Tag: underGROUNDS Espresso Bar

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Feb. 23 – March 1, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

Get ready for another fun-filled week of Franklin County events with book clubs, a puzzle race, line dancing, black light bingo, a comedy night, a paint and sip event, and an open mic night.

Ready to hit the road? There’s even more events just outside of Franklin County such as a 2000’s themed trivia night, an 80’s themed murder mystery, a winter wine tasting event, and winter bridal shows.

Just a heads up – always double check with the event venue before heading out just in case events sell out or get rescheduled for some reason!

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

Tuesday, Feb. 24
Teams of up to six friends will race to be the first team to complete the same 500-piece puzzle in 60 minutes at the Washington Public Library’s Puzzle Race event. Space is limited to six teams and pre-registration is required.
Register and learn more.

Tuesday, Feb. 24
Join the book club perfect for the overcommitted reader. The Bring Your Own Book book club at The Novel Nook.  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.
Get all the details.

Wednesday, Feb. 25
The Scenic Regional Library Branch in Pacific is hosting a showing of the historic 1926 feature film- The Flying Ace- with a live musical accompaniment by Cherry and Jerry, a St. Louis duo that plays ragtime, blues, and jazz music from the 1900s-1920s, including well-known hits from Scott Joplin, W.C. Handy, Irving Berlin, as well as lesser-known gems. Registration is required to attend.
Get more info and register.

Wednesday, Feb. 25
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.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Feb. 25
Do you have a small business and are interested in becoming a vendor at the St. Clair Farmers Market this season? Attend an informational meeting for potential market vendors at the St. Clair Library at 6:30 p.m.
Get the details.

Thursday, Feb. 26
The Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific will have line dancing from 6-7:30 p.m. The event is free, but donations are accepted.
Learn more.

Friday, Feb. 27
Fitness Made Fun in Washington is the site of Donuts and Diapers, a sweet morning designed for little ones and the grown-ups who love them. Happening from 9-11 a.m., the event features fresh donuts, open gym play, and quality bonding time in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Get tickets and more details.

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Friday, Feb. 27
Head to Gerald for a unique paint and sip night that focuses on creating a piece of art that highlights the Northern Lights. Seats are limited.
Secure your spot.

Friday, Feb. 27
Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist is seeking motivated individuals interested in building a long‑term career in the green industry and are hosting a Career Fair to learn more about available opportunities across horticulture, landscaping, retail operations, greenhouse, and additional areas within our growing organization. The fair is from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Help support Project Linus of Franklin and Crawford County and create something with your hands. The nonprofit is hosting its monthly Make a Blanket day from 10 a.m. – noon at the Scenic Regional Library Union Branch. Attendees will make fleece blankets to benefit local children, and can bring their own supplies or donate $20 for blanket making supplies.
RSVP requested, find out more on Facebook.

Saturday, Feb. 28
St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Clover Bottom is hosting a Comedy Night Dinner & Dance. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m., the comedy show by Mike Maxwell at 7 p.m., and live music by Steve Leslie after the comedy show.
Get more info.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Enjoy an evening of Black Light Bingo at the IC School Parish Center in Union. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Learn about seed starting at Hoffmann Hillermann Nursery & Florist. Participants will use reusable pots, domes and trays to plant tomato and pepper seeds. This is the perfect class to get a head start on your vegetable plants for spring!
Get the details.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Head to The Office Bar & Grill in Washington for the bar’s weekly Open Mic Night. Share your musical or stand up talent at the event, happening from 6-10 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, Feb. 27
Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka for a special night for mamas and their favorite little cowboys at the The Mother-Son Ranch Night. This western-style evening is all about quality time, connection, and good old-fashioned fun — without the pressure of a traditional “dance.”
Get more info.

Friday, Feb. 27
Defiance Ridge Vineyards is hosting a 2000’s themed trivia night. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m., with a $25 per team cost.
Find out more.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Love a good murder mystery event? Then you won’t want to miss the 80’s themed event in Owensville.
Learn more and purchase tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 28 & Sunday, March 1
The Meramec River Wine Trail’s Winter Wine Tasting Event will feature wine and food pairings from numerous wineries in the region – from Steelville to St. James. This self-guided tour is $30 per person, with tickets available for purchase online.
Get tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Maramec Spring Park in St. James is hosting The Magic of Maples, a fun and informational event that highlights history of making maple products in Missouri and how to make maple products today. The event is free, but registration is required.
Find out more.

Sunday, March 1
The Wildflower Wedding Market is happening from noon-4 p.m. at The Venue at Wildflower Ridge. Meet with wedding planners, decorators, photographers, caterers, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, March 1
Folky Fish Fest and Spencer Manor are teaming up to host an afternoon of delicious food and live music as a fundraiser for the second year of Folky Fish Jam Camp. Last year’s jam camp welcomed 30 students from the surrounding areas, where they spent the day learning and jamming with Festival Performing Artists thanks to donations and funding from local organizations and individual community members. This year help offer the camp to as many young folks as possible via student scholarships.
Find out more.

Comic book themed colorful image of a man and woman kissing
Romance author and unapologetic geek.
Author of the Talk Nerdy to Me series.
Download your next binge read.

Sunday, March 1
Brookdale Farms is hosting a Winter Bridal Show. This one-stop planning event, features immersive venue tours, stunning décor inspiration, and direct access to the best wedding pros in the business in one elegant afternoon.
Get tickets and find out more.

Sunday, March 1
Attention poets, comedians, and musicians — it’s time to shine at Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm’s Open Mic event.
Learn 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

Five Valentine’s Drink Menus to Try in Franklin County

Posted on by Amanda

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 More in 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.

Posted in News and Features

Get to Know Local Author Juniper Nicole

Posted on by Amanda

While authors release novels every day, it is not every day that a local author publishes a book that’s inspired by the charm of a small Franklin County river town. But on Sept. 2 that’s just what happened when “More than Fiction,” a contemporary romance novel written by Washington author Juniper Nicole, was released. 

Although the book only officially entered the world a month ago, readers can’t get enough of the story. The novel has earned a 4.75 star review average on the reader-centric website Goodreads, numerous five-star ratings on Amazon, and has left readers on TikTok craving more. 

Author Juniper Nicole signing copies of her debut novel. Photo credit: Juniper Nicole

Juniper started writing in 2018, but has been an avid reader since 2009. Although she wrote for years before publishing, a lot of that time was spent honing her craft and finding her writing voice. Those days looked like exploring genres, with her first story in the young adult urban fantasy genre, but as she learned more about writing and as her taste changed as a reader as well as a writer, she felt pulled toward love stories. 

“Romance felt more natural to me (than fantasy) because I can see the beauty in love and the quiet magic that surrounds us in everyday life,” Juniper explains. “I married my high school sweetheart, and after 20 years together, it still feels new and exciting. I still get butterflies, he still surprises me, and I get the benefit of living out a real-life romance every day—minus the meet-cute.” 

The idea for her current release came to her out of the blue, in some ways. Juniper says the characters and scenes from the novel came to her at unexpected times and recalls how she’d wake in the middle of the night to scenes from the book playing in her mind like a movie. Although the scenes would show up at different points, when it came time to write everything down, Juniper stuck to a set schedule in order to make her dream of writing a novel a reality.

Committing to her craft while also balancing a busy life as a working mom to two kids meant a writing schedule of waking at 4:30 a.m. to write for a couple hours before she got her kids ready for school and started her work day at her full-time job. 

“I made myself a morning person,” she jokes about the early morning writing routine. 

The entire project took two years from start to finish, and Juniper doesn’t plan on stopping the writing routine any time soon, as she has plans to write three more books set in the fictional small town world she created in “More than Fiction.” The future books will feature the love stories of characters readers meet in the first book in the series.

“There’s a cast of supporting characters in the novel. I’ve always been a fan of shows like “Friends” and “New Girl” and I knew I wanted those friendship elements to be integrated into the story, because I love having a village.”

The sense of community she wove throughout her book is something she’s experienced herself, as a lifelong resident of Franklin County. Juniper grew up in Union and went to Union High School, but she and her husband moved their family from Union to Washington in 2020. 

“I love the riverfront, and getting ice cream with my kids on Main Street. I love that John G’s Bierdeck is dog and kid friendly, and that I can have a girls night at the winery on Front Street,” she shares.

Her love of the WashMO community has been reflected right back to her, since Juniper has garnered much support with the release of the novel. In September The Novel Nook in Washington hosted an author signing, and other area businesses have shown their support, with coffee shop underGROUNDS on Front Street creating a drink called ”the Sophia,” which is a special latte inspired by the book. 

Learn more about the book

More than Fiction cover. Photo credit: Juniper Nicole

Turbulent. That’s the best way to describe the gut-wrenching jolts and jerks that have wrecked Sophia Carlson’s life. Walking away from her cheating fiancé meant losing everything. Now, she’s rebuilding from scratch, leaning on her fiercely loyal, highly opinionated, and overly involved friends. When a new publishing branch opens in Misty Springs, she dares to hope this is her fresh start.

The problem? Corbin Buescher.

The sharp-edged executive sees this branch as his final test before claiming the CEO title. He’s spent years shutting out distractions, and Sophia is nothing if not a distraction. She’s bold, unpredictable, and far too tempting for a man who thrives on control.

Boundaries blur, lines shift, and the more their paths intertwine, the harder it is to deny what’s building between them. With everything on the line, will they risk it all for the one thing that might be worth it?

Get the book online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or stop into Neighborhood Reads or The Novel Nook in Washington, and Main Street Books in downtown St. Charles.

Find Juniper at these upcoming events: Oct 4. book signing at Neighborhood Reads from 1-3 p.m., Oct. 11 book signing at The Rose Romance Bookstore in Mooresville, IN., Dec. 13 book signing at Lang-a-Tang Cafe in New Haven. 

Stay up to date with other events and more book news by visiting her website, or follow Juniper on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

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.

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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.

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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.