Tag: Washington Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County June 2 – June 8, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week, there’s a drive-in movie, multiple car shows, a demolition derby, farmers markets, a pig roast, the town of Belle’s 77th Annual Fair, and a lot more. Read on for the full list of exciting things happening in our area!

Thursday, June 5
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movies with a showing of the animated film “Sing.” The movie will start 30 minutes after sunset.  Parking is first come, first serve for these free events. 
Learn more.

Thursday, June 5 & Saturday, June 7
Birdie’s Bakeshop in Washington offers two cookie decorating classes; Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for beginners or an all ages option on Saturday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. Must register online first in order to attend either class.
Register here.

Friday, June 6
Head to Union for the Concert in the Park series, with live music performed by Twisted Fiction. Attendees are welcome to bring coolers.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 7
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 a.m. until Noon, in the Elks Lodge parking lot. Find local produce, meat from Bardot Farms, cottage baked goods, and more.

Saturday, June 7
Union City Park will be the site of the Car Show in the Park, a rain or shine event that will include lots of cars, as well as free train rides and a petting zoo for kids. 
Get all the details.

Saturday, June 7
Celebrate summer with the 1st Annual Pig Roast & Lagerfest from 1 to 8 p.m. In this collaboration of multi-downtown businesses, join Lang A Tang Catering, Paddle Stop Brewing, Avant Gardens & Pinckney Bend in a fun filled afternoon!
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Photo via Pig Roast & Lager Festival Facebook event.

Saturday, June 7 – Sunday, June 8
The Villa Ridge Farmers Market happens on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Find locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Saturday, June 7
Citizens Bank is hosting a Black Light Music Bingo, with all proceeds donated to Franklin County Area United Way. Call in or visit any Citizens Bank location for reservations. The Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. and the bingo starts at 7 p.m.
Get pricing and other details.

Road Trippin’

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

Wednesday, June 4 – Saturday, June 7
The 77th Annual Belle Fair is happening in the town of Belle from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 7. The fair festivities kick off with a parade on Wednesday, followed by the crowning of the 2025 Fair Queen. Throughout the festivities, you will find live entertainment, livestock shows, tractor pull, kids events, food, and more.
Get the details.

Friday, June 6
Car enthusiasts will want to check out the Memorial Cruise In happening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rosebud General Store. This free event will feature live music, food provided by Wildflower Cafe Drive-In, and of course, lots of impressive rides!  
Learn more.

Saturday, June 7
The Gasconade County Fairgrounds in Owensville will be the site of a demolition derby. The gates open at 5 p.m., and the event will also include a beer garden and food shack.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 7
Head out to the city of Rosebud for the town-wide garage sale. Hunt for treasures at the garage sales and support local merchants in town by shopping side walk sales at participating businesses.
Learn more.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 26 – June 1, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County, including a Memorial Day parade in Union, a free drive-in movie in Washington, a rodeo in Gerald, and the annual car show at White Rose Cafe is happening on Sunday, June 1.

Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day
Watch the parade on Memorial Day in Union at 10 a.m. then head to the American Legion for service at 11 a.m., with lunch immediately following the service.
Get more details.

Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day
If you want some barbecue, but don’t want to spend time at the grill, The Tipsy Keg will have a special barbecue menu for Memorial Day. Find pulled pork, brisket, and ribs beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. There will also be live music performed by Travis Fadler. 
Find out more on Facebook.

Tuesday, May 27 – Wednesday, May 28
There are two opportunities to take part in dance fitness class Bad Beats. Head to the Washington Community Art Studio for an hour long class that will help you reach your fitness goals while having fun.
Reserve your spot!

Wednesday, May 28
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 dedicated to conversation, or continued reading.
Learn more.

Thursday, May 29
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will show a different drive-in movie every Thursday night throughout the summer for free. The special showings are kicking off with “Forrest Gump.”
Learn more.

Friday, May 30
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Travis Fadler starting at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 30
The Tipsy Keg in downtown Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night beginning at 7 p.m. Limited food menu available, and drink specials throughout the night. 
Learn more on Facebook.

Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31
The Gerald Saddle Club is hosting a rodeo on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Take in bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and more.
Get more details.

Sunday, June 1
The White Rose Cafe in Union’s annual car show will feature all rides. Cruz-N-25 will happen from noon to 3 p.m.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

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

Friday, May 30 – Saturday, May 31
Folky Fish Fest is an unforgettable weekend of folk and new-grass music, culture, and community in nearby St. James. Set against the backdrop of Maramec Spring Park’s scenic surroundings, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together folk and new-grass music lovers for a weekend brimming with creativity and connection. Attendees can enjoy an incredible lineup of live performances from talented musicians on multiple stages, ranging from soulful folk tunes to energetic new-grass jams that will have everyone on their feet. A celebration of creativity and community!
Learn more and get tickets.

Saturday, May 31
The Lions Club Fairgrounds in Linn will be the site of the 573 Vintage Market. Come shop from over 50 vendors, enjoy live music, and delectable eats from food trucks.
Get all the details.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 19 – May 25, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County – Sunset on the Riverfront happens this Thursday, there’s a few community markets, opportunities to hear live music, and get crafty, plus some unique events happening just a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, I don’t list every event that’s on the calendar here in the weekly roundup post, including events happening in the first half of the week. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see everything! Note that you can find the calendar at the bottom of the home page if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device.

Thursday, May 22
Head to downtown Washington for the May 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.

Photo via Downtown Washington, Inc.’s Facebook event.

Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23
Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge is going to be out and about in the community doing coffee “pop-ups” from a mobile coffee trailer. On Thursday, catch Stacked at St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge from 7:30 – 9 a.m., and on Friday, find Stacked at The Novel Nook in Washington from noon – 2 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, May 23
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. SPECIAL NOTICE – This week’s market will happen at 10 E. Locust St., across from City Hall.
Get more details on Facebook.

Friday, May 23
Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Tom Norton starting at 7 p.m. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 24
Enjoy live music while you take in the beautiful scenery at Triple 3 Vineyard, when SWeet Ruckus plays from 2 – 5 p.m. 
Learn more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 24
The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing. Shop local vendors and makers, find locally grown produce and baked goods, and listen to live music.
More details.

Sunday, May 25
Learn how to make a custom Welcome Mat for your home at this class held at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan, from 3 – 6 p.m. Ticket price includes materials to create the mat.
Get tickets.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 24
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, May 24
Get ready for a relaxing day on the river at Brookdale Farms’ first Eureka Floats event of the season!
More information.

Sunday, May 25
Take a short drive to Fenton to see the amazing rides at a 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.

Posted in News and Features

Find Food, Drinks, and Elegant, Rustic Vibes at Triple 3 Vineyard in Washington

Posted on by Amanda

It’s prime time for dining al fresco, and we’re blessed with a number of wineries here in Missouri, which typically have outdoor dining options that often feature picturesque views of the rolling hills located throughout the Show Me State. Triple 3 Vineyard is located just minutes from downtown Washington, yet offers its guests a relaxed, rural atmosphere.

With its multiple seating areas that offer an elegant, yet rustic vibe, both inside and out, it’s a great place to meet friends or enjoy a romantic date. I recently spent a Saturday afternoon with friends at Triple 3, and although it was my first time just hanging out at the winery, it wasn’t my first visit. The establishment is also an event venue and is often the site of weddings, banquets, fundraising dinners, and more, so I was already familiar with the space as I’d spent time at an event held in the gorgeous Trinity Hall.

If you plan to come to the winery to enjoy some food and drinks, you can expect a wide selection of wines, of course, but its drink menu also features cocktails, beer, and soft drinks. If you’re a loyal reader of the website, then you already know I’m a craft beer chick, so on my visit I enjoyed a can of local craft brand Deep Sleep Brewing’s Helles lager, but the menu also features domestic beers as well.

When it comes to the food menu, there’s a number of starters that are sized to share with others, such as the charcuterie board, Bavarian garlic pretzel (which is almost as big as a car steering wheel!), and more. Since I was there with a group, I got to sample a couple of shareable items that someone else ordered like the bruschetta and pretzel. Both were absolutely tasty, with the bruschetta topped with cherry tomatoes, pesto, and a generous drizzle of balsamic, while the Bavarian pretzel was soft, yet chewy, and had a delectable buttery garlic flavor.

In addition to the starters, there are some main course items like salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads. While I really debated on about four different items: the Greek salad, Reuben sandwich, Texas bistro sandwich (made with brisket), and the hot Hawaiian flatbread, the latter won out. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good flatbread.

Hot Hawaiian flatbread at Triple 3 Vineyard. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Let me start off by saying this is definitely large enough to feed two people, and I did end up sharing my flatbread! The delightfully crispy crust was topped with ham, bacon, red onion, pineapple, mozzarella, Baklouti oil, which gives the olive oil a yummy green chili flavor, as well as jalapeños, and is finished with dollops of a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce. I love the salty, sweet, spicy, smoke flavors that this combination brings, so if you’ve got a similar palate, I think you’ll really dig the Hot Hawaiian.

If you’re team “no pineapple on pizza” or can’t handle spiciness, don’t worry, there’s a few other flatbread selections that are topped with brisket, or Italian meats like salami, pepperoni, plus bacon, or the Portobello and bacon option.

Whether you take my food or drink suggestions or not, I do hope you’ll get out and support some of the fabulous locally-owned dining options we have in our area!

The Socialite recommends Triple 3 Vineyard!

The details:
3665 Sunny Road, Washington
Visit Triple 3 Vineyard’s website
Find the winery on Facebook
Follow Triple 3 on Instagram