Tag: life

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri July 27 – Aug. 9, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

While the hot weather is likely to stick around a while, summer activities are starting to wind down over the next two weeks, with the final community fairs happening this week and next. If you can’t get enough of the midway rides, tractor pulls, entertainment, and fair food, then head to Owensville this week for the Gasconade County Fair and WashMo next week for the Washington Town and Country Fair.

Other events happening include several free family-friendly and Back to School events like the Sullivan Fire Station Open House that will include bounce houses and a chance to get a close up view of fire trucks, as well as the Kids Day event at St. Clair VFW, and the Back to School and Free BBQ event held by Blessings Are Miracles at the Sullivan VFW.

And, in communities near Franklin County, you’ll find more fun things to do, like an American themed pub crawl and Balloon Glowdeo, both happening in Eureka. Bourbon enthusiasts will want to head to Hermann for the 4th Annual Missouri Bourbon Festival featuring over two dozen distilleries, as well as food trucks, and more. Also in Hermann, the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation is hosting a single-day fundraiser that will include local businesses and vendors, with funds raised going toward creating a First Responder tribute mural in Hermann.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Multiple days
The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m.
Get more info.

Multiple days
Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch.
Find pickup days and times.

Tuesday, July 28
The St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library is hosting a Children’s Theatre Dino Academy event at 1 p.m. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs.
Reserve your spot.

Tuesday, July 28
To celebrate 50 years of service, the Sullivan Fire Station 1 is having an open house from 4-6 p.m. This event will include lots of family fun like chances to get an up close view of the trucks, meet firefighters, and there will be food available for purchase by MK BBQ and Scoopzys ice cream.
Get more details.

Thursday, July 30
Award-winning naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw aka “The Owl Man” will give a talk at the Washington Public Library on how to find an owl in your neighborhood. Mark has studied Great Horned Owls in Forest Park since 2005, and at this presentation Mark will tell you which owls you are most likely to see or hear in your neighborhood, where and how to look for them, and what to listen for.
Find out more.

Thursday, July 30
Head to Liberty Hall in downtown Washington to meet co-founder of Humans of St Louis Lindy Drew and explore the art of storytelling one photo and one story at a time through the lens of the HOSTL photo documentary team.
Learn more and purchase tickets.

Friday, July 31
Rooster Jones will play at New Haven American Legion from 5-8 p.m. as part of the organization’s ongoing America 250 concert series.
Get more info on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 1
Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its Third Annual Community Market Day from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Resource Center. Shop from area vendors and find food and drinks from food trucks.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 1
The St. Clair VFW will be the site of Kids Day, put on by Action Riders. Bring the whole family out for a day of fun that includes bounce houses, bubbles, a dunking booth, and more. The event is from 12-5 p.m.
Get more info on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 1
Blessings Are Miracles is hosting its 3rd Annual Back to School and Free BBQ event. The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts until 3 p.m. Everything is first come first serve, but expect to find free BBQ and school supplies at the covered pavilion at the Sullivan VFW.
Learn more.

Sunday, Aug. 2
Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is hosting an open lake day. The event gives the public a chance to swim or fish in the lake, hike in the trails on the property, or just hang out. The event is from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and cost is $10 per person.
Get more info.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Wednesday, Aug. 5 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Perhaps it’s fitting that Franklin County’s largest fair closes out the season. The fair happens at the Washington Fairgrounds and features several days of fair fun including rides, a classic car show, livestock and 4-H exhibits, vendors, food and drinks, and musical performances from national acts.
Get more info.

Thursday, Aug. 6
Head to Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch for an evening of Mixtape Music Bingo. Test your knowledge of classic party tunes at this fun, free event that begins at 6 p.m.
Spots are limited, register now.

Thursday, Aug. 6
Scenic Regional Library Sullivan Branch is having a free sewing class for beginners from 5:30-7 p.m. Attendees will learn the basics of using a sewing machine while creating a simple project. Class is limited to seven attendees, call the branch to reserve your spot.
Reserve your spot.

Friday, Aug. 7
Steve Leslie will perform at New Haven American Legion from 5-8 p.m. as part of the organization’s ongoing America 250 concert series.
Get more info on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 8
The lower parking lot at ECC is the gathering place for a free monthly stargazing event. Bring your own lawn chairs and stargazing equipment such as telescopes or high powered binoculars.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 8
The MG Car Club Cruise is rolling into the Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center in Pacific from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Spend a few hours admiring beautiful classic British sports cars and be sure to stop inside the museum and explore the exhibits while you’re there.
Get more info.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.

Tuesday, July 28
Head to Owensville the day before the Gasconade County Fair kicks off for a free antique tractor pull.
Get more info on Facebook.

Wednesday, July 29 – Saturday, Aug. 1
The 79th Annual Gasconade County Fair in Owensville will feature demolition derbies, livestock shows, concerts, car shows, and of course fair concessions, carnival rides, and more.
Find out all the details.

Friday, July 31
The American Pub Crawl in Eureka is a veterans charity event with over half a dozen establishments participating in the crawl, happening from 4-10 p.m., you won’t want to miss this fun night.
Learn more.

Friday, July 31 & Saturday, Aug. 1
Brookdale Farms is hosting its annual Balloon Glowdeo event. It’s part rodeo, part balloon glow, and 100% fun. Find live music, inflatables for kids, food trucks, a petting zoo, balloon glow, and a professional rodeo competition.
Find out more.

Friday, July 31
St. James Winery continues its outdoor film series called Movie Night in the Gardens with a showing of the 80s classic flick “The Goonies.” The movie begins at dusk and themed food and drink will be available for purchase.
Get more details.

Friday, July 31
Test your knowledge of the wonderful world of wizarding with the Harry Potter trivia night at Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James.
Learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 1
Flow at the Spring with Rachel, a free outdoor yoga class at Maramec Spring Park in St. James at 8 a.m.
Park entry fee applies to attend class.

Saturday, Aug. 1
The 4th Annual Missouri Bourbon Fest is happening at Copper Mule Distillery in Hermann. This year’s event will be better than ever with 26 distilleries, several bourbon industry vendors and 5 food trucks. The VIP ticket package has been upgraded and we’ve added a new venue for the General Admission attendees to get out of the sun and enjoy beer, wine, and spirits.
Get your tickets.

Sunday, Aug. 2
The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation is hosting a community event to continue to raise funds for the First Responder Community Mural from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Get more details on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 8
Celebrate the fourth anniversary of Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James with a day filled with live music, hayrides, wine, yard games, BBQ, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Aug. 9
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for the Wedding Bridal Show Open House from 1-3 p.m.
Find out more.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in News and Features

My Experience Working With Your Accountability Bestie

Posted on by Amanda

Today’s post is a bit of a departure from my usual content, but I believe there’s power in sharing our personal experiences – both our triumphs and setbacks. So, if you’ll allow me some vulnerability, I’d love to share how I recently overcame a few struggles.

For roughly five years I worked out at least five days a week without fail. Most of those workouts consisted of HIIT running, light resistance training, dancing, and hiking. However, numerous life changes began to compound about two years ago and I let my work outs slip, and my nutrition followed suit.

Before I knew it, I’d gained weight. Although I would still workout during this period, I wasn’t consistent and when it comes to being in fit, I’ve found consistency is the key. I thought if I just “started” my old routine again, I’d bounce right back, but the saying “what got you here won’t get you there” is popular for a reason.

Trying to force my way into prior rhythms and plans just wasn’t working, which made me feel like a failure, which made me give up, which made my progress stall. It was a vicious cycle and I spent about 18 months spinning my wheels. I felt as though I’d lost an essential part of myself and I wasn’t sure how to find me again.

After those starts and stops with trying to get back into shape, I realized I needed a different approach. And part of that approach meant that I couldn’t do this all on my own. In late summer I made the decision to work with an accountability coach to help me get back on track with my fitness and nutrition. From late July through late October, I worked with Sam Hyndrich owner of Your Accountability Bestie. 

I feel like I have my “sparkle” back again!

Although it wasn’t clear exactly how, when, or where I’d lost me, during my first client meeting with Sam, I knew I’d made the right decision because through her words and demeanor in that initial meeting, it was clear that she saw the real me. The version of me that had gotten buried somewhere along the line and believed my dreams and goals should come second, third, or even dead last, to every day life stuff (laundry, house, taking care of others).

I chose to work with Sam because of how she made me feel seen from the very beginning, and because I just had a gut feeling that she’d be able to help me find the hole in my plans that were keeping me stuck.

I also knew going into the three month block of working with her that I’d be challenged to give up my excuses, to put in work, and to stay committed to myself. She created workout and meal plans that worked with my lifestyle and interests, since much of my movement centered around things I love to do like dance classes and going on HIIT runs. Sam also challenged me to increase my protein intake, which helped me to maintain a higher level of energy daily and not get cranky in the afternoons (if I’m hangry you better watch out!)

I’m not at my goal weight yet, but I enjoy getting dressed up again and like what I see in the mirror (and yes, I know I should’ve closed the closet door before taking this selfie *facepalm*)

After one month of working with her, I lost close to ten pounds and several inches, but there was something even greater that I lost: my desire to put other people’s needs above my own. That’s not to say I stopped caring for others, but rather, I made sure I filled my cup first. 

As our relationship grew, during our regular client check-ins, Sam would ask me to look a bit deeper within, encouraging me to share not only my wins with her, but also what I was struggling with. During these moments I started to look at other aspects of my life, like personal and professional goals that I’d been toying with but for one reason or another, they kept making their way to the backburner. 

One of those goals was related to my writing career and I’m happy to report that I’m working on some creative goals I abandoned years ago, as well as refining my focus on this website, which will go into effect in January!

I still have a ways to go toward reaching my fitness and personal/professional goals. Because she’s a coach that works with clients across a broad spectrum of goals – from personal, fitness, business, relationship, and more – I am continuing to work with Sam in a professional capacity to help me stay accountable, reach for bigger goals, and refine plans when needed.

On a recent trip to Idaho, my husband and I hiked up Mineral Ridge, a 3 mile loop with a pretty significant elevation gain. It was challenging since I hadn’t done a hike like this in over five years. When I got to the top I was so proud of myself, and the first person I wanted to share my achievement with was Sam, so of course I texted her this selfie 🙂

If you’re ready to make changes, consider working with Sam to help you get where you want to go faster. And, I know cost can be a barrier for many, however, without giving away the exact pricing structure, I will say that the three-month cost for working with her breaks down to being roughly the same as going out for a latte and sweet treat a few times a week and my friend, ain’t no coffee shop treat gonna make you feel as good as investing in YOU.

Find out more about Sam on Facebook, Instagram, and her website.

Posted in News and Features

Spend a Day Series – Ideas for a Cozy Fall Day, Bookish Girlie Edition

Posted on by Amanda

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