Make your life a little sweeter with a visit to Good News Blooms, Sips, and Sweets in St. Clair. The business opened this past spring and is a shop that sells fresh floral arrangements, as well as plants on one side of the building, and crafted sodas, teas, lemonades, and bulk candies and various sweets on the other side.
I recently stopped into Good News and got a few drinks and candies. Jars of bulk candies line both sides of the cute and cozy area of the shop where customers can find the sweets and sips.
Bulk jelly beans and gummy candies. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
In terms of the bulk candies, guests can find a variety of flavors of jelly beans, licorice bites, and gummy candies, as well as chocolate candies like M&Ms, chocolate covered peanuts, malt balls, and sugar free chocolate selections. Additional sweet treats include fudge by Missouri made Mimi’s Fudge, Murph’s Nuts, and a variety of packaged candies.
Packaged candies and merchandise at Good News. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
On my visit, I ordered a few drinks. I ordered The Bulldog, a staple on the specialty soda menu that is a Coke flavored with cherry and marshmallow. This was a yummy take on a classic cherry cola beverage, with the marshmallow adding an extra layer of flavor that’s subtly sweet and to me it was reminiscent of the flavor of a soda float, but without the ice cream. This was really tasty!
I also ordered a soda from the shop’s seasonal fall flavors. I chose a Dr. Autumn, which is a Dr. Pepper with caramel, butter pecan, and marshmallow flavors, and oh my word, this so amazing! I’m a sucker for the warm and buttery fall flavors and this soda tasted like a butterscotch candy in liquid form. Amazing!
I also chose a lemonade for my hubby, who wasn’t able to make it into the shop with me. I opted for a peach lemonade, which is a lemonade with the addition of peach puree, making it a sweet and refreshing drink that transports you to the height of summer flavors, no matter what time of year you enjoy it.
A few floral arrangements at Good News. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
And if you want a little something else to go with the sweets, or are looking for a gift for a special occasion, the floral side of the shop has several types of plants and floral arrangements.
Although I went to the shop during homecoming time, so most of the flower inventory had been sold, the couple remaining arrangements in the cooler looked beautiful.
Succulents and other potted plants. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
There’s also a variety of potted plants, perfect for gift giving situations like housewarming gifts, birthdays, other celebrations, or just for the plant-lover in your life.
The Socialite recommends Good News Blooms, Sips, and Sweets!
It’s October and that means it’s time for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and spooky fun! This week there’s opportunities to hear live music, a number of community fall festivals, a fall outdoor market, a free drive-in showing of the movie “Addams Family Values,” Oktoberfest events, and a lot more!
Thursday, Oct. 9 Music on Main in Union continues this week with live music by Paul O’Duo, with food and drink available to purchase from Hagies 19. The fun begins at 5 p.m. Learn more.
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Thursday, Oct. 9 Liberty Hall’s Dynamic Women Speaker Series continues with Rooted in Resilience, a transformative evening of community, healing, and inspiration—bringing together storytelling, art, and real conversation. Hosted at Liberty Hall in partnership with the Four Rivers Arts Council, this one-night event features Raylene Hollrah, a nationally recognized speaker and three-time cancer survivor, and Anne Molasky, a local artist whose powerful work invites us to reflect, rise, and reconnect. Get tickets.
Friday, Oct. 10 Line dancing kicks off at “The Office” Bar & Grill from 6 – 9 p.m., and there will be lessons all night. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 10 Downtown Union will have its homecoming parade. Bring the whole family out to watch the parade and support Union High School’s homecoming. The fun starts at 2 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Oktoberfest at St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair from noon – 6 p.m. will feature a fried chicken dinner, music, pull tabs, bingo, and more. Get all the details.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting another free drive-in movie, and this week’s film is “Addams Family Values.” Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Register for the free “Out of the Darkness” suicide prevent walk in Union. The 5th Annual walk also includes food trucks, raffle, bounce house, face painting, along with tables for resources and information on suicide awareness. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 If you’re looking for a tasty homemade sweet treat, consider stopping by the bake sale benefitting American Legion Auxiliary. The event is from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Union. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Bring your plants or seedlings to trade with fellow plant lovers at the Swallows Nest in Washington Learn about different species and care tips, while exploring unique plant art and accessories to enhance your collection. Join in and celebrate your passion for gardening! Get the details.
Saturday, Oct. 11 Mt. Zion Baptist Church in St. Clair is hosting a Fall Community Event. There will be prizes and giveaways as well as vendors and fun for the whole family. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 The Fall Labadie Outdoor Market will take place from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Find goods from 30+ vendors, including food vendors. The market will also take place on the same day as the Labadie Community Association’s Chili Cook Off. Get more details.
Saturday, Oct. 11 First Baptist Church of Gray’s Summit is hosting a Fall Festival. Beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 2 p.m., the event will have live music and free food (burgers, hot dogs, chips, water), bounce house, barrel train rides, face painting, games, crafts, and a bake sale at this free event. More information is on Facebook.
Sunday, Oct. 12 Super Steven’s Camp Fundraiser is happening at Old Farm Winery in Catawissa. The event will have live music, vendors, a silent auction, quilt raffle, and food from Dynasty Manna food truck. Learn more.
Sunday, Oct. 12 Stop by Essence Salon & Spa at its new location at 15 S. Oak St., during its open house from 1-3 p.m. Get more info.
Sunday, Oct. 12 Andy’s Produce in Union is hosting Pumpkin Palooza from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy face painting, ice cream, pumpkin crafts, a food truck, and more. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Oct. 9– Sunday, Oct. 12 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.
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Friday, Oct. 10 The 3rd Annual Pat Hofherr Memorial Spaghetti Dinner is a chance to honor St. James Winery founder Pat Hofherr with an evening of family, food, and tradition. This special night includes a guided cellar tour, an engaging conversation with Peter Hofherr, CEO and 2nd-generation owner, and of course, a classic Rosati-style spaghetti dinner. Your ticket includes a hearty spaghetti dinner and a glass of wine, making it a warm and memorable way to celebrate Pat’s legacy and the community she helped build. Tickets are $25 and are available online.
Friday, Oct. 10 & Saturday, Oct. 11 Step Into The Hollows at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. This fall, the woods come alive. Deep in the shadows of Brookdale Farms lies The Hollows—a haunted walking trail where every rustle, flicker, and shadow may not be what it seems. On this immersive haunted experience, you’ll journey through winding paths shrouded in fog and darkness, guided only by lantern light and the pounding of your heart. Whispers in the trees, figures that vanish into the night, and sudden terrors at every turn will keep you on edge until the very end. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 12 Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more. Get all the details.
Saturday, Oct. 11 The 46th Annual Old Iron Works Festival is happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Admission is $20 per car or free with Season Pass. There will be two stages with live music and entertainers, as well as crafters & artisans, kid’s games, demonstrations, plus food and beverage vendors and more. Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 11 The Fall Festival will kick off at 10 a.m. at Bland City Park, with a chili cook-off, craft festival, and tractor pull. Learn more on Facebook.
Saturday, Oct. 11 The Rosebud Country Music Festival will host a lineup of 10 musicians, as well as vendors throughout the event, which runs from 3 p.m. -11:30 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 11 & Sunday, Oct. 12 The pumpkin patch at Three Girls and a Tractor is open on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. both days. Get more info.
Sunday, Oct. 12 Oktoberfest in Old Town Eureka will be a day packed with fall fun, live music, food, drinks, and local vendors! Sip seasonal brews and festive cocktails, enjoy live performances from local musicians, shop with amazing vendors and makers, feast on delicious eats from area favorites, soak up the atmosphere with family and friends! Learn more.
Sunday, Oct. 12 Head to Augusta Winery for a DIY Witch Hat Craft & Sip event beginning at 12 p.m. The ticket price includes a wine flight, all supplies, and attendees can enjoy live music in the beer garden after the painting event, from 1-4 p.m. Learn more.
While authors release novels every day, it is not every day that a local author publishes a book that’s inspired by the charm of a small Franklin County river town. But on Sept. 2 that’s just what happened when “More than Fiction,” a contemporary romance novel written by Washington author Juniper Nicole, was released.
Although the book only officially entered the world a month ago, readers can’t get enough of the story. The novel has earned a 4.75 star review average on the reader-centric website Goodreads, numerous five-star ratings on Amazon, and has left readers on TikTok craving more.
Author Juniper Nicole signing copies of her debut novel. Photo credit: Juniper Nicole
Juniper started writing in 2018, but has been an avid reader since 2009. Although she wrote for years before publishing, a lot of that time was spent honing her craft and finding her writing voice. Those days looked like exploring genres, with her first story in the young adult urban fantasy genre, but as she learned more about writing and as her taste changed as a reader as well as a writer, she felt pulled toward love stories.
“Romance felt more natural to me (than fantasy) because I can see the beauty in love and the quiet magic that surrounds us in everyday life,” Juniper explains. “I married my high school sweetheart, and after 20 years together, it still feels new and exciting. I still get butterflies, he still surprises me, and I get the benefit of living out a real-life romance every day—minus the meet-cute.”
The idea for her current release came to her out of the blue, in some ways. Juniper says the characters and scenes from the novel came to her at unexpected times and recalls how she’d wake in the middle of the night to scenes from the book playing in her mind like a movie. Although the scenes would show up at different points, when it came time to write everything down, Juniper stuck to a set schedule in order to make her dream of writing a novel a reality.
Committing to her craft while also balancing a busy life as a working mom to two kids meant a writing schedule of waking at 4:30 a.m. to write for a couple hours before she got her kids ready for school and started her work day at her full-time job.
“I made myself a morning person,” she jokes about the early morning writing routine.
The entire project took two years from start to finish, and Juniper doesn’t plan on stopping the writing routine any time soon, as she has plans to write three more books set in the fictional small town world she created in “More than Fiction.” The future books will feature the love stories of characters readers meet in the first book in the series.
“There’s a cast of supporting characters in the novel. I’ve always been a fan of shows like “Friends” and “New Girl” and I knew I wanted those friendship elements to be integrated into the story, because I love having a village.”
The sense of community she wove throughout her book is something she’s experienced herself, as a lifelong resident of Franklin County. Juniper grew up in Union and went to Union High School, but she and her husband moved their family from Union to Washington in 2020.
“I love the riverfront, and getting ice cream with my kids on Main Street. I love that John G’s Bierdeck is dog and kid friendly, and that I can have a girls night at the winery on Front Street,” she shares.
Her love of the WashMO community has been reflected right back to her, since Juniper has garnered much support with the release of the novel. In September The Novel Nook in Washington hosted an author signing, and other area businesses have shown their support, with coffee shop underGROUNDS on Front Street creating a drink called ”the Sophia,” which is a special latte inspired by the book.
Learn more about the book
More than Fiction cover. Photo credit: Juniper Nicole
Turbulent. That’s the best way to describe the gut-wrenching jolts and jerks that have wrecked Sophia Carlson’s life. Walking away from her cheating fiancé meant losing everything. Now, she’s rebuilding from scratch, leaning on her fiercely loyal, highly opinionated, and overly involved friends. When a new publishing branch opens in Misty Springs, she dares to hope this is her fresh start.
The problem? Corbin Buescher.
The sharp-edged executive sees this branch as his final test before claiming the CEO title. He’s spent years shutting out distractions, and Sophia is nothing if not a distraction. She’s bold, unpredictable, and far too tempting for a man who thrives on control.
Boundaries blur, lines shift, and the more their paths intertwine, the harder it is to deny what’s building between them. With everything on the line, will they risk it all for the one thing that might be worth it?
Prost! Oktoberfest celebrations in Hermann kick off this weekend, plus there’s an apple festival, a drive-in movie, music festival, two different local author events, plus beer and wine events, and more!
Wednesday, Oct. 1 Discover the history, science, and mystery of astrology during this four-week learning opportunity, happening Oct. 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Must sign up prior to attending, and once signed up, you’re in for all four weeks. Sign up.
Thursday, Oct. 2 Downtown Washington’s Witches on Main Street event is back this year and features an evening of shopping, food, music, drinks, games, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the event. Learn more.
Friday, Oct. 3 Back by popular demand, there’s another Feast with Josh Lang event happening in New Haven. Stop by Pinckneybend Distillery and purchase some delectable BBQ made by Josh. Find out more.
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Saturday, Oct. 4 Meet local author Juniper Nicole at Neighborhood Reads where she will be signing copies of her new release “More Than Fiction” a contemporary romance novel set in a small river town that’s reminiscent of WashMO. Whether you’re a fan of small-town charm, witty banter, swoony romance, or just love supporting local authors, this is the perfect chance to snag a personalized copy, chat with the author, and celebrate a story that proves love is always worth the risk. The event starts at 1 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Stop by Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan for a lunch of German food including brats, schnitzel, apple pie, and more. Get the details.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Head to Cinema 1 Plus in Washington for a drive-in showing of the movie “Hotel Transylvania.” Be sure to arrive early, since parking for the movie is first come, first served, with concessions available for purchase. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Don’t miss out on your chance to ride in a real monster truck! America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to WashMo. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 The Franklin County Historical Society in Union is hosting a Local Author Showcase. Stop by the event, happening from noon – 4 p.m., and meet local authors and pick up a new book. Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Andy’s Produce in Union is hosting an Apple Festival. This fall-themed event is happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature apple treats, fresh apples for purchase, and games. Learn more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 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. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Evergreen Baptist Church in Leslie is hosting an Oktoberfest event from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will include food, music, games, a bounce house, a petting zoo, an archery shoot, barrel train rides, and more! Get more details.
Saturday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 5 The 28th Annual Mid-Missouri Horse, Mule, & Ox Farming & Historical Crafts Days in Gerald will feature demonstrations of pioneering and homesteading skills such as basketry, corn grinding, spinning, using natural dyes, beekeeping, leather work, and much more. Find out more.
Sunday, Oct. 5 Love live music festivals? Be sure to get tickets for the Rock the Trail Music Fest happening in Gerald. The festival will also feature vendors and food, with some proceeds from the festival going toward the continued expansion of the Rock Island Trail. Get tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 5 Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair is hosting a one-day Breathwork, Ice Bath, and Sauna workshop from noon – 2 p.m. This workshop combines the power of breathwork with the invigorating effects of ice baths and saunas. Release stress, boost your immune system, and leave feeling refreshed and energized. Register here.
Sunday, Oct. 5 Head to McKelvey Vineyards with your gently used books for a Sip & Swap Book Exchange. Meet fellow readers, sip on wine, and leave with a new-to-you book. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Oct. 2– Sunday, Oct. 5 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, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5 Eureka is hosting its annual carnival event Eureka Days, and this year’s theme is Medieval Nights. There will be carnival rides, food, music, a bar and beer garden, plus kickball and knockerball tournaments. Find out more.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Fall Treasure Day is an annual event in Rosebud. Spend the day exploring the town’s eateries, boutiques, antique shops, and area vendors set up on U.S. Highway 50 in town. Learn more.
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Saturday, Oct. 4 Washington State Park in DeSoto will hold its annual Fall Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4. This event will include a handmade item and craft fair featuring a variety of vendors from Missouri, as well as fall crafts and activities for kids. Food and concession items will be available for purchase. Get more info.
Saturday, Oct. 4 Augusta Bottoms Brew Fest is an annual fundraiser for families in the greater STL area that have children fighting disabilities. Sample over 140 beers and enjoy food and more at this festival. Purchase tickets.
Friday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5 Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more. Get all the details.
Small Town Socialite 