Tag: food and drink

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Aug. 24 – Sept. 6, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

It’s back to school time! As families in and around Franklin County get acclimated to routines and new schedules, just remember that there are plenty of local events happening each weekend in and around Franklin County.

Over the next two weeks there’s still a few recurring outdoor events like Sunset on the Riverfront in WashMo and Market off Main in Union, as well as an outdoor showing of the animated film “Cars 3.” There’s also a music festival at East Central College to kick off the college’s music season, the 6th Annual Celtic Festival is going down at the Washington VFW, plus there’s a few arts and crafts events, some fundraising events, and lots more.

Just a heads up to my readers: the next event round up post will be published ahead of Labor Day and will feature a slightly tweaked format. Going forward I’ll be posting events by geographic location and bundling counties/towns together rather than posting them as I do now with Franklin County events in one section, and everything else under the Road Trippin’ section. My hope is it makes it easier to scan each post and find events happening within Franklin County and those communities that border the area (like Eureka) while keeping events in nearby counties and communities in their own section.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

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

Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28
American Street Edge in St. Clair has recently expanded its training area with a wall removal, and is celebrating with free class offerings for kids and adults that are only available Aug. 24 – Aug. 28.
Get the details in this Facebook post.

Tuesday, Aug. 25
On the last Tuesday of every month the Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Ladies Night event from 6-7 p.m. This is a chance to hang with your friends or meet new ones, plus play games, and bring a snack to share.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Aug. 26
Smokin’ Oak Woodfired Pizza in Washington is having a Dine to Donate event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Dine to Donate hours are from 5-8 p.m.
Learn more.

Thursday, Aug. 27
Sunset on the Riverfront is happening at Rennick Park at the Washington Riverfront from 5-8 p.m. Bring the whole family along with your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music performed by The Texas Giants, with food available for purchase by Mosaic Cafe & Catering, Big Boys Grilled Subs and Wings, and BLAST Youth Board Dirty Soda Stand. This month’s kid zone activity will be a petting zoo.
Get more info.

Thursday, Aug. 27
The fourth Thursday of every month is Art Club at the Washington Public Library from 6-8 p.m. No art experience is necessary to attend. The event is open to all skill levels and anyone age 16 and up.
Find out more.

Friday, Aug. 28
Kick off the ECC music season with an evening of live music, food, and fun under the summer sky at ECC’s Music Festival. Hosted by ECC, the ECC Music Department, Patrons of the Arts, and Metallica Scholars. The free concert includes a live music lineup with Elayna Cusano at 4:30 p.m., Steve Leslie Band at 5 p.m., and Playadors at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised will support ECC’s Metallica Scholars Initiative by providing scholarships to students enrolled in workforce and skilled trades programs.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 28
Grab your boots and your dance partner and head to The Office in WashMo for line dancing with Glittering Grapevine beginning at 7 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, Aug. 28
Market off Main is happening at Hansen Park in Union on the corner of Oak and Main Streets from 4-7 p.m. Shop from local vendors, makers, and producers, and find food and drinks available for purchase. There will be live music performed by Zero Gravity, Hot Tamales Love at First Bite Food Truck and Box Car Express will be the food vendors at the market.
Check Facebook for more details.

Friday, Aug. 28
Liberty Field in Pacific is hosting a movie in the park night at 8 p.m. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in to watch the Pixar film “Cars 3.”
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 29
The 6th Annual Celtic Festival is happening at the Washington VFW from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Come out for a day filled with live bands, Irish dancers, food, beer, local vendors, Highland games and family fun.
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 29
Head to Eureka for Charlie’s Believe Fly-In and RC Airshow from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find RC airshow demonstrations, open flying, bounce house, kids activities, music, food and refreshments, plus RC and Non-RC Raffles.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 29
The Gus Garrett 1st Annual Memorial Poker Run is happening from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The funds raised will go towards the Gus Garrett Scholarship.
Find out how to participate.

Sunday, Aug. 30
Essence Salon & Spa in Union is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Turning Point Advocacy Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services for domestic violence survivors. Book an appointment online for a haircut, 30 minute massage, chair massage, or 30 minute facial between the hours of 1-4 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds from the services will go to Turning Point Advocacy Services.
Learn more.

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Sept. 1 – 30
Missouri Main Street is a month-long exhibit at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in the Show Me State.
Learn more.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
Head to the Washington Public Library for Back to School with the Gilmore Girls from 5-7 p.m. The event is for ages 12 and up and attendees will watch some episodes of the show while crafting a book journal.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
The Club House Play Cafe in Sullivan is hosting a Harry Potter themed cookie decorating class for adults and kids. Cost to attend is $30 per person and attendees will decorate magical-themed cookies and play a few fun games along the way. And because no magical night is complete without snacks and drinks, there will be plenty of themed goodies available for purchase.
Save your spot.

Wednesday, Sept. 2
The first Wednesday of the month the Washington Public Library hosts Discovering Great Artists Workshop from 4-5 p.m. Artists age 9-18 are invited to attend and create art inspired by great artists throughout history.
Get more details.

Thursday, Sept. 3
Music on Main is happening in downtown Union, beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music performed by Richie Callison, and find food and drinks available for purchase from Sip on Main, Savy’s Food Truck, Sip Chicks, and Box Car Express.
Find out more on Facebook.

Friday, Sept. 4
The first Friday of every month at Point Labbadie Brewery is the First Friday Jam, an open acoustic jam for all skill levels. Bring your instruments and jump in on the fun or simply sit back (or boogie down!) and enjoy some fantastic picking.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 4
Union’s Concert in the Park is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the large pavilion at City Park. The concert will feature live music by Crossfire.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 5
The Bridge Pacific is hosting Rockin’ the Railroad 2026. Admission to the outdoor concert is $2 plus a non-perishable food item for the Agape House. The event begins at 5 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 5
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a series of free drive-in movies with a showing of the 1980s time travel flick “Back to the Future.” The film will start 15 minutes after sunset and parking spaces are on a first come, first serve basis and available spaces are marked by the presence of orange cones.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

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


Saturday, Aug. 29
Get ready for a one of a kind picking experience at Nelson Hart Park in St. James. Find rusty treasures, vintage advertising, primitives, petroliana, barn finds and boutique goodies, all in one place for some good ole fashion junkin’! 
Get more info.

Saturday, Aug. 29
The Rest and Restore Retreat at Second Chance Landing on the Katy Trail in Hermann is offering attendees a Day of Rejuvenation. Enjoy diverse experiences including a sound bowl session, meditation, yoga with self-acupressure techniques, fascia release, yin yoga using auricular beads, time for unwinding and bonding with others, herbal teas, and light refreshments. The retreat is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost is $130 per person.
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 29
Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec with Sam Lewis at 6 p.m. Bring your own chair and enjoy food trucks and local beverages. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free attendance with Season Pass.
More info.

Saturday, Aug. 29
Head to Linn for some rodeo fun at the NFPB Bull Riding event at the Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds beginning at 8 pm.
Get more details.

Friday, Sept. 5 & Saturday, Sept. 6
The 2026 Salem Chamber Rodeo is happening for two days. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. both nights.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 5
Head to Hermann for the Harvest Festival at Stone Hill Winery, happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sample grapes from the vineyards, hear live music, shop from area vendors, and enjoy wine, beer, and food available for purchase.
Free admission, get more info.

Sunday, Sept. 6
The first Sunday of each month, the Rolla Writers Club meets from 2-4 p.m. at the Rolla Public Library.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 6
The Steelville Country Club is hosting an International Food Tasting event open to all. The event begins at 12 p.m. and cost is $10 a plate. Some of the cuisine will include Hungarian, Filipino, German, Japanese, and more.
Get more details.

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

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Aug. 10 – Aug. 23, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

The dog days of summer have arrived, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of things to do both indoors and outside over the next two weeks in Franklin County and nearby communities. There’s crafting events, car shows, touch-a-truck events, plus live music events, community markets, and much more.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

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

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Multiple days
The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m.
Get more info.

Multiple days
Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch.
Find pickup days and times.

Multiple days in August
Old Farm Winery in Catawissa has a number of events like a car show, karaoke, and live music throughout August.
Get all the details.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Each month, the Washington Public Library hosts a crafting event, providing all the supplies attendees need to make a themed craft. This month, attendees can opt to create disco-themed fall crafts and can choose from a ghostie or a disco ball inspired mini pumpkin.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Washington Historical Society is hosting The American Zither Verband for its monthly Evening at the Museum event. The fun begins at 7 p.m.
Get more info.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
The St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library is hosting an author event with Sue Blesi. Attendees will explore the legacies of some of St. Clair’s most notable residents through lively storytelling by local historian and author, Sue Blesi.
Register here.

Friday, Aug. 14
The next City of Union Market off Main is happening from 4-7 p.m. Find food from Savy’s Food Truck and Hot Tamales Love at First Bite, as well as numerous items for sale from local vendors.
Find out more.

Friday, Aug. 14
Glittering Grapevine Line Dancing will guide guests in line dancing at Ace’s & Eagles The Office Bar in Washington.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 14
The American Legion in New Haven continues its America 250 live music series with a live performance by Brooke Bockting from 5-8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 14
American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is hosting a Women’s Safety & Self-Defense Seminar from 6-8:30 p.m. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today.
Reserve your place.

Saturday, Aug. 15
Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center in Pacific is hosting the Gateway HET Car Cruise from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 15
First Christian Church in Washington is hosting a Touch-a-Truck event from 9-10:30 a.m. Get up close and personal with a variety of big trucks and vehicles in the church parking lot. Honk the horns, check out the equipment, and enjoy a morning of hands-on fun for all ages!
Find out more details.

Saturday, Aug. 15
It’s been one year since Andy’s Produce Too in Union moved from its original location on U.S. 50 to its current location on Main St. in Union. To celebrate, Andy’s is hosting a customer appreciation event from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. that will include local vendors to shop from, a seafood boil, and beginning at 10 a.m., free burgers and chips for the first 50 customers.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 15
Goddess Gowns in Union is hosting a bridal and beyond pop-up event from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event is perfect for anyone getting ready to say “I do” as well as women looking to refresh their accessories. Shop permanent jewelry and upgrade your hat collection with Burned Wildflower Creations, a custom hat business that creates beautiful burned designs on hats.
Get more details.

Sunday, Aug. 16
Aset Center in Washington will welcome Michelle Nolan Sanchez of Akashic Soulwork to lead an akashic dance, and later a sound bath led by Allison Chrisman will bring attendees into deep relaxation as she creates restorative sound with her gong and other instruments.
Register and learn more.

Sunday, Aug. 16
St. Patrick’s Old Rock Church in Catawissa is having its church picnic. Find chicken, cold beer, hot dogs and snow cones, as well as kids games, plus custard cups from Hoffmans.
Find out more.

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Tuesday, Aug. 18
Head to Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch to learn more about all things gardening at the branch’s monthly club called Growers and Sowers. The meetings are from 6-7 p.m. and this month’s topic is backyard birds.
Register to save your spot.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
Join Project Linus of East Central Missouri at the Union American Legion and help make an impact for area children in need of comfort. Bring your own sewing supplies and make blankets any time during the hours of 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Get more info.

Thursday, Aug. 20
After a brief hiatus, Music on Main returns to downtown Union. The fall concert series kicks off with music from Bag Lunch Blues Band, and food and drinks available for purchase from Sip on Main, White Rose, Boxcar Express, and Sip Chicks. The fun happens at Hansen Park, beginning at 6 p.m.
Find out more.

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23
New Earth Fest is a music, wellness, and arts festival happening at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. Find workshops on things like yoga and breathwork, as well as creative and hands on activities like art, shop from vendors, and sway to a live music show complete with lights and lasers at night. Tickets range in prices and access, with day passes to full weekend access available.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 21 & Saturday, Aug. 22 *Rescheduled from Aug. 14 & 15 due to heat*
The St. Clair Saddle Club is hosting rodeo fun on Friday and Saturday. Find 5D barrel racing and more.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, Aug. 21
The Book Booth in Washington is hosting a Meet and Greet Book Signing event for the book Porch Time with Lynnie: A Place for Healing. The event starts at 5 p.m.
Get more details.

Friday, Aug. 21
Head to Union City Park for an outdoor showing of Wicked for Good, the Lawn Chair Movie Night event of August. The movie begins at dark, and guests should arrive early with their lawn chairs to get their preferred seats.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 21
Sip, snack, and create your own dragonfly sun catcher at The Eclectic Dragonfly in New Haven from 5-7 p.m.
Get more info.

Friday, Aug. 21
Sugar & Whisk Cafe in New Haven is hosting a Back to School Bash from 2–5 p.m. The afternoon of fun will include face painting, bubbles, and outdoor games, plus food and drink selections including coffee, sweet treats for the whole family, and BBQ plates and hot dogs.
Find out more.

Friday, Aug. 21
Glittering Grapevine Line Dancing will guide guests in line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards in Washington.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 21
The Roundup Event Space in St. Clair is hosting another Tailgate Sale in the grassy area located near the event space (at the corner of Main and Hibbard in downtown St. Clair). The event happens from 5-8 p.m. and will feature food trucks, dirty sodas, and a number of vendors including plants, jewelry, boutiques, and more.
Find out more.

Friday, Aug. 21
The American Legion in New Haven concludes its America 250 live music series with a live performance by Eric Englebrecht from 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22
With August being the Dog Days of Summer and everyone needing a little something to look forward to, from 2-6 p.m. hang out on the patio at Pinckney Bend in New Haven for its Wieners & Dieners event. Josh Lang & Pinckney Bend will cook up hot dogs, sausages, and brats on the big grill, with live music by Matt Diener.
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 22
The annual Foodstock event in Washington is happening from 5-10 p.m. at the Washington Farmers Market. This event benefits local food pantries and features live music by area musicians and admission is either a monetary donation or non-perishable food.
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 22
The Back to School Farmers Market is happening at Frisco Farms from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find goods from local vendors and makers, as well as locally grown produce, local honey, and meat.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 22
Downtown Sullivan is the site of a cruise in car show that has various hot rods, trucks and Jeeps.
Get more info.

Sunday, Aug. 23
The Alley cordially invites all princesses and princes to its Princess Brunch event. Kicking off at 9 a.m., attendees will have brunch, a meet and greet, and arcade games with four iconic princesses. All ages are welcome to attend, but tickets are limited, so don’t wait! Cost is $35 admission includes brunch, a meet and greet, and a $20 game card.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Aug. 13
Tour The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance free of charge. All ages are welcome and admission is first-come, first-served. Tours are open-house format, allowing guests to explore all levels of the house and speak with docents about the Boone family and the history of the Femme Osage Valley.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 15
RGM Farms in Bourbon is hosting a monthly event called Social Saturdays, which are an opportunity to come together with friends new and old, enjoy food, and entertainment from 3-7 p.m.
Get tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 15
Onondaga Cave State Park is hosting a series of night sky viewing events with astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own.
Find out more.

Friday & Saturday, Aug. 21 & 22
Mid-Missouri Rodeo Association is coming to the Rolla Saddle Club. The rodeo fun kicks off at 7 p.m. each evening.
Get more info.

Saturday, Aug. 22
Want to volunteer your time with an organization making an impact in the lives of veterans? Head to The Freedom 13 Healing Camp in Bourbon for a day of giving back and helping the nonprofit build cabins and a recreational space that veterans and their families can use.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 22
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka, for the Back-to-School Bash, a family celebration packed with fun, entertainment, and community spirit. Spend the afternoon exploring the farm with giant inflatables, hayrides, pony rides, our petting zoo, bubble zone, sunflower photo opportunities, yard games, and more. Dance in the foam party, enjoy live music, and grab dinner from local food vendors.
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, News and Features

New Earth Fest, a Festival Centered Around Wellness, Music, and Arts is Coming to St. Clair Later This Month

Posted on by Amanda

A wellness, music, and arts festival all rolled into one, New Earth Fest is happening Thursday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 23 in St. Clair. This all ages, family-friendly, alcohol-free gathering aims to create a more present and connected festival experience for its attendees and is founded and organized by St. Louis resident Christine Kick.

“I love the idea of being able to create events that can build culture, specifically around positive things,” Christine shares. “It’s a way to come together around the idea of envisioning the world in a positive way.” 

Prior to creating New Earth Fest, Christine had been a part of other festivals in various ways: as an aerialist performer, teaching yoga, and as a singer and musician, since she also makes electronic music under the name Harmony Om. After attending other festivals, she noticed a couple of things that were missing at most events. 

“I noticed the need for spaces that are family-friendly and clearly focused on wellness,” she says.

Although she lives in St. Louis, when Christine started planning the festival she knew she wanted it to happen somewhere that was close to the city, yet at a location that was nature focused and would allow attendees to stay for more than one day. 

“Having people stay together creates more of a vibe and a community,” Christine explains. 

A group of four women posing together outdoors at night, smiling under white string lights
More than a music festival, New Earth Fest offers ways for attendees to connect and form community through wellness and arts workshops, as well as through spending time together in nature at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.

She found what she was looking for at Lost Hill Lake Events. The St. Clair venue features an onsite lake and Meramec River access, glamping as well as RV hookups, outdoor showers, and an outdoor dry barrel sauna, making it an ideal setting for a festival that’s rooted in wellness, embracing nature, community, and positivity.

Workshops, music, and activities

Even though it’s a multi-day event, attendees can choose attendance options that are right for their schedule, with day passes available, as well as a multi-day ticket option that allows for glamping onsite. No matter if someone plans to come out for the day, or stay for the entire festival, there’s activities that span across interests and wellness areas.

New Earth attendees sitting in the grass attending an outdoor workshop.
The festival features daily workshops centered on wellness practices like yoga and breathwork, as well as arts, and spirituality. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.

The daily workshops center around wellness and somatic practices like yoga and breathwork, as well as sound healing, which is a practice of using frequencies, vibrations, and tones from sources like chimes, singing bowls, and gongs to promote relaxation and mental well-being.  

Attendees can also expect to find spiritually focused workshops on things like manifestation. There will also be interactive workshops focused on crafts, painting, and making things, plus kid oriented activities, as well as windows of time where kids can be dropped with staff so parents in attendance at the festival can have solo time to attend workshops. 

And for those who plan to stay onsite for multiple days, the festival schedule features breaks in the afternoons so attendees can enjoy the lake, explore the hiking trails, or simply relax and take in the natural landscape. 

At night, expect a full production music experience, with lights, lasers, and plenty of room for dancing. It should be noted that the music performances go until 2:30 a.m., and it’s recommend people staying onsite bring earplugs if they’re not planning on attending the full music performances at the event. 

An outdoor music performance at night with lights and lasers and crowd of people in attendance.
New Earth Fest features musical performances each night, complete with lasers and lights. Photo via Christine Kick, New Earth Fest.

There will be vendors onsite, as well as food and drinks available for purchase and in place of serving alcohol at the festival, expect beverages made with cacao or adoptogens such as mushroom powders, plus sparkling waters, juices, and cannabis seltzers through a partnership with Mighty Kind, as well as CBD drinks.  

Day pass and multi-day ticket sales are available in advance online, or onsite at the event. Find out more about New Earth Fest on Facebook or by visiting the festival’s website. 

Posted in News and Features

Sugar & Whisk Cafe in New Haven is Serving Up Sandwiches, Wraps, and Creative Baked Goods

Posted on by Amanda

When Meg Lang, owner of the long-standing eatery Lang-a-Tang Cafe & Catering in New Haven made a vulnerable post on Facebook at the beginning of summer outlining her plans to close the cafe and pivot to private chef and catering, her community, while sad to see the cafe close, rallied behind her decision. After years of running the business with her mom Myrna, it was time for them to pursue other projects and interests. In her post, Meg shared her hope that someone would purchase the cafe so that it could get a new life and remain a staple for the New Haven community.

And just a few weeks after that fateful social media post, another post outlined how a family had bought the business from Meg and had plans to rebrand it to Sugar & Whisk Cafe. The new owners, Venus and Freddy Mendoza, are a local couple who took over the business at the beginning of this month and are slowly rolling out new menu items, as well as keeping some tried and true customer favorites.

“I had a cottage bakery before this and when I saw at the bottom of Meg’s post that this was a turnkey cafe for sale, I thought this is my chance,” Venus shares.

Since taking over the business, Venus says that everything has moved fast, but that she and her husband are loving the journey so far. The cafe offers catering for Franklin County and parts of Crawford County, and over the next few months customers can expect to see some new menu items available.

“We’re going to be adding some gluten-free options,” Venus explains of some of the planned changes.

The menu

The cafe serves traditional drip coffee and espresso beverages, as well as bubble tea, and smoothies, which are a new drink option. One popular menu item that’s familiar to anyone who visited the cafe under the former ownership is the Butter Beer latte, an espresso made with toffee, caramel, and cinnamon. Another popular menu favorite is the turkey and fig sandwich, which combines turkey, cheese, crisp greens, and a fig spread, giving it a delightful slightly sweet finish.

Other sandwiches include a turkey club, chicken salad, and a wrap available with chicken or turkey, plus bacon and ranch. Each sandwich or wrap comes with a generous side of chips and a pickle spear.

The menu also features a selection of breakfast options, including a sandwich made with choice of bacon or sausage, plus an egg and cheese, as well as a burrito and breakfast bowl, or a parfait for a lighter, vegetarian option.

the peach cobbler cookie features a sugar cookie topped with peach cobbler filling.
The peach cobbler cookie features a sugar cookie topped with peach cobbler filling. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

There’s a number of sweet treats available, including muffins and cookies, along with unique and tasty rotating options in the pastry cases that reflect Venus’ creativity as a baker. On my visit I tried three delectable baked goods. One of those was the peach cobbler cookie, which is a soft sugar cookie topped with peach cobbler filling, and despite it being the largest item I tried it was in no way heavy. The pillowy texture of the cookie held the peach chunks in place, providing a soft, yummy base and a flavor profile that’s strikingly similar to a slice of peach cobbler.

a breakfast cupcake combines red velvet cake and maple flavored frosting, topped with a waffle piece and crispy bacon.
The breakfast cupcake combines moist red velvet cake with maple flavored frosting, adorned with a piece of waffle, and crispy bacon. The sweet and savory combo brings several delectable breakfast flavors together in one bite. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

I also spied something called a breakfast cupcake that intrigued me before I’d even tried it. This cupcake combines moist red velvet cake with maple flavored frosting, adorned with a piece of waffle, and crispy bacon. The sweet and savory combo brings several delectable breakfast flavors together in one bite.

The chocolate chip cookies at Sugar & Whisk Cafe are $3 and you receive two soft cookies loaded with chocolate chips for that price. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

Although I loved the creativity shown with the cobbler cookie and breakfast cupcake, I’m a sucker for a classic that’s done really well, and for me, the chocolate chip cookies at Sugar & Whisk fit that description. They’re made just the way I (try to) bake them at home: soft and loaded with melty chocolate chips, with a slightly gooey center.

Follow Sugar & Whisk Cafe on Facebook to learn more about its menu options and hours of operation.