During the summertime I love to be outside. Yes, this time of year can be hot and muggy, and you may encounter your fair share of insects during a Missouri summer, but you can also hit trails, swim in rivers, creeks, and lakes, and take in nature. And since Franklin County is near the Katy Trail, it provides the perfect opportunity to walk, jog, or bike on the scenic trail. However, if you’re anything like me, all that fresh air, sunshine, and movement can make you hungry and thirsty.
If you’ve never ventured off the trail for food or drinks, please find some suggestions of places to visit that are near the Katy Trail trailheads that are in the Warren, Franklin, and St. Charles County areas.
On the Warren County side at the Marthasville Trailhead, you’ll want to make sure you hit Depot Street and stop by Country Grounds Coffee Shop for an iced coffee, tea, energy drink, or pastry.
Country Grounds Coffee Shop in Marthasville serves coffee, energy drinks, and teas. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
And if you’re hungry for an actual meal, then you’ll also want to check out Philly’s Pizza or Mavericks, both of which are also located on Depot Street in Marthasville. Or, head up First Street to Cory’s Twin Gables, at the corner of First Street and Highway 94.
And on the Franklin County side of the Katy Trail check out Dutzow Deli. You can see this eatery from the Dutzow Trailhead, and its menu features breakfast items, sandwiches, salads and a variety of other meal choices.
If you want to adventure further along the trail into St. Charles County, you can venture into the Defiance and Augusta areas. In Defiance, you will find Good News Brewing, located parallel to the trail. The brewery serves craft beer as well as small bites like wood-fired pizza. There’s also Circle 6, serving items like burgers and fries.
Just a short distance off the Augusta Trailhead, you’ll find a number of choices, like Augusta Winery, Good News Brewing’s Augusta location, Root Food + Wine, and Augusta Bakery & Coffee Shop.
The Socialite suggests you stop into some of these small locally owned coffee shops and restaurants the next time you’re on the Katy Trail.
Summer’s here, and that means families are looking for things to do with kids. Luckily, there’s lots of fun in the air right now with outdoor events like fairs, concerts, and community movie nights, plus summer is always a perfect time for car shows, or to hop in the car take a little day trip to explore things to do in other small towns near Franklin County.
Tuesday, June 10 What could be better than a good summer read? Making it sparkle! Bring your favorite book, or choose from the selection the Washington Public Library provides, and spend the evening adding a little bling to your book. All bedazzle supplies provided (while supplies last). Fun for ages 12 & Up. Learn more.
Thursday, June 12 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movies with a showing of the classic “Grease.” The movie will start 30 minutes after sunset. Parking is first come, first serve for these free events. Learn more.
Friday, June 13 On Friday afternoon from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., attendees of the family-friendly Summer Dance Party will rock out to some catchy tunes using shaky eggs, scarves, and bean bags. And since it’s hosted by the Washington Public Library, you’ll take a “Book Break” during the hour-long party! More details.
Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 Hot Rods for Heroes, a 501-C3 organization with the goal of funding heroes through sharing the love of automobiles, is hosting a two day event in Pacific. Whether you want to show up for the car cruise on Friday or participate in the car show Saturday, there is something for everyone at this event. All proceeds for this event benefit the Pacific Police Department, Pacific Fire Department, and the Veterans Community Project. Find out more.
Friday, June 13 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 will be available for purchase and attendees can choose from nachos, hot dogs, and popcorn. Get all the details.
Friday, June 13 Pacific is hosting an evening of live music by Twist of Fate at the Sunset on the Rails event. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and coolers and settle in for an evening of fun, family-friendly music and yard games, plus Case & Bucks Food Truck “Patty Wagon” will be on site. Get more info.
Saturday, June 14 This restorative yoga class focuses on gentle poses, deep breathing, and mindful meditation to help you release tension and find inner balance. It’s perfect for individuals of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a complete beginner. The class is happening at Red, White, and Brew Coffee Company in Union, and the cost is $10. Find out more and get tickets.
Saturday, June 14 Stop by and check out DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs’ new sewing space on Main Street in St. Clair Drawings for giveaways and more for those who attend the Open House. Find the event on Facebook.
Sunday, June 15 Orchard Park in St. Clair will be the site of a Father’s Day car show. Visit the City of St. Clair’s Facebook for further details.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, June 13 Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer, with the kick-off event happening on Friday, June 13 with a showing of the film “Moana.” The movies will be shown at Buschman Park in Owensville, and Moana will start at 8:30 p.m. Find the full list of days and times of each film.
Friday, June 13 The City of Eureka is hosting a Concert on Central event, featuring family fun, live music by That 80s Band, plus food and drink from area restaurants located on Central Ave. Find out more.
Friday, June 13 – Saturday, June 14 The Jefferson County Fairgrounds will host the Jefferson County Rodeo, a two-day event that will feature live music, mechanical bull riding, kids activities, and much more. Learn more.
Saturday, June 14 Shop vendors, enjoy food, and take in the sights and sounds of a car show at the Belle Swap Meet & Extravaganza, happening from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Belle City Park. *UPDATE*as of June 9, this event has been canceled.
Saturday, June 14 Take a short drive to Bourbon for its annual BBQ Fest, featuring live music, vendors, BBQ competitions, and lots of family fun! Find out more on the Facebook event page.
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.
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.
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.
