Tag: travel

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 29 – Oct. 5

Posted on by Amanda

Prost! Oktoberfest celebrations in Hermann kick off this weekend, plus there’s an apple festival, a drive-in movie, music festival, two different local author events, plus beer and wine events, and more!

Wednesday, Oct. 1
Discover the history, science, and mystery of astrology during this four-week learning opportunity, happening Oct. 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 6 – 7 p.m. at the Washington Public Library. Must sign up prior to attending, and once signed up, you’re in for all four weeks.
Sign up.

Photo via Washington Missouri Parks Facebook.

Thursday, Oct. 2
Downtown Washington’s Witches on Main Street event is back this year and features an evening of shopping, food, music, drinks, games, and more. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the event.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 3
Back by popular demand, there’s another Feast with Josh Lang event happening in New Haven. Stop by Pinckneybend Distillery and purchase some delectable BBQ made by Josh.
Find out more.

Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Fitness. Fuel. Focus.
Grab your FREE guide!

Saturday, Oct. 4
Meet local author Juniper Nicole at Neighborhood Reads where she will be signing copies of her new release “More Than Fiction” a contemporary romance novel set in a small river town that’s reminiscent of WashMO. Whether you’re a fan of small-town charm, witty banter, swoony romance, or just love supporting local authors, this is the perfect chance to snag a personalized copy, chat with the author, and celebrate a story that proves love is always worth the risk. The event starts at 1 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Stop by Grace United Methodist Church in Sullivan for a lunch of German food including brats, schnitzel, apple pie, and more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Head to Cinema 1 Plus in Washington for a drive-in showing of the movie “Hotel Transylvania.” Be sure to arrive early, since parking for the movie is first come, first served, with concessions available for purchase.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Don’t miss out on your chance to ride in a real monster truck! America’s Wildest Monster Truck Show is coming to WashMo.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
The Franklin County Historical Society in Union is hosting a Local Author Showcase. Stop by the event, happening from noon – 4 p.m., and meet local authors and pick up a new book.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Andy’s Produce in Union is hosting an Apple Festival. This fall-themed event is happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature apple treats, fresh apples for purchase, and games.
Learn more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
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.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Evergreen Baptist Church in Leslie is hosting an Oktoberfest event from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will include food, music, games, a bounce house, a petting zoo, an archery shoot, barrel train rides, and more!
Get more details.

Saturday, Oct. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 5
The 28th Annual Mid-Missouri Horse, Mule, & Ox Farming & Historical Crafts Days in Gerald will feature demonstrations of pioneering and homesteading skills such as basketry, corn grinding, spinning, using natural dyes, beekeeping, leather work, and much more.
Find out more.

Sunday, Oct. 5
Love live music festivals? Be sure to get tickets for the Rock the Trail Music Fest happening in Gerald. The festival will also feature vendors and food, with some proceeds from the festival going toward the continued expansion of the Rock Island Trail.
Get tickets.

Sunday, Oct. 5
Lost Hill Lake Weddings & Events in St. Clair is hosting a one-day Breathwork, Ice Bath, and Sauna workshop from noon – 2 p.m. This workshop combines the power of breathwork with the invigorating effects of ice baths and saunas. Release stress, boost your immune system, and leave feeling refreshed and energized.
Register here.

Sunday, Oct. 5
Head to McKelvey Vineyards with your gently used books for a Sip & Swap Book Exchange. Meet fellow readers, sip on wine, and leave with a new-to-you book.
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Oct. 5
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, try tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages.
Learn more.

Friday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5
Eureka is hosting its annual carnival event Eureka Days, and this year’s theme is Medieval Nights. There will be carnival rides, food, music, a bar and beer garden, plus kickball and knockerball tournaments.
Find out more.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Fall Treasure Day is an annual event in Rosebud. Spend the day exploring the town’s eateries, boutiques, antique shops, and area vendors set up on U.S. Highway 50 in town.
Learn more.

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

Saturday, Oct. 4
Washington State Park in DeSoto will hold its annual Fall Harvest Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4. This event will include a handmade item and craft fair featuring a variety of vendors from Missouri, as well as fall crafts and activities for kids. Food and concession items will be available for purchase.
Get more info.

Saturday, Oct. 4
Augusta Bottoms Brew Fest is an annual fundraiser for families in the greater STL area that have children fighting disabilities. Sample over 140 beers and enjoy food and more at this festival.
Purchase tickets.

Friday, Oct. 3 – Sunday, Oct. 5
Happening every weekend in October, Hermann Oktoberfest features beer, food, music, games, and more.
Get all the details.

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

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 22 – Sept. 28, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week we’ve finally gotten a break from the heat and there’s lots of family-friendly fall events happening. The last Sunset on the Riverfront of the season is this week, it’s also time for another Music on Main, as well as the Union Farmers Market, plus there’s car shows, church picnics, the Washington Fall Festival of Arts & Crafts, as well as a hot air balloon glow in New Haven, a rodeo, a free drive-in movie, and so much more. Read on to get all the details.

Wednesday, Sept. 24
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.

Photo via Sunset on the Riverfront’s Facebook event.

Thursday, Sept. 25
Grab your lawn chairs or picnic blankets for the final Sunset on the Riverfront of the year is happening this week. Enjoy live music by Savana, food available for purchase from Big Boys and Miller’s Grill, plus kids activities.
Get more info.

Thursday, Sept. 25
Visit downtown Union for Music on Main, a free event featuring free live music, plus food and drink available for purchase. This Music on Main event will feature music from Tom Norton, and food from Savy’s Food Truck and Elmer’s Tavern.
Get all the info.

Friday, Sept. 26
The Union Farmers Market is happening from 4-7 p.m. at the corner of Oak and Main. Find items from local makers, produce, honey, plants, and more, as well as food truck vendors and live music.
Find out more.

Friday, Sept. 26
New Haven is hosting a Balloon Glow, offering spectators a breathtaking view of inflated hot air balloons lighted by their burners. The Balloon Glow is held at the New Haven City Park and is a walk through event only — not a drive through event. The Balloon Glow is free and open to the public.
Find more on Facebook.

Friday, Sept. 26 – Saturday, Sept. 27
Pacific is the place for rodeo fun this weekend, when Iron Horse Rodeo happens on Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature activities for kids like a bounce house, plus food, drinks, and lots of rodeo fun.
Learn more.

Moms. Busy women. Goal-getters.
You don’t have to do it alone.
Fitness. Fuel. Focus.
Grab your FREE guide!

Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 28
Find items from 90 handmade artisans and crafters at the 25th annual Fall Festival of the Arts & Crafts in downtown Washington on Main and Elm Streets. Guests will find soaps, jewelry, original artwork, clothing, handmade wood furniture, home décor, leather, seasonal items, and more! There will be live music and a food court full of delicious treats all weekend long. Bring the whole family out to enjoy a fun-filled weekend in historic downtown Washington. Free admission and parking.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 27
St. Andrews Subdivision is hosting its fall neighborhood wide yard sale from 7 a.m. – noon, rain or shine.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 27
The St. Clair American Legion is the site of the 14th Annual Rods ‘n’ Rides event. Come out and see hot rods, bikes, and side by sides, or register your own vehicle in the event.
Get the details.

Saturday, Sept. 27
The Gerald Lion’s Club for the 4th Annual Fall Festival at Legion Park. The event will feature food, drinks, family activities, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 27
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is hosting a series of free drive-in movies (weather dependent). The fall series kicks off with a showing of the 1980s film “The Goonies.”
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 27
Parents can attend a free Back to School Safety Event at First Christian Church in Union. Presented by Compassion Healing and Excellence, led by Timothy J. Fancher, MAPT, BA, AS, founder and 4th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. This verbal seminar is designed to equip parents, older siblings, and concerned adults with tools to teach kids practical alternatives to “Stranger Danger,” de-escalating skills to handle bullies, safety awareness for public and school settings, and ways to make safety engaging for children. Due to direct discussions on street safety, we recommend attending without younger children to ensure open, focused conversations.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 27
Make plans to stop by the City of Union Auditorium from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., for an open house style viewing of story photos taken recently by The Missouri Photo Workshop.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 28
Immaculate Conception Church in Union is hosting a Fall Festival. Expect kids games, kettle corn and funnel cake, a corn hole and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, silent auction, chicken dinner, and more.
Get the details.

Sunday, Sept. 28
Meramec Caverns is hosting its annual Fall Classic Car Cruise-In from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Get more info.

Sunday, Sept. 28
Assumption Church in New Haven is hosting its fall picnic, with a chicken dinner, as well as family games and activities like a cornhole tournament, bounce house, raffle, and more.
Find out more.

Road Trippin’

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

Thursday, Sept. 24 – Sunday, Sept. 28
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, try tasty local food, and discover a world of festive fun for all ages.
Learn more.

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

Saturday, Sept. 27
The Hermann Harvest Festival is a one stop shop for all things fall. Find pumpkins and mums, home decor, antiques, clothing, permanent jewelry, and much more.
Get the details.

Saturday, Sept. 27
Slaphappy Hemp Emporium in Rosebud is hosting a an elevated yoga event. Limited spots are available, reserve yours.

Sunday, Sept. 28
It’s worth the short drive to Fenton to see the amazing cars at this free, family-friendly car event where you’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more.
Find out more on Facebook.

Sunday, Sept. 28
Get lost in a maze made from beautiful, golden late summer flowers at the Sunflower Maze at Brookdale Farms. 
More info.

Sunday, Sept. 28
St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Marthasville is hosting its fall festival with a buffet style dinner, raffles, country store, and more.
Get more info.

Posted in News and Features

Dine on Tasty Dishes at The Tilted Skillet

Posted on by Amanda

Whether we’re taking our friends or family who live outside of the Franklin County area out to lunch, or we want a date night, my husband and I love visiting The Tilted Skillet in Washington. Not only is the food good, like really good, there’s a wide variety of menu items, which makes it a great place to take a group, since there’s salads, sandwiches and burgers, as well as pizza and entrees like whiskey glazed salmon, steak, and pasta dishes.

In addition to food, there’s also craft beer selections, which are typically a variety of local and national craft brews. The full bar also features cocktails, wines, and a substantial spirit selection, including extensive whiskey and bourbon offerings, as well as soft drinks and mocktails.

Shrimp skewers appetizer served over wild rice. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

But, back to the dining options. As I mentioned in my last food review, I’m working on getting healthier, through exercise, as well as eating more protein, and watching my carbs and sugar intake, which basically means no beer for me right now *insert sad face*.

When we dined out at The Tilted Skillet recently, we were both quite hungry, so we did something we rarely do and opted to get an appetizer as well as each order a meal. We ordered the shrimp skewers from the appetizer menu, and while I can’t remember if the menu mentions the glaze or sauce they’re finished with, it tasted similar to the delicious whiskey glaze that I’ve tried on some of the other seafood dishes at The Tilted Skillet.

Bunless burger with the zucchini and squash side. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

As for our meals, I chose a burger and asked for it without a bun, and the side I selected was the zucchini and squash, which is served sautéed with a sprinkling of parmesan. I think the burgers are my favorite menu items here, since they’re thick and juicy and get loads of flavor from the grill. This was my first time ordering my burger without a bun (at least at this establishment) and I really appreciated that it was served on top of romaine, making it easier for me to make it handheld like a traditional burger.

My hubby ordered the brat burger, a huge burger made from brat meat, served on a pretzel bun, with bacon, cheese, avocado, and he added sauerkraut, and ordered the sidewinder fries with Cajun seasoning. He loves this sandwich, but usually ends up removing the bottom part of the bun since it’s so huge!

The brat burger with cajun seasoned sidewinder fries. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

On previous visits I’ve ordered the whiskey salmon, chop salad with chicken, rueben and brisket sandwiches, and the meat lovers pizza – and I have enjoyed everything I’ve ever ordered.

The Socialite recommends The Tilted Skillet!

The details:
323 West 5th Street, Washington
Browse the menu online
Find the restaurant on Facebook