Tag: travel

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, August 18 – August 24, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week, don’t miss your chance to learn about some of the movies that have been filmed in Missouri, take in local talent at an open mic night, catch a showing of “Mufasa” at Lawn Chair Movie Night, test your knowledge at trivia nights, support local fundraisers, and a whole lot more!

Tuesday, Aug. 19
The support committee for Aging Ahead Union at The Union Community Center, is hosting an Ice Cream Social. There will be bingo, ice cream, and a card party. Aging Ahead activities and events are for those 55+ and their guests.
Learn more.

Thursday, Aug. 21
The Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is hosting a Movies Made in Missouri event at 6 p.m. Register for the event to learn about the films made in the Show Me State.
Get more info.

Photo via Movies Made in Missouri Facebook event.

Friday, Aug. 22
Join an evening of entertainment from local voices, from singers, poets, storytellers, and more, at Open Mic Night at Liberty Hall in Washington. Doors open at 6, with performances beginning at 7, allowing attendees time to grab a seat and a drink at the cash bar.
Find all the details.

Friday, Aug. 22
After several weeks’ hiatus, due to extreme heat and the Washington Town & Country Fair, the Union Farmers Market is back this week! Find 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.

Friday, Aug. 22
It’s Lawn Chair Movie Night, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a free showing of the film “Mufasa.” The movie starts at 7:30 p.m. and is happening at 300 W. Park Ave. in Union.
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 22
Kick off the 2025–26 ECC Music Department’s concert season with a free outdoor music festival featuring three incredible bands, great food and drink, and a whole lot of fun.
Find out more.

Saturday, Aug. 23
Northside Reception Hall in Sullivan will host Summer Trivia Night at 6 p.m. Join in for the family-friendly evening, with guests encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks.
Get tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 23
Stop by Silo Restaurant in Sullivan for the second annual car cruise in memory of Billy Parker, Jr. Bring your car and come out to enjoy an evening of mingling and admiring all the classics just as he would.
Find out more.

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Saturday, Aug. 23
Head to the Washington Farmers’ Market for an evening of music that will also help fill local food pantries for Foodstock. The event is held from 5-10 p.m., and admission is a monetary donation or a bag of non-perishable food items. Bring your lawn chairs and get ready for an evening for fun and giving back!
More info.

Saturday, Aug. 23
Be sure to stop by the Elks Lodge in St. Clair to support the St. Clair Historical Museum, and eat some delicious food, at a chili cook off and Ozark pie supper, happening from 5-8:30 p.m.
Find out more on Facebook.

Saturday, Aug. 23
The Candy Land Ball is an opportunity for kids to bring their favorite grown-up—whether it’s mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, or any special person in their life for an evening of dancing. A photographer will be on-site with a themed backdrop for photos, and light refreshments will be provided.
Get more details, including the ticket link, at the Facebook event.

Sunday, Aug. 24
It’s Open Lake Day at Lost Hill Lake. Admission is $5 for a day of outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, kayaking, and there will be live music by Justin Rose. There will also be brunch available for purchase by Yonder Eats, as well as bottomless mimosas and bloody Marys at the Lost Hill Lake bar.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Monday, Aug. 18
Join the Missouri Master Naturalists from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rolla Public Library for a special program exploring the legacy of Lewis and Clark in Missouri. Discover how the Corps of Discovery navigated the state’s diverse landscapes, documented its rich natural resources, and laid the groundwork for generations of explorers and naturalists. This engaging presentation will highlight the ecological and historical significance of their journey through Missouri, offering insights into the expedition’s lasting impact on our understanding of the natural world. This event is free and open to the public.
Find out more.

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Wednesday, Aug. 20
Unleash your creativity in a vibrant black light painting class for teens and adults (13+) at the Rolla Public Library. No art background needed, and all materials are included for a glowing good time!
Learn more.

Friday, Aug. 22
Prairie Barn Winery is hosting a trivia night, and the theme is Desserts! There will be three rounds with prizes for each round. Pizza and pretzels will be on the menu at the winery, and attendees should bring a dessert to share.
Get all the info.

Saturday, Aug. 23
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of seven stargazing programs in 2025. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets.
Find out more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, August 11 – 17, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week, you can get crafty with programs at local libraries, attend an author talk, take in local talent at an open mic night, experience island vibes at a luau, and a lot more! Read on for the full list of happenings.

Tuesday, August 12
USDA Summer Food Service will be at Washington Public Library on Tuesday, August 12 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. They will distribute a week’s worth of food to families with children 18 and under. They will ask for the names and ages of the children. There are no extra requirements. If you have young children, you can drive up and they will help load the car.
Learn more.

Tuesday, August 12
Use tiny gems to bedazzle your favorite book cover at St. Clair Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Class attendees will pick elements of their book to gem such as the title or a small image. Bring your own book or let the library staff print a cover for you. When registering, the library will need to know if you’d like a printed book cover and which book cover you’d like to do.
Register for the free event.

Tuesday, August 12
This monthly crafting class starts at 6 p.m. and is offered by Washington Public Library. The event is free and suitable for ages 12 and up. This month’s activity is called Tattoos on Glass Decor and all supplies will be provided to class attendees.
Learn more.

Thursday, August 14
Author Dea Hoover will talk about her book “Hermann, Missouri: A Walk Through History” and book signing sponsored by Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads. Head to the Washington Public Library to attend this free event.
Learn more.

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Friday, August 15
Head to Washington to support a local business and be entertained by local talent, or share your artistic abilities with the audience at open mic night. On the third Friday of each month, The Washington Coffee Shop hosts an Open Mic Night. Singers, musicians, poets, and spoken word artists are welcome to share their work with the crowd.
Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.

Saturday, August 16
Back by popular demand, it’s the second annual Touch-A-Truck and Safety Fair at Liberty Field in Pacific. See a variety of display vehicles, climb in the medi-copter, learn how they work, and how to be safe in a daily living. 
Learn more.

Saturday, August 16
Join in on some summer market fun with 30+ amazing vendors at the Labadie Outdoor Summer Market! From unique finds to local favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
More info.

Saturday, August 16
Love Cajun food? Then you’ll want to head to Pin Oak RV Park off Route AT in Villa Ridge. From noon to 8 p.m., you can find Cajun cuisine from food truck Country Cajun Cooking, along with music to round out the event. Find crab legs, shrimp and all the fixings on the menu.
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, August 16
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.
Follow the Market on Facebook.

Saturday, August 16
Want to experience a Hawaiian luau without leaving Franklin County? Then head to Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair. The event will feature activities for kids, karaoke, fun, games, and more. Attendees are encourage to dress in their island gear.
Learn more.

Saturday, August 16
Narrow Path Hobby and Crawl Lounge in Washington is staying open late for a special event, Night Crawl. 
Get more info.

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Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Sunday, August 17
Sound healing is a way to release negative or stuck energy in the body. When our body is free from the pressure of stress, our mind feels more free to grow. This sound healing is happening at Present Moment Yoga, in Washington.
Learn more and get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, August 14
Step into the wizarding world at Movie Night in The Gardens! Catch an outdoor showing of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the enchanting setting of The Gardens at St. James Winery. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic for the first time, it’s a night for all ages to enjoy. Pets are welcome too.
Find out more.

Saturday, August 16
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the River of Oz Public Art Fair and wine tasting will be held at The Gardens at St. James Winery.
Learn more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, August 4 – August 10, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

The Washington Town & Country Fair kicks off this Wednesday, plus there’s other events happening throughout the week, including retreats and classes to help you recharge and manage stress, a free family-friendly movie, and more.

Tuesday, August 5
Do you need to learn some new practical strategies and experiences to help deal with stress and increase mindfulness, positive emotions, optimism, resiliency to stress, coping skills, and self-care for the body, mind, and spirit? Attend the free Taking Care of You class at Scenic Regional Library’s Sullivan Branch.
Register here.

Photo via Washington Town & Country Fair’s Facebook.

Wednesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 10
The Washington Town & Country Fair is happening this week! This year the theme is “Summer’s Homecoming” and there’s fun every day of the fair – from livestock shows, carnival rides, food, motorsports, music and entertainment, and more.
Learn more.

Wednesday, August 6
Want to learn to crochet? Grab a skein of yarn and a size H 5mm hook and head to DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair for this class.
Register here.

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Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10
If you’re looking for an opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with likeminded people, and regulate your nervous system, then you should check out the Rewild & Restore Retreat, a three-day, two-night interactive weekend, happening at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. This outdoor adventure in nature will focus on nervous system regulation and embracing the elements.
Get tickets.

Saturday, August 9
Head to Lang-a-Tang Cafe in New Haven to have breakfast, brunch, or lunch and grab some fresh flowers by Bright Side Blooms at the Flower Pop-Up event from 8 a.m. – noon.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, August 8
Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer and fall, with a showing of “The Princess and the Frog” on Friday, August 8. The movie will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and will start at 8 p.m.
 Find the full list of days and times of each film.

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Ad purchased by Freelance Services – residential architecture and design services.
“My goal is to make your home your castle.”

Saturday, August 9
If you like sipping wine, delectable barbecue, and family-friendly fun, then you will want to head to St. James to celebrate Prairie Barn Winery’s three years in business. There are festivities happening from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy music by Bob Kraus from 4 – 6 p.m., Swafftastic BBQ serving up delicious eats, plus wine, yard games, hayrides and more!
Find out more.

Saturday, August 9
The town of Salem is having a Wild West Show-deo from noon – 5 p.m. at 465 County Road 2630. The free event includes games, prizes, and food.
Get the details.

Saturday, August 9
The Flow at the Spring with Rachel yoga series continues this month at Maramec Spring Park overlook in St. James. The class is at 8 a.m. and is $15. Attendees should bring a towel, yoga mat, and water.
Get more information.

Posted in News and Features

Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon Serves Home Cookin’ With a Side of Comfort

Posted on by Amanda

Have you ever walked into a place that felt so welcoming that being there almost gave you a sense of déjà vu? Because that’s the kind of vibes I got when I visited Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon.

Full of knick-knacks, treasures, and lots of references to Dolly Parton – from pictures to quotes and more – the interior is welcoming and almost feels as though you’re stepping into someone’s home. While there’s no shortage of traditional restaurant-style seating in the form of tables and bar-type seats, there’s also a cozy sofa and chairs, inviting guests to relax with a coffee and book, or chat with friends. And near the front of the dining area is a stage where musicians perform, adding to the ambiance.

Broccoli cheese soup from Bourbon Cafe and Coffee Saloon. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

I visited the café twice within a matter of ten days or so and on my first trip (a solo adventure) I sat near the stage and enjoyed the woman playing the fiddle and singing old hymnals with a country twang. I didn’t catch her name while in the restaurant, but after scouring the café’s Facebook, I found a video identifying her as Kathy. She’s wonderful and her voice and style of playing makes me a little emotional. I grew up listening to many family members on my mom’s side sing and play instruments in what I tend to think of as that old-timey Appalachian style, sorta bluegrass, sorta gospel, sorta old Western saloon, that comes straight from the heart.

Three Blind Mice panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Listening to that music did my soul a lot of good, and all that ambiance won me over before I even tasted the food. I have followed the business on Facebook for a while now, so I knew that some menu selections rotate each week.

I visited first during lunch and later at breakfast. I also knew from social media that the made in house dessert offerings change weekly. The sweet treats range from a lemon cake with lemon buttercream (which I got as a to-go order on my first visit but forgot to photograph, delicious by the way!) to chocolate cake, gluten-free gooey butter and more.

One of the cakes that the cafe serves sometimes is Truvy’s cuppa, cuppa, cuppa cake. If you don’t know what that means, it’s a reference to Dolly Parton’s character in the 1980s movie “Steel Magnolias,” and that character’s famous cake recipe. I was hopeful that the cake would be on the menu on one of my visits, but no dice, so I’ll have to go back sometime just for the cake, because guys, I was raised on this movie!

Bagel panini. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

During the breakfast visit, my hubby ordered a bagel sandwich, which he let me have precisely one bite of! It was really good, and since I love eggs benedict that’s what I chose and it didn’t disappoint! We visited on Fourth of July, a Friday, so the biscuits and gravy weren’t on the menu (that’s a weekend-only offering), so I have yet another item I can’t wait to try on my next visit.

Eggs benedict. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

During lunch, I ordered the three blind mice panini, a staple on the lunch menu and it was so, so, so good. I mean cream cheese on a grilled cheese, whaaaat? And I got the soup of the week that week, which was broccoli cheese, and so comforting, it almost made me wish it were autumn. The soup was loaded with bite-sized pieces of broccoli and a creamy, cheesy base, topped with crunchy croutons and shredded cheese.

It was clear that everything I had at the restaurant on both visits was homemade right at the café and it was all so yummy! While I was in town, I browsed through some of the other nearby businesses, like CDR Naturals Health Food Store located next door, Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon, and I plan to drop by other restaurants and shops on my next trip.

The Socialite recommends Bourbon Café and Coffee Saloon in Bourbon!

The details:
373 East Pine Street, Bourbon
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