Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 21 – July 27, 2025

This week is going to be a hot one, but there’s plenty of cool things happening around the area, including a free drive-in movie showing of “Back to the Future,” an open day to play in the water at Lost Hill Lake, an indoor craft fair, and a chance to see the stars at Onondaga Cave State Park.

Thursday, July 24
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.

Thursday, July 24
Head back in time with Marty and Doc Brown with the free drive-in showing of “Back to the Future” at Cinema 1 Plus in Washington. The movie will play in the theater parking lot and will start 30 minutes after sunset. Spots are first come, first serve and movie snacks like popcorn and drinks are available for purchase.
Learn more.

Thursday, July 24
Winehouse 66 in Pacific is hosting a permanent jewelry pop-up with AB Crafts from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Find out more.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Thursday, July 24
Take your young baker to Washington for a kids’ cupcake decorating workshop on Thursday, July 24 at 4 p.m. at Ambiance Lighting for the business’s Christmas in July event. The decorating workshop is free and the supplies are on a first come, first serve basis.
Learn more.

Friday, July 25
The Union Farmers Market happens on the second and fourth Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. through September. Find local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. Please note that the location of the market is on the corner of Oak and Main Streets, adjacent to Hansen Park.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, July 25
Feeling messy? The you’ll want to attend Mess Fest at the Washington Public Library from 6-7 p.m. Get doused with color as you make your way around the library, and attendees are encouraged to wear white for full impact. The messy mood continues outdoors in the closed off parking lot. Have ooey gooey fun with shaving cream, playdough, and other messy makers at this all ages messy affair!
Get the full details.

Saturday, July 26
Stay cool, find some new crafted items and help a worthy cause at the Beat the Heat Indoor Craft Fair. The fundraising craft show will benefit the Franklin County Foster Closet. There will be plenty of crafters and vendors, along with activities for kids and bingo.
Find out more.

Sunday, July 27
Beat the heat with a day spent at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. The private event and glamping venue is opening the grounds to the public from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and fun. Admission is $10 for all ages 6 and up.
Get all the details.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, July 25 – Saturday, July 26
Belle City Park Arena in Belle will host Central Family Rodeo Association. The rodeo will happen on both days and concessions will be available on site.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 26 – Sunday, July 27
The Berries & BBQ Wine Trail will happen in Hermann, as several wineries take part in this two-day event. Luscious berries, savory BBQ, and cool, fragrant wine cellars make for a memorable summer weekend in Missouri Wine Country.
Get tickets.

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

Saturday, July 26
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.

Saturday, June 26
Down Home BBQ in Cuba will host a Route 66 car show from 2 – 4 p.m.
Learn more.

Sunday, July 27
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. Cars & Coffee St. Louis and 1st Phorm are teaming up to bring a monthly car show on the fourth Sunday of each month through October.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 14 – July 20, 2025

This week is the Crawford County Fair, the free drive-in movie series continues in Washington, plus there’s a local farmers market, barbecue events, an outdoor yoga experience, and a lot more happening.

Thursday, July 17
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in showings this week with a screening of “Mamma Mia.” Weather permitting, the show will begin after sunset in the parking lot. Parking spaces are first come, first serve, with concessions available for purchase.
Follow the theater on Facebook to stay updated.

Friday, July 18
Teens can gather at the Washington Public Library for the Teen Paint and Pizza Party. Create an original masterpiece under the guidance of a paint instructor. Materials will be supplied. Registration required. Call 636-390-1070 to register. Ages 12 & Up.
Find out more.

Friday, July 18
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 talents with the crowd. 
Learn more at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Facebook page.

Saturday, July 19
Rennick Pavilion at the Missouri Riverfront in Washington will be the site of Blessings Are Miracles’ free BBQ.
Learn more.

Photo via Blessings Are Miracles’ Facebook post.

Saturday, July 19
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens every on the first and third Saturdays in the Elks parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.
Get more details on Facebook.

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

Saturday, July 19
Head to the Union American Legion for the 3rd Saturday BBQ, beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out! Menu includes full slab of ribs, 1/2 slab ribs, chicken, brats, pork steaks, and more.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Tuesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 19
Hood Park in Cuba is the site of the Crawford County Fair! Kicking off on Tuesday, July 15 and running through Saturday, July 19, the fair will include food vendors, agricultural and live stock shows, entertainment, and carnival rides. The fun gets started with a fair parade on July 15, at 6 p.m. 
Find the full schedule of events on Facebook.

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20
Where can you find antique tractors, steam engines, a flea market, food, music, and fun activities like a cast iron skillet throwing contest and a bale throw? In Rosebud at the Steam Engine & Antique Tractor Show.
Find the full schedule.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Saturday, July 19
Flow at the Spring at Maramec Spring Park in St. James. Stretch, breathe, and flow in a natural environment at this outdoor morning yoga class. Bring yoga mat, towel, and water to class. $15 fee to attend class.
Sign up details found here.

Saturday, July 19
Watch truck and tractor pulls at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro.
Find more info on Facebook.

Saturday, July 19
Head to St. James Winery for a stunning summer evening in the heart of the Meramec Highlands! Settle in at the Taproom for a four-course dining experience showcasing seasonal flavors, local ingredients, and expertly crafted pairings from St. James Winery and Public House Brewing Company. Limited seating available!
Get more info and tickets.

Posted in News and Features

Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing Offers Tailored Charcuterie Experiences

Charcuterie, or grazing boards and boxes full of cold meats, cheeses, fruits and more, have become increasingly popular over the past several years, due to the often beautiful presentation of the boards and yummy combinations of ready-to-eat finger foods. While you can often find charcuterie options on the menu at some area wineries, breweries, wine bars, and cafes and restaurants, there’s also a new business that is bringing charcuterie selections to you.

Earlier this year, Devon Shaw launched a mobile charcuterie business called Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing. The grazing board menu features several custom options, such as boards that feed groups from two up to 15 people.

Larger groups or anyone hosting a private party like bridal or baby showers, weddings, and even corporate events, may also opt for the mobile charcuterie cart, which provides an interactive experience, allowing guests to customize their own personal charcuterie box with items like cheeses, fruits, nuts, olives, and meats.

Although Devon does a lot of private events, she and her mobile charcuterie cart have also made appearances at public gatherings, like Sunset on the Riverfront in Washington. I had the pleasure of meeting Devon and trying her charcuterie at the most recent Sunset on the Riverfront.

I selected items I wanted for my custom charcuterie box, like fresh fruit, cheese, meat, and dark chocolate covered caramel for a sweet finish. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Of course there’s always food vendors at these public events, but on the hot, late June evening of Sunset on the Riverfront, seeing the charcuterie cart, with its selection of chilled items, was a very welcome site.

The custom charcuterie box I had was a feast for the eyes as well as the belly thanks to the way Devon artfully arranged my selections. Everything I ate was also delicious, but as a true cheese and chocolate lover, those were my favorite items – and if it had been a possibility, I could’ve just had a girl dinner with a box full of those two items. But, alas, a girl can’t live on cheese and chocolate alone! The turkey, salami, crackers and fresh fruit were also filling and refreshing.

You can catch Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing in Washington next week at Sage Bee Prep Academy’s First Bee Day Bash on Tuesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. The event will feature other food and drink vendors, a bounce house, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities.

The Socialite recommends Shawcuterie Gourmet Grazing!

The details:
Find Shawcuterie on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on events.
Visit the business’s website to learn more or to order.

Posted in Advertorial Feature

Focus on Your Health and Wellness at Soul Refresh in Downtown Washington

Although it may be hard to believe considering the amount of food reviews I share, I am actually quite into health and wellness. And earlier this year, I was excited to see a new business called Soul Refresh open its doors in downtown Washington, at 11 W. Main St.

The health and wellness-based business focuses on a number of services that are designed to help people feel their best by aiding the body in a variety of ways, from improving the immune system and easing pain to reducing inflammation and toxins that have accumulated in the body. 

Soul Refresh is owned by Ryann and Jordan Greenhoff. After the couple spent time at a similar business owned by their brother and sister-in-law in Marshall, MN., it made them realize that there was an opportunity to bring some of those same beneficial wellness therapies to the Washington community. 

Although her prior professional background was in accounting, Jordan has always had an interest in pursuing alternative ways of treating the body.

“I’ve always been health conscious and interested in other means of health and healing.” Jordan says.

Jordan’s natural interest in alternative means of maintaining health and wellness can be seen in the four services offered at Soul Refresh – cold plunge, ionic foot detox, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Over the past several years the internet, and social media in particular, has showcased the benefits of these types of wellness treatments. And now, residents in Washington as well as those living in its surrounding communities, can have access to these cutting edge services, simply by taking a visit to a small, locally-owned business.

Services

Since cold is something many people tend to actively avoid, it may seem counterintuitive to pay to put yourself into a tub of cold water. If you’re not familiar with the experience, some of the benefits of briefly submerging your body in a cold plunge tub include resetting your nervous system, improving your mental focus, and supporting the immune system.

Cold plunge tub. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

An ionic foot detox service at Soul Refresh consists of the guest sitting in a comfortable chair, which comes with a massage function, and placing your feet in a small tub of water that contains Celtic sea salt. The salt works with the foot tub’s ionic function to create positive and negative ions that work together to remove impurities and toxins from the body through the feet. Although the process starts with clear water, it will change color and consistency throughout the session, depending on the type of toxins that are pulled from the body.

Ionic foot detox. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Typically when you think of a sauna experience, you may envision a very hot environment that’s either dry or steamy, and designed to make you sweat out impurities during your time in the sauna. However, an infrared sauna provides a different experience, by using infrared light to directly heat the body. This method is more comfortable and effective since the light allows the heat to penetrate deeper into tissues, muscles, and joints. A few of the benefits of using an infrared sauna include improved circulation, easing pain in sore joints and muscles, and helping the body to flush toxins through sweating. 

Infrared sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Additionally, there’s a Himalayan salt sauna at the business. When Himalayan salt is used in a sauna, it can improve respiratory conditions by breaking up congestion, help draw out toxins, balance the skin’s pH, and reduce stress through the release of negative ions from the salt. 

Himalayan salt sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

With its ability to improve your skin, hair, cognitive health, and reduce inflammation, red light therapy sessions at Soul Refresh are completely non-invasive and consist of guests relaxing and laying down for up to 20 minutes. The full-body red light therapy session delivers gentle, low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that promote cellular regeneration, reduce pain, and restore the skin’s natural glow. 

Red light therapy. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Of course, all the wellness therapies at Soul Refresh are most effective when used regularly, and the business’s pricing model is reflective of that, with single session prices as well as package pricing offered at discounted rates, ranging from packages that include three or up to 20 sessions. And all of the packages are “mix and match” meaning guests can choose which services they wish to receive at each visit.

If interested in learning more, visit the business’s website, or book a service online.