Amanda

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 12 – May 18

Posted on May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 by Amanda

From a choir performance, to dance fitness classes, a plant swap and more, here’s what’s happening in Franklin County this week!

Tuesday, May 13
The East Central College Choir and Choral Association will present their spring concert at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. This concert will feature songs about nature including music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Elaine Hagenburg, Ola Gjeilo, and featuring “Make Our Garden Grow” by Leonard Bernstein. Admission is free.

Tuesday, May 13
Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/

Wednesday, May 14
If you’re unable to attend on Tuesday evening, there’s a second hour-long Bad Beats dance class. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/

Friday, May 16
The Washington Police Department and Dunkin’ are teaming up to raise funds for Special Olympics with Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin’ Donuts in Washington on May 16, from 6 a.m. to noon.
Learn more.

Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18
The 44th annual Art Fair & Winefest is happening in downtown Washington. The weekend will be filled with food, live music, wine tastings, and art.
Get more details and tickets for the wine tastings.

Photo via Art Fair & Winefest Facebook event page.

Saturday, May 17
Together Treasures in St. Clair is hosting a parking lot sale in honor of its second anniversary of being open for business. Guests can enjoy grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, cold drinks, music, and more.
Visit Facebook to learn more.

Saturday, May 17
This free event allows attendees to swap plants, cuttings, pots, and gardening accessories. Attendees do not have to bring anything to come! The swap is at the main pavilion at the city park in Pacific, near the pool.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 17
Fugitive Bluff Brewery & Winery in Berger will host a one day Maifest BBQ event that will feature a special barbecue menu as well as live music.
Learn more on the business’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 17
The Mighty Pines return to Paddle Stop Brewery in New Haven. Music starts at 7:30 p.m .and goes until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Find out more.

Sunday, May 18
Join CiCi’s Devine Designs for a fun workshop where creativity meets beauty! In this workshop, all of the supplies will be provided. This hands on class will guide you through selecting your materials, teaching technique, and providing support throughout your class.
Learn more at the Facebook event page.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 17
The Hermann Maifest Maker’s Market is from 10 a.m. until
6 p.m. The market will be located on Schiller and Third streets and showcasing a variety of artists, local makers, craftspeople, food, beverages, and more.

News and Features

Discover Healthy, Tasty Dining Options at Lang-A-Tang Cafe and Catering in New Haven

Posted on May 8, 2025May 5, 2025 by Amanda

While I love a healthy dining option any time of the year, during late spring and throughout summer, I tend to seek out lighter fare that’s nourishing and that will keep me full for hours. I found a new to me place that fits that description when I recently dined at a spot that has been on my list of places to try for months now.

That place is Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering, located in downtown New Haven. If you’re here, visiting my website, I’m guessing you love a small town vibe, like me. With its cute downtown that’s filled with eateries and shops, it’s worth a visit to New Haven.

When you step into the cafe, you may take notice of the charming interior in an inviting blue color, along with several seating areas inside, as well as in front. And, if you have even the slightest sweet tooth, your gaze may be drawn to the glass cases near the order counter containing delicious goodies like muffins, cookies, or pastries.

The eatery serves breakfast all day, with selections like quiche and frittata (which is essentially a crust-less quiche), a breakfast sandwich, breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, and avocado toast, as well as a few other items.

Lunch items range from healthy, yet filling options like salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Sandwiches include classics like a BLT, house-smoked pulled pork, and chicken salad to paninis like twists on popular dips and appetizers such as the caprese sandwich or the spinach artichoke. The three wraps on the menu include turkey or chicken club, or a chicken Caesar.

A salad option at Lang-A-Tang cafe in New Haven. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

On the day I visited, I chose a salad filled with mixed greens, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta. I opted to top mine with chicken and chose the poppy seed dressing, which provided a sweet and creamy finish to my bowl of greens. The salad was delicious, and big, keeping me full for hours.

The cafe also serves a number of beverages. There’s a selection of teas, like flavored herbal varieties available hot or iced, to bubble teas, drip coffee and espresso drinks. I didn’t try coffee on my visit, but I won’t make that mistake again and have my eye on trying one of the signature lattes like the Hermione’s Butter Beer, or Meg’s Blondie.

The Socialite recommends Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering!

The details:
125 Front, New Haven
Find the business on Facebook
Follow them on Instagram

Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 5 – May 11, 2025

Posted on May 5, 2025May 8, 2025 by Amanda

This week there’s multiple small town festivals, a paint night event, a chance to volunteer for a city-wide clean up, plus Mother’s Day celebrations, and this week there’s something new added to the event roundup, a section on some notable events happening a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, there’s almost always more events listed on the calendar here on the website than I can fit in each week’s round up post. To get all the info, check the calendar (scroll to the bottom of the website to find it if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device).

Wednesday, May 7
Stop by Blondie’s Breezeway Kitchen & Cocktails in St. Clair for a spring-themed paint night event by Artmazing Event Co. Attendees will create a lavender painting under the guidance of experienced artist/instructor Diana. All supplies are included in the ticket price.
Reserve your spot.

Friday, May 9
Make a difference in Pacific by volunteering for a shift during the City Wide Clean Up Day.
Sign up for a time and location online.

Friday, May 9
The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4 – 7 p.m. at ECC. Grab a bite to eat from Savy’s Food Truck, pick up some plants sold by students in Union High School’s FFA program, plus find locally grown produce and meats, along with vendors selling items perfect for those last minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Get more details.

Saturday, May 10
Check out the Car Cruise at McKelvey Vineyards and view cars, listen to live music, and enjoy the food and drink menu.
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 10
Miller’s Landing Day is an annual festival in downtown New Haven that features fireworks, live music, food, crafts, games, and more.
Find out more.

Photo via Miller’s Landing Day Facebook.

Saturday, May 10
Union Founders Day will include food trucks, live music, and food and drink specials at area restaurants, plus much more.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 10
Come experience the charm of the Sullivan Community Market—your local hub for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and artisan crafts. Support local growers, creators, and small businesses while enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning at Muddy Banks Brewing.
Find out more at the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 10
There’s a car cruise happening at Brown Jerry’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue in Pacific, happening from 10 a.m. to noon.
Find more details on Facebook.

Sunday, May 11
Fatlighter will play at The Tipsy Keg on Mother’s Day, and there will also be a Mother/Daughter look alike contest at 2 p.m., plus lots of cool prizes!
Learn more.

Sunday, May 11
Take mom to celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Farm Winery in Catawissa. The day will feature a relaxing afternoon of wine, music by Melissa Fyr Quartet, all amidst the backdrop of beautiful country views.
Get all the details.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a fun and cozy afternoon of games, wine, and books at Prairie Barn Winery in St. James! Share your favorite reads and pick up new treasures to add to your collection at a book exchange. Play wine bingo and win fun prizes for each round. There is no charge to play bingo or to participate in the book exchange. It’s the perfect way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. Bring your friends, family, and your love for books!
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 10
Steeleville Arts Council presents a free community event for all ages. The event will feature crafts at the kids pavilion, adult crafts, painting, will feature food vendors, and more.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Photo via Steeleville Arts Council Facebook event.

Sunday, May 11
Head to White Mule Winery in Owensville for their Mother’s Day Celebration happening from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The menu will include fried chicken and roast beef, live music, and moms will receive one free drink.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

News and Features

Find Something Tasty to Sip On at Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville

Posted on May 1, 2025April 30, 2025 by Amanda

If you’ve followed my dining reviews for any amount of time, then you already know how much I love coffee! While I have my tried and true favorite establishments to order from, I am also always down to broaden my horizons. When I found out there was a new coffee shop with cute, country vibes in Marthasville, I knew I had to try it out.

An iced cinnamon roll latte and guitar mounted to the wall. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Located on Depot Street, just steps from the Katy Trail’s Marthasville Trailhead, Country Grounds Coffee Shop serves coffee, tea, refreshers, soft drinks, and house-made baked goods. The coffee shop opened in March, but its food menu is expanding and will also include breakfast sandwiches and lunch selections in the near future.

Focusing on a cozy and welcoming farmhouse theme, the interior is white with touches of rustic elements throughout, like the cowhide throw pillows, wood tables and chairs, and, a few nods to Dolly Parton as well as a mounted guitar on the wall, adds another element to the “country” in the establishment’s name.

Now is a good time to tell you that in just a few days time, I made two trips to Country Grounds 😀

On my first visit I ordered from the specialty drink menu and chose an iced cinnamon roll latte, which combines salted caramel and cinnamon flavored syrups. The taste is sweet, slightly rich and creamy, and is very reminiscent of the flavor of the decadent pastry its named after.

A strawberry coconut refresher made with water and yet another iced cinnamon roll latte. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

I made my second visit when I was having one of those days. You know the kind? Those days when there’s just one debacle after another, and yeah, I needed a comforting drink on that day, so, I went back and ordered another yummy iced cinnamon roll latte. On the second trip, my husband was with me. He opted not to drink caffeine on that visit, so he ordered a strawberry coconut refresher made with water instead of a caffeinated base. The deep pink drink was as delightful and thirst-quenching as it was lovely to look at.

With its proximity to the trail, drinks, and the pastries that I really want to try soon, I can’t wait to make more trips to the coffee shop this spring and summer.

The Socialite recommends Country Grounds Coffee Shop!

The details:
201 Depot St., Marthasville
Follow Country Grounds Coffee Shop on Facebook