Charcuterie, or grazing boards and boxes full of cold meats, cheeses, fruits and more, have become increasingly popular over the past several years, due to the often beautiful presentation of the boards and yummy combinations of ready-to-eat finger foods. While you can often find charcuterie options on the menu at some area wineries, breweries, wine bars, and cafes and restaurants, there’s also a new business that is bringing charcuterie selections to you.
Earlier this year, Devon Shaw launched a mobile charcuterie business called Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing. The grazing board menu features several custom options, such as boards that feed groups from two up to 15 people.
Larger groups or anyone hosting a private party like bridal or baby showers, weddings, and even corporate events, may also opt for the mobile charcuterie cart, which provides an interactive experience, allowing guests to customize their own personal charcuterie box with items like cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, and meats.
Although Devon does a lot of private events, she and her mobile charcuterie cart have also made appearances at public gatherings, like Sunset on the Riverfront in Washington. I had the pleasure of meeting Devon and trying her charcuterie at the most recent Sunset on the Riverfront.
I selected items I wanted for my custom charcuterie box, like fresh fruit, cheese, meat, and dark chocolate covered caramel for a sweet finish. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
Of course there’s always food vendors at these public events, but on the hot, late June evening of Sunset on the Riverfront, seeing the charcuterie cart, with its selection of chilled items, was a very welcome site.
The custom charcuterie box I had was a feast for the eyes as well as the belly thanks to the way Devon artfully arranged my selections. Everything I ate was also delicious, but as a true cheese and chocolate lover, those were my favorite items – and if it had been a possibility, I could’ve just had a girl dinner with a box full of those two items. But, alas, a girl can’t live on cheese and chocolate alone! The turkey, salami, crackers and fresh fruit were also filling and refreshing.
You can catch Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing in Washington next week at Sage Bee Prep Academy’s First Bee Day Bash on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. The event will feature other food and drink vendors, a bounce house, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities.
The Socialite recommends Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing!
The details: Find Shawcuterie on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on events. Visit the business’s website to learn more or to order.
Although it may be hard to believe considering the amount of food reviews I share, I am actually quite into health and wellness. And earlier this year, I was excited to see a new business called Soul Refresh open its doors in downtown Washington, at 11 W. Main St.
The health and wellness-based business focuses on a number of services that are designed to help people feel their best by aiding the body in a variety of ways, from improving the immune system and easing pain to reducing inflammation and toxins that have accumulated in the body.
Soul Refresh is owned by Ryann and Jordan Greenhoff. After the couple spent time at a similar business owned by their brother and sister-in-law in Marshall, MN., it made them realize that there was an opportunity to bring some of those same beneficial wellness therapies to the Washington community.
Although her prior professional background was in accounting, Jordan has always had an interest in pursuing alternative ways of treating the body.
“I’ve always been health conscious and interested in other means of health and healing.” Jordan says.
Jordan’s natural interest in alternative means of maintaining health and wellness can be seen in the four services offered at Soul Refresh – cold plunge, ionic foot detox, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Over the past several years the internet, and social media in particular, has showcased the benefits of these types of wellness treatments. And now, residents in Washington as well as those living in its surrounding communities, can have access to these cutting edge services, simply by taking a visit to a small, locally-owned business.
Services
Since cold is something many people tend to actively avoid, it may seem counterintuitive to pay to put yourself into a tub of cold water. If you’re not familiar with the experience, some of the benefits of briefly submerging your body in a cold plunge tub include resetting your nervous system, improving your mental focus, and supporting the immune system.
Cold plunge tub. Photo credit: Soul Refresh
An ionic foot detox service at Soul Refresh consists of the guest sitting in a comfortable chair, which comes with a massage function, and placing your feet in a small tub of water that contains Celtic sea salt. The salt works with the foot tub’s ionic function to create positive and negative ions that work together to remove impurities and toxins from the body through the feet. Although the process starts with clear water, it will change color and consistency throughout the session, depending on the type of toxins that are pulled from the body.
Ionic foot detox. Photo credit: Soul Refresh
Typically when you think of a sauna experience, you may envision a very hot environment that’s either dry or steamy, and designed to make you sweat out impurities during your time in the sauna. However, an infrared sauna provides a different experience, by using infrared light to directly heat the body. This method is more comfortable and effective since the light allows the heat to penetrate deeper into tissues, muscles, and joints. A few of the benefits of using an infrared sauna include improved circulation, easing pain in sore joints and muscles, and helping the body to flush toxins through sweating.
Infrared sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh
Additionally, there’s a Himalayan salt sauna at the business. When Himalayan salt is used in a sauna, it can improve respiratory conditions by breaking up congestion, help draw out toxins, balance the skin’s pH, and reduce stress through the release of negative ions from the salt.
Himalayan salt sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh
With its ability to improve your skin, hair, cognitive health, and reduce inflammation, red light therapy sessions at Soul Refresh are completely non-invasive and consist of guests relaxing and laying down for up to 20 minutes. The full-body red light therapy session delivers gentle, low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that promote cellular regeneration, reduce pain, and restore the skin’s natural glow.
Red light therapy. Photo credit: Soul Refresh
Of course, all the wellness therapies at Soul Refresh are most effective when used regularly, and the business’s pricing model is reflective of that, with single session prices as well as package pricing offered at discounted rates, ranging from packages that include three or up to 20 sessions. And all of the packages are “mix and match” meaning guests can choose which services they wish to receive at each visit.
If interested in learning more, visit the business’s website, or book a service online.
From free family-friendly movies, to a music festival, a thrifting event, and even an all ages science show, plus a lot more, there’s something for just about everyone this week! Read on for the full list of all the events happening this week around Franklin, Gasconade, Phelps, Crawford, and Warren Counties, and beyond!
Thursday, July 10 Join Dr. Ike at Present Moment Yoga in Washington for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of Pressure Point Healing. In this introductory class, you’ll learn the uses of various Tien Da (Shiatsu) acupoints and practice applying them. Dr. Ike will guide you through how meridians work in harmony with myofascial trigger points to promote healing and balance. Buy tickets and learn more.
Thursday, July 10 – Sunday, July 13 The annual Pickin’ on Picknic event at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is back for its 10th year. This family-friendly event will happen rain or shine and will feature a weekend full of live music, vendors, splashing in the lake and river, hiking, free workshops, bonfires, and more. Get tickets.
Photo via Pickin’ on Picknic on Facebook.
Thursday, July 10 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movie night with a showing of the 90s film “The Sandlot.” Parking spaces for the drive-in showings are on a first come, first served basis. Guests can purchase concession items to enjoy during the film. Learn more.
Friday, July 11 The John Henry Band is playing in Pacific’s monthly outdoor concert series, Sunset on the Rails. The band performs a mix of classic rock, country, and beachy tunes that are always crowd pleasers! Food provided by Ramblin’ Rooster. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers for this family-friendly free concert. Learn more.
Friday, July 11 The Union Farmers Market features items like local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. Please note that the new location of the market is on the corner of Oak and Main Streets, adjacent to Hansen Park. Get more details on Facebook.
Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13 *CANCELED* As of a July 8 Facebook announcement Happening one weekend each month, the Villa Ridge Farmers Market at Stacked Coffee House has locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked. Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.
Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.
Saturday, July 12 Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its second annual Thrift & Gift Resale and Vendor Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Resource Center in Union. The event will feature food trucks, fun activities for kids, vendor and resale booths, and 50/50 raffle. Find out more.
Saturday, July 12 The Washington Public Library is hosting Nitro Joe’s Science Show from 10 – 11 a.m. Thus fast-paced, high energy science presentation is appropriate for all ages. Get all the details.
Saturday, July 12 The Union Moose Lodge will host its fifth annual car show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Sunday, July 13 Wine bar Winehouse 66 in Pacific will have live music on the patio by Ron Boyle from 2 – 5 p.m. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, July 11 Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer, with a special “Christmas in July” showing of “The Grinch” on Friday, July 11. The movie will be shown at Buschmann Park in Owensville, and will start at 8:30 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, July 12 Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a fun-filled day celebrating creativity and community! Discover handmade crafts, original art, upcycled treasures, delicious treats, and of course, wine and Swafftastic BBQ! Get more details.
Saturday, July 12 Head to Marthasville for an action-packed evening at Marthasville Ballpark for Rumble in the River Bottom, a thrilling truck and tractor pull event benefiting St. Ignatius Catholic Grade School. Don’t miss this high-horsepower night of fun for the whole family! Find out more.
Fourth of July celebrations kick off this weekend, so this event post covers two full weeks of community fairs, celebrations, festivals, and other events happening in Franklin, Gasconade, and Crawford Counties – and beyond. Read on for all the fun things going on over the next two weeks!
Tuesday, June 24 – Saturday, June 28 Spanning five days of fun, The Meramec Community Fair will include a parade to kick things off, pageants, truck and tractor pull, livestock exhibits, rodeo, demolition derby, carnival rides, food, concerts, and more. Find out more.
Wednesday, June 25 Head to the Washington Public Library at 1 p.m. for Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show, a laugh-out-loud comedy coupled with sensational magic that’s ideal for all ages. Get more information.
Wednesday, June 25 The Bubble Bus is pulling into the St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library from 11 a.m. – noon. Register for this free event.
Wednesday, June 25 The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedicated to conversation, or continued reading. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 25 Are you looking to reduce stress, release what no longer serves you and step into a more powerful, aligned version of yourself? Come together in a safe, judgement free space for a heart opening, healing, transformative evening of holotropic breathwork. Register for the event.
Thursday, June 26 Head to downtown Washington for the June 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.
Thursday, June 26 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting a free drive-in showing of the 1971 film “Willy Wonka” in its parking lot. Parking is first come, first served, with concessions available for purchase. Learn more.
Friday, June 27 Singles, here’s your chance to meet people in a fun, new way, at The Tipsy Keg’s Lock & Key event! This 21+ event starts off with drinks and music from a DJ. And attendees will sign up with the bartender to receive your lock or key. There will be beer pong, foosball, corn hole and pool for you to play while mingling, along with a raffle. Check out more details.
Saturday, June 28 Pacific’s 23rd Annual Car Show includes food, live entertainment, and lots of cars. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Be part of history and catch an amazing fireworks display at the Missouri State Record 1 Million Firecrackers event in Union, happening from 6 – 8 p.m. The free event will also feature an adult hot dog eating contest and kids ice cream eating contest. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chair and settle in for an evening of fun. Get location and other details.
Saturday, June 28 St. Clair is hosting Freedom Fest at Orchard Park. The all-day event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will include food, a bounce house and kids activities, a beer garden, live music, and a fireworks display. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 St. Gerald’s Catholic Church in Gerald will host a cafeteria style meal on Saturday, June 28 from 2 – 7 p.m. The dine in or carry out meals consist of choice of fried chicken or kettle beef, plus sides and desserts. Get more information.
Thursday, July 3 The City of Union is hosting an Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park that includes live music, a beer garden, food trucks, activities for kids, and a fireworks display after dark. Find out more.
Thursday, July 3 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will host a free drive-in showing of “Independence Day” with concessions available for purchase. Parking spaces are first come, first served. Get more details.
Thursday, July 3 New Earth Fest is a conscious music and healing arts gathering, kicking off its first iteration July 3 – 6 at Lost Hill Lake in St Clair. Activities include yoga, meditation, music, hiking, breathwork, connection with likeminded people, and more. Admission varies from day passes to the full weekend event, which includes on-site camping, or glamping. Learn more and get tickets.
Friday, July 4 Celebrate Independence Day with a dazzling fireworks display in Sullivan. The event is open to all area residents. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit. Find out more.
Friday, July 4 This year’s fireworks celebration at Lions Lake in Washington will mark its 100th year. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and watch the magic unfold in the night sky! Find out more.
Saturday, July 5 Head to New Haven to watch a truck and tractor pull, hosted by New Haven Community Youth Fair. Get all the details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, June 26 Follow the yellow brick road to Movie Night in The Gardens! Enjoy a timeless classic under the stars and watch “The Wizard of Oz” in the beautiful setting of the Gardens at St. James Winery. It’s the perfect night out for the whole family, pets included. Get more details.
Friday, June 27 The town of Owensville is hosting a picnic and fireworks festival on Friday, June 27. There will be a flag raising, beer garden, cake walk, bake sale, food, kids events, and a fireworks display at Memorial Park in Owensville. Get the details.
Saturday, June 28 Do you bake, sew, grow a garden, or create handmade goods? Connect with other likeminded people at The Homemade Exchange, happening at the Owensville Library from 9 – 10 a.m. Bring items like homemade jam, cookies, fresh veggies from the garden, or a handmade craft and swap it, one-for-one, with an item another person brought to the exchange. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Bland is hosting a fireworks and fundraising event on Saturday, June 28. Bland Police and Bland Fire Department will run the concession stands, which will serve fish sandwiches and tater twisters, with proceeds going to kids in need in the community. Learn more.
Saturday, June 28 Head to Salem for an antique and vintage junking day with a homestead farmers market twist, happening at Smith Valley Event Barn. Get the details.
Saturday, June 28 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a 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.
Sunday, June 29 It’s worth the short drive to Fenton to take in the amazing cars at a free, family-friendly car event at 1st Phorm Headquarters. You’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more at this car show. Get more information.
Wednesday, July 2 – Saturday, July 5 Rolla Lions Club 90th Annual Carnival will feature several games, food, and carnival rides. Lions Club Park, located at 1061 S. Bishop Ave. in Rolla is adding a sensory-friendly celebration to the always popular free fireworks shows on July 4 and 5. This year’s event will include a brand new drone show on July 3 at 11 p.m. SkyGlow Drones will present a dazzling display of lights, movement, and music that promises to be a can’t-miss experience. Find out more.
Saturday, July 5 Rosebud is hosting a fireworks display at the Rosebud Community Park. Be sure to arrive early and grab treats from the concession stand, open from 5 – 8 p.m., and catch candy from the kids candy cannon at 7:30 p.m. Find out more.
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