Next to fall and Christmas flavored drinks, Valentine’s Day drink menus offer some of my favorite ingredients. Many drinks feature flavor profiles that include berries, chocolate, and rose, and so many of the drinks also look gorgeous, by incorporating elements of red and blush hues, as well as botanical or fruit garnishes.
If you’re like me and you want to try Valentine’s drinks, luckily there are several establishments in Franklin County that have a selection of drinks – from cocktails to coffees, crafted sodas, teas, and more.
Scarlett’s Bar & Grill in St. Clair The establishment has a few themed drinks available, like the Cupid’s Arrow, Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini, and shots like the Chocolate Rose.
SmoothE’s and Morein Sullivan Locally-owned smoothie shop SmoothE’s and More in Sullivan has two Valentine-themed smoothies available. Try the chocolate covered strawberry or the chocolate raspberry cheesecake options while they’re on the menu.
Good News Blooms, Sips, & Sweets in St. Clair Wet your whistle with a variety of Valentine’s themed crafted sodas like the Be Mine Cherry Vanilla, or Cupid’s Strawberry Cream. There are also special tea drinks including the Cherry Vanilla Love Tea and Sweet Tea Valentine, or lemonades like the Cupid’s Blush.
Clark Street Cafe & Bakery in Sullivan The coffee shop, cafe, and bakery has a lovely sounding Valentine’s drink menu with drinks like the Cupid’s Chai, Strawberry Shortcake Mocha, and Love Potion, to name a few.
underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington Can’t decide on one holiday flavor? Try a Valentine’s coffee flight at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington.
If you try one of the drinks at the above establishments and like it, I’d love it if you would tag me on Facebook.
This week’s article is a cure for cabin fever a lot of us might have after spending some time snowed in!
There’s lots of opportunities to get crafty, like a paint & sip night at Sip on Main, create a glow in the dark lantern at Pages in Pacific, and make blankets for Project Linus at DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs. There’s also trivia nights, a chance to enjoy dueling pianos at the P-Town Piano Party, Franklin County Back to School Fair’s Mouse Races, a murder mystery dinner, Wash Mo Blues SnowBall, and much more!
With the recent snow, it’s possible that some events scheduled for earlier in the week may get canceled or rescheduled. I try to keep these posts as up to date as possible, but it might be a good idea double check with the event venue before heading out!
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 *Rescheduled from Jan. 6* Get crafty with DIY Advice Cards. Each card will have its own unique theme, artwork, and rules set by its creator – YOU! The cards will feature messages that can help guide you through situations you may encounter during the new year. Get more details.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Smokin’ Oak Pizza in Washington’s weekly trivia night is all about great questions, good company, and having a genuinely good time. Every Tuesday expect hot pizzas, cold drinks on tap, plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and—best of all—prizes. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, everyone’s welcome. Find out more.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 Head to The Novel Nook in Washington for a unique book club experience where everyone brings their own book! Instead of a single assigned read, participants bring whatever book they’re currently enjoying—fiction, nonfiction, classic, or contemporary—and share highlights, insights, and thoughts with the group. This is a space for book lovers to discover new reads, engage in lively discussions, and connect with fellow readers, all while celebrating diverse literary tastes. Whether you’re deep into a thrilling mystery, an inspiring memoir, or a thought-provoking novel, bring it along and talk books with other readers on the last Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Get the details.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 The Franklin County Silent Book Club will meet at UnderGROUNDS in Washington from 5:30-7 p.m. This nontraditional book club allows you to bring your own book and read in companionable silence, with socializing afterwards with fellow readers. You’ll carve out time for reading, meet new people, and hopefully leave with some new recommendations. Learn more.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 Brushin’ Whimsy is hosting a paint and sip night at Sip on Main from 6-8 p.m. Attendees have a choice of painting two different winter scenes, cost is $35 per person. Pre-registration required. Sign up.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 N-Sports Rec Center in Washington is hosting a wine, charcuterie, and bingo night. Cost is $25 per person. Find out more and reserve your spot.
Thursday, Jan. 29 The Alley in Washington is having a Valentine’s Day Gnome Craft & Cocktails event. Cost is $25 per person and attendees will be create a Valentine’s themed gnome painting and receive one drink with ticket price. Get tickets.
Friday, Jan. 30 Test your knowledge of music trivia at the Washington Elks Lodge. The Music Trivia night will begin when the doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person, drinks are included in price. Outside food is allowed, but outside beverages are not. Learn more.
Friday, Jan. 30 Do you live with a strange animal? Come to the Washington Public Library from 4-5 p.m. to meet exotic pets and learn how to care for them. Learn more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Create a glow in the dark lantern at Pages in Pacific. All materials included, as well as refreshments. $20 each spot with a $5 deposit. Get more information.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Stop into DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs on Main Street in St. Clair to make blankets for Project Linus. Bring your own fleece fabric or for a $20 donation use the fleece fabric available at the shop. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 *Rescheduled from Jan. 24 due to weather* Chef Alex Blattel is curating a special 4-course dinner and wine pairing at Triple 3 Vineyard. The evening will also include a behind-the-scenes tour of the winery’s production facility. Cost is $133 per person. Seating is limited. Get tickets.
Advertisement – Need more space in your current home? Reach out to Freelance Services today for help with your addition or renovation drawings.
Saturday, Jan. 31 P-Town Piano Party is a dueling piano show complete with dinner and a cash bar. This year’s event will be hosted at the Pacific Eagles Hall. Dinner is prepared by Vilcek Catering. Enjoy great songs from all eras as our performers entertain you. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MVR – IIII Bridge Foundation. Get more details.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Franklin County Back to School Fair’s Mouse Races. Doors open at 6 p.m. and races begin at 7 p.m. sharp. BYOB and snacks, but soda will be provided. This night of fun and raising money will help kids in the area. Tickets are $20 if you buy ahead of the event and $25 at the door. Purchase tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Head to Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair for an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and the dinner includes four-courses. Get more info and buy tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 The Office Bar & Grill in Washington hosts an Open Mic Night every Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Jan. 31 The Washington VFW is the site of the Winter Wash Mo Blues SnowBall Member Appreciation Night. All are welcome at this event, happening from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Faithful Strays, outside food is welcome, but drinks must be purchased at the VFW. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Jan. 29 Head to Ruthie’s Family Restaurant in Rosebud for an evening of line dancing and dinner. Find out more.
Friday, Jan. 30 – Sunday, Feb. 1 Looking for a fun and winter-themed experience? Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is featuring Winter Wine-derland Igloos this winter season. These private spaces feature cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and views of the vineyard. Get pricing and more info.
Friday, Jan. 30 & Saturday, Jan. 31 The Snow Spur Saloon is a winter-themed pop-up bar that’s part of the Winter Roundup event at Brookdale Farms. The pop-up is happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout January and February. Get tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Are you newly engaged and searching for possible wedding venues? The Hermann Wedding Trail is happening on Saturday, and engaged couples are welcome to check out beautiful wedding, reception and rehearsal dinner venues and visit with wedding vendors who will ensure you have the perfect day! Find out more on Facebook.
Saturday, Jan. 31 Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with a plant and seed swap at the Rolla Public Library from 1-3 p.m. Attendees should bring packets of seeds to share, as well as houseplants, cuttings, or books. Get more information.
Sunday, Feb. 1 Prairie Barn Winery in St. James is hosting a Sunday trivia event on Musicals. The will be hosted trivia outside (weather permitting) starting at 2:30 p.m. You can also stay inside for cozy indoor games, wine tastings and relaxation. 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!
If you’ve ever thought about lending a helping hand to those around you, but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. According to Megan Burridge, founder of a new Facebook group called By This They’ll Know, a lot of people have a desire to help others, but the logistics that can be behind the act of caring for our neighbors can make it feel like it’s too hard to start.
“I truly believe people want to help others but don’t know how,” Megan explains. “I like to use the analogy of attending a wedding reception: you know you’ll end up on the dance floor, but so many people don’t want to go first,” she shares with a laugh. “But once someone does, then more people come out to the dance floor.”
That belief comes from some observations she made during a recent lived experience. In the summer of 2025, Megan’s husband faced some health challenges and during that time she said so many people reached out to her and offered to help. She felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness, but it also highlighted some gaps she’s noticed within her faith community.
Megan Burridge, founder of the Facebook group By This They’ll Know. Photo credit: Megan Burridge.
As a Christian, Megan believes a big part of living by that faith involves helping others. However she’s noticed that there can be a gap between churches and individual Christians stepping up to help others when compared to people not affiliated with a particular faith.
“I noticed that most people who are helping are not identifying as Christian,” Megan says.
That didn’t sit well with her and what she believes she’s meant to do as a Christian. Motivated to do something about her observation and taking inspiration from a Bible verse, she formed By This They’ll Know on Facebook. In just a few short months, the group has grown to nearly 500 members. And, during that time, people have made an impact around their communities, especially over the past holiday season.
Just a few examples include member Alyssa and her children who held a food drive every Saturday in November. Alyssa and her kids passed out free hot cocoa to all who made a food donation and collected 1,145 items for local food pantries in the process.
Food donations secured for area food pantries that were collected by member Alyssa and her children in November 2025. Photo credit: Alyssa R., member of By This They’ll Know.
Likewise, several members got together before Thanksgiving and assembled Thanksgiving meal kits, which consisted of canned and dry goods placed in a disposable turkey roasting pan.
Members work together to assemble Thanksgiving meal kits. Photo credit: Kiley M., member of By This They’ll Know.
And another member, Melissa, started a Blessing Box in her neighborhood. Similar to how a Little Free Library works, people can donate items like shelf stable food, hygiene products, scarves, gloves, and more, and the items are available for free, for anyone who needs them.
A Blessing Box filled often contains shelf stable food, hygiene products, and items for cold weather, like gloves or scarves. Photo credit: Melissa F., member of By This They’ll Know.
Although many people think of those in need in November and December, in reality the need for help knows no particular season, but thankfully, neither does kindness and giving. With a solid foundation formed over last fall, By This They’ll Know is on track to continue to grow and give people who are looking for way to help others a starting point. Going forward, Megan hopes to create events where people within By This They’ll Know can get together and get to know each other and build friendships and community with like-minded individuals.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? The group is open to a variety of faiths, as well as those who aren’t affiliated with any religion. Members can reside in Franklin, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren County areas, and beyond.
Note: This article is part of a series highlighting volunteer groups, individuals who give back to area causes, and people who are building community, such as the piece I wrote on The Homemade Exchange. If you know someone making a positive impact in or around the Franklin County area, email me at smalltownsocialitemo@gmail.com and I may feature them on the website.
There’s something about glowing light displays that make this time of year feel extra special. If you’re looking for places to view lights, by either driving through the lights or exploring them on foot, take a look at the list below
St. Clair
Head to Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair to walk through their annual Grove of Lights holiday light experience. View thousands of dazzling lights, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and s’mores, get photos with Santa, free face painting for kids, and much more. Purchase tickets.
Union
ReDicsover Union Inc. has released a Holiday Lights Map on its website. The map shows you how to take a self-guided tour of the lights located throughout town.
Eureka
Santa’s Magical Kingdom is a drive-thru light display containing millions of lights that make up a variety of animated scenes. Admission is paid by the carload. Find out more.
Central Avenue in Eureka is lit up with beautiful holiday displays. See more.
Washington
Take a drive down East Fifth Street to take in the lights of numerous businesses as well as residences who’ve decked the halls for Christmas. There’s also some beautiful light displays on the historic homes located along Cedar Street (near Tilted Skillet), as well as in the neighborhood near Total Access Urgent Care (Madison Avenue and 47).
Krakow
Facebook users report that a private home located at 5333 Cedar Lane in Krakow features a lighted display set to music.
Rolla
Hamilton Holiday Orchard in Rolla will glow with lighted displays every Friday and Saturday evening this holiday season. Learn pricing and more info.
Christmas in the Park is happening at Rolla Lions Park from Dec. 11-23 and again from Dec. 26-27. This drive-through light display features displays of several businesses and organizations in Phelps County as well as Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, and more. Get more information.
St. Louis and St. Charles Counties
For those up for a road trip, Facebook users report that there are numerous neighborhoods, parks, and other organizations featuring holiday light displays, including Teddy Bear Christmas Land, near Grant’s Farm.
Walk through lights at Grant’s Farm features carousel rides, up close encounters with animals, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as millions of dazzling light displays. Learn more and get tickets.
Garden Glow is a walk-through lighted display at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Find out more.
Wild Lights is a light display at the St. Louis Zoo. Get more info.
Small Town Socialite 