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.
This week is going to be a hot one, but there’s plenty of cool things happening around the area, including a free drive-in movie showing of “Back to the Future,” an open day to play in the water at Lost Hill Lake, an indoor craft fair, and a chance to see the stars at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Thursday, July 24 Head to downtown Washington for the 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.
Thursday, July 24 Head back in time with Marty and Doc Brown with the free drive-in showing of “Back to the Future” at Cinema 1 Plus in Washington. The movie will play in the theater parking lot and will start 30 minutes after sunset. Spots are first come, first serve and movie snacks like popcorn and drinks are available for purchase. Learn more.
Thursday, July 24 Winehouse 66 in Pacific is hosting a permanent jewelry pop-up with AB Crafts from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Find out more.
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Thursday, July 24 Take your young baker to Washington for a kids’ cupcake decorating workshop on Thursday, July 24 at 4 p.m. at Ambiance Lighting for the business’s Christmas in July event. The decorating workshop is free and the supplies are on a first come, first serve basis. Learn more.
Friday, July 25 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. Please note that the location of the market is on the corner of Oak and Main Streets, adjacent to Hansen Park. Get more details on Facebook.
Friday, July 25 Feeling messy? The you’ll want to attend Mess Fest at the Washington Public Library from 6-7 p.m. Get doused with color as you make your way around the library, and attendees are encouraged to wear white for full impact. The messy mood continues outdoors in the closed off parking lot. Have ooey gooey fun with shaving cream, playdough, and other messy makers at this all ages messy affair! Get the full details.
Saturday, July 26 Stay cool, find some new crafted items and help a worthy cause at the Beat the Heat Indoor Craft Fair. The fundraising craft show will benefit the Franklin County Foster Closet. There will be plenty of crafters and vendors, along with activities for kids and bingo. Find out more.
Sunday, July 27 Beat the heat with a day spent at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. The private event and glamping venue is opening the grounds to the public from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and fun. Admission is $10 for all ages 6 and up. Get all the details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, July 25 – Saturday, July 26 Belle City Park Arena in Belle will host Central Family Rodeo Association. The rodeo will happen on both days and concessions will be available on site. Learn more.
Saturday, July 26 – Sunday, July 27 The Berries & BBQ Wine Trail will happen in Hermann, as several wineries take part in this two-day event. Luscious berries, savory BBQ, and cool, fragrant wine cellars make for a memorable summer weekend in Missouri Wine Country. Get tickets.
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Saturday, July 26 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, June 26 Down Home BBQ in Cuba will host a Route 66 car show from 2 – 4 p.m. Learn more.
Sunday, July 27 It’s worth the short drive to Fenton to see the amazing cars at this 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 at the Facebook event.
Summertime is peak ice cream consumption time and a few weeks ago I chose to treat my sister to a fun ice cream experience. We enjoyed scoops at the old-fashioned soda fountain shop called The Soda Fountain Emporium in Steelville.
Although I’d seen pictures of the establishment on Facebook, it was a totally different experience witnessing it first hand. Walking into this place is like stepping back in time.
Just a few of the aesthetic details include a classic red and white theme that’s a tribute to old-timey soda fountain shops, tin ceiling tiles, wood flooring, vintage furniture, an antique cash register, and authentic soda fountain equipment and order counter. You’ve really got to see it for yourself.
The ice cream at The Soda Fountain Emporium in Steelville is homemade. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The ice cream at the shop is all homemade, which I wasn’t expecting! I ordered the fudge brownie, which was absolutely amazing. The vanilla portion of the ice cream was velvety and slightly sweet, while the brownie pieces were fudgy and decadent. In addition the brownie pieces, there were also chocolate chips, making this a really rich, delicious treat.
My sister got a kiddie sized scoop of the cookies and cream flavor, and it disappeared before I could snap a photo, so I think she liked it!
I was thinking I’d grab a shake or float to go that I could sip on while we strolled downtown Steelville, but the individual ice cream scoop really satisfied my sweet tooth, so that’s a task for my next visit.
The Socialite recommends The Soda Fountain Emporium!
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Small Town Socialite 