Posted in News and Features

Where to Dine Along the Katy Trail

During the summertime I love to be outside. Yes, this time of year can be hot and muggy, and you may encounter your fair share of insects during a Missouri summer, but you can also hit trails, swim in rivers, creeks, and lakes, and take in nature.  And since Franklin County is near the Katy Trail, it provides the perfect opportunity to walk, jog, or bike on the scenic trail. However, if you’re anything like me, all that fresh air, sunshine, and movement can make you hungry and thirsty. 

If you’ve never ventured off the trail for food or drinks, please find some suggestions of places to visit that are near the Katy Trail trailheads that are in the Warren, Franklin, and St. Charles County areas.

On the Warren County side at the Marthasville Trailhead, you’ll want to make sure you hit Depot Street and stop by Country Grounds Coffee Shop for an iced coffee, tea, energy drink, or pastry.

Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville serves coffee, energy drinks, and teas. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

And if you’re hungry for an actual meal, then you’ll also want to check out Philly’s Pizza or Mavericks, both of which are also located on Depot Street in Marthasville. Or, head up First Street to Cory’s Twin Gables, at the corner of First Street and Highway 94.

And on the Franklin County side of the Katy Trail check out Dutzow Deli. You can see this eatery from the Dutzow Trailhead, and its menu features breakfast items, sandwiches, salads and a variety of other meal choices.

If you want to adventure further along the trail into St. Charles County, you can venture into the Defiance and Augusta areas. In Defiance, you will find Good News Brewing, located parallel to the trail. The brewery serves craft beer as well as small bites like wood-fired pizza. There’s also Circle 6, serving items like burgers and fries. 

Just a short distance off the Augusta Trailhead, you’ll find a number of choices, like Augusta Winery, Good News Brewing’s Augusta location, Root Food + Wine, and Augusta Bakery & Coffee Shop. 

The Socialite suggests you stop into some of these small locally owned coffee shops and restaurants the next time you’re on the Katy Trail. 

Posted in News and Features

Find Something Tasty to Sip On at Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville

If you’ve followed my dining reviews for any amount of time, then you already know how much I love coffee! While I have my tried and true favorite establishments to order from, I am also always down to broaden my horizons. When I found out there was a new coffee shop with cute, country vibes in Marthasville, I knew I had to try it out.

An iced cinnamon roll latte and guitar mounted to the wall. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Located on Depot Street, just steps from the Katy Trail’s Marthasville Trailhead, Country Grounds Coffee Shop serves coffee, tea, refreshers, soft drinks, and house-made baked goods. The coffee shop opened in March, but its food menu is expanding and will also include breakfast sandwiches and lunch selections in the near future.

Focusing on a cozy and welcoming farmhouse theme, the interior is white with touches of rustic elements throughout, like the cowhide throw pillows, wood tables and chairs, and, a few nods to Dolly Parton as well as a mounted guitar on the wall, adds another element to the “country” in the establishment’s name.

Now is a good time to tell you that in just a few days time, I made two trips to Country Grounds 😀

On my first visit I ordered from the specialty drink menu and chose an iced cinnamon roll latte, which combines salted caramel and cinnamon flavored syrups. The taste is sweet, slightly rich and creamy, and is very reminiscent of the flavor of the decadent pastry its named after.

A strawberry coconut refresher made with water and yet another iced cinnamon roll latte. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

I made my second visit when I was having one of those days. You know the kind? Those days when there’s just one debacle after another, and yeah, I needed a comforting drink on that day, so, I went back and ordered another yummy iced cinnamon roll latte. On the second trip, my husband was with me. He opted not to drink caffeine on that visit, so he ordered a strawberry coconut refresher made with water instead of a caffeinated base. The deep pink drink was as delightful and thirst-quenching as it was lovely to look at.

With its proximity to the trail, drinks, and the pastries that I really want to try soon, I can’t wait to make more trips to the coffee shop this spring and summer.

The Socialite recommends Country Grounds Coffee Shop!

The details:
201 Depot St., Marthasville
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