With an eclectic yet comfortable interior, Sarah’s on Central in Old Town Eureka, has a menu of cocktails, brunch options, and baked goodies, as well as lunch and dinner options like sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.
Seasonal salad special featuring watermelon, spinach, and grilled chicken. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The intimate space is perfect for a date, meeting up with friends or family, or even a solo meal. There’s bar seating, low-top tables for two or four guests, as well as a few options for seating larger groups, including a long high-top table in the center of the eatery.
During my visit, on a scorching summer day, nothing sounded better to me than a cool, nourishing salad and a refreshing cocktail – so that’s just what I ordered. The salad I chose was part of the summer seasonal menu, but featured a number of flavors and textures: spinach leaves, cubed watermelon, feta cheese, cucumber slices and a lime vinaigrette, topped with grilled chicken breast. It was the perfect meal for the 90+ temperature day.
Sarah’s on Central features a bar with cocktails like this berry vodka seasonal mixed drink. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
I rarely drink liquor, but once I spotted a drink, also on the seasonal menu, that was made with vodka, cranberry, strawberry and a basil garnish, I couldn’t resist. The combination of flavors played off each other, the strawberry puree balanced the tartness of the cranberry and kept it from tasting like a straight vodka-cran, while the basil garnish added a hint of savory finish. During a different season, I will likely order one of the establishment’s “Over-the-top Bloody Marys” as long as I have someone to share it with, since the drinks are typically like getting a cocktail with a side of snacks!
In addition to the food and drink menu, there’s a selection of bakery items. Side note: if you’re the kind of person who easily caves when looking at yummy baked goodies, perhaps put on blinders when it comes time to pay at the register, located atop the bakery case! I did not partake in any of the cupcakes, gianormous cookies, or other yummy treats I spied in the enclosed glass case, but they looked divine.
This week, you can get crafty with programs at local libraries, attend an author talk, take in local talent at an open mic night, experience island vibes at a luau, and a lot more! Read on for the full list of happenings.
Tuesday, August 12 USDA Summer Food Service will be at Washington Public Library on Tuesday, August 12 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. They will distribute a week’s worth of food to families with children 18 and under. They will ask for the names and ages of the children. There are no extra requirements. If you have young children, you can drive up and they will help load the car. Learn more.
Tuesday, August 12 Use tiny gems to bedazzle your favorite book cover at St. Clair Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Class attendees will pick elements of their book to gem such as the title or a small image. Bring your own book or let the library staff print a cover for you. When registering, the library will need to know if you’d like a printed book cover and which book cover you’d like to do. Register for the free event.
Tuesday, August 12 This monthly crafting class starts at 6 p.m. and is offered by Washington Public Library. The event is free and suitable for ages 12 and up. This month’s activity is called Tattoos on Glass Decor and all supplies will be provided to class attendees. Learn more.
Thursday, August 14 Author Dea Hoover will talk about her book “Hermann, Missouri: A Walk Through History” and book signing sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads. Head to the Washington Public Library to attend this free event. Learn more.
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Friday, August 15 Head to Washington to support a local business and be entertained by local talent, or share your artistic abilities with the audience at open mic night. 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 work with the crowd. Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.
Saturday, August 16 Back by popular demand, it’s the second annual Touch-A-Truck and Safety Fair at Liberty Field in Pacific. See a variety of display vehicles, climb in the medi-copter, learn how they work, and how to be safe in a daily living. Learn more.
Saturday, August 16 Join in on some summer market fun with 30+ amazing vendors at the Labadie Outdoor Summer Market! From unique finds to local favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! More info.
Saturday, August 16 Love Cajun food? Then you’ll want to head to Pin Oak RV Park off Route AT in Villa Ridge. From noon to 8 p.m., you can find Cajun cuisine from food truck Country Cajun Cooking, along with music to round out the event. Find crab legs, shrimp and all the fixings on the menu. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, August 16 The St. Clair Farmers Market happens the first and third Saturday in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more. Follow the Market on Facebook.
Saturday, August 16 Want to experience a Hawaiian luau without leaving Franklin County? Then head to Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair. The event will feature activities for kids, karaoke, fun, games, and more. Attendees are encourage to dress in their island gear. Learn more.
Saturday, August 16 Narrow Path Hobby and Crawl Lounge in Washington is staying open late for a special event, Night Crawl. Get more info.
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Sunday, August 17 Sound healing is a way to release negative or stuck energy in the body. When our body is free from the pressure of stress, our mind feels more free to grow. This sound healing is happening at Present Moment Yoga, in Washington. Learn more and get tickets.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, August 14 Step into the wizarding world at Movie Night in The Gardens! Catch an outdoor showing of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the enchanting setting of The Gardens at St. James Winery. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic for the first time, it’s a night for all ages to enjoy. Pets are welcome too. Find out more.
Saturday, August 16 From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the River of Oz Public Art Fair and wine tasting will be held at The Gardens at St. James Winery. Learn more.
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.
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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.
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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.
Have you ever walked into a place that felt so welcoming that being there almost gave you a sense of déjà vu? Because that’s the kind of vibes I got when I visited Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon.
Full of knick-knacks, treasures, and lots of references to Dolly Parton – from pictures to quotes and more – the interior is welcoming and almost feels as though you’re stepping into someone’s home. While there’s no shortage of traditional restaurant-style seating in the form of tables and bar-type seats, there’s also a cozy sofa and chairs, inviting guests to relax with a coffee and book, or chat with friends. And near the front of the dining area is a stage where musicians perform, adding to the ambiance.
Broccoli cheese soup from Bourbon Cafe and Coffee Saloon. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
I visited the café twice within a matter of ten days or so and on my first trip (a solo adventure) I sat near the stage and enjoyed the woman playing the fiddle and singing old hymnals with a country twang. I didn’t catch her name while in the restaurant, but after scouring the café’s Facebook, I found a video identifying her as Kathy. She’s wonderful and her voice and style of playing makes me a little emotional. I grew up listening to many family members on my mom’s side sing and play instruments in what I tend to think of as that old-timey Appalachian style, sorta bluegrass, sorta gospel, sorta old Western saloon, that comes straight from the heart.
Three Blind Mice panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
Listening to that music did my soul a lot of good, and all that ambiance won me over before I even tasted the food. I have followed the business on Facebook for a while now, so I knew that some menu selections rotate each week.
I visited first during lunch and later at breakfast. I also knew from social media that the made in house dessert offerings change weekly. The sweet treats range from a lemon cake with lemon buttercream (which I got as a to-go order on my first visit but forgot to photograph, delicious by the way!) to chocolate cake, gluten-free gooey butter and more.
One of the cakes that the cafe serves sometimes is Truvy’s cuppa, cuppa, cuppa cake. If you don’t know what that means, it’s a reference to Dolly Parton’s character in the 1980s movie “Steel Magnolias,” and that character’s famous cake recipe. I was hopeful that the cake would be on the menu on one of my visits, but no dice, so I’ll have to go back sometime just for the cake, because guys, I was raised on this movie!
Bagel panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
During the breakfast visit, my hubby ordered a bagel sandwich, which he let me have precisely one bite of! It was really good, and since I love eggs benedict that’s what I chose and it didn’t disappoint! We visited on Fourth of July, a Friday, so the biscuits and gravy weren’t on the menu (that’s a weekend-only offering), so I have yet another item I can’t wait to try on my next visit.
Eggs benedict. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
During lunch, I ordered the three blind mice panini, a staple on the lunch menu and it was so, so, so good. I mean cream cheese on a grilled cheese, whaaaat? And I got the soup of the week that week, which was broccoli cheese, and so comforting, it almost made me wish it were autumn. The soup was loaded with bite-sized pieces of broccoli and a creamy, cheesy base, topped with crunchy croutons and shredded cheese.
It was clear that everything I had at the restaurant on both visits was homemade right at the café and it was all so yummy! While I was in town, I browsed through some of the other nearby businesses, like CDR Naturals Health Food Store located next door, Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon, and I plan to drop by other restaurants and shops on my next trip.
The Socialite recommends Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon!
Small Town Socialite 