Tag: downtown Washington Missouri

Posted in Events

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

Posted on 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.

Posted in News and Features

Old Bridgeview Brewing in Washington Boasts Beers and Pub Style Food

Posted on 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
Like on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Visit on the web

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 14 – July 20, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week is the Crawford County Fair, the free drive-in movie series continues in Washington, plus there’s a local farmers market, barbecue events, an outdoor yoga experience, and a lot more happening.

Thursday, July 17
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in showings this week with a screening of “Mamma Mia.” Weather permitting, the show will begin after sunset in the parking lot. Parking spaces are first come, first serve, with concessions available for purchase.
Follow the theater on Facebook to stay updated.

Friday, July 18
Teens can gather at the Washington Public Library for the Teen Paint and Pizza Party. Create an original masterpiece under the guidance of a paint instructor. Materials will be supplied. Registration required. Call 636-390-1070 to register. Ages 12 & Up.
Find out more.

Friday, July 18
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, July 19
Rennick Pavilion at the Missouri Riverfront in Washington will be the site of Blessings Are Miracles’ free BBQ.
Learn more.

Photo via Blessings Are Miracles’ Facebook post.

Saturday, July 19
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens every on the first and third Saturdays in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.
Get more details on Facebook.

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

Saturday, July 19
Head to the Union American Legion for the 3rd Saturday BBQ, beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out! Menu includes full slab of ribs, 1/2 slab ribs, chicken, brats, pork steaks, and more.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 19
Hood Park in Cuba is the site of the Crawford County Fair! Kicking off on Tuesday, July 15 and running through Saturday, July 19, the fair will include food vendors, agricultural and live stock shows, entertainment, and carnival rides. The fun gets started with a fair parade on July 15, at 6 p.m. 
Find the full schedule of events on Facebook.

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20
Where can you find antique tractors, steam engines, a flea market, food, music, and fun activities like a cast iron skillet throwing contest and a bale throw? In Rosebud at the Steam Engine & Antique Tractor Show.
Find the full schedule.

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

Saturday, July 19
Flow at the Spring at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Stretch, breathe, and flow in a natural environment at this outdoor morning yoga class. Bring yoga mat, towel, and water to class. $15 fee to attend class.
Sign up details found here.

Saturday, July 19
Watch truck and tractor pulls at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro.
Find more info on Facebook.

Saturday, July 19
Head to St. James Winery for a stunning summer evening in the heart of the Meramec Highlands! Settle in at the Taproom for a four-course dining experience showcasing seasonal flavors, local ingredients, and expertly crafted pairings from St. James Winery and Public House Brewing Company. Limited seating available!
Get more info and tickets.

Posted in News and Features

Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing Offers Tailored Charcuterie Experiences

Posted on by Amanda

Charcuterie, or grazing boards and boxes full of cold meats, cheeses, fruits and more, have become increasingly popular over the past several years, due to the often beautiful presentation of the boards and yummy combinations of ready-to-eat finger foods. While you can often find charcuterie options on the menu at some area wineries, breweries, wine bars, and cafes and restaurants, there’s also a new business that is bringing charcuterie selections to you.

Earlier this year, Devon Shaw launched a mobile charcuterie business called Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing. The grazing board menu features several custom options, such as boards that feed groups from two up to 15 people.

Larger groups or anyone hosting a private party like bridal or baby showers, weddings, and even corporate events, may also opt for the mobile charcuterie cart, which provides an interactive experience, allowing guests to customize their own personal charcuterie box with items like cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, and meats.

Although Devon does a lot of private events, she and her mobile charcuterie cart have also made appearances at public gatherings, like Sunset on the Riverfront in Washington. I had the pleasure of meeting Devon and trying her charcuterie at the most recent Sunset on the Riverfront.

I selected items I wanted for my custom charcuterie box, like fresh fruit, cheese, meat, and dark chocolate covered caramel for a sweet finish. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Of course there’s always food vendors at these public events, but on the hot, late June evening of Sunset on the Riverfront, seeing the charcuterie cart, with its selection of chilled items, was a very welcome site.

The custom charcuterie box I had was a feast for the eyes as well as the belly thanks to the way Devon artfully arranged my selections. Everything I ate was also delicious, but as a true cheese and chocolate lover, those were my favorite items – and if it had been a possibility, I could’ve just had a girl dinner with a box full of those two items. But, alas, a girl can’t live on cheese and chocolate alone! The turkey, salami, crackers and fresh fruit were also filling and refreshing.

You can catch Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing in Washington next week at Sage Bee Prep Academy’s First Bee Day Bash on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. The event will feature other food and drink vendors, a bounce house, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities.

The Socialite recommends Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing!

The details:
Find Shawcuterie on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on events.
Visit the business’s website to learn more or to order.