Tag: downtown Washington Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 19 – May 25, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County – Sunset on the Riverfront happens this Thursday, there’s a few community markets, opportunities to hear live music, and get crafty, plus some unique events happening just a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, I don’t list every event that’s on the calendar here in the weekly roundup post, including events happening in the first half of the week. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see everything! Note that you can find the calendar at the bottom of the home page if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device.

Thursday, May 22
Head to downtown Washington for the May Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.

Photo via Downtown Washington, Inc.’s Facebook event.

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge is going to be out and about in the community doing coffee “pop-ups” from a mobile coffee trailer. On Thursday, catch Stacked at St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge from 7:30 – 9 a.m., and on Friday, find Stacked at The Novel Nook in Washington from noon – 2 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, May 23
The Union Farmers Market happens on the second and fourth Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. through September. Find local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. SPECIAL NOTICE – This week’s market will happen at 10 E. Locust St., across from City Hall.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, May 23
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Tom Norton starting at 7 p.m. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 24
Enjoy live music while you take in the beautiful scenery at Triple 3 Vineyard, when SWeet Ruckus plays from 2 – 5 p.m. 
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 24
The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing. Shop local vendors and makers, find locally grown produce and baked goods, and listen to live music.
More details.

Sunday, May 25
Learn how to make a custom Welcome Mat for your home at this class held at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan, from 3 – 6 p.m. Ticket price includes materials to create the mat.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 24
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of seven stargazing programs in 2025. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets.
Find out more.

Saturday, May 24
Get ready for a relaxing day on the river at Brookdale Farms’ first Eureka Floats event of the season!
More information.

Sunday, May 25
Take a short drive to Fenton to see the amazing rides at a free, family-friendly car event where you’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more. Cars & Coffee St. Louis and 1st Phorm are teaming up to bring a monthly car show on the fourth Sunday of each month through October.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening Franklin County April 28 – May 4

Posted on by Amanda

From Star Wars Day festivities, to a market, rodeo, and a 5k, there’s a lot of things going on this week!

Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 4
Prepare for May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, by stopping by the Washington library’s make & take station to design your very own lightsaber. Fun for all ages while supplies last!
Get more details at the library’s Facebook event page.

Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3
Head to the St. Clair Saddle Club for its annual rodeo. Events include barrel racing, bronc riding, tying, roping, and more. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 3
Take a short trip out to the town of Rosebud for a day of fun, shopping, and discovery at Spring Treasure Day! Browse unique handmade crafts, vintage finds, and special treasures from local vendors.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 3
Help the Franklin County Foster Closet continue its mission in serving foster families by signing up for its first annual Run for Love race. 
Learn more.

Photo via Run for Love’s signup page.

Saturday, May 3
Stop by the Labadie Station Spring Market to shop a variety of local vendors selling items ranging from hand-made crafts to honey, skin care products, and much more.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 3
If you love the tender meat and amazing flavor of pork steaks, then you need to attend the BBQ Pork Steak Competition at Winehouse 66 in Pacific. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find out more information.

Sunday, May 4
Grief is universal, yet so often, we don’t know how to talk about it or navigate its complexities. This special event, held on International Bereaved Mother’s Day at Liberty Hall in Washington, creates space for reflection, connection, and healing for anyone who has experienced loss—directly or indirectly.
Learn more and get tickets.

Sunday, May 4
All are welcome to stop by The Ridge Church in Villa Ridge for The Ridge Family Outdoor Day. The event features free food and drinks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, face painting, fire trucks, a health fair featuring vendors in the health and wellness space, plus a custom and classic car, truck, and motorcycle show.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

There’s a lot more happening, and if I shared every event in this week’s roundup this article would be pretty lengthy, so take a look at the full list of events happening this week and beyond on the calendar here on the website. If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the calendar!

Posted in News and Features

Visit Benito’s Pizzeria in Washington for Delicious Pizza and More

Posted on by Amanda

Since I’m in the St. Louis area and am about to discuss pizza, I’m just comin’ in hot and saying it up front: I don’t like St. Louis style pizza. Sorry, not sorry.

My dislike isn’t because of the thin crust, the sweeter pizza sauce, or the square-cut slices. I’m just not a fan of the provel cheese. The funny thing is, there was actually a time in my life when I loved provel cheese and STL style pizza. The change in my taste buds took place during a seven year stint living in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m not sure when it happened, I just know I can’t do it anymore.

Okay, now that the lengthy disclaimer is out of the way, let me tell you about pizza I do like!

I recently met up with a group of local food-loving folks that I connected with through a Facebook group called 47 Foodies. In addition to being active on Facebook, the group also plans get-togethers at area restaurants to support local eateries and socialize, and the gathering at Benito’s Pizzeria in Washington was 47 Foodies’ most recent meet up.

Over lots of conversation about food, cooking, and area restaurants, the group dined on everything from pizza, salads, pasta, and appetizers. I didn’t try the appetizers that made the rounds of our three tables, because I’m a pizza girlie, and I didn’t want anything to spoil my appetite.

I’m glad I abstained from snacking before we received our pie, because it was really, really good. I’m not sure how Benito’s classifies its crust, but in my opinion it had the taste and texture of hand-tossed, with a nice bite and slightly crispier texture at the edges. The toppings, including the cheese, are generous, as you might notice in the drool-worthy photo below.

The Big Ben, a pizza loaded with meat like pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

There’s a handful of specialty pizza offerings on the menu like the Big Ben, loaded with a number of meat toppings, and the Pollo Italian, a buffalo chicken style pizza. In terms of available toppings, you’ll find all the usually yumminess here, such as veggies, meats, and even that somewhat polarizing topping, pineapple.

My husband and I split a small (9-inch pie) so that we could share a pasta dish as well. We had the manicotti and the baked pasta was absolutely delicious. And what’s not to love? The dish is covered in melty cheese, stuffed with creamy ricotta, and served on a bed of luscious red sauce.

The manicotti baked pasta covered in melted cheese, stuffed with creamy ricotta, and rests on a bed of luscious red sauce. The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The menu also includes wings, salads, and since Benito’s is owned and operated by Cowan’s Restaurant, you can also order a slice of pie for dessert. I love Cowan’s pies, but I didn’t get any this time, but I guess that’s for the next visit 😉

The Socialite recommends Benito’s Pizzeria!

The details:
116 Elm St., Washington
636-239-2066

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County April 21 – April 27

Posted on by Amanda

After a long winter and a rough start to spring, we’re finally moving into that time of year where there’s lots going on, from outdoor events and festivals to trivia and game nights, and much more. Here’s what’s happening around Franklin County this week.

Thursday, April 24
The first Sunset at the Riverfront of the year has arrived and this is your chance to enjoy a family-friendly event filled with music, food, and drinks at the Riverfront in downtown Washington.
Get more details.

Thursday, April 24
Meet St. Louis author, Joan Fernandez at this author event at Neighborhood Reads. Joan’s new book, Saving Vincent tells the true story of how in the early twentieth century, a timid widow—and sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh—Jo van Gogh takes on the male-dominated art elite.
Event is free, but RSVP to attend.

Friday, April 25
Gather your slightly terrible and more-inappropriate-than-average friends for a Cards Against Humanity tournament at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge. Teams of up to 4-6 for will battle until the bitter end with prizes throughout the night.
Get the ticket link and more details.

Friday, April 25
Belt out your favorite tunes at Sip on Main’s karaoke night. The fun is going down inside the establishment’s event room. 
Find out more by visiting the bar’s Facebook page.

Friday, April 25
The WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with music and the BBQ & Brews Tasting event.
Get all the details.

Friday, April 25
The first Union Farmers Market of the season is this week! Drop by the market (at the lower parking lot near the sports fields at ECC), from 4 to 7 p.m. and shop local vendors, farmers, and food provided by Hot Tamales.
Learn more.

Saturday, April 26
Celebrate Independent Book Store Day at Neighborhood Reads in Washington! This event will include food, coffee, giveaways, story time, and more. 
Visit Neighborhood Reads on Facebook to learn more. 

Photo via Neighborhood Reads’ Facebook page.

Saturday, April 26
Drop by the cafeteria at New Haven Elementary School to peruse area vendors, makers, and get a bite to eat. Food will be provided by Lang-a-Tang Cafe, and attendees will have the chance to purchase homemade baked goods, sourdough, and items like t-shirts, lanyards, and more.
Get the details on Facebook.

Saturday, April 26
The WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest continues from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Find the full schedule of music and more.

Saturday, April 26
The third annual P-Town Pub Crawl is happening in Pacific. This ticketed events grants you access to a shuttle that will take you to the eight different establishments taking a part in the crawl.
Find out more.

Saturday, April 26
Fass Motorsports is hosting Dyno Day, and attendees can watch dozens of trucks hit the dyno, enjoy some food, and check out the show room! This event features a free truck show, free food and drinks, and dozens of rowdy diesel trucks. 
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, April 26
The St. Clair VFW is hosting a craft fair as well as an egg hunt. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the egg hunt happening at 10 a.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, April 27
The final day of WashMo BBQ & Bluesfest begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 4 p.m.
Learn more.