Tag: food and drink

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 News and Features

Find Food, Drinks, and Elegant, Rustic Vibes at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington

Posted on by Amanda

It’s prime time for dining al fresco, and we’re blessed with a number of wineries here in Missouri, which typically have outdoor dining options that often feature picturesque views of the rolling hills located throughout the Show Me State. Triple 3 Vineyard is located just minutes from downtown Washington, yet offers its guests a relaxed, rural atmosphere.

With its multiple seating areas that offer an elegant, yet rustic vibe, both inside and out, it’s a great place to meet friends or enjoy a romantic date. I recently spent a Saturday afternoon with friends at Triple 3, and although it was my first time just hanging out at the winery, it wasn’t my first visit. The establishment is also an event venue and is often the site of weddings, banquets, fundraising dinners, and more, so I was already familiar with the space as I’d spent time at an event held in the gorgeous Trinity Hall.

If you plan to come to the winery to enjoy some food and drinks, you can expect a wide selection of wines, of course, but its drink menu also features cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. If you’re a loyal reader of the website, then you already know I’m a craft beer chick, so on my visit I enjoyed a can of local craft brand Deep Sleep Brewing’s Helles lager, but the menu also features domestic beers as well.

When it comes to the food menu, there’s a number of starters that are sized to share with others, such as the charcuterie board, Bavarian garlic pretzel (which is almost as big as a car steering wheel!), and more. Since I was there with a group, I got to sample a couple of shareable items that someone else ordered like the bruschetta and pretzel. Both were absolutely tasty, with the bruschetta topped with cherry tomatoes, pesto, and a generous drizzle of balsamic, while the Bavarian pretzel was soft, yet chewy, and had a delectable buttery garlic flavor.

In addition to the starters, there are some main course items like salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. While I really debated on about four different items: the Greek salad, Reuben sandwich, Texas bistro sandwich (made with brisket), and the hot Hawaiian flatbread, the latter won out. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good flatbread.

Hot Hawaiian flatbread at Triple 3 Vineyard. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Let me start off by saying this is definitely large enough to feed two people, and I did end up sharing my flatbread! The delightfully crispy crust was topped with ham, bacon, red onion, pineapple, mozzarella, Baklouti oil, which gives the olive oil a yummy green chili flavor, as well as jalapeños, and is finished with dollops of a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce. I love the salty, sweet, spicy, smoke flavors that this combination brings, so if you’ve got a similar palate, I think you’ll really dig the Hot Hawaiian.

If you’re team “no pineapple on pizza” or can’t handle spiciness, don’t worry, there’s a few other flatbread selections that are topped with brisket, or Italian meats like salami, pepperoni, plus bacon, or the Portobello and bacon option.

Whether you take my food or drink suggestions or not, I do hope you’ll get out and support some of the fabulous locally-owned dining options we have in our area!

The Socialite recommends Triple 3 Vineyard!

The details:
3665 Sunny Road, Washington
Visit Triple 3 Vineyard’s website
Find the winery on Facebook
Follow Triple 3 on Instagram

Posted in News and Features

Discover Healthy, Tasty Dining Options at Lang-A-Tang Cafe and Catering in New Haven

Posted on by Amanda

While I love a healthy dining option any time of the year, during late spring and throughout summer, I tend to seek out lighter fare that’s nourishing and that will keep me full for hours. I found a new to me place that fits that description when I recently dined at a spot that has been on my list of places to try for months now.

That place is Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering, located in downtown New Haven. If you’re here, visiting my website, I’m guessing you love a small town vibe, like me. With its cute downtown that’s filled with eateries and shops, it’s worth a visit to New Haven.

When you step into the cafe, you may take notice of the charming interior in an inviting blue color, along with several seating areas inside, as well as in front. And, if you have even the slightest sweet tooth, your gaze may be drawn to the glass cases near the order counter containing delicious goodies like muffins, cookies, or pastries.

The eatery serves breakfast all day, with selections like quiche and frittata (which is essentially a crust-less quiche), a breakfast sandwich, breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, and avocado toast, as well as a few other items.

Lunch items range from healthy, yet filling options like salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Sandwiches include classics like a BLT, house-smoked pulled pork, and chicken salad to paninis like twists on popular dips and appetizers such as the caprese sandwich or the spinach artichoke. The three wraps on the menu include turkey or chicken club, or a chicken Caesar.

A salad option at Lang-A-Tang cafe in New Haven. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

On the day I visited, I chose a salad filled with mixed greens, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta. I opted to top mine with chicken and chose the poppy seed dressing, which provided a sweet and creamy finish to my bowl of greens. The salad was delicious, and big, keeping me full for hours.

The cafe also serves a number of beverages. There’s a selection of teas, like flavored herbal varieties available hot or iced, to bubble teas, drip coffee and espresso drinks. I didn’t try coffee on my visit, but I won’t make that mistake again and have my eye on trying one of the signature lattes like the Hermione’s Butter Beer, or Meg’s Blondie.

The Socialite recommends Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering!

The details:
125 Front, New Haven
Find the business on Facebook
Follow them on Instagram

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 5 – May 11, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week there’s multiple small town festivals, a paint night event, a chance to volunteer for a city-wide clean up, plus Mother’s Day celebrations, and this week there’s something new added to the event roundup, a section on some notable events happening a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, there’s almost always more events listed on the calendar here on the website than I can fit in each week’s round up post. To get all the info, check the calendar (scroll to the bottom of the website to find it if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device).

Wednesday, May 7
Stop by Blondie’s Breezeway Kitchen & Cocktails in St. Clair for a spring-themed paint night event by Artmazing Event Co. Attendees will create a lavender painting under the guidance of experienced artist/instructor Diana. All supplies are included in the ticket price.
Reserve your spot.

Friday, May 9
Make a difference in Pacific by volunteering for a shift during the City Wide Clean Up Day.
Sign up for a time and location online.

Friday, May 9
The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4 – 7 p.m. at ECC. Grab a bite to eat from Savy’s Food Truck, pick up some plants sold by students in Union High School’s FFA program, plus find locally grown produce and meats, along with vendors selling items perfect for those last minute Mother’s Day gifts.
Get more details.

Saturday, May 10
Check out the Car Cruise at McKelvey Vineyards and view cars, listen to live music, and enjoy the food and drink menu.
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 10
Miller’s Landing Day is an annual festival in downtown New Haven that features fireworks, live music, food, crafts, games, and more.
Find out more.

Photo via Miller’s Landing Day Facebook.

Saturday, May 10
Union Founders Day will include food trucks, live music, and food and drink specials at area restaurants, plus much more. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 10
Come experience the charm of the Sullivan Community Market—your local hub for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and artisan crafts. Support local growers, creators, and small businesses while enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning at Muddy Banks Brewing.
Find out more at the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 10
There’s a car cruise happening at Brown Jerry’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue in Pacific, happening from 10 a.m. to noon.
Find more details on Facebook.

Sunday, May 11
Fatlighter will play at The Tipsy Keg on Mother’s Day, and there will also be a Mother/Daughter look alike contest at 2 p.m., plus lots of cool prizes!
Learn more.

Sunday, May 11
Take mom to celebrate Mother’s Day at Old Farm Winery in Catawissa. The day will feature a relaxing afternoon of wine, music by Melissa Fyr Quartet, all amidst the backdrop of beautiful country views.
Get all the details.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 10
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a fun and cozy afternoon of games, wine, and books at Prairie Barn Winery in St. James! Share your favorite reads and pick up new treasures to add to your collection at a book exchange. Play wine bingo and win fun prizes for each round. There is no charge to play bingo or to participate in the book exchange. It’s the perfect way to kick off Mother’s Day weekend. Bring your friends, family, and your love for books!
Find out more at the Facebook event. 

Saturday, May 10
Steeleville Arts Council presents a free community event for all ages. The event will feature crafts at the kids pavilion, adult crafts, painting, will feature food vendors, and more.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Photo via Steeleville Arts Council Facebook event.

Sunday, May 11
Head to White Mule Winery in Owensville for their Mother’s Day Celebration happening from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The menu will include fried chicken and roast beef, live music, and moms will receive one free drink.
Find out more at the Facebook event.