Tag: Washington Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County May 12 – May 18

Posted on by Amanda

From a choir performance, to dance fitness classes, a plant swap and more, here’s what’s happening in Franklin County this week!

Tuesday, May 13
The East Central College Choir and Choral Association will present their spring concert at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. This concert will feature songs about nature including music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Elaine Hagenburg, Ola Gjeilo, and featuring “Make Our Garden Grow” by Leonard Bernstein. Admission is free.

Tuesday, May 13
Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/

Wednesday, May 14
If you’re unable to attend on Tuesday evening, there’s a second hour-long Bad Beats dance class. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/

Friday, May 16
The Washington Police Department and Dunkin’ are teaming up to raise funds for Special Olympics with Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin’ Donuts in Washington on May 16, from 6 a.m. to noon. 
Learn more.

Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18
The 44th annual Art Fair & Winefest is happening in downtown Washington. The weekend will be filled with food, live music, wine tastings, and art.
Get more details and tickets for the wine tastings.

Photo via Art Fair & Winefest Facebook event page.

Saturday, May 17
Together Treasures in St. Clair is hosting a parking lot sale in honor of its second anniversary of being open for business. Guests can enjoy grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, cold drinks, music, and more.
Visit Facebook to learn more.

Saturday, May 17
This free event allows attendees to swap plants, cuttings, pots, and gardening accessories. Attendees do not have to bring anything to come! The swap is at the main pavilion at the city park in Pacific, near the pool. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 17
Fugitive Bluff Brewery & Winery in Berger will host a one day Maifest BBQ event that will feature a special barbecue menu as well as live music.
Learn more on the business’s Facebook page.

Saturday, May 17
The Mighty Pines return to Paddle Stop Brewery in New Haven. Music starts at 7:30 p.m .and goes until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Find out more.

Sunday, May 18
Join CiCi’s Devine Designs for a fun workshop where creativity meets beauty! In this workshop, all of the supplies will be provided. This hands on class will guide you through selecting your materials, teaching technique, and providing support throughout your class.
Learn more at the Facebook event page.

Road Trippin’

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

Saturday, May 17
The Hermann Maifest Maker’s Market is from 10 a.m. until
6 p.m. The market will be located on Schiller and Third streets and showcasing a variety of artists, local makers, craftspeople, food, beverages, and more.

Posted in News and Features

Find Something Tasty to Sip On at Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville

Posted on by Amanda

If you’ve followed my dining reviews for any amount of time, then you already know how much I love coffee! While I have my tried and true favorite establishments to order from, I am also always down to broaden my horizons. When I found out there was a new coffee shop with cute, country vibes in Marthasville, I knew I had to try it out.

An iced cinnamon roll latte and guitar mounted to the wall. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Located on Depot Street, just steps from the Katy Trail’s Marthasville Trailhead, Country Grounds Coffee Shop serves coffee, tea, refreshers, soft drinks, and house-made baked goods. The coffee shop opened in March, but its food menu is expanding and will also include breakfast sandwiches and lunch selections in the near future.

Focusing on a cozy and welcoming farmhouse theme, the interior is white with touches of rustic elements throughout, like the cowhide throw pillows, wood tables and chairs, and, a few nods to Dolly Parton as well as a mounted guitar on the wall, adds another element to the “country” in the establishment’s name.

Now is a good time to tell you that in just a few days time, I made two trips to Country Grounds 😀

On my first visit I ordered from the specialty drink menu and chose an iced cinnamon roll latte, which combines salted caramel and cinnamon flavored syrups. The taste is sweet, slightly rich and creamy, and is very reminiscent of the flavor of the decadent pastry its named after.

A strawberry coconut refresher made with water and yet another iced cinnamon roll latte. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

I made my second visit when I was having one of those days. You know the kind? Those days when there’s just one debacle after another, and yeah, I needed a comforting drink on that day, so, I went back and ordered another yummy iced cinnamon roll latte. On the second trip, my husband was with me. He opted not to drink caffeine on that visit, so he ordered a strawberry coconut refresher made with water instead of a caffeinated base. The deep pink drink was as delightful and thirst-quenching as it was lovely to look at.

With its proximity to the trail, drinks, and the pastries that I really want to try soon, I can’t wait to make more trips to the coffee shop this spring and summer.

The Socialite recommends Country Grounds Coffee Shop!

The details:
201 Depot St., Marthasville
Follow Country Grounds Coffee Shop on Facebook

Posted in Events

What’s Happening Franklin County April 28 – May 4

Posted on by Amanda

From Star Wars Day festivities, to a market, rodeo, and a 5k, there’s a lot of things going on this week!

Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, May 4
Prepare for May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day, by stopping by the Washington library’s make & take station to design your very own lightsaber. Fun for all ages while supplies last!
Get more details at the library’s Facebook event page.

Friday, May 2 – Saturday, May 3
Head to the St. Clair Saddle Club for its annual rodeo. Events include barrel racing, bronc riding, tying, roping, and more. 
Learn more.

Saturday, May 3
Take a short trip out to the town of Rosebud for a day of fun, shopping, and discovery at Spring Treasure Day! Browse unique handmade crafts, vintage finds, and special treasures from local vendors.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

Saturday, May 3
Help the Franklin County Foster Closet continue its mission in serving foster families by signing up for its first annual Run for Love race. 
Learn more.

Photo via Run for Love’s signup page.

Saturday, May 3
Stop by the Labadie Station Spring Market to shop a variety of local vendors selling items ranging from hand-made crafts to honey, skin care products, and much more.
Learn more.

Saturday, May 3
If you love the tender meat and amazing flavor of pork steaks, then you need to attend the BBQ Pork Steak Competition at Winehouse 66 in Pacific. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find out more information.

Sunday, May 4
Grief is universal, yet so often, we don’t know how to talk about it or navigate its complexities. This special event, held on International Bereaved Mother’s Day at Liberty Hall in Washington, creates space for reflection, connection, and healing for anyone who has experienced loss—directly or indirectly.
Learn more and get tickets.

Sunday, May 4
All are welcome to stop by The Ridge Church in Villa Ridge for The Ridge Family Outdoor Day. The event features free food and drinks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, face painting, fire trucks, a health fair featuring vendors in the health and wellness space, plus a custom and classic car, truck, and motorcycle show.
Find out more at the Facebook event.

There’s a lot more happening, and if I shared every event in this week’s roundup this article would be pretty lengthy, so take a look at the full list of events happening this week and beyond on the calendar here on the website. If you’re on a mobile device, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the calendar!

Posted in News and Features

Visit Benito’s Pizzeria in Washington for Delicious Pizza and More

Posted on by Amanda

Since I’m in the St. Louis area and am about to discuss pizza, I’m just comin’ in hot and saying it up front: I don’t like St. Louis style pizza. Sorry, not sorry.

My dislike isn’t because of the thin crust, the sweeter pizza sauce, or the square-cut slices. I’m just not a fan of the provel cheese. The funny thing is, there was actually a time in my life when I loved provel cheese and STL style pizza. The change in my taste buds took place during a seven year stint living in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m not sure when it happened, I just know I can’t do it anymore.

Okay, now that the lengthy disclaimer is out of the way, let me tell you about pizza I do like!

I recently met up with a group of local food-loving folks that I connected with through a Facebook group called 47 Foodies. In addition to being active on Facebook, the group also plans get-togethers at area restaurants to support local eateries and socialize, and the gathering at Benito’s Pizzeria in Washington was 47 Foodies’ most recent meet up.

Over lots of conversation about food, cooking, and area restaurants, the group dined on everything from pizza, salads, pasta, and appetizers. I didn’t try the appetizers that made the rounds of our three tables, because I’m a pizza girlie, and I didn’t want anything to spoil my appetite.

I’m glad I abstained from snacking before we received our pie, because it was really, really good. I’m not sure how Benito’s classifies its crust, but in my opinion it had the taste and texture of hand-tossed, with a nice bite and slightly crispier texture at the edges. The toppings, including the cheese, are generous, as you might notice in the drool-worthy photo below.

The Big Ben, a pizza loaded with meat like pepperoni, Italian sausage, and bacon. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

There’s a handful of specialty pizza offerings on the menu like the Big Ben, loaded with a number of meat toppings, and the Pollo Italian, a buffalo chicken style pizza. In terms of available toppings, you’ll find all the usually yumminess here, such as veggies, meats, and even that somewhat polarizing topping, pineapple.

My husband and I split a small (9-inch pie) so that we could share a pasta dish as well. We had the manicotti and the baked pasta was absolutely delicious. And what’s not to love? The dish is covered in melty cheese, stuffed with creamy ricotta, and served on a bed of luscious red sauce.

The manicotti baked pasta covered in melted cheese, stuffed with creamy ricotta, and rests on a bed of luscious red sauce. The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The menu also includes wings, salads, and since Benito’s is owned and operated by Cowan’s Restaurant, you can also order a slice of pie for dessert. I love Cowan’s pies, but I didn’t get any this time, but I guess that’s for the next visit 😉

The Socialite recommends Benito’s Pizzeria!

The details:
116 Elm St., Washington
636-239-2066