Butler Winery, located in the countryside 10 minutes north of Bloomington, Indiana, is small, family owned, and is the 4th oldest winery in Indiana. Jim and Susan Butler first opened for business in downtown Bloomington in 1983, planted their first grapes at their vineyard in 1992, and moved all production there in 1999. Jim and …
Usually, I spend time researching wineries before I make a visit. This was not true on a recent visit to Oliver Winery in Bloomington IN. I was happy that I made the detour as this is an exceptional winery with a rich history and a fantastic selection of wines. From the moment you enter the …
Last week my wife and I stopped overnight in Simpsonville, KY. Our usual online search for a dinner location did not provide a great selection, outside the many fast-food chains. However, we did find one that caught our eyes. Dos Mundos. Here they combine traditional Peruvian and Asian cuisine to create a unique dining experience. …
While planning my recent trip to Tennessee, I knew that a stop along the way should be Talon Winery in Shelbyville KY. The drive alone through Kentucky is beautiful, but there are many wineries worth visiting, as they have so much to offer the visitor and local community. Talon Winery has two locations. The winery …
After several trips passing through Clarksville TN, my wife and I finally stopped by Old Glory Distilling Co.. Andre Van Ry, Guest Experience Manager, who I would have the chance to chat with later greeted us as we entered and led us to the tasting room as requested. Matt Cunningham started the company in 2016 …
During my last few trips to Knoxville TN, I’ve driven by Drop Zone Distillery several times. My curiosity got the best of me so, as I typically do for places I visit, I looked them up online. What grabbed my attention was their Drop Zone – Camo Salted Carmel Whiskey! I’m the first to admit …
I’ve visited some very unique wineries in the past. Some that produce only fruit wines and others that had restaurants with items like “pie flights”. Recently I visited Rising Sons Winery where with their tasting they also include their own bourbon and wine infused jams and jellies, or chocolates and Kentucky cheeses if desired. Rising …
I’m finally getting the chance to check out more wineries in Kentucky. In doing so I’m finding that many are able to produce some excellent wines from the Midwest varieties as well as sourced varieties from other locations. One amazing find is lover’s Lovers Leap Vineyard & Winery. Even before you enter the lane you …
There is a new dining experience in Downtown Peoria that Spice Hospitality Group identifies as it’s “upscale dining concept”. In September 2023, Saffron Social joined the area’s dining stage serving prime steaks, fresh seafood and pastas, but the menu is not comprised of simple classics. Stepping off the street into Saffron Social, you become lost in …
This is an update to my May 12, 2023 Post below. Café Santa Rosa has relocated to the Betty Jane Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights, IL. The Grand Opening event took place on September 9, 2023. This new location provides much more space to hang out and enjoy your coffee or …