Tag: Marthasville Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Aug. 25 – Aug. 31, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

It’s Labor Day Weekend this week, and if you’re staying close to home during this final holiday of the summer, then rest assured that there’s plenty of things to do!

Wednesday, Aug. 27
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 dedication to conversation, or continued reading.
Learn more.

Wednesday, Aug. 27
Brushin’ Whimsy is hosting a paint night at Sip on Main in Union from 6-8 p.m.
Find out more and register.

Photo via Sunset on the Riverfront Facebook event

Thursday, Aug. 28
Head to downtown Washington for the 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.

Friday, Aug. 29
Do some stargazing at Cedar Creek Hotel & Event Venue in New Haven. From 7-9 p.m., take in the dazzling night sky by gazing through a 30 inch telescope, and learn how to use a camera on a telescope to take pictures with an astrophotography center adjacent to the main telescope. Attendees will have to climb a ladder to reach the large scope. The event will be cancelled if there is cloud cover or inclement weather.
Learn more.

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Friday, Aug. 29
Stop in to Pickneybend Distilling in New Haven to take part in the establishment’s monthly cocktail class. Attendees will receive three cocktails they’ve made themselves, plus receive a discount on bottled spirit purchases. Cost is $30 per person.
Find out more and sign up.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Make and learn how to care for a hanging moss ball planter at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery in Washington. The cost to attend is $35 per person, and registration is required.
Get registered.

Road Trippin’

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

Monday, Aug. 25
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for Art After Hours Paint & Sip event, happening from 6-9 p.m. The theme for the event is camping, the fee is $40 and admission price includes supplies.
Get tickets and more info.

Wednesday, Aug. 27
There’s free line dancing starting at 6 p.m. this, and every, Wednesday night at The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville.
Learn more.

Thursday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 31
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.

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Saturday, Aug. 30
Celebrate the start of the grape harvest at Stone Hill Winery’s free Harvest Festival. Head to the Hermann winery for festivities such as a grape stomping photo op, a behind the scenes tour, games and a scavenger hunt, live music, plus wine, slushies, and beer by the glass, and a lot more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Bring your classic car, truck, sports car, Jeep, anything with wheels you love, to Prairie Barn Winery in St. James. This is a non-judged, no-prizes event—just a great time with fellow car and truck enthusiasts!
Get more details.

Saturday, Aug. 30
Enjoy a concert at Music in the Park, at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Forrest McCurren will perform from 6-8 p.m., admission is $20 per car.
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 30
There’s a free women’s medicinal drum circle happening in Marthasville. This monthly meetup aims to foster mindfulness and community among women in the area.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 30
The Homemade Exchange is a monthly meetup at the Owensville branch of Scenic Regional Library. This free event is a meeting of people who exchange homemade items, from homemade baked goods and canned items, to soaps, crafts, and more.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 7 – July 13, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

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.

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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.

Posted in News and Features

Where to Dine Along the Katy Trail

Posted on by Amanda

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

Posted on by Amanda

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
Follow Country Grounds Coffee Shop on Facebook