Posted in News and Features

The Washington Coffee Shop Offers a Cozy Remote Working Option

I don’t know if you’ve been to The Washington Coffee Shop lately, or if you’ve taken note of its Facebook posts, but the bustling staple in Washington’s coffee scene received a little facelift.

Near the fall of 2025, the shop’s mix of soft, cozy seats and table seating was rearranged and while that might seem like a simple action, I personally find that the new layout helps with flow (for example there’s a couple designated nooks with cozy seating that invite groups to linger). In addition to the seating, the retail area has also shifted and is located in a corner near the kitchen, but perhaps what I’m most excited about is that the new furniture layout is a little more friendly for those of us who are looking for a remote working space.

The Washington Coffee Shop might’ve received an interior tweak, but you can still expect the same great coffee and vintage, kitschy touches, like the ceramic salt and pepper shakers seen on this table.

While I typically write from home, some days getting out in public (and putting on real clothes!) helps to break up the monotony of working at my dining table. Not only does the shop’s new flow help me to visually find and take a mental note of the tables nearest an outlet, but also, I’ve noticed that when groups are there to sip coffee and chat, they tend to stick to the soft seating areas or the tables closest to those areas. This might not sound like a big deal, but there have been times when either myself or my husband have been working in a coffee shop and we need to take a work-related call and I sometimes feel like a jerk when I have to do that.

Why? Because I always feel a bit sorry for the groups sitting in a coffee shop who are there just to relax or chat about their latest book club read, and someone is working next to them talking on a Zoom, going into excruciating detail about spreadsheet data. While I know it can’t be helped, and sometimes you just gotta take work meetings in public, it can also be kind of a vibe killer for those in the space not working 🙂

The pastry case is always stocked with yummy baked goods, but I’m a complete sucker for the shop’s carrot cake muffins, which come with a decadent cream cheese frosting.

Change isn’t always good, but in this case, it is. And if you’re wondering, yes, you can still find the same yummy coffee drinks, along with a variety of teas, smoothies, and energy drinks. The pastry case features delectable treats like cookies and muffins that practically beckon, and there’s the option to order from the breakfast menu all day, as well as the lunch options like sandwiches, salad, and a soup selection. So if you haven’t been stopped by in a while, drop in, I think you’ll be pleased.

The Socialite recommends The Washington Coffee Shop!

The details:
2 East Fifth Street, Washington
Find the shop on Facebook

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Jan. 5-11, 2026

The hustle of the holiday season is over and the New Year has arrived. This week there’s a few opportunities to help you get on track with your 2026 goals, take in live entertainment, test your knowledge with trivia, and more.

As a reminder, events may change or get rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
Get crafty with DIY Advice Cards. Each card will have its own unique theme, artwork, and rules set by its creator – YOU! The cards will feature messages that can help guide you through situations you may encounter during the new year.
Get more details.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
Start the New Year with creating a 2026 Vision Board at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch. This free workshop begins at 6 p.m., and requires registration.
Register.

Thursday, Jan. 8
Liberty Hall in Washington is continuing its Dynamic Women Speaker Series in 2026, with “Awakening the Wise Heart” presented by Regan Caruthers.
Learn more and purchase tickets.

Friday, Jan. 9
Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. This event repeats on Jan. 16, 23, and 30.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 9
Dance the night away with line dancing led by Glittering Grapevine kicks off at 6 p.m. at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington.
Get more details.

Friday, Jan. 9
The Main Street Studio is a new event space in Washington and is kicking off its first community event with a Vision Board and Goal Night from 6-8 p.m. The evening will be led by Kaylie Kaufman, Nutrition Coach & Mindset Speaker. Kaylie will guide attendees through setting meaningful, realistic goals for 2026 and share practical, encouraging tools to help you actually achieve them.
More info on Facebook.

Friday, Jan. 9
Have a crochet or other fiber project you’re working on or are you interested in starting a new project while also meeting new people? DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair is hosting a free event called Fiber Friends Monthly Meet where you’ll work on crocheting granny squares.
Learn more.

Back view of white two-story home with a covered patio
Advertisement – Need more space in your current home? Reach out to Freelance Services today for help with your addition or renovation drawings.

Saturday, Jan. 10
The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Tri County Community Senior Center in Pacific is hosting a Winter Ball from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and the celebration includes hors d’oeuvres, sangria, beer, and non alcoholic beverages, as well as live music performed by The Elderly Brothers.
Learn more.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Attention Brides-to-Be, you don’t want to miss the Washington Wedding Show happening from 12-3p.m. at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, Jan. 9
Calling all “Gilmore Girls” TV series fans! Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a “Gilmore Girls” themed trivia night.
Get more info.

Comic book themed colorful image of a man and woman kissing
Advertisement – Calling all romance girlies! Download your next binge read like Nerdy Words, book one in The Talk Nerdy to Me Series.

Friday, Jan. 9
St. Vincent De Paul School in Marthasville is hosting a Music Trivia Night. The event is $30 per person, with beer, seltzer, soda, and setup included in the price. Attendees are welcome to bring in food.
Learn more.

Friday, Jan. 9 & Saturday, Jan. 10
The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February.
Get tickets.

Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 10-11
Winter Round-Up at Brookdale Farms is a family-friendly winter festival packed with outdoor fun, live entertainment, and cozy seasonal activities for all ages. From interactive hayride shows and hands-on crafts to inflatables, s’mores by the fire, and hot cocoa!
Find out more and get tickets.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in Events

10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve Around Franklin County

The end of 2025 is here and if you’re looking for places to ring in 2026, but don’t want to travel far to celebrate, there’s plenty going on right here in the Franklin County area. From multi-course meals, to lively festivities with music and libations, to family-friendly parties and more low-key celebrations that wrap up well before midnight, there’s a number of spots to usher in the New Year.

If you want to enjoy drinks and a cigar this New Year’s Eve, celebrate at Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar in Washington with cocktails, fun activities, giveaways every hour, hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight!
Get tickets.

Those who wish to ring in 2026 with a fine dining experience should reserve their spot at Mangia Bella at Elijah McClean’s in Washington. The special three-course New Year’s Eve menu features lobster bisque as a first course, and choose from prime rib, broiled cod, or roasted duck as a main course, along with a milk chocolate mousse cake for dessert.
Reservations made through Open Table.

If you’re looking for low-key festivities that include an early ball-drop, check out the happenings at The Tipsy Keg in Washington. The celebration happens from 6-9 p.m. and features music by Extremely Unplugged.
Learn more.

Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash that includes an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a midnight toast, plus a late-night snack offering to keep the party going beyond the balloon drop at 12 a.m.
Get tickets for the event, or celebrate the early ball drop in the Tasting Room, which doesn’t require a ticket purchase.

New Year’s Eve at The Alley in Washington promises something for everyone: there’s blacklight bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m., live music from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m., plus ball drops at 9 p.m. and again at midnight.
Get more information.

Looking for a family-friendly night out? The NYE Kids’ Jam at Brookdale Farms in Eureka is from 6-9 p.m. and will have an open soda bar, food trucks, games and activities, as well as a photo booth and kid-friendly dance music.
Find out more.

Thacker’s Mini Pub in Gerald will have Family Feud beginning at 8 p.m., a DJ later in the evening, as well as a photo booth, and food and drink specials throughout the night.
Learn more.

Piccadilly Par1 in Union’s New Year’s Eve celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, to be followed by a steak and lobster buffet at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a cash bar and appetizers throughout the night, along with a DJ and of course a champagne toast at midnight.
Get more info.

If an evening filled with karaoke and pizza is your more your speed, then head to Saucy’s Pizzeria in Catawissa. The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature karaoke and a DJ, plus a $15 buffet from 7-10 p.m., and much more.
Learn more on Facebook.

Pool tables, darts, karaoke and pub style food is on the menu at Boomers Sports Bar & Grill in Sullivan. One New Year’s Eve, the establishment will have karaoke, 50/50 raffles, and food and drink specials throughout the night, and no cover charge to celebrate, but will accept table reservations made by phone.
Find out more.

Posted in News and Features

Where to Find Holiday Light Displays

There’s something about glowing light displays that make this time of year feel extra special. If you’re looking for places to view lights, by either driving through the lights or exploring them on foot, take a look at the list below

St. Clair

Head to Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair to walk through their annual Grove of Lights holiday light experience. View thousands of dazzling lights, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores, get photos with Santa, free face painting for kids, and much more.
Purchase tickets.

Union

ReDicsover Union Inc. has released a Holiday Lights Map on its website. The map shows you how to take a self-guided tour of the lights located throughout town.

Eureka

Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a drive-thru light display containing millions of lights that make up a variety of animated scenes. Admission is paid by the carload.
Find out more.

Central Avenue in Eureka is lit up with beautiful holiday displays.
See more.

Washington

Take a drive down East Fifth Street to take in the lights of numerous businesses as well as residences who’ve decked the halls for Christmas. There’s also some beautiful light displays on the historic homes located along Cedar Street (near Tilted Skillet), as well as in the neighborhood near Total Access Urgent Care (Madison Avenue and 47).

Krakow

Facebook users report that a private home located at 5333 Cedar Lane in Krakow features a lighted display set to music.

Rolla

Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season.
Learn pricing and more info.

Christmas in the Park is happening at Rolla Lions Park from Dec. 11-23 and again from Dec. 26-27. This drive-through light display features displays of several businesses and organizations in Phelps County as well as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and more.
Get more information.

St. Louis and St. Charles Counties

For those up for a road trip, Facebook users report that there are numerous neighborhoods, parks, and other organizations featuring holiday light displays, including Teddy Bear Christmas Land, near Grant’s Farm.

Walk through lights at Grant’s Farm features carousel rides, up close encounters with animals, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as millions of dazzling light displays.
Learn more and get tickets.

Garden Glow is a walk-through lighted display at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Find out more.

Wild Lights is a light display at the St. Louis Zoo.
Get more info.