Tag: Washington Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 24 – March 1, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

Here’s a list of what’s happening around Franklin County this week.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
Visit the Arby’s in Union to dine out and help a wonderful organization to raise money. When you mention Project Linus when ordering, a portion of the proceeds from your order made on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Arby’s in Union will benefit Project Linus of Franklin County. Projectlinus.org makes and collects NEW handmade blankets for kids in need.

Tuesday, Feb. 25
If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, Bad Beats Dance Class is an hour-long class that features 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.

Wednesday, Feb. 26
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.

Photo via Franklin County Silent Book Club’s Facebook group

Thursday, Feb. 27
The Tipsy Keg will rearrange the tables in its dining area to make room for a dance floor. From 6 to 9 p.m. stop in to line dance, or just sit back with your drink of choice and watch others boogie. 
Find out more.

Saturday, March 1
Attend the 12th Annual Sip & Sample at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan to sample wines, beers, spirits, and hors d’oeuvres, enjoy live entertainment, partake in a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and more all while supporting an amazing cause. The event will benefit The Covering House, an organization that provides refuge and restoration for sexually exploited and trafficked children and teens.
Learn more and purchase tickets. 

Saturday, March 1
If you’re looking to acquire a few small animals to get started on building your homestead, or to expand your existing one, you may want to visit the Eastern MO Small Animal Swap & Farmers Market in Union.
Learn more and find out all the swap dates this season.

Sunday, March 2
There’s another animal swap and farmers market event on Sunday, in Beaufort. The Franklin/Gasconade County Poultry & Animal Swap features items like fresh eggs, hatching eggs, honey, and typical farmers market items.
Find the time, location, and additional swap dates.

Editorial note 2/25/25: this list of events has been updated to reflect a notice posted on Facebook by Legacy Leadership Foundation announcing the Legacy Gala scheduled for March 1 has been canceled.

Posted in Advertorial Feature, Events

Support the Legacy Leadership Foundation at the Legacy Gala Masquerade on March 1

Posted on by Amanda

Editorial note: On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Legacy Leadership Foundation announced on Facebook that due to circumstances beyond its control, the Gala has been canceled.

On Saturday, March 1, The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center will be the site of the Legacy Leadership Foundation’s 2025 fundraising event the Legacy Gala Masquerade. 

The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. and the evening will be filled with mingling, dining, and dancing. In what Legacy Leadership Foundation founder Kari Klenke promises will be a family-friendly evening, attendees can opt to embrace the masquerade theme and dress in a costume complete with an elegant, Venetian-style mask, or in business-dress attire. 

Photo via Legacy Leadership Foundation’s Facebook

About the Legacy Leadership Foundation

Kari is an experienced educator who also operates Heart & Heritage Academy, a homeschool hybrid learning center in Franklin County. With Legacy Leadership Foundation, Kari’s vision is to be a resource for local families by providing educational options that extend beyond the public school system. 

A major component of the Foundation includes providing financial support for educational needs like homeschool curriculum or supplies, as well as money to pay for specialized testing, providing student accommodations, or access to various therapy programs, such as speech therapy. Although those programs and tests are often necessary to help students further their education, in instances such as when speech therapy is necessary for learning, it may not be covered by medical insurance because it’s deemed an educational expense and that means families are left to pay for it out-of-pocket. 

Now in its third year, the fundraiser not only provides support for testing, therapy, and other student accommodations, the funds also help sponsor fun social events for homeschooled teens in the Franklin County area. Those events include homecoming and prom dances, and a graduation ceremony, so that homeschooled teenagers have the same opportunity to attend events that are often looked at as a “teenage milestone,” but are typically only attended by students in the public school system. 

Planning for the future

“Another long-term goal we’re working toward is offering a curriculum and homeschool library and curriculum resale shop here in Franklin County,” Kari shares. 

Currently, there’s a similar concept in St. Charles County, a non-profit organization called Family Vision Library, located in St. Peters, that offers books and videos for Christian families who homeschool. Kari hopes to replicate that concept in our area, since it works a lot like a public library, in that materials are on loan for free and are available for in-person pick up or can be sent by mail. However, the homeschool library concept differs from a public library, since the materials are focused on homeschool curriculum needs, rather than the broader base of materials one finds in a public library. 

One of the best ways to support the vision of Legacy Leadership Foundation is by attending the gala. Tickets for the gala are $50 per person, or $375 for a table of eight and can be bought online until Wednesday, Feb. 26. Purchase tickets here.

If you’re unable to attend the event, another way to support the organization is by purchasing a sponsorship, or making a donation. Find out more about sponsorship opportunities online. 

Learn more about Legacy Leadership Foundation on its website, and by following it on Facebook or Instagram.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 17 – Feb. 23, 2025

Posted on by Amanda

Weather permitting, here’s what’s happening around Franklin County, Missouri this week.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highlander cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening.  *UPDATE* Due to snow, this event has been rescheduled to March, 5.
Find out more and register.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Learn how to make and use a sourdough starter, while also learning about sourdough’s amazing gut health benefits. 
Find out more and how to pay for the workshop.

Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 23
Escape the ordinary at the area’s newest brewery and winery, Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery, located in Berger. The opening weekend festivities will include food, beer, and wine. *UPDATE* Due to snow, Fugitive Bluff has postponed its opening and may open Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to announce its opening plans on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21.
Find out more.

Photo via Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 21
Do you write poetry, can you deliver a joke with impeccable comedic timing? Are you a singer or musician? All are welcome to share their talent at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Open Mic Night. Or, maybe sitting back with a coffee or tea in hand taking in the music or spoken word of the guests is more your thing. Either way, stop by the coffee shop for an entertaining evening. 
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 22
The same great food and music you’ve come to love at the summertime CajunFest is being held this year indoors in February. The Cajun Night event will feature live music from from Dennis Stroughmatt with Creole Stomp.
Find out more.

Posted in News and Features

Stop in For the Food, Stay for the Cozy Vibes at Swallows Nest

Posted on by Amanda

Although we’re in the middle of “Galentine’s” season, do you really need a reason to gather with your friends, sisters, mom, or other important women in your life? What matters is getting together for coffee, cocktails, brunch or lunch, and maybe even working in a little retail therapy.

Swallows Nest in Washington is the perfect place to do all or any of the aforementioned activities any time of the year or day of the week. Part cafe, part boutique, this adorable spot is in a dreamy two-story historic brick building that features lots of architectural details like exposed brick, hardwood floors, and gorgeous wood trim, plus cute, vintage furnishings in the cafe’s dining area. The result is a cozy, welcoming cafe area that invites guests to linger. 

On the menu is a number of breakfast choices like avocado toast, waffles, and a biscuit and gravy offering, as well as lunch choices like salads and sandwiches. There’s also a rotating selection of freshly made pastries and other delicious desserts. In terms of drinks, the coffee menu ranges from lattes, served hot or iced, drip coffee, and cold brew, as well as a number of teas, soft drinks, wine, and cocktails. 

Iced latte and cranberry bar. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

After eating, you’ll want to linger awhile to browse the boutique which features lots of cute, often boho-inspired clothes, jewelry, and other accessories, as well as home decor, and a section called The Refillery where you’ll find products such as laundry soap, bath and body care products that can be purchased using reusable containers that customers can bring in and refill when they need to be replenished rather than continuing to purchase those items in single-use plastic containers.

The Socialite recommends Swallows Nest!

The details:
310 Elm Street, Washington
swallowsnestwashmo.com
Follow on Instagram
Find on Facebook