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.
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.
From free family-friendly movies, to a music festival, a thrifting event, and even an all ages science show, plus a lot more, there’s something for just about everyone this week! Read on for the full list of all the events happening this week around Franklin, Gasconade, Phelps, Crawford, and Warren Counties, and beyond!
Thursday, July 10 Join Dr. Ike at Present Moment Yoga in Washington for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of Pressure Point Healing. In this introductory class, you’ll learn the uses of various Tien Da (Shiatsu) acupoints and practice applying them. Dr. Ike will guide you through how meridians work in harmony with myofascial trigger points to promote healing and balance. Buy tickets and learn more.
Thursday, July 10 – Sunday, July 13 The annual Pickin’ on Picknic event at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is back for its 10th year. This family-friendly event will happen rain or shine and will feature a weekend full of live music, vendors, splashing in the lake and river, hiking, free workshops, bonfires, and more. Get tickets.
Photo via Pickin’ on Picknic on Facebook.
Thursday, July 10 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movie night with a showing of the 90s film “The Sandlot.” Parking spaces for the drive-in showings are on a first come, first served basis. Guests can purchase concession items to enjoy during the film. Learn more.
Friday, July 11 The John Henry Band is playing in Pacific’s monthly outdoor concert series, Sunset on the Rails. The band performs a mix of classic rock, country, and beachy tunes that are always crowd pleasers! Food provided by Ramblin’ Rooster. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers for this family-friendly free concert. Learn more.
Friday, July 11 The Union Farmers Market features items like local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. Please note that the new location of the market is on the corner of Oak and Main Streets, adjacent to Hansen Park. Get more details on Facebook.
Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13 *CANCELED* As of a July 8 Facebook announcement Happening one weekend each month, the Villa Ridge Farmers Market at Stacked Coffee House has locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked. Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.
Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.
Saturday, July 12 Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its second annual Thrift & Gift Resale and Vendor Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Resource Center in Union. The event will feature food trucks, fun activities for kids, vendor and resale booths, and 50/50 raffle. Find out more.
Saturday, July 12 The Washington Public Library is hosting Nitro Joe’s Science Show from 10 – 11 a.m. Thus fast-paced, high energy science presentation is appropriate for all ages. Get all the details.
Saturday, July 12 The Union Moose Lodge will host its fifth annual car show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Sunday, July 13 Wine bar Winehouse 66 in Pacific will have live music on the patio by Ron Boyle from 2 – 5 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, July 11 Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer, with a special “Christmas in July” showing of “The Grinch” on Friday, July 11. The movie will be shown at Buschmann Park in Owensville, and will start at 8:30 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, July 12 Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a fun-filled day celebrating creativity and community! Discover handmade crafts, original art, upcycled treasures, delicious treats, and of course, wine and Swafftastic BBQ! Get more details.
Saturday, July 12 Head to Marthasville for an action-packed evening at Marthasville Ballpark for Rumble in the River Bottom, a thrilling truck and tractor pull event benefiting St. Ignatius Catholic Grade School. Don’t miss this high-horsepower night of fun for the whole family! Find out more.
This week there’s lots of kid and family-friendly events, from a bubble experience to a free drive-in showing of Jumanji, as well as two community movie nights, the Franklin County Fair, and the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival in Pacific, a three-day affair which will have a family movie night, kid zone, music, and of course, lip-smackin’ barbecue! Check out the entire list of events below.
Tuesday, June 17 The Bubble Bus is rolling into the Union Branch of Scenic Regional Library! Bring the family to the library parking lot for an afternoon of fun with bubbles from the Bubble Bus. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Tuesday, June 17 Learn how to preserve food in a healthy way at the dehydrating fruit leather event at the Washington Public Library at 6 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Wednesday, June 18 Take a mid-week break for a fun fundraiser for Wally Mills, at The Alley, in Washington. This is a family event so bring the kids. Play music bingo, check out the silent auction items and purchase 50/50 raffle tickets to help Wally and his family with medical expenses. Learn more.
Wednesday, June 18 Acoustic Jammers will gather again at 6 p.m. at Hansen Park in Union, weather permitting. (Be sure to bring your lawn chairs.) In the event Mother Nature decides to send rain, they will move to The American Legion. Everyone is welcome to come and participate or just come and enjoy the music.
Thursday, June 19 – Sunday, June 22 The Franklin County Fair is held Thursday – Sunday in Union. The event features concessions, entertainment, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a lot more. Get all the details.
Thursday, June 19 Catch a free drive-in showing of Jumanji in the parking lot of Cinema 1 in Washington. Parking spaces are first come, first serve and the movie will start ~30 mins. after sunset. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22 Liberty Field in Pacific is the site of the Route 66 BBQ Battle & Bluegrass Festival, a three-day extravaganza of mouthwatering BBQ and toe-tapping tunes that is fun for the whole family! Kick off the event by watching the Route 66 classic, Disney’s “Cars” on the lawn, catch performances by bluegrass bands all three days, and enjoy delectable barbecue all weekend long. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 Rescheduled from Friday, June 13 due to the weather! Head to Gerald for a special Movie Night at Legion Park hosted by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation! Enjoy family fun with a 50/50 drawing, raffle tickets, and a free will offering benefiting Firefighter Via Family. Food available for purchase: nachos, hot dogs, popcorn! Movie title coming soon — stay tuned! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and loved ones for an unforgettable night under the stars. Let’s show our support and come together as a community. Learn more.
Friday, June 20 It’s time to dust off those low-rise jeans, grab your butterfly clips, and get ready to party like it’s 1999! The Alley will have 90s-2000s Trivia from 7-10 p.m. and Karaoke from 10 p.m.-12 a.m. The Tipsy Keg will have True North Entertainment playing all your favorite throwbacks starting at 9 p.m. Each bar will have a 90s-2000s themed cocktail or shot. Find out more and purchase tickets.
Friday, June 20 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, June 21 Join a morning yoga session at the Gerald City Park! Be sure to bring your own yoga mat and dress comfortably. This class is $10/person. Learn more and sign up and pay.
Saturday, June 21 The Gerald Lions are hosting a celebration that includes a fireworks show at Gerald City Park on June 21. Learn more.
Sunday, June 22 Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of free ice cream, games, and contests at the Four Rivers Genealogical Society’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase burgers and brats and visit the Museum and Genealogical Society. Find out more.
Sunday, June 22 The public is invited to an open house from noon to 4 p.m. at Bethel Hills community in Dutzow. There will be an art show, live music, and BBQ available for purchase. Find out more about Bethel Hills and this event.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, June 20 Shake up your Friday night with a fun, hands-on cocktail workshop at St. James Winery! You’ll mix and enjoy three seasonal cocktails, snack on a charcuterie grazing board, and leave with recipe cards so you can recreate the drinks at home. Your ticket includes, 3 handcrafted cocktails, a charcuterie grazing board, recipe cards to take home, plus 10% off wine purchases during the event. Get tickets.
Saturday, June 21 Kick off summer with bold flavor and big vibes at the Backyard BBQ, Bourbon & Brews event! Head to St. James for a full day of live music, BBQ food specials, whiskey flights, and a stellar lineup of craft spirit vendors. Find out more.
Saturday, June 21 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of off-trail tours of Cathedral Cave. These tours are perfect for people who want to get a more intense cave experience, one that goes beyond the lighted tour with rails and trails. Each tour is led by an experienced guide and requires participants to climb, crawl and get a little muddy. Visitors will spend four to five hours in the cave and will learn about the cave’s geology, biology and history. Each tour is limited to 15 people ages 10 and up, and registration is required. There is a fee of $70 per adult and $50 per child. Safety is our top priority. All interested guests will be asked some questions to determine whether they are able to complete the tour, and they will be shown a video of what to expect inside the cave. The guide will send a list of items to bring, and caving helmets will be provided. To register, call the park at 573-522-3760.
Saturday, June 21 Celebrate the Summer Solstice with gentle flow yoga in a beautiful, natural setting in St. James. Maramac Spring Park’s overlook will be the site of this outdoor yoga class, which starts at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own yoga mat, towel, and water. $15 to participate, payable through cash or Venmo. Learn more.
