Over the summer I started a new once-a-monthish series called Spend a Day. The thought behind the series was to give people ideas on how to spend a day in their local communities. I try to keep my ideas varied according to seasons, budgets, and interests.
The first Spend a Day Series was on things to do in the town of Rosebud, while my second was on Meramec Caverns, a local business that has opportunities for guests to spend the day, or longer, at its facility since there’s ziplining, caves to explore, a restaurant, and lodging onsite.
For the latest Spend a Day, I focused on how I enjoy spending the cozy days of fall, when the weather is cooler and perhaps there’s a bit of bluster in the wind or some raindrops. On days like that I love curling up with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Generic latte art and fall leaves. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
For this Spend a Day series, I chose activities to do in Washington, like visiting the local book stores The Novel Nook and Neighborhood Reads, or heading to the library for some quiet reading. Of course, I also suggest getting your fall beverage of choice. While I love all the coffee spots in WashMO, my fave autumn drink is a pumpkin spice latte and I have a couple spots I love to visit when ordering that drink.
I love them hot or iced, and, of course, I have my go-to places for each. When I want a hot PSL, for me, it doesn’t get any better than The Washington Coffee Shop’s recipe (I think they add caramel!) and for the times when I want that pumpkin spice iced, iced baby, it’s Exit 11. Call me bougie, but I love that the iced latte comes all decked out with whipped cream and a little dash of extra pumpkin spice flavoring crowning the top.
Get into the fall vibes with this short Reel I made about spending a cozy bookish day in WashMO.
Have a suggestion for a future Spend a Day series? Send your ideas to smalltownsocialitemo@gmail.com
Although it doesn’t feel like it outside, we’re inching towards fall a little more with each passing day. This week is filled with events that celebrate autumn, family-friendly activities like festivals and free outdoor movies, live music events, markets, and more.
Thursday, Sept. 18 Union’s Dinner on the Square event is on Main Street, right in front of the Historic Old Courthouse. Get ready for a night filled with delicious food, live music by Tom Norton, and vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of a memorable evening under the stars! Get the details.
Friday, Sept. 19 Head to Scarlett’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair for a trivia night to support retired firefighter Rob Slinkard in his battle with cancer. There will be food specials from 5–9 p.m., a silent auction from 5–8:30 p.m., and trivia from 5:30–7 p.m. Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 19 Want to learn some new moves, but don’t know where to start? McKelvey Vineyards is hosting an evening of fun, beginner-friendly line dancing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get the details.
Friday, Sept. 19 Calling all ’90s kids and music lovers! Extremely Unplugged will be kickin out the jams from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Front Street Cellars & Inn in Washington. Grab a bottle of wine and listen to them play acoustic ’90s covers. Get more info.
Friday, Sept. 19 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, Sept. 20 R&R Ace’s annual craft fair is happening in the front parking lot at R&R Ace in St. Clair. Find unique gifts and hand-crafted treasures at this event. Get more details on Facebook.
Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters. You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness. Fuel. Focus. Grab your FREE guide!
Saturday, Sept. 20 Head to downtown Sullivan for the fall market from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop vendors during the market, or arrive early and watch the band parade, where students from all over the state will show off their musical skills as they march through downtown. Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 20 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.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Four Rivers Car Show is happening from noon-5 p.m. at Washington VFW. Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Astral Glass Studio is hosting its annual Pumpkin Palooza from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and will be unveiling this year’s stock of glass pumpkins made by Lance Stroheker. Don’t forget to grab your free ticket to enter into a glass pumpkin giveaway at 2 p.m. More info.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Come see a variety of machines, farm equipment, and trucks at the Meet the Machines event at FBC in St. Clair. This is a free event for the entire family that will feature games, a craft station, food, and lots to see. Get all the details.
Saturday, Sept. 20 St. Clair Christian Church is hosting a free drive-in movie. The movie will be “King of Kings” and it will start as soon as the sun goes down. Interested attendees are encouraged to get into a parking space for this movie night. Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 20 OxFest Music Festival happens at the fairgrounds in Washington from noon until 10 p.m. Since 2017 OxFest has donated more than $322,000 to charities that support children. Get your tickets and get ready for a day of great music for a great cause. Get ticketing info.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Join the Franklin County Deputy Sheriff’s Association at it’s second annual Fall Dance. The theme this year is Western, so dress in your best cowboy/cowgirl outfits. Included in your tickets is a live band, dinner, and a cash bar. Tickets are $50 per person. It is recommended to get your tickets in advance, and all proceeds for this event aid in supporting Franklin County First Responders. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services. “My goal is to make your home your castle.”
Thursday, Sept. 18– Sunday, Sept. 20 Autumn Glow Festival is lighting up Eureka Thursdays-Sundays this fall at Brookdale Farms. This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals, is the perfect autumn outing for friends and families. Explore 100s of intricately crafted lanterns, enjoy live acrobatic shows, try tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages. Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 19 Life House in Cuba will host an outside movie night, and admissions is free. Concessions will be available for sale. Grab your blankets and chairs and don’t miss out on the showing of the film “Spiderman.” Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Taste of the Ozarks is happening in Steelville. Expect food trucks, vendors, and live music. Get more details.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Fall at the Farm at Smith Valley Event Barn in Salem is the perfect place to get that fall decor and start shopping for the Christmas season. Make plans to get the friends together and enjoy a day of shopping. Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 20 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a free stargazing event. 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.
This week there’s craft and vendor festivals, a grown up book fair, live music, a breathwork and cold exposure workshop, a rodeo, a car show, and more.
Thursday, Sept. 11 Take in live music by Dave Alans at Music on Main in Union. Head to Hansen Park, for the event. Gates open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Food and refreshments available for purchase by Elmer’s Tavern. Learn more.
Thursday, Sept. 11 Soul Refresh in Washington is hosting a Breathwork and Cold Exposure Workshop with a certified guide. Attendees begin with a 30-45 minute breathwork class, 3 minute dip in the cold plunge, and a 20 minute heat session in one of our infrared saunas. Afterwards, enjoy light food and time for connection. Workshop attendees should bring a water bottle, yoga mat, and clothing to plunge and sauna in. Cost is $60 per person. Register here.
Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13 The St. Clair Saddle Club and the Mid Missouri Rodeo Association are putting on a rodeo. Over the two day event, attendees can see bronc riding, barrel racing, roping, and more. Get details.
Friday, Sept. 12 Sunset on the Rails is a free concert in Pacific that happens on the second Friday of the month at Pacific Station and features vendors and food. This month’s concert features the music of Sweet Ruckus. Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 12 The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4-7 p.m. at the corner of Oak and Main. Find items from local makers, produce, honey, plants, and more, as well as food truck vendors and live music. Find out more.
Friday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 13 Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan is hosting a Fall Free Market, where everything is free. Come by to stock up on cool weather clothing for all ages. Shoes, boots, hats, coats, clothing, housewares and linens. Get event times here.
Saturday, Sept. 13 As a kid, if you saved up your allowance money for weeks to get things at the Scholastic Book Fair, then you’ll want to snag your ticket for the Grown Up Book Fair. This year’s theme is Y2K and is happening at Point Labaddie Brewery from 6-9 p.m. Tickets to this 21+ event are $25 per person includes your first drink. There will also be music, food, swag, and books. Tickets purchased through Neighborhood Reads.
Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters. You don’t have to do it alone. Fitness. Fuel. Focus. Grab your FREE guide!
Saturday, Sept. 13 Members of the Boone Society will be giving a free presentation at the historic Good Hope Baptist Church on Ridge Avenue in St. Clair. Learn about Daniel, Daniel Morgan, and Nathan Boone. There will be books for sale, and light refreshments served. Attendees are invited to head to the St. Clair Historical Museum after the presentation. Learn more.
Saturday, Sept. 13 Liberty Hall in Washington is hosting an Indoor Marketplace event. Gifts, art, home goods, baked treats, and something for everyone – free to attend! Bring your friends, your family, and your weekend energy — and support local in a beautiful, indoor space. Learn more.
Sunday, Sept. 14 Old Farm Winery in Catawissa is hosting a Fall Craft Fair, with craft and food vendors, live music, and a food truck. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Sept. 11– Sunday, Sept. 14 Autumn Glow Festival is lighting up Eureka Thursdays-Sundays this fall at Brookdale Farms. This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals, is the perfect autumn outing for friends and families. Explore 100s of intricately crafted lanterns, enjoy live acrobatic shows, tuck into tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages. Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 12 Owensville is hosting a free showing of “The Wizard of Oz.” The movie will be shown at Buschman Park and will start at 7:15 p.m. Find out more.
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services. “My goal is to make your home your castle.”
Saturday, Sept. 13 It’s time to dust off the jorts, tease that hair sky-high, and crack open a cold one, because things are gettin’ wild at The Rose in Cuba. Expect Redneck jams all night, cheap beer and trashy cocktails, backyard bites and party games. Prizes for Best Dressed, Tackiest Couple, and Most Likely to Be on COPS. More details.
Saturday, Sept. 13 Take in the sights of classic and unique cars, while enjoying food and crafts from area vendors at the 8th Annual Bourbon Car Show. Find out more.
Sunday, Sept. 14 Head to Defiance for the Busch and Boots Music Festival. Busch Family Brewing and Distilling is the host for this ticketed event that will feature live music, food, and local artisan vendors. Get tickets.
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.
Ad purchased by Your Accountability Bestie. Empowering you to reach your fullest potential through unwavering support, guidance, and accountability.
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.
Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services. “My goal is to make your home your castle.”
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.
Small Town Socialite 