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 …
A visit to Hickory Creek Winery provided much more than just a tasting and some background on the wines and winery. It was so much more entertaining and educational because of Jamie DeVinney, our server, who is officially their Senior Tasting Consultant. It’s always a pleasure when staff take time to sit and visit with …
Recently while on my way home from a visit to Michigan, I had the chance to make a quick stop by the Lazy Ballerina Winery tasting room in Bridgman MI. I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Kniebes, who is co-owner of the winery with Melanie Owen. Lazy Ballerina is the only woman owned winery …
Cogdal Vineyards is located a 1/2 mile off Lake Michigan off of the scenic Blue Star Highway, just north of South Haven MI. It was a beautiful drive in October at the time of this visit by me and my wife. The property has a rich history, from the early years of being farmed by …
What goes great with wine? Cheese of course! While visiting the wineries in Southwest Michigan with several friends, we had to make a stop at Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery. Patrons to the farm can visit with the kid goats and Falyn, their resident retiree goat. For fifteen years they have been crafting cheese at the on-farm …
The visit to Crane’s Pie, Pantry, Restaurant, and Winery with friends did not begin with a discussion of a wine tasting, but instead a “pie flight”! Yes, a sample of four of their pies. The Crane family purchased the farm in 1916 and in 1967 started promoting Crane Orchards with fruit baskets and then producing …