Trails & Tales Iowa Travel Guide - Spring 2023

President /Publisher

Jeffrey D. Bricker

Vice President / Editor

Cyndi C. Bricker

Assistant Editor

Alyssa L. Ochs

Sales Manager

Jo Cloud

Staff Writers

Alyssa L. Ochs

Gerald Dlubala

Bricker Publishing

Division of: Bricker Group, LLC

1409 13th Street North Humboldt, IA 50548

E-mail:

editor@BrickerPublishing.com

Website:

www.Trails-Tales.net

Iowa Trails & Tales is located in Humboldt, Iowa, printed and distributed Free quarterly to visitors, tourists and to anyone interested in the Craft Beverage industry in the state. Opinions expressed in Iowa Trails & Tales are not necessarily those of the publication personnel, but of the writers who contribute editorial to the publication. ERROR RESPONSIBILTY: Iowa Trails & Tales is responsible only for the cost of the ad for the first incorrect insertion of the ad. Each insertion of an advertisement is proof of publication and it is the responsibility of the advertiser to check the correctness of each insertion. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight aesthetic changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the intent of the ad. No adjustment can be made for advertisements not published. In the event of any error in an ad for which the publisher is liable, the liablility is limited to adjusting that portion occupied by the error in relationship to the entire value of the advertisement. No adjustments will be made 30 days after initial insertion date. Content is accurate to the best of the Publisher’s knowledge at time of press.

All Contents of IOWA Trails & Tales are

Copyright © by Bricker Group, LLC

Welcome to IOWA Trails & Tales Travel Guide, a FREE publication dedicated to promoting Iowa’s unique Craft Beverage Producers. Whether you are just getting started on your craft beverage experience or you are a seasoned pro, we make it easy to discover Iowa’s craft beverages to ensure you have the best possible experience!

As home to more than 200 craft Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries, this convenient Iowa Guide helps you find the craft beverages you want to experience. Browse the Guide, find the Regions you will be visiting and get started on your craft beverage journey. In addition to highlighting beverage makers in each Region, we also include areas of interest to help make your stay with us most enjoyable.

Our website gives you more ways to explore Iowa’s craft beverage scene, including a full listing of every Winery, Brewery and Distillery Trail in Iowa, a Calendar for special events, a full craft beverage trail listing, and more: www.trails-tales.net. We hope you will discover what makes Iowa’s craft beverage makers so special and enjoy your exploration of our friendly and beautiful state!

Editorial Content

What Are Craft Beverage Trails and Why They’re Worth Checking Out

by Alyssa L. Ochs

Here at IOWA Trails & Tales travel guide, a significant part of our mission is to connect tourists to craft beverage trails that highlight a region’s unique approach to making wine, beer and spirits. Craft beverage trails have been around for many years, but they haven’t gotten a lot of attention or been actively promoted in many parts of the country. This has led to misunderstandings and misconceptions about what these trails really are and how they enhance the travel experience. And no, a winery,

brewery or distillery trail is not just walking on a random hiking path in the woods with a beverage in hand!

To clear things up, here’s what craft beverage trails really are, why they’re worth checking out and how they can help you get more out of travel.

Background on Craft Beverage Trails

Craft beverage trails are somewhat similar to a bar crawl in that both

concepts involve visiting multiple businesses selling alcohol to try what each has to offer. Bar crawls usually invite participants to walk, bike or ride a bus from one place to the next, all of which are located relatively close together.

In contrast, a craft beverage trail has stops that are often farther apart and involve driving to various breweries, wineries or distilleries in a region. Trails are more geared towards tourism rather than a wild party scene for St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween or other festive holidays that lend themselves well to partaking in a few drinks.

Why Try a Craft Beverage Trail?

If you love to travel and enjoy locally produced alcoholic beverages, a craft beverage trail perfectly combines these interests. Beverage producers are in

tune with the overall vibe of a region and can offer tourists an excellent way to get to know the local scene in an authentic way.

Think of craft beer, wine, and spirits trails as niche tours or drinkable “bucket lists” that promote small businesses and encourage non-standard, outsidethe-box travel. Every beverage-producing region has something distinctive to offer, just as all individual travelers do when they cater their daily itineraries around homegrown beer, wine, cider, seltzers or spirits.

Goals and Benefits of Trails

One of the main goals of setting up a craft beverage trail is to draw business to craft beverage establishments and introduce out-of-towners to places

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Northwest Iowa is THE Springtime Spot for Lakes and Local Drinks

If you enjoy water sports, then northwest Iowa is definitely the place to be in the springtime. This is a top Midwestern destination for sailing, boating and jet skiing, but there is much more to do in the spring season here too.

With the temperatures warming up, you can indulge your sweet tooth at the Ice Cream Capital of the World (Le Mars), check out Arnold’s Park for classic theme park fun and learn about local history at the Lewis and Clark interpretive sights. There’s musical history to learn about at Iowa Rock and

by Alyssa L. Ochs

Roll Hall of Fame, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Music Man Square. Meanwhile, nature and lakeside fun await you at Gull Point and Black Hawk state parks.

Adventurous families who love the outdoors gravitate toward northwest Iowa in the spring because this area, known as Iowa’s Great Lakes, has lakes that cover over 13,000 acres and 86 miles of combined shoreline. Better yet, campgrounds start opening in the springtime so you can further immerse yourself in nature inside the comfort of your tent, trailer or RV. Then after days

Lake Okoboji: Okoboji Boat Works at Park Marina offers Tiki Curises

of adventuring in the great outdoors and seeing the local sights, there’s nothing quite like stopping by a local craft beverage establishment to refresh yourself and truly relax.

Local Beverage Production in the Spring

In spring, grapevines emerge from winter dormancy in northwest Iowa, and buds produce new, tender shoots. It’s also a time to take control of powdery mildew in the vineyard since these young shoots commonly attract this type of fungus and require spraying throughout the spring season for protection. Shoot thinning and green pruning are also springtime vineyard care tasks, all while keeping an eye out for inclement spring weather that can put new buds at risk.

Meanwhile, breweries in northwest Iowa have started embracing the warmer weather and opening their patios and outdoor spaces on pleasant days. There are more brewery events to look forward to as the season picks up, which means more opportunities for getting to know new friends and

• Lyon

• Sioux

• Plymouth

• Woodbury

• Monona

• Osceola

• O’Brien

• Cherokee

• Ida

• Crawford

• Dickinson

• Clay

• Buena Vista

• Sac

• Carroll

• Emmet

• Palo Alto

• Pocahontas

• Calhoun

• Kossuth

• Humboldt

• Webster

• Winnebago

• Hancock

• Wright

• Hamilton

playing some games over tasty brews.

Featured Craft Beverage Stops in Northwest Iowa Wineries

Little Swan Lake Winery: Is a northwest Iowa winery in the small town of

Superior that has a tasting room in a remodeled 1920s barn and 35 different wines produced onsite. But it’s more than just a winery and even offers three lovely bed & breakfast-style rooms in its renovated grain elevator. Visit on a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon for live music.

Plum Creek Winery: The family-owned business has been around since 2012 and is open for regular business hours from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Look into the winery’s fun “paint and pour” events to tap into your artistic side, or even plan a wedding at the winery’s brand-new outdoor wedding venue.

River Valley Orchards & Winery: Just four miles west of Humboldt, Iowa, on Highway 3, River Valley Orchards & Winery can also host weddings, graduation parties, birthday celebrations and

other events. In addition to great wine, this winery makes mead from honey collected just eight miles south of the farm – perfect for sipping in springtime!

Breweries

Tractor Lift Brewery: Located in Humboldt, Iowa and has a cozy vibe that’s welcoming for spring travelers. This low-key brew spot is ideal for grabbing a brew when you want to feel like a local.

Shiny Top Brewing: A must-visit spot for all craft brew enthusiasts in northwest Iowa. You’ll find much more than just local beer here and enjoy the cocktails, pizza, live music and local art. Check out the brewery’s Facebook page to learn about events taking place here this spring.

Spring Events in Northwest Iowa

The spring season is an exciting time to check out events and festivals that local residents have been waiting for with anticipation. For example, the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center in Sioux City is hosting a grand opening ceremony for its outdoor dinosaur exhibit made entirely of scrap metal on April 30, 2023.

Regional events start picking up in May and as the Memorial Day holiday approaches. There are 5K races that you can participate in, such as the Divine Mercy-St. Michael’s 5K Spirit Run/Walk on May 27 and the Red, White & Blue Ribfest BBQ competition that same day in Whittemore. It’s also fun to check out the Whittemore Fun Days Carnival, an annual community celebration at the end of May, and Memorial Day parades in various towns throughout northwest Iowa.

More Northwest Iowa Attractions to Visit

Open throughout the year but especially fun for a springtime visit, this is a sampling fof additional things to look forward to on your northwest Iowa road trip.

Fort Dodge, IA

• Fort Frenzy: the largest and most popular family entertainment center in Fort Dodge. Featuring dozens of indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone including go karts, bowling, bumper boats and arcade games. Get competitive on the miniature golf course or stop by for special events and concerts.

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Little Swan Lake Winery

Whether you’re looking for a scenic winery with outstanding music or a destination music venue that offers quality wines and naturally stunning views, a visit to Little Swan Lake Winery in Estherville, just 1-1/2 miles north of Superior, is a must. Situated on a beautiful Northwest Iowa landscape dotted with a roaming buffalo herd, Little Swan Lake Winery features 35 house-crafted wines and exceptional live music to make your stay, whether for an hour or a weekend, an event.

Owners Scott and Diane Benjamin are both former band directors and admittedly hold their musical performers to a higher standard than most others. And he says that the evolvement of his winery’s musical offerings is truly one of his proudest moments as a winery owner. Examples include well-known New Orleans jazz groups and a clarinet player that has played for several past presidents. In addition, Benjamin says that all the musicians at Little Swan Lake Winery love playing for the guests because it is more of a concert feel than simply playing at a bar. “We have become a well-known concert venue as well as a destination winery,” said Benjamin. “It may be what I’m most proud of, and it has been thoroughly enjoyable, rewarding, and actually quite unbelievable.”

Visitors can expect to enter through the restored 1920s barn, where they are met with a selection of wines to taste based on their specific likes. All of the available wines are produced onsite and feature a large number of dry wines, an owner and customer-base favorite. Little Swan Lake Winery has indoor and outdoor areas to enjoy your

wine and all the surrounding landscape offers, including scheduled music events. In addition, food featuring the locally raised and cared for buffalo from Benjamin’s farm is available whenever there are scheduled music events. There is also a gift shop featuring wine-related products to remember your visit.

Attached to the tasting room is a beautifully decorated bed and breakfast crafted from an old, 60-foot-tall grain elevator that Benjamin relocated from another farm in the area. Benjamin was always intrigued by having some type of tower structure on his land, and once he gained access to the abandoned grain elevator, he never looked back. The fully restored five-story structure includes two standard rooms and one suite for guests. Each room comes with a bottle of wine, breakfast, and a private deck for enjoying the serene, spectacular views of the area. Additionally, Benjamin says that eagles have set up residence on the property, offering the awe-inspiring experience of eagle watching.

Little Swan Lake Winery is the perfect place to host your event, from smaller gatherings to reunions, showers, and weddings.

For more information, available wines, hours, and event schedules, please contact them at...

Little Swan Lake Winery

1350 320th Avenue

Estherville, Iowa 51334

Phone: 712-858-4592 or 712-380-0001

Email: lslwinery@lslwinery.com

Website: www.lslwinery.com

Rustic River is a family owned winery gem in rural Iowa. Come and relax on the patio overlooking four acres of grapes. Visit the tasting room and enjoy our award winning wines.

April-December Hours:

Fridays 5-7pm

Saturday 2-7pm

Sundays 1-5pm

Hours Vary Seasonally

Follow us on Facebook @ Rustic River Winery & Vineyard

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Spencer, IA

• Spencer’s Historic District: Take a walking tour of Spencer’s Historic Grand Avenue Commercial District! Tour booklets are available at the Spencer Main Street Office and Clay County CVB Office.

West Bend, IA

• Grotto of the Redemption: The largest man-made Grotto in the world. The Grotto stands as a testimony in stone, a treasured work of art. Covering a city block, the Grotto represents the largest collection of precious and semi-precious rocks, minerals, fossils and petrifactions concentrated in any one spot in the world.

Enjoy a Beverage-Inspired Trip to Northwest Iowa

For lake recreation, brewery and winery visits and local events, now is the time to start marking your calendar and planning your route for a visit to northwest Iowa. For inspiration, check out our website, www.trails-tales.net

Get Outdoors & Sip Something New in Northeast Iowa This Spring

Northeast Iowa is a great place to be if you enjoy a good craft beverage and the great outdoors. There are many local wineries and breweries in this region of the state, as well as antique shops, big-city excitement and small-town charm.

Cedar Falls is a regional tourist hub, while Waterloo is known for its museums and Decorah for its trout fishing and Norwegian-American culture. In the springtime, you can get outside and enjoy some fishing and other outdoor recreation in northeast Iowa, such as canoeing or experiencing a whitewater park to get your adrenaline pumping. Even if the weather

by Alyssa L. Ochs

doesn’t cooperate, there are plenty of indoor attractions to keep you busy, plus scenic views in Dubuque and Fenelon Place Elevator. Meanwhile, the craft beverage scene starts to pick up here in the springtime, with some fun events and bigger crowds to make you feel like you’re part of the local community.

Springtime for Northeast Iowa Beverage Producers

From the production side of things, spring is a busy time for craft beverage businesses in northeast Iowa. For vineyards, this is the time to prepare the soil between and along the rows.

Bellevue State Park and Great River Road, Lock Dam 12, Bellevue, Iowa

Springtime tasks in a northeast Iowa vineyard include checking the vines’ vigor, removing weeds, pruning away excess foliage and applying spray treatments to protect grapevines from pests and disease.

Meanwhile, northeast Iowa tourism increases in spring as the temperatures warm up and more people are looking for outdoor recreation. Around this time of the year, regional travelers from Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee, Madison and Minneapolis come to this part of Iowa to escape the city life for a bit and get out into nature. Of course, these adventures become even more memorable when followed by a refreshing stop at a local brewery or winery nearby.

Featured Beverage Stops in Northeast Iowa

As you plan your travel route through northeast Iowa this spring, there are many great places to grab a drink as a mid-day break or final treat before calling it a night and getting some rest. Here are some of our favorite craft beverage stops to check out, depend

• Worth

• Mitchell

• Howard

• Winneshiek

• Allamakee

• Cerro Gordo

• Floyd

• Chickasaw

• Fayette

• Clayton

• Franklin

• Butler

• Bremer

• Hardin

• Grundy

• Black Hawk

• Buchanan

• Delaware

• Dubuque

• Benton

• Linn

• Jones

• Jackson

ing on where your adventures lead you on a bright and sunny spring day.

Franklin Street Brewing Company offers excellent beers and great customer service in Manchester, Iowa. This small-batch brewery has been around since 2012 and has a tap house in a historic Masonic Lodge building in the

downtown area. The brewery is committed to sustainability in everything it does and has been recognized for its brewing practices that protect the environment.

TLC Brew Works is a craft beverage destination located at 947 Main Street in Holy Cross, Iowa. It usually has about a dozen brews on tap, including its own unique styles and occasionally some guest tap cider and hard seltzer options too. The artisanal brews are made with tender loving care by Tom, Linda and Carol – hence the brewery’s name!

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company offers a festive and fun atmosphere to enjoy local craft beer in Decorah. The brewery has a jam-packed events schedule, so check to see what’s going on during your trip. It also has a huge draft list and merchandise for sale.

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery proudly serves up smiles and wine in a country setting where you can enjoy views from the patio. The winery is generally open every day from 11 am to 5 pm and specializes in fruit and Midwestern grape table wines.

Why not combine your passion for the outdoors with your passion for craft beverages? The Bluffton Resort & Bar lets you do precisely that because it offers camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and even has its own bar. Call to make campground reservations, and stop by the bar Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

Spring Events in Northeast Iowa

There are also some exciting food and drink events coming up in northeast Iowa that you may want to attend. The

Empty Nest Winery

WINE TASTING

SEATING UP TO 200 CATERING AVAILABLE

1352 Apple Rd., Waukon, IA 52172

emptynestwinery.com

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival takes place at the Waterloo Convention Center on April 1, 2023, from 11 am to 5 pm, with plenty of tastings and cooking demonstrations to enjoy. Then on May 13, plan to go to the Cedar Rapids Food Truck Festival at the Benz Beverage Depot and enjoy local beer and tasty food truck fare with friends or family.

More Northeast Iowa Attractions for Spring

Even if those event dates don’t coincide with the time you’ll be traveling to northeast Iowa, there are still plenty of attractions worth adding to your itinerary to celebrate the spring season. Here is a sampling of ideas for inspiration.

• Cedar Falls: Over 100 miles of trails and a bunch of breweries to visit.

• Charles City: River town with an annual April shopping event called ChickFest.

• Decorah: Trout fishing at Coldwater Creek Wildlife Management Area.

• Dubuque: Beautiful springtime views plus many cultural events.

• Dyersville: Field of Dreams movie site to embrace your love of baseball.

• Waterloo: Lost Island Themepark for thrilling family fun.

Get Ready for Your Springtime Trip to Northeast Iowa

Are you ready to kick off 2023 with exciting travel plans to northeast Iowa?

We hope to see you at these craft beverage destinations and fun events this spring. At any time of the year, visit our website, www.trails-tales.net, for listings of craft beverage locations and trails specific to the northeast region.

Springtime Festivals, Events & Craft Beverages in Central Iowa

It’s springtime in central Iowa, and there is much to look forward to during this season. The largest number of craft beverage events in the state occurs in central Iowa, making the region a top place to be for fans of locally made beer, wine and spirits.

You’ll find many events themed around alcoholic beverages in Des Moines, as well as award-winning wineries scattered all over the region. Pella Tulip Time in early May is also a big draw to the area.

Meanwhile, spring is a perfect time to head to central Iowa to explore the miles of bike trails, photograph

by Alyssa L. Ochs

the historic covered bridges and take scenic drives through the countryside. If you’ve been thinking about taking a budget-friendly spring break trip with a little something for everyone in your travel group, central Iowa is definitely a great choice!

What Springtime Means for Craft Beverage Producers

In central Iowa vineyards, springtime means a shift from dormancy to rebirth. Many essential transitions occur among the rows at this time, such as bud break, vine replanting and soil maintenance to fill the long and hard days of vineyard workers.

Pella Tulip Time Festival: Pella, Iowa

Meanwhile, brewery and distillery staff members are often handling cleaning, organizing, and housekeeping matters in the spring and after the busy holiday season wraps up. But even though craft beverage producers are busy in the spring, this is still a wonderful time to get out and visit their local businesses. Tourism in the region is typically less now than in the summer months, which means more opportunities to talk to producers about their production and learn more about their processes for creating the beverages on their drink menus. There’s something different to learn about during all four seasons of the year if you are curious to know how beer, spirits and wine are made in central Iowa.

Featured Craft Beverage Stops in Central Iowa

Confluence Brewing Company: Is a must stop destination in Des Moines to taste the beer that Des Moines calls it’s own. There’s no better place to enjoy great beer, beautiful times, and good friends with a spacious taproom and patio. In addition, visitors can bring in their own food, buy something from on-site food trucks, or order delivery from one of the nearby local restaurants.

Firetrucker Brewery: Located in Ankeny, Iowa, is an artsy brewery with 16 tappers running high-quality beer and a steady stream of rotating, infusion and seasonal brews. The brewery collaborates with art studios and always has a lot of events on its calendar, such as bingo, happy hour and game tournaments.

The Hall: One of the best places to meet up with friends and get a sense of the local vibe in central Iowa is The

• Greene

• Boone

• Story

• Marshall

• Tama

• Guthrie

• Dallas

• Polk

• Jasper

• Adair

• Madison

• Warren

• Marion

• Mahaska

• Poweshiek

Hall. More than just a standard food hall, it has 54 taps of drinks to choose from. Everyone can find something they like at The Hall, plus there are often fun events to join, such as trivia and bingo.

Des Moines is the hot spot for breweries and wineries in this region of the state, with lots of options to choose from if you stay locally for the weekend or longer. Des Moines-based breweries to consider for your itinerary include 515 Brewing, Big Grove Brewery, Confluence Brewing Company, Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company, Twisted Vine Brewery and the Des Moines branch of Peace Tree Brewing Company. Des Moines-area wineries for your spring travels include Jasper Winery, Summerset Winery and Covered Bridges Winery.

Spring Events in Central Iowa

Similarly, Des Moines takes center stage for spring events, so it’s easy to enjoy a tasty drink, get active or enrich yourself with a bit of culture during a trip here. A fun annual event in March

Central IA

is Hoops & Hops at Cowles Commons, which combines the NCAA basketball tournament action with an Iowa craft beer tent, a distillery bar, all-day music and food trucks. Des Moines is a top place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a marathon race and holiday-themed bar crawl. If you plan to visit during another time in the spring, don’t miss the Cinco de Mayo bar crawl in Des Moines, Kinky Boots performances at the Des Moines Playhouse and Dome After Dark at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

You’ll definitely want to add Pella, Iowa to your springtime travel bucket list. Tulip Time 2023 takes place on May 4, 5 and 6 and celebrates Dutch heritage with over 300,000 brightly colored tulips. Some craft beverage businesses in Pella, such as the Cellar Peanut Pub that has over 50 craft beers

on tap plus fabulous bloody marys, embrace this festive time of year and host their own onsite events too.

Other Central Iowa Attractions to Visit

In addition to the holiday events, state capitol sites in Des Moines and tulip festivities in Pella, there are additional towns worth checking out during your spring trip to central Iowa. Here are some examples of where to go and what to do.

Des Moines, IA

• Capitol Building: Tour the Iowa State Capitol building, the only U.S. Statehouse with five domes.

• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Each August, it’s a fairground, but for the

Franklin Street Brewing Company

You won’t find many small-batch breweries that call an old Masonic Lodge building home. But there is one: Franklin Street Brewing Company, located in the vibrant downtown area of Manchester, Iowa. They opened in 2012 and not only serves up some of the best brews in the area but features an unmatched aesthetic. The historic Masonic Lodge building has been restored as close to its original condition as possible. As a result, the Franklin Street Brewing Company offers guests the charm and warmth of exposed brick interiors, authentic vintage hardware and rustic wood beams and décor complemented by open views of the brewery’s tank room and cold storage areas.

“It’s kind of a coffee shop vibe, but with beer,” says owner Kyle Sands. He and his brother Chad opened the taproom, dubbed “Manchester’s Living Room,” very near where their grandfather, M. P. “Buck” Sands, once operated a grocery store, the Sands Royal Blue. They are proud to be able to continue the family tradition of owning a welcoming business in downtown Manchester to serve residents and visitors alike.

The brewery is Green Brewing Certified and the first in the state to receive Gold Status. It operates with sustainable, socially equitable and environmentally friendly standards that are reflected and delivered in every pint of beer that slides across its bar. And those beers are plentiful. With a choice between 12 taps featuring a wide variety of beers and one tap dedicated to ciders, there is something for everyone at Franklin Street Brewing Company.

The Sands began their brewing

journey on a stovetop, tinkering and perfecting their recipes to become award-winning brewers. Using only the best, premium ingredients to differentiate their ales and lagers, Franklin Street Brewing Company offers a rotating range of styles and selections, some not commonly available in this region. Visitors can expect a delicious pint of hand-crafted, locally made beer that offers distinctive improvements in quality and taste over other, more standard offerings. In addition, frequent visitors can join the Mug Club. In addition to discounted beer and merchandise, Mug Club members get their beer served in their own reusable mugs and leather coasters.

Franklin Street’s annual River Run Regatta is held just across from the brewery in the Manchester White Water Park. Using their best cardboard and tape-constructed boats, participants attempt to traverse the Manchester White Water Parks course in different contests, hoping to come away winners of categories including The Awesome sauce Award, The Red Carpet Award and, for those less fortunate, perhaps The Titanic Award.

Franklin Street Brewery offers local pizzas and occasional live music on the premises.

For more information on the brewery, awards, events, merchandise and sustainability success, visit them at www.franklinstreetbrewing.com or call 563-927-2722.

Better yet, stop in at Franklin Street Brewing Company, and while you’re there, make sure to ask Sands about the “other-worldly” guests that may inhabit and walk the floors and halls of this historic brewery!

Featured Iowa Craft Beverage Producers

Northwest

Plum Creek Winery - Algona, IA

www.PlumCreekWines.com

River Valley Orchards

Winery & Distillery - Humboldt, IA

www.rivervalleyorchards.com

Rustic River Winery & Vineyard - Lake View, IA www.rusticriverwinery.com

Shiny Top Brewing - Fort Dodge, IA www.shinytopbrewing.com

TractorLift Brewing - Humboldt, IA Email: tractorlift@gmail.com

S & B Farms Distillery - Bancroft, IA www.sbfarmsdistillery.com

Little Swan Lake Winery - Estherville, IA www.lslwinery.com

Northeast

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery - Decorah, IA www.wwwinery.com

Empty Nest Winery - Waukon, IA www.emptynestwinery.com

TLC Brew Works - Bancroft, IA www.tlcbrewworks.com

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company - Decorah, IA www.tgbrews.com

Franklin Street Brewing Co. - Manchester, IA www.franklinstreetbrewing.com

Central

Confluence Brewing Company - Des Moines, IA www.confluencebrewing.com

Firetrucker Brewery - Ankeny, IA www.firetrucker.com

Southeast

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery - Dewitt, IA

www.tycoga.com

Cedar Valley Winery - Batavia, IA

www.cedarvalleywine.com

Crane Winery - Selma, IA

www.cranewinery.net

Buchanan House Winery - Tipton, IA

www.buchananhousewinery.com

SOMM Wines - Fairfield, IA

www.sommwines.com

Front Street Brewery & Taproom - Davenport, IA

www.frontstreetbrew.com

Green Frog Distillery - Keokuk, IA

www.greenfrogdistillery.com

Bridge House Cider - Long Grove - IA

www.bridgehousefarms.com

Lost Duck Brewing Company - Fort Madison, IA

www.duckbrewing.com

Southwest

Keg Creek Brewing Company - Glenwood, IA

www.kegcreekbrewing.com

Hot Air Brewing - Creston, IA www.hotairbrewing.com

There are over 200 Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries in Iowa. For more information, visit our website...

www.Trail-Tales.net

Green Frog Distillery

Keokuk holds the distinction of being Iowa’s southernmost city, combining architectural history and beautiful bluffs that overlook the Mississippi on its Eastern border. Hidden within a scenic drive through Southeast Iowa’s woods and farmland is the rustic Green Frog Distillery, which owner, manager, and head dishwasher John Patterson says will delight both moonshine enthusiasts and newbies alike.

When Patterson and his friend decided that they, along with their bodies, had enough of the construction and paving business, they decided to open a distillery. It wasn’t on a whim, mind you. Patterson had been distilling for his own use as far back as the mid1980s. However, family obligations and priorities led to a pause in his distilling activities until he could revive his passion and basic recipe in 2006, continuing to tweak and work the recipe until it was, in his words, golden. About ten years later, he and his partner brought the Green Frog Distillery to life, named after the experiences and memories he and his friends made in their younger days around a pond located on his property.

Patterson offers four main products, each distilled with local corn, using his original clear straight corn whiskey moonshine as a base. In addition to the exceptionally smooth original, Patterson offers Caramel Flavored Whiskey, limited and numbered Barrel Aged Whiskeys, and his Cranberry Whiskey, which has developed into a customer favorite. Additionally, around Thanksgiving and Christmas, Patterson releases a limited-edition spirit aged at least two years with a minimum of 123-proof that sells out quickly.

With generally about 1700 hundred gallons of product on hand, Patterson says that his Caramel Whiskey is the biggest seller, with the barrel-aged offerings quickly gaining ground. This spring, Green Frog Distillery will release a Pear flavored whiskey that promises to be a tasty and refreshing pour.

Green Frog Distillery is just the place to step back in time and check into an authentic, rustic, backwoods moonshine distillery to share a drink with a highly experienced moonshiner who has perfected his craft and, in Patterson’s words, come up with the best, smoothest, most flavorful corn liquor ever produced.

While experiencing this entirely hand-built and homemade distillery, you’re supporting a genuine, local craft producer who takes pride in his products and is excited to now share those products and his experiences along the way with others.

Tastings and tours are always on the menu at Green Frog Distillery in Keokuk. Patterson says that visitors can always call ahead to schedule a time, but he’s always up for giving interested customers or even curious passers-by an impromptu tour to chat, visit, taste his offerings, and have a look around to see his distillery, including his homemade still.

That’s the kind of hospitality you can expect from Patterson and the Green Frog Distillery. For further information on the distillery, available products, merchandise, great recipes, and more, visit www.greenfrogdistillery.com.

We are a unique, small-town distillery that we have built from the ground up. We offer some of the best corn whiskey in the area, and everything from the grinding of the corn to placing the final label to the bottle is all done by hand.

We offer a variety of corn whiskies, Straight, Caramel, Cranberry, Barrel Aged, as well as our Limited Edition whiskey we release twice a year. (Thanksgiving & Christmas)

We offer tours, samples, apparel and other merchandise. Please feel free to us give a call or send a message to set up a tour for groups over 6.

Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday 12pm - 6pm

Phone: (319) 795-3346

Email: greenfrogdistillery7@gmail.com

Website: www.greenfrogdistillery.com

Follow us @ www.facebook.com/GreenFrogDistillery/ 3345 270th Ave., Keokuk, IA 52632

other 354 days of the year, it is the home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

• Adventureland Park: More than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including the new family spinning roller coaster, The Phoenix! Rides for all ages are available from mild to wet-and-wild. Shows throughout the park feature a variety of family entertainment. Don’t miss Iowa’s newest water park, Adventure Bay. Water park admission is included with admission to Adventureland Park. Please see www.adventurelandpark.com for Park and Water Park operation dates.

• Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel: With more than 2,000 slot machines, game tables, live horse racing from April through October, award-winning restaurants, bigname entertainment, and a contemporary hotel, it’s no secret that Prairie Meadows has it all. Also featured is the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center, making Prairie Meadows the perfect place to hold your next conference or event. Open 24 hours a day.

• Blank Park Zoo: Blank Park Zoo is “Iowa’s Wildest Adventure!” Experience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests, Australian Outback and Africa. The zoo offers educational classes, tours and rental facilities.

Pella, IA

• Lake Red Rock: Iowa’s largest reservoir. Enjoy boating, hiking, camping,

biking, fishing, birdwatching, and more!

• Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill: Step back in time to early Pella! Log cabin, general store, Dutch costume displays, and much more. Tour the Vermeer Windmill, one of the tallest working windmills in North America. The Wyatt Earp Experience explores the life of the famous western lawman who grew up in Pella.

• Molengracht Plaza: The Molengracht Plaza, located in Pella’s central business district, was built to replicate an authentic Dutch canal and is over 100,000 square feet. The better of two worlds, the Molengracht complex combines a 21st century entrepreneurial spirit with Old World Charm.

• Frisian Farms Cheese House: Small farm producing artisan Gouda Cheese, tours by appointment.

• Cordova Observation Tower: Tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest: 106 feet tall, 170 steps to the top!

Indianola, IA

• National Balloon Museum: This national nonprofit is dedicated to educating the public on its ballooning history through collections and exhibitions. More than 10,000 visitors attend the museum every year to comb through over 200 years of ballooning archives. The National Balloon Museum calls Indianola home because of the area’s prime flying conditions. Indianola also played host to the Balloon Federation of America’s National Hot Air Balloon Championships before it

took on its current nine-day national event, the National Balloon Classic. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and guided tours are available to those who call ahead.

Ames, IA

• Reiman Gardens: Take in the stunning beauty of the 17 acre Reiman Gardens, located on the campus of the University of Iowa. The year-round botanical garden offers events, programs, lectures, and a butterfly wing that houses over 800 butterflies.

• McFarland Park: Hit the outdoors at McFarland Park, a 200 acre paradise offering views of a variety of habitats, including prairies and woodlands. Picnic, fish, camp, hike, bike, and trail walk to your heart’s content against one of the area’s most beautiful backdrops.

• Octagon Center for the Arts: Get a close look at local artists’ contributions at the Octagon Center for the Arts, a not-for-profit organization that promotes and supports Iowa’s local artists. Exhibits are evolving throughout the year and offer the viewers a chance to own original clothing, textiles, pottery, paintings, and photography from Iowa’s local art community.

Boone, IA

• Boone Scenic Valley Raiload: Take a ride on the rails to experience the scenery of Central Iowa. Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley, where it is not uncommon to see a convocation of bald eagles. Take the Dinner Train in historic 1950’s passenger cars.

THE HALL

3 Things You’ll Enjoy at Iowa’s Largest Beerhall!

n BREWS + BALLS The best place around for NCAA action on ginormous screens + wings, beer, and more!

n ST PATTY’S DAY at THE HALL featuring DUELING FIDDLES 3-6pm March 17th

n BREWS + BALLS SPRING TESTICLE FESTIVAL March 18th all day

Confluence brews the hand-crafted beer that Des Moines, Iowa, can call its own.

If you savor beer as both a bold taste adventure in the present and a connection with generations past, Confluence Brewery was founded for you.

We’re devoted to creating a confluence of great beer, good friends and wonderful times — and look forward to bringing you together with a pint very soon.

• Seven Oaks Recreation: Visit this family-owned and operated venue that offers year-round outdoor recreation in central Iowa. Seasonal activities include canoeing, kayaking, river tubing, paintball, skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. They also provide a VERY nice facility that can be rented for wedding receptions, family reunions, class reunions, summer/winter retreats, birthday parties, corporate meetings/retreats, team building and other activities.

How to Do a Beverage-Inspired Trip to Central Iowa

If you have yet to explore central Iowa in-depth, spring is an excellent time of the year to do it. The weather is warming up, but the crowds are still manageable, and there are many options to choose from, depending on your inter-

ests. The flowers and trees are starting to bloom, and you can find plenty to do both indoors and outdoors, regardless of the weather.

Meanwhile, there are lots of breweries, wineries and distilleries in this region to help you slow down your pace of travel and get to know the local scene in a more personal way. Check out our website, www.trails-tales.net, for a listing of central Iowa craft beverage locations and craft beverage trails that are collaborative regional efforts, such as the Central Iowa Beer Trail, Des Moines Metro Beer Trail, Backroads Wine Trail and Heart of Iowa Wine Trail.

Springtime Sipping Among the Art & History of Southeast Iowa

Residents and travelers who have spent time in southeast Iowa know this region as a creative and artistic place filled with history, culture, and literary traditions. From the Quad Cities to Cedar Rapids and beyond, you can learn a lot from the diverse museums, well-preserved sites and performance spaces in this part of the state.

There’s also the historical charm of the Amana Colonies and the Villages of Van Buren, plus some exciting craft beverage-themed events scheduled during the year.

Spring is a wonderful time to visit southeast Iowa because it’s warm enough again to get outside and enjoy

by Alyssa L. Ochs

views of the Mississippi River. There are plenty of popular parks to satisfy your needs for nature, such as Maquoketa Caves, Wildcat Den and Lacey-Keosauqua.

Even if the weather does not cooperate, foodie travelers will love exploring the culinary delights that await them in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities. Pair these highlights with some refreshing craft beer, locally produced spirits or homegrown wine, and you’ve just created the perfect itinerary for a spring vacation!

Springtime for Southeast Iowa Beverage Producers

When the weather starts warming up

Maipole Dancers at Maifest: Amana, Iowa

in southeast Iowa, winemakers rejoice! Vineyard workers begin tackling maintenance projects, such as removing extra shoots and planting cover crops. New growth begins in the vineyard rows and provides hope for the new year. Yet late-season frosts can still be a threat in the region and require active measures to protect delicate plants during this vulnerable time.

Meanwhile, breweries and distilleries turn their attention to seasonal flavors to celebrate the onset of spring. We often see more floral, herbal and earthy elements in local beers and specialty liquors as a way to lighten up from the dark and heavy drinks of winter. Ciders also become more popular in spring and are a great way to taste the flavors of local fruits grown in Iowa.

Our Favorite Stops in Southeast Iowa

One of the best ways to travel in southeast Iowa is to integrate craft beverage stops into your itinerary to give yourself a refreshing break between historical attractions, art galleries and local events. This region of the state is unique because it offers not only locally produced beer and wine but also fresh cider and corn whiskey. It is fun to stop by these beverage establishments to wind down after visiting the busy tourist attractions and before settling into a quaint B&B for the night. Here are a few can’t-miss places to check out on your springtime road trip.

Breweries

Millstream Brau Haus: The name “Brau Haus” simply means “Brewing House!” For years the Millstream Brewery owners had said that it would be wonderful to add an authentic German

• Lee

• Des Moines

• Van Buren

• Henry

• Louisa

• Jefferson

• Washington

• Muscatine

• Scott

• Clinton

• Davis

• Wapello

• Keokuk

• Iowa

• Johnson

• Cedar

Bierhalle to the Amana Colonies. In August 2016, the Millstream Brau Haus was born! Adding the Brau Haus gave the Millstream Brewery the opportunity to make more ‘one of a kind’ brews and specialty beers only to be sold in the Brau Haus!

Front Street Brewery: Everything you would expect from a river town brewpub. Their first beer was brewed in the basement of their current building, over a century old and stoically positioned along the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport.

Wineries

White Cross Cellars: Located in the historic village of Amana, Iowa, White Cross Cellars is a new approach to the Amana Colonies wine industry. While the Amanas have long been famous for fruit wines, White Cross Cellars delivers a more traditional approach to the wines of the Amanas. They feature Award-winning wines from classic wine grapes as well as Midwestern varieties; producing wine in the European or

California style. Specialties are white wines reminiscent of the traditional German and French styles, along with red dinner wines designed for beef and Italian dishes.

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery: Located outside of Dewitt just off Hwy 61 and named after their three children, this family owned Vineyard & Winery was established in 2014 and then started their Distillery portion in 2021. Boasting over 20 different types of wines from Dry to Sweet, their wide variety of mainly estate produced wines allows them to showcase wines to both the novice and the experienced wine drinker. In addition to their award winning wines, they also offer mixed drinks made with their Vodka & Whiskey. They truly enjoy meeting every person and sharing their story!

Cedar Valley Winery: Located in Batavia, Iowa and traces its origins back to a 1.5 acre family vineyard. With early success, the Miller family expanded their vineyard to include seven different varieties of grapes. As a result, you can now conveniently visit their tasting room and sample their farm-to-glass wines while traveling to or from other regional tourist attractions.

Crane Winery: Known as “The Sweetest Little Winery In Southeast Iowa” and located in historic Van Buren County. Offering a quaint place to sit and sip their wines while relaxing in a charming, perfectly decorated setting that assures you that you are among friends.

Buchanan House Winery: Uses grapes and fruits from its own vineyard to offer red, white, fruit, and sparkling

BUCHANAN HOUSE WINERY

We’ve revived a 19th Century brick mansion into a modern-day Winery. Nestled in the rolling hills and breath taking view of cedar county, Iowa. We produce world class, high-quality wines from local ingredients. Stop by our tasting room to find your favorite wines!

Tastingroom Hour’s: 11am - 7pm ... Thursday & Sunday 11am - 10pm ...... Friday - Saturday

Follow us on Facebook to learn more about our upcoming events or contact us about hosting an event with us.

(563) 357-9916

Events@buchananhousewinery.com

www.buchananhousewinery.com 726 Green Rd, Tipton, IA 52772

wines to please even the pickiest of palates. Their fresh tasting offerings are made from high-quality Brianna, Frontenac, Marquette, and St Pepin grape varietals with the flavors of homegrown blackberries, currants, and apples. Enjoy your favorite on the grounds of the accompanying Colonial Revival Garden, displaying traditional brick and gravel pathways that wind through 19th-century appropriate plants and ornamental flowers.

Walker Homestead Farm and Winery: Provides visitors a total experience in agricultural stewardship. A farm-totable format allows diners an intimate insight into where our food comes from. Their commitment to farm stewardship teaches sustainability by using environmentally friendly techniques and shows visitors how to lead a more healthy and sustainable life. The Walk-

er Homestead Farm and Winery is also an event space and wedding venue to compliment those special moments.

Ciders

Bridge House Cider: All natural ingredients, minimal preservatives, and a simple process form the basis for Bridge House Cider’s appeal. Handpicked straight from the orchard, apples are ground with a traditional rack and cloth press, then fermented with high-quality yeast and left to mature before blending, carbonating, and bottling for your consumption. Simple, pure, and refreshing is the way it’s done.

Distilleries

Green Frog Distillery: Has become known as “both the newest and oldest

Sweetest Little Winery in Southeast Iowa!

distillery” in Southeastern Iowa. Nestled in a rural setting as all good distilleries are, their varied line of flavored corn liquors offers something for every taste profile.

Spring Events in Southeast Iowa

Cedar Rapids is a hot spot for events in Iowa and is easily accessible from the northern and southern parts of eastern Iowa’s. The 2023 Cedar Rapids Food Truck Festival is a much-anticipated event in the eastern part of the state and takes place on May 13 at the Benz Beverage Depot this year.

Also in Cedar Rapids, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library has a Mardi Gras and Carnival gallery that runs through March and showcases festive costumes, masks and beaded

necklaces. During the spring, you’ll also want to check out Fairfield First Fridays, a recurring weekly event featuring art gallery tours, food tastings and live performances.

Hit the Road for a BeverageInspired Trip to Southeast Iowa

With everything going on in southeast Iowa this spring, it’s best to plan to stay at least a few days to experience as much as you can. There are numerous bed & breakfast accommodations, historic inns, cabins, cottages, chain hotels, spa resorts and hunting lodges that you can book for overnight stays based on your budget and travel style. Iowa House in Ames, Squires Manor in Maquoketa and Strawberry Farm Bed & Breakfast in Muscatine are just a few top-rated options.

Located in the Des Moines river valley in historic Van Buren County. Stop in & step back in time with the history flooding the walls of this charming winery.

HANDCRAFTED, CRISP & REFRESHING HARD CIDER!

Award-winning cider bottles & cases for sale fresh off the farm!

Tastings Available!

Also available for pickup most M-F 10-3 & Sat 10-2 Please call ahead 563-343-2622

bridgehousefarms.com

Find us on Facebook & Instagram

EXPLORE IOWA

Before your trip, browse www.trailstales.net to map your route between the many craft beverage locations and along the southeast Iowa craft beverage trails. The Corridor Beer Trail, QC Ale Trail, I-80 Wine Trail and Scenic River Wine Trail are just a few of the many regional routes that you can build into your travel days for a craft-beverage-inspired vacation.

Go Rural & Drink Local with a Spring Trip to Southwest Iowa

The temperatures are warming up in southwest Iowa, and travel enthusiasts are looking to get out and explore. The southwestern part of the state is best known for the unique landforms of the Loess Hills, serene prairie grasses blowing in the wind and small towns along the highways and rural areas. There are also interesting agricultural attractions to see, railroad history to learn about and a niche craft beverage scene to experience.

The spring season is an excellent time of year to visit this region because of the potential for hiking and biking trips,

by Alyssa L. Ochs

plus lots of family-friendly things to do with the kids for spring break and before the busy summer season hits. This is also when the craft beverage industry starts ramping up operations with extended hours, open patios and more friendly folks looking to get out and mingle. If you have yet to explore what this remote and rural region offers, plan to take a spring trip here to support the local craft beverage businesses!

Springtime for Southwest Iowa Beverage Businesses

For southwest Iowa vineyards, this

Photo Credit: Keg Creek Brewing - Glenwood ,Iowa

is the time of the year to check for damaged vines, tie up loose cordons and tighten wires before the seasonal growth starts to weigh them down. Vineyards in the region are also busy reviewing their pest management strategies to stop insects, weeds, diseases, and wildlife before they become significant problems for the newly growing grapes.

Meanwhile, breweries in the region are looking to join spring and summer craft beer festivals and events hosted by the Iowa Brewers Guild and other organizations. For example, the official Iowa Pint Day takes place at participating breweries across the state in May, which is part of American Craft Beer Week.

This is also when breweries start opening up their outside seating areas

• Monroe

• Appanoose

• Lucas

• Wayne

• Clarke

• Decatur

• Union

• Ringgold

• Adams

• Taylor

• Fremont

• Page

• Montgomery

• Mills

• Cass

• Pottawattamie

• Audubon

• Shelby

• Harrison

and hosting more events throughout the week to entice both locals and visitors to come into the tap rooms.

We’re a small brewery with small town hospitality! Award winning beers, 20 taps, inviting taproom & Beautiful rural patio setting. Only 20 Minutes from Downtown Omaha!

Southwest Iowa Top Craft Beverage Destinations

Keg Creek Brewing Company: Located in Glenwood, it is as authentic of a craft brewery as you’ll find. Started by homebrewers that decided to try and make beer they enjoyed, it wasn’t long before they discovered that other beer drinkers liked their products as much as they did.

Hot Air Brewing: Located in Creston, the brewery features both “high falutin” and “low falutin” beers brewed in-house, whether you like your beer light, dark, hoppy, sour, fruity, or spicy, Hot Air Brewing offers something every beer lover will enjoy. Enjoy special events such as Tuesday Night Trivia and First Friday Karaoke in a family-friendly space well supplied with games, popcorn, hard cider and house-made Italian sodas.

Enjoy a memorable, satisfying glass of locally produced wine by exploring the Loess Hills District Wine Trail.

Spring Travel in Southwest Iowa

Although there are fewer events (craft beverage or otherwise) coming up in southwest Iowa compared to other regions of the state, this area is still an favorable springtime destination for anyone wanting a rural experience and to slow down the pace of life. The region is a getaway destination for the nearby cities of Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux Falls and Kansas City. The small towns of Carroll, Atlantic, Council Bluffs, Clarinda and Osceola are the main communities to visit in southwest Iowa.

If you love craft beverages and beer-inspired tourism, you can also

make a point to stop by Full Fledged Brewing Company in Council Bluffs. This is the first craft brewery in town, with a family-friendly taproom, tours offered and private event space available for rent. The Western Iowa Wine Trail runs from Minden to Glenwood and has promoted events at the Bodega Victoriana Winery and Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard in the past.

There are also family-friendly things to do in this region of the state, making it a great place for a spring break vacation with the kids. There are water activities, such as the Splash Aquatic Center in Avoca, if the weather is warm. If it’s rainy or cool, there are the Stemplel Bird Museum and Pioneer Trail Museum in Macedonia, as well as the Nishna Heritage Museum in Oakland. Most of the big events in the region take place in the summer, but you can still stay busy in the spring by getting out in nature at the Shelby Trail, Arrowhead Park and Hitchcock Nature Center.

Other Southwest Iowa Attractions to Visit

If you’re curious to learn more about the small towns of southwest Iowa and what they have to offer for spring travelers, here is an overview to inspire your research.

Corning

• Johnny Carson birthplace

• Corning Opera House

• Main Street shops

• French Icarian Villages living -

history museum

• Corning Winery Villisca

• Villisca Ax Murder House

Shenandoah

• Everly Brothers Childhood Family Home, located next to the Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum.

• Iowa Walk of Fame recognizing more than 100 famous Iowans.

Clarinda

• Glenn Miller Birthplace Museum

• Page County Courthouse clock tower Council Bluffs

• Railroad history and frontier heritage museum

Osceola

• Lakeside location for the outdoor

enthusiasts; Fishing, hunting, and camping opportunities.

Enjoy a Beverage-Inspired Trip to Southwest Iowa This Spring

When you’re craving a rural getaway, consider making Greenfield, Corning, Winterset or Dexter your home base this spring. Our website, www.trailstales.net, is a helpful resource for learning about the breweries, wineries and distilleries of southwest Iowa, as well as beer, wine and spirits trails that pass through this region.

However, we’re willing to bet that you’ll find that the peaceful scenery and friendly faces encountered make your trip just as much about the journey as the actual stops along the way.

(Continued from Page 3) they might otherwise not come across in their trip research. Meanwhile, residents living near the trail stops can get more involved with businesses in their area and support the local economy, while getting out more and perhaps making new friends too.

Craft beverage trails are fun for weekend day dates with someone special and bachelor and bachelorette parties with groups of friends. With energized marketing efforts behind them and community support, they promote experiential tourism and immersion into different cultural scenes. Trails can also encourage producers to focus on local ingredients and eco-friendly methods to attract sustainable-minded consumers to their places of business, plus other activities and sights to see nearby.

Iowa Wine Trail

Iowa Craft Beverages

Examples of Fun Beverage Trails

There are craft beer, wine and spirits trails scattered all across the country in big cities, rural areas and broader regions with small towns. You can experience numerous craft beverage trails right here in Iowa that highlight offerings in specific areas of the state. To help you narrow down the options, you can even search for trails by Beverage Type and Region on the IOWA Trails & Tales website trails-tales.net.

Here are some examples that you might want to check out for yourself when you are traveling the state:

• Amana Colonies Wineries

• Heart of Iowa Wine Trail

• Cedar Falls Beer Trail

• Central Iowa Beer Trail

WINE COUNTRY ESCAPE

Park Farm Winery Vineyard

Iowa Craft Beverages

• Iowa Distillery Passport

• Iowa Craft Beer Passport

• Iowa Wine Trail

• Northeast Iowa Beer Trail

• Quad City Ale Trail

• Pub Pass Des Moines

• Western Iowa Beer Trail

How to Have the Best Trail Experience

First and foremost, to have the best and safest experience on a craft beverage trail, it is a good idea to have a designated driver so that you aren’t putting yourself at risk on the road.

You’ll also want to do some research, study a map, plan your route and consider the weather. It’s also a wise idea to choose the right people to travel the trail with so that you will have fun but still be responsible and continuously learning new things along the way.

Beverage Trails and Technology

One of the best ways to keep consumers engaged with a beverage trail is to link it to modern technology. For instance, some brewery, winery, and distillery trails have their own mobile apps available for download.

Trail directors and managers boost engagement by running competitions based on social media postings, sharing photos online and including hashtags. They also make it easy for customers to find their favorite beverages after the trail experience is over by utilizing scannable QR codes and sending follow-up marketing messages to customers via email or text. To promote a well-rounded travel experience, craft beverage trail apps may include

suggestions for non-drinking activities nearby to check out before, between and after trail stops.

Explore Trails in Iowa and Beyond

With a better understanding of what craft beverage trails are, we hope you’re feeling inspired to check out a few in Iowa and elsewhere around the country during your travels. As you make stops at breweries, wineries and distilleries, take what you’ve learned here and strike up conversations with producers about what you’d like to see offered on the trail. A few examples of potential offerings are merchandise discounts, educational opportunities, prizes, punch cards and VIP access to onsite events.

To be part of this exciting movement and the next big thing for the craft beverage industry, stick with us at Trails and Tales for highlights, updates, and travel inspiration to sip your way through Iowa and beyond.

For more information, fun trip ideas and inspiration, visit our website www. trails-tales.net

RIVER ROCKS: 18 regional craft beers on tap, large liquor, wine and bottled beer selection with a great view of the Mississippi Riverfront!

319-470-5992 • 709 Avenue H www.kingsleyinn.com

FAETH’S CIGAR STORE: 98 year old watering hole in downtown Fort Madison with a historic bar from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair!

319-372-2792

832 Avenue G

CORKS and BARRELS: The newest edition to the Historic Downtown Fort Madison bar scene with a large variety of whiskey and wine. Offering smoked drinks and amazing charcuterie boards in an eclectic setting!

319-372-8840 • 622 7th Street

Timeless elegance with a family feel, modern comforts and superior service. Our property includes 18 guest rooms, a Guest House, parlor, banquet room and bar & grill on site! Guests receive 1 welcome drink per person at River Rocks until April 30, 2023.

LOST DUCK BREWING COMPANY: Hand crafted beer and pub style food location along the Mississippi Riverfront and overlooking Old Fort Madison. Beautiful woodwork, fantastic views and the beer is brewed on the 2nd floor!

319-372-8255 • 725 Avenue H