Tag: food

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, Sept. 8 – Sept. 14, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

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.

Photo via Point Labaddie Brewery’s Facebook event.

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.

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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.

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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.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, August 11 – 17, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

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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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.

Posted in News and Features

Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon Serves Home Cookin’ With a Side of Comfort

Posted on by Amanda

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!

The details:
373 East Pine Street, Bourbon
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Posted in News and Features

Old Bridgeview Brewing in Washington Boasts Beers and Pub Style Food

Posted on by Amanda

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.

The Socialite recommends Old Bridgeview Brewing!

The details:
16 East Front Street, Washington
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