with the classic double smash, as it’s my personal favorite!

Other selections include the pub classic fish and chips, as well as the German Plate, a shareable offering of two brats, two pretzels, a side of sauerkraut, pub mustard, and beer cheese. You’ll also find sandwiches and wraps on the menu.

The Socialite recommends Old Bridgeview Brewing!

The details:
16 East Front Street, Washington
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