February 2020 Issue | Vol. 4
DISTILLERY CHANNEL
COFFEE JOURNAL
• TALL PINES DISTILLERY- NOW SERVING MISSOURI • DANIEL SULLIVAN- MAUI & ASIA PHOTO JOURNAL • NORTHERN MICHIGAN GOLF... WHO KNEW? • PGA SHOW KICKS OFF 2020 • BMW CHAMPIONSHIP FAMILY EXPERIENCE
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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR “Distillery Channel Coffee Journal” has now evolved into worldwide distribution and focus. Miss Kira Peterson, Editor, known as “Miss Kira”, on our shows, is now globally evolving our magazine, having met with travel industry leaders at this year’s PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, Florida, in January. She and I met with our friends from Thailand, France, Ireland, South Africa and many others during the course of the show. Most countries would like to have our credentialed media team visit in the next year to develop interest in how wonderful their destinations are for most travelers. Our “Bucket List Trips” and podcasts were celebrated during these conversations. We have selected two featured destinations to begin our new adventures during the next 18 months. South Africa travel with our friends/owners of “Golf Air”, Al and Rozelle, will be sharing the company highlights of their 13-day 5-star train, fly, golf, eat trip. This includes a safari, featured in this issue with more details throughout the coming year. France Travel and Tourism invited us to experience castles and hotel collections while experiencing private golf facilities. It is going to be exciting to explore both destinations for the great culinary experiences, off the chart travel, cooking demonstrations, elephants, black tie train travel, and drinking wine in Burgundy or Provence’. We can’t wait…but there is more. We are opening up our trips to a very small and intimate number of fellow travelers on our trips, so if you would like to join us, please let us know. We would like to see your experiencing the same adventures. We are not a travel company; but we are opening up our trips to a very few to join us. Art Stricklin, President of “Texas Golf Writers Association”, currently has been leading “Bucket List Trips” for the past years in small numbers to iconic destinations. Art is often featured in our magazine. He shares his past travels through his own brand of pictures telling the story first and magically developing why you might want to join him on future trips. He would be legendary in sharing his thoughts while you join us. In addition to the above, I am also going to be sharing Coffee’s iconic growth and history. This will include my take on sipping coffee during life’s journeys. Whether it’s with friends, or alone, coffee has a special place in our hearts, and it is time to make this a real “Coffee Journal”; and so, it begins today. Here is a hint…my grandfather gave me my first of coffee cup when I was 5. Let’s talk about that in today’s bubble wrapped world. As always, “Every Cup is Served with our Grandfather’s Love”- Foy Estate Coffee. Cheers, Randy Weckerly Publisher
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S 10
TALL PINES DISTILLERY
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DANIEL SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHER
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GREAT GOLF IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
BY ART STRICKLIN
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MY JOURNAL
BY POP POP FOY
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PGA SHOW 2020
BY RANDY WECKERLY
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ANYTHING IN IT?
BY BOB ALDRICH
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BMW CHAMPIONSHIP
BY RANDY WECKERLY
BY RANDY WECKERLY
Distillery Channel Coffee Journal
PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT: RANDY WECKERLY
VICE PRESIDENT: KIRA PETERSON
EDITORS:
ANDREA PETERSON
NATIONAL SALES: ROB LADD
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: KIRA PETERSON
KIRA.THEDISTILLERYCHANNEL@GMAIL.COM
DISTRIBUTED BY:
THE DISTILLERY CHANNEL COFFEE PLATFORM, SMALL CRAFT BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES,WINERIES, FACEBOOK & ISSUU PLAFORM.
COVER PHOTO:
WASHINGTON DC
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Tall Pines Distillery Written By: Randy Weckerly
Photos Provided By: The Distillery Channel Media
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Visiting a True Moonshine Distillery If you ever wanted to meet great people along the way, stop by Salisbury, Pennsylvania and say hi to the owners of Tall Pines Distillery, Keith and Lisa Welch. This couple of great passion produce a mountainside collection of some of the world’s best moonshine and bourbon. Tall Pines Distillery is found amid the major interstates of 76 and 40, on route 219, yet, what you would imagine seeing in the hills of Pennsylvania, with one exception. It has been run and created by drive, imagination and the classic drive to be entrepreneurial by the owners Keith and Lisa.
They are two very genuine people, working other jobs for income and investment and then putting hard earned dollars into their passion. They have now created over twenty wonderfully creative moonshine recipes. Who could imagine names like “Bananas Foster”, “Apple Pie”, “Café Mocha”, “Cherry Pie”, “Caramel”, “Seasonal – Maple Rye” and many more? Go to their website for the full lineup: https://tallpinesdistillery.com
One particular moonshine “Forest Fyre – a 140 proof bourbon style aged with oak”, could do quite well when presenting a fine grilled outdoor sirloin. Simply, sprinkle a little on the steak when served to your guest and light it. Stand back and be careful. You will be delightfully surprised at the aroma and show it will put on. The shop is small and well stocked with interesting souvenirs, logos on many items and proper alignment of moonshine to purchase. Highly entertaining good times were had by all when we ventured in to meet the Keith and Lisa. Their back room is clean and modern and corporately well run. When talking with Keith, you will wonder why he is not on radio with his deep and sultry voice. But what comes through every moment is his smile and genuine drive for his development of moonshine.
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“Tall Pines Missouri is a family owned and operated Moonshine Distillery and Event Center nestled in the limestone bluffs of Southwest Missouri within minutes of the scenic Elk River right off Interstate 49 in Pineville, Missouri. We have the ability to host Weddings, Corporate Events, and Parties for all Occasions!” Email us for more information: inquiries@tallpinesdistillerymo.com.
Tall Pines Distillery decided to expand and recently open up and second location in Missouri. at:
We are the first legal moonshine distillery in McDonald County, Missouri since the prohibition. After visiting the mountains in Pennsylvania and discovering Salisbury’s best kept secret, Tall Pines Distillery Pennsylvania, we wanted to bring this unique product to the Four State area.
The new Tall Pines Distillery is located
3316 Goodin Hollow Rd. Noel, MO. 64854 They say from their website: https://tallpinesdistillery.com/location/ pineville-mo/ Our natural springs and limestone create the perfect environment to make quality shine. Thanks to Keith and Lisa, we are able offer these great products West of the Mississippi. Come enjoy the people, products, and place while making memories to last a lifetime. Let’s share some Shine – “We are a different class of hillbilly!” In either case, you will find genuinely passionate people wonderfully tasting moonshine.
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https://golfair.co.za
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Daniel Sullivan Master Photographer
Photography Provided By: Daniel Sullivan
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Bucket List Trips with "The Art of Golf Travel"
with Art Stricklin
www.theartofgolftravel.com
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APRIL IN AUGUSTA, For the true golf fan, there can be no sweeter words to hear, that means that a new golf season will be approaching fast and we are only six months away from golf ’s annual Bucket List Beauty, a trip to Augusta National to see Tiger Woods defend his 2020 Title, April 6-12, with lodging, dinners and a chance to walk golf ’s most hallowed grounds. I received my ticket allotment last month, have already reserved my Augusta House and I’m ready to welcome friends, new and old, to a Green Jacket Good Time. 2020 Masters Package Options, April 6-12, 2020 • NCAA Championship Game & Masters Practice Round • Here’s Your Highly Rare Chance to Combine 2 of Sports Classics! • Tickets to the NCAA Final Four Championship Game, Monday, April 6. (approx. 9 P.M. EST Start) • Overnight Lodging in Atlanta or Augusta. • Tickets to Either Monday or Tuesday Practice Round at Augusta National • Fly in and out of Atlanta or Augusta • Stay, play and Watch • 1 Night Accommodations in a 2 Bedroom Condo at Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head Island • Check-In Monday April 6th, 2020 • (2) Rounds of Golf at two of the 3 famous courses at Sea Pines Resort • Heron Point by Pete Dye • Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III • (2) MASTERS Course Badges for Wednesday Round of the 2020 MASTERS • 1 night lodging at August Executive House, Tuesday night • Experience Golf ’s Greatest Thrill • Tickets for 1 or 2 days at The Masters and lodging for 1 or 2 nights in Augusta Home • Wednesday Insiders Guided Tour of Augusta National and Masters Lore • Hosted Dinner at Iconic Augusta Restaurant to celebrate golf ’s most special day.
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The Masters Tournament April 9-12, 2020
www.theartofgolftravel.com
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Great Summer Golf Journey at Cabot Links Resort August 16-19, 2020
www.theartofgolftravel.com
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GREAT SUMMER GOLF JOURNEY at CABOT LINKS RESORT in Nova Scotia, Canada August 16-19, 2020
Spectacularly Scenic Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada Come join us on the Most Beautiful New Links Anywhere on the Shores of the Canadian Atlantic! Don’t just take my word for it, check out the Cabot Video Below: https://www.cabotlinks.com/ Trip, August 16-19, 2020: • Three Nights Luxury Lodging at Cabot Resort • Golf on Cabot Links, 18 or 36 holes • Cabot Cliffs, 18 or 36, holes • Plus the New Cabot Short Course/Putting Course! A refreshing cool summer golf break with friends, one you will never forget! Call or Email for more details: Cell: (972) 989-2310 Email: astrick@flash.net www.theartofgolftravel.com
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Ryder Cup 2020 Whistling Straits, Wisconsin September 25-27, 2020
www.theartofgolftravel.com
Magazine Name or url
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New Tiger Woods Golf Course Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri October 2020
www.theartofgolftravel.com
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Tremendous Treetops Still Turning Out Great Golf in Northern Michigan Written By: Art Stricklin
Photos Provided By: Treetops Resort
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“There are 17 courses in the region, but we are always getting better for new and repeat visitors which include cool golf temperature and low prices”.
GAYLORD, Michigan- For a small state and region with a shorter than most golf season, Michigan has an incredible buffet of great, public access golf courses. But those who have been here for the first time or the first of many agreed, that one of the original leaders in Northern Michigan golf boom, The Treetops Resort, is still one of the best.
Longtime national golf teacher, Rick Smith helped promote the facility in its early days and held an ownership stake in the facility. Getting architect master, Trent Jones Senior, to design one of his final Michigan layouts was certainly a jumpstart to get Treetops started with a national golfing traveling public. Since then a steady stream of big names architects have added their names to the Treetops property.
The first course, and one of the first resort courses in the region, the Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece layout was opened in 1987 and since then four courses and one very famous par 2 now cover the 3,000 acres area outside of the tiny town of Gaylord to the delight of the locals and value-seeking golf tourists everywhere. “We have cool weather in the later spring, summer and fall when much of Texas, the South and Southwest are very hot. We’re very laid back and friendly and the prices are shockingly friendly for people expecting to pay a lot more for a lot less of a golf course”, said Treetops Director of Golf, Kevin McKinley.
The Tom Fazio premier came in 1992, followed by the Smith signature in 1993, and the Tradition, also by Smith, which opened in 1998. The most famous course here is not really a course at all. The 9-hole Threetops at Treetops is one of the most incredible short courses anywhere. The design by Fazio is so dramatic, it’s impossible to be walked, but the scenery and shot values make it impossible to forget as well. The hole ranges from 80 to 180 yards over the steeply rolling terrain with the most famous, the 7th hole where Lee Trevino won one million dollars for an ace on a nationally televised par 3 tournament shortly after it opened in 1994.
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“This is the one that really put us and all of Northern Michigan golf on the map”, said McKinley. “It was really the first championship par 3 courses ever built at a resort and kicked off this entire boom of courses and resorts that have shorter or warm up courses before or after you play”. Any great invention, the Treetops at Treetops took some time to catch on. In fact, local legend is that early pros had to beg people to try out the course or include it for free in the regular course tee times just give it a look. After the Par 3 televised shootout with Texas Trevino and friends, the next hole validator after Trevino’s ace, it became one of the most popular and unique attractions in Michigan or USA Golf.
Today, a tee time at Threetops in mandatory and the price is certainly not free. There is plenty of good golf, great scenery and surprisingly good prices at Treetops on these full 18 holes. The Jones Masterpiece course has plenty of elevation changes for tee to green with the par 5 first hole dripping straight down, then back up to the fairway and a left banking turn towards the green. There is plenty of risk-reward here with a decent chance at a birdie or par with the right approach shot.
But get into the ever-present trees or leak into the deep ravines and you can find troubles or lose balls in a hurry!
One of the things most surprising and pleasing thing about the par 71 Jones Masterpiece is the variety of dramatic views from many of the holes there. A few of the holes, including some of the par 3, and the par 4 third hole, you’re shooting over wide canyons or deep ravines which make your tee shot the ultimate risk or reward adventures. Another hugely popular course is the par 72 Fazio Premier course. It also uses length and elevation changes to its advantage. The par 4 first hole is almost straight downhill from the elevated tee with tree lining both sides of the fairways. The official course guide calls the view spectacular, but not as spectacular as a miss approach into the trees and urges golfers to stay focused. Easier said than done.
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“As the only Tom Fazio courses in Michigan, the Premier remains one of our most popular courses at the resort”, McKinley added. “It offers great views, tight fairways, challenging greens, but a very playable 18 hole”. Among the most memorable holes are the par 3 eighth hole which drops nearly 80 feet from tee to green and the par 3- 11th hole with water dangerously close on the right-side forcing golfers to aim left and face the possibility of hooking the ball into the trees. With rolling fairways and just one water hazard, Premier is player friendly. On the other hand, with steep slopes and plenty of dogleg turns, the Premier still challenges even the most seasoned players. Just the way Fazio would want it.
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Many of the holes including the almost the straight downhill par 4 first hole, the fairway is shaped like a funnel meaning many opening tee shots will roll back to the middle of the fairway. The par 70 Tradition course plays homage to the scenic, natural surroundings of Treetops, with more wide-out spaces and less elevation changes. Opened in September of 1997, the Tradition is the newest course to be added to the Treetops arsenal of championship courses. This is Rick Smith’s third resort design and is perhaps the most player-friendly layout at Treetops. It was developed as a walking course with the tee boxes situated a short distance from each green. There are no water hazards, but 86 sand bunkers, strategically located in the fairways and greenside, providing plenty of challenge. The Tradition has the look and feel of an authentic Irish course through the use of wooden pins, wooden hole signs and wooden flags. There is also 18 hole putting course where holes change every day to give you a chance to work on your short game skills or just settle any bets from your on-course golf during the day. Most of the courses have bent grass green and blue grass fairways which are kept in pristine shape.
The Smith Signature, par 70, 34-36, is considered one of championship courses at Treetops with more of a straight drive needed on many holes to keep it in the fairways and out of the trees and off course vegetation. There are also more than 120 bunkers on the course which puts a premium on accuracy as well.
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The resort’s 238 rooms in two multi-story lodging facility along with some individual cabins. There are variety of dining options including an on-site sports bar, a breakfast house overlooking the ski facilities and a fancier dinner place. There is a 1,000-person conference center on site, and an indoor and outdoor pool and spa. Skiing and sledding take places in the wintertime, but golf takes precedent 70-30% of the time.
Traverse City airport less than an hour away, recently added direct flights from Texas and has a wide variety of direct air flights from the Midwest with longer flights connecting through Detroit. Direct flights, chances to beat the spring and summer heart, low prices and friendly faces. No wonder the originator of the NorthernMichigan Golf boom and the championship par 3 is still considered one of the best. For More Information: www.treetops.com Call (866) 348-5249
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Crazy Chef Dave Special Friday Morning Coming from TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm with Miss Kira and Ole Uncle Randy on "The Distillery Channel" Facebook Page.
https://www.facebook.com/thedistillerychannel/
Chef Dave’s Coffee Support Chef ’s Dave Mission feeding the Sailors during the holidays. https://www.thedistillerychannel.com/shop
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Rob in the Rearview featured on “The Next Taste Show” & “Happy Hour Lifestyle Show”
Email Rob in the Rearview at: rob.thedistillerychannel@gmail.com
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“The Next Taste Show” Podcast iTunes-iHeart-Spotify Hosted By: Miss Kira, Ole Uncle Randy and Rob in the Rearview Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thenexttaste/ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2QUeTWc
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My Journal
Written By: Pop Pop Foy
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When the Foy family began serving coffee to our friends and younger kindred, we simply served coffee across our small metal tables amid humble cottages. I never really thought much about my coffee, as much as they make out about it today. I simply drank coffee.
My “Pop Foy Coffee Journal” is going to be my notes from exploring my coffee passion:
Most of my coffee was brewed on a small two burner stove with the benefits of a small silver percolator which held about four tin cups of coffee. We kept the spoons, knives and forks on the middle of the table, surrounded by open containers of sugar and raw milk, from a nearby farm. Best coffee I have ever had, as my wacky cousins, aunts, uncles, lakeside friends and extended unwanted family members always filled the cabin with spirit. I have traveled most of the United States and a few countries, while always looking for my coffee fix. The world coffee culture is now being introduced to our mainland states through the introduction of specialty coffees. I never thought I would be measuring tastes in raw beans coming from Ethiopia, Burunid, Bali, Coast Rica, Brazil, Mexico and multiple other signature countries. When it comes to roasting fresh “green beans”, I have found it is a combination of artwork, experience, desire, patience, roaster technique combined artwork and science. So much for metal coffee pot.
My stops along the way from local Cuban Coffee served in the wharf just east of Route 1 in Key West, Florida, specialty coffee shops cropping up across America, private parties and enjoying my home brews looking out the window.
Pop Foy’s “One Cup Thoughts”- February 9, 2020 with a cup from a Brazilian Roast 1. To my point today, while looking at the nearby forest and fauna this morning, random thoughts as I complete my first cup of coffee. The faint hint of sunlight, while obscured by another bleak winter dusting oncoming, has enough power to show the wild turkeys looking for my over spill birdseed near by porch.
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5. I think I will look at the Viking Cruise catalog I just got yesterday… maybe a French trip is on sale. 6. University of Illinois Basketball Team is interesting but lost last two games. 7. I am still hurting from my last work out… don’t forget ibuprofen. 8.
Thirteen in number, they find my yard safe and abundant in their daily feeding. These cocks look strong and their claws are not to be taken for granted. I always wonder if they taste the same as the store-bought variety. 2. Wish I could see my grandchildren more often, never thought I would see them so infrequently. 3. I need new socks; lucky I have my slippers this morning 4.
Should I do my bills…. oops a bird just
flew into the window and knocked himself out.
Just read a funny item on Facebook….
“Random Thoughts from 1957” article quote “If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, no one can hire additional help”. “If they raise the price of cars, $5,000.00 won’t buy you a used on”. - “Did you see where they just signed a basketball player for $75,000.00. It won’t be long before you’re making more than the president.” And with that I am going to get my second cup. When you have your next cup of coffee, do the same thing I just did, just note your thoughts, all of them. You will see coffee frees the mind and spirit. Be honest with yourself and enjoy every drop. Joyously, a recent research report says if you have a cup of coffee each day, it appears you will live longer. I am in one that one.
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GENEVA Reconnect with family and friends in picturesque Geneva, Illinois. The town, framed by the scenic Fox River, beautiful parks and historic neighborhoods, offers boutique shopping, sophisticated dining and luxurious lodging. Festivals and non-stop special events bring a bustle of activity throughout the year welcoming locals and visitors from around the state. Located just 40 miles west of Chicago and easily accessible via train or the interstate, Geneva offers boundless opportunities for good fun and great memories.
Shop-
Over 160 specialty shops are housed downtown in charming Victorian-style homes and historic buildings. Geneva merchants fill their shops each season with exclusive treasures from around the world. Distinctive art galleries, trendy clothing, elegant home décor, specialty cookware, designer jewelry, stylish shoes, unique food places, fun children’s clothes and toys, unusual garden plants and accessories are housed in every corner of the shopping district. The creative arts—quilting, knitting, stitching, beading, scrapbooking and pottery painting—are also represented. A different experience awaits those wanting to shop the more than 70 shops and dining areas at the Geneva Commons located minutes from the downtown. Options abound and make Geneva one of the best shopping destinations in the Chicagoland area.
Feast-
Endless options await your palate from local eateries and neighborhood pubs to award-winning restaurants with American and international cuisine. Gather at landmark establishments in casual or sophisticated settings where welcoming staff make you feel part of the family. Fine wine lists, unique beers, signature specials, and tempting treats offer interesting choices for everyone. Snack on miniature pastries, chocolate fondue, home-made ice cream and other delicious treats throughout the afternoon and don’t forget to visit one (or several) of the fine wine sellers to sample and shop for gifts and related accessories. At night, check out establishments for “open mikes,” live entertainment and great dancing in friendly settings.
Stay-
Sweet dreams await you with luxury lodging offering a host of amenities and services to travelers of all ages and of every budget. Swimming pools, exercise rooms, fireplaces, spa services, river view terraces, boutiques, gardens, and WiFi-Internet connections provide the ultimate in comfort and indulgence. Stay in hotels that are recipients of AAA Three and Four Diamond awards or retreat to an historic bed & breakfast inn on seven acres of tranquil terrain. Enjoy friendly staff and unforgettable experiences just a few minutes from the downtown. Don’t forget to explore special weekend and romantic getaway packages or settings for wedding, receptions, banquets, and private parties.
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Unwind-
Pick a bench along the river or in a park and let the quiet beauty of nature surround you. Bike, run and walk along paths offering spectacular views. Treat yourself at one of many salons and spas offering extensive beauty and relaxation services. Play a round of golf, fish, kayak, swim and slide at the local pool or cheer on the Kane County Cougars Class A baseball team. Discover a butterfly farm, the local skateboarding park, Frank Lloyd Wright’s redesign of the Fabyan Villa, an historic Viking Ship, and our very own Japanese tea garden. The Geneva History Center provides state-of-the-art facilities, professional exhibits, and self-guided tour maps for insight into the town’s rich heritage. Theater lovers will find abundant choices and treasure hunters will adore the Kane County Flea Market. And for the romantic at heart, Geneva offers horse-drawn antique carriage rides specific times of the year-compliments of the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Geneva.
Festivals and Events-
Thousands of visitors make Geneva their destination each year. Many seek out the fun activities that take place during annual award winning festivals and events sponsored by the Geneva Chamber of Commerce: Coffee Cup Crawl February 22, 2020 71st Annual Swedish Days Festival June 23-29, 2020 Geneva Fine Arts Fair July 25-26, 2020 Festival of the Vine September 11-13, 2020 Wedding/Bridal Walk November Date TBD Geneva’s Christmas Walk & House Tour December 4-5, 2020
Gather in Geneva-
Adorned in historic charm and on-going celebrations, Geneva has everything you need to make winter just a memory! Whether you are looking for a way to spend a few hours, the night, or several days, visit Geneva and create moments that last a lifetime. For a free visitors guide call 630-232-6060 or visit www.genevachamber.com to discover a complete list of businesses, events and attractions.
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Geneva Chamber of Commerce 2020 Festivals & Events
Coffee Cup Crawl Geneva, Illinois – participating shops around Geneva February 22, 2020 Participating shops and restaurants throughout
Geneva will offer coffee inspired drinks. This is a ticketed event. Visit genevachamber.com for more information.
Geneva Citywide Garage Sale Geneva, Illinois April 24-25, 2020 Garage salers dream! Over one hundred participants in Geneva open their garages from 8 am-4 pm.
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Annual Swedish Days Festival supported by Northwestern Medicine Geneva, Illinois - S. Third Street & W. State Street (Route 38) June 23-28, 2020 Celebrating over 70 years, this “Granddaddy” of
Illinois festivals features a host of family-friendly activities with live musical entertainment, a carnival, Kids’ Day fun, Grand Parade, Sweden Väst, the state’s largest Music Competition, multi-ethnic food plus great shopping in our historic downtown. Geneva’s train station is located just blocks from the festivities.
Geneva Classic Car Shows Geneva, Illinois – Fourth & James St., behind the Kane County Courthouse Thursday evenings in July and August From
6 - 8 P.M., free admission. Check out the antique, custom build, muscle, and sport cars. Enjoy delicious treats and a DJ. Downtown shops, pubs and eateries also stay open late—several offer evening entertainments
Geneva Arts Fair Geneva, Illinois - S. Third Street (South of Route 38) July 25-26, 2020 The unprecedented Geneva Arts Fair transforms
downtown Geneva into a venue for over 150 esteemed artists and draws a crowd of more than 20,000. The juried show was voted #7 in the artfaircalendar.com’s Best Art Fairs in America, a Top 200 Fine Craft Fair by Art Fair SourceBook and a previous winner of “Best Craft or Art Show” by West Suburban Living magazine. Admission is free and includes a children’s art area with special activities.
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Festival of the Vine Geneva, Illinois – W. State (Route 38) & N. Fourth Street September 11-13, 2020 Geneva restaurants create an array of specialties
under an outdoor tent at the “Flavor Fare” partnered with wine and live musical entertainment. An arts and crafts show, flower market, horse-drawn carriage rides and several exceptional wine tasting and dinner events also take place around the historic downtown.
Geneva’s Christmas Walk & House Tour Geneva, Illinois - S. Third Street & W. State Street (Route 38) December 4-5, 2020 On Friday evening Santa Lucia arrives and Santa
makes his Geneva debut to open his House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies, an old-fashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping. On Friday & Saturday, five distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays by local decorators open their doors to visitors for self-guided tours. This is a ticketed event ($35) and may sell out. Tickets on sale Mid-October.
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PGA Merchandise Show 2020 Written By: Randy Weckerly
Photos Provided By: The Distillery Channel Media
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Thirty-five years of attendance, and this year’s show still holds the mystery of golf and its world magnetism to all who watch and play the game. Kira Peterson, Editor of “Distillery Channel Coffee Journal” and I planned for this annual trek to Orange County Convention Center by trying to get into better physical shape. We plan on being exhausted as the building itself is 2,500 feet in length. Walking down and back in one trip, you have covered a mile. When we check our “steps” at the end of the day, we registered 15,000 or more each day. The Convention Center provides stations for twenty-minute back and neck messages in the foyer, but we found that a good hot shower in the evening begins to dull the pain.
• More than 50 miles of pilings have been driven into the ground to support the West Building. There are 1,105 pilings under Hall A. Ranging in length from 105-488 feet, the average piling is 170 feet in length. Our Diary is as Follows:
Day 1: Flight and Demo Day Outside
Fun Facts: The Size of Orange County Convention Center Total Square Footage: Total: 7 million Exhibition Space Total: 2,053,820 square feet • The main span of the Brooklyn Bridge (all 1,595 feet) could fit inside the West • Building’s contiguous exhibition space, which is 2,500 feet in length. • The Valencia Ballroom has more square feet than the White House. This ballroom can hold events for up to 6,000 people.
We leave at 4:15 A.M. for a brief 60-minute drive to Chicago O’Hare Airport from our home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Our goal is to get to the Outdoor Golf Demo Day where we can try all the latest in golf equipment and feel the warmth of the Florida sunshine. The week before our departure we read that record highs were the norm in Orlando. Well, much to our surprise, when we arrived in Orlando, we picked up only 12 degrees, as a cold snap set in the evening before. On top of that, we were greeted by a steady 40 mph wind coming from the North.
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But no problem, our ride would be here soon, picking us up from the airport. Nope, that didn’t happen either. Lyft was Miss Kira’s choice and we headed to the Convention center to drop our bags, get our credentials, (this tradeshow is not open to the public), and then head out by shuttle to Demo Day. The sun did occasionally feel good, but not an enjoyable day to hit golf balls. We cut our trip short and headed to “The Golf Channel” for the evening public relations event and talk about Travel Ireland. We met up with old friends and left with a laugh on our face having heard Connor Moore, famous for his impersonations of golf personalities. He is quite funny and has an edge.
Conor Moore’s Best Golfer Impression at the 148th Open: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdBGALIJpfQ
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Day 2: First Day of the PGA Show As we have learned in past years, it is quite a walk just to warm up for the day, getting from the parking lot to the convention center front atrium. However, dropping ourselves into the Media Center, as we have credentialed media status, we find the grapefruit juice, bagels and donut table hasn’t improved since last year, but at least it is free. We see old friends, stake out our ground in the writing area, drop our brief cases and head down to the show floor.
The Opening of the PGA Show is always something special. This year we had to make a choice to see the opening hosted by Charlie Rymer or to attend Titleist’s event in the 2,200-seat theater. We chose Titleist and as luck would have it, it was the right choice. Jim Nantz, CBS main commentator for golf and “Voice of the Masters” each year, spent about 35 minutes interviewing the Titleist’s “PGA Pro of the Year”, Eric Eshelman of the Country Club of Birmingham, Alabama and former Secretary of State, the Honorable Condoleezza Rice.
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After the interview, we did meet up with great friends at Vcaddy. Vcaddy is new service and company showing for the first year. They have created a video method which allows you to see you play a how to play the hole before you tee off, by using a QR Code on each tee with instruction by the home club pro. Their booth was very active, so we did a short video of introduction for Facebook and headed to our other friend’s booth at the show. If you would like more information on Vcaddy. More Information at: www.vcaddy.com
We met up with Al Vorster and his wife and business partner, Rozelle, owners of “Golf Air”, a Luxury Golf Air Charter travel company from South Africa. We have met with Al at the past three PGA Shows; and I became fascinated in their 5-star trips synchronized with Rovos Rail of South Africa.
Al and Rozelle became great friends during this show and we are looking forward to creating a group to travel with us to experience the train, plane, safari, golf and superb dining experiences along the way on this 13-day adventure. We did shoot a Facebook live video and always enjoy finding out the up to date changes and advancements to their trips. As Rozelle shared during our time, “We look forward to watching the sun go down and sharing a slow cooked dinner that Al will provide when we travel to South Africa”. You can find no more genuine people than Al and Rozelle and we consider them friends of a lifetime. More Information at: www.golfair.co.za.
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This evening we attended a party hosted by “The Zimmerman Agency”. Having a “cool one and some appetizers” seemed to bring us back to life. We met with great friends and potential new clients for our podcasts and interviews. “XGolf” is a new company with an interesting take on have a drink or two, while playing golf indoors. More Information at: www.xgolfamercia.com
To name a few: We visited with “Wilson Golf” at the Equipment Testing Center, looked for golf clubs for Miss Kira; the “SeeMore Putter” company looked for the right putter; “Vessel Bags” looked for the right golf bag and travel luggage, “Hannah Childs Lifestyles” enjoyed a great and contemporary line of clothing. We even visited with “France Travel and Lodging” for our first trip to Europe, which will expand Miss Kira’s invitations to join her in learning what playing golf is all about on a global scale. Day 3: The Legs are Barking Since this is the second year of “Miss Kira 18+1 Steps into Golf ”, an effort to grow the game we began in 2018 in deference to the LPGAs #inviterHer program, we began informing potential manufacturers and businesses who might want to partner with us to “Grow the Game”. Women coming into golf or those who have never been invited is what #inviteHer encompasses. We visited with over 40 manufacturers, travel companies, which included some friends we know who want to get involved with us.
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All in all, we visited with another 25 companies and most are looking at joining and helping in this year “Miss Kira Steps” along the way. Miss Kira can be heard each week on two podcasts, “The Happy Hour Lifestyle Show” and “The Next Taste Show”, both found on “The Distillery Channel”. Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ thedistillerychannel/ Day 4: The Golf Channel Visit and Go Home
Generally, we find going to the show on the last day not to be productive. This year was different as we were just running out of time getting to all of those who wanted to meet Miss Kira. However, we saved enough time to return to “The Golf Channel” and spend about an hour catching up with friends. It appears there are big changes coming to the world of golf, television and electronic media delivery of such, but I will save that for next month’s article.
Miss Kira and I headed for the airport and enjoyed a great Italian lunch, not worrying about the calories, while waiting for our flight to the Northland. However, the pain of walking over 34 miles in three days was sinking into all of our persona and ibuprofen was the main course on the plane going home. I am sure we will recover, but it happens every year and those in golf can’t wait for the next PGA Show to pop up on the January calendar. We just hope next year, temps in the 70s and 80s would join us during our stay in Florida. However, snow flurries and wind chill greeted us upon our return. Aahhh, but the hot shower …oh so good.
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JUST MINUTES FROM Fort Lauderdale International Airport & Port Everglades
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Over the years, we’ve won several awards; most notably our C Porter, which won gold at the Great American Beer Fest in 2017.
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Anything In it?
Written By: Bob Aldrich
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My grandfather, of English heritage, often drank tea. I was introduced to tea, long before coffee. As a five, or six-year-old, I was given tiny cups of sassafras tea, with milk and sugar. This was a rare treat when we went to visit Grandpa. My father, however, rarely drank tea, and thought of it as a poor weak substitute for coffee, and required half and half, or cream in his strongly brewed coffee. Eventually, I was allowed to taste coffee, but it was sugared, and creamed, and not very much coffee. So, my concept of coffee was that it was sweet…like tea…and creamy. We lived in Northern Illinois, and winter meant snow, and ice. What does an avid fisherman do in winter? Well, in the Northern Midwest, one puts away the rod and reel, with the summer weight clothes, and dusts off the ice fishing gear. A heavy iron bar, and auger to punch a hole in the ice, an ice fishing jig, and a bucket to place upside down for a seat. Then, long underwear, warm socks warmest flannel in the drawer, boots, gloves, hat all must be gathering the night before. A bag of baloney sandwiches hastily assembled in the morning, would become nearly frozen by lunchtime. The dad’s most important survival sustenance was their thermoses of coffee. As adolescents, my friend and I were not avid coffee drinkers yet, so there might have been some water, or other beverage for us.
Depending on “where they’re bitin”, we would sometimes drive over to the Mississippi River. One brisk Saturday, we were on the ice on the river by 9, or 10 AM, drilled our hole, set up our buckets, and baited our jigs. No one was getting bites, the wind was stiff, and the temperature somewhere around 15 degrees F. Staying warm was becoming the dominant activity, but we were there to FISH. Sometime around noon, frigid baloney sandwiches were pulled from a bag, and we chomped them down, hoping to gain some heat energy. The water we kid had, required some shaking to free some water from the ice forming in the bottle. My dad had finished his coffee, but his fishing buddy still had some in his thermos and offered me some. He said, “it’s just straight black, but you may have some”. The prospect of anything warm was heaven sent. That straight black warm coffee was the best thing I had ever swallowed!! It was the first time I had ever had straight black coffee, and I have appreciated having it that way for many years. More recently I have widened my tastes. I have lived in Wisconsin for quite some time, and long ago realized the many benefits of real maple syrup. I even made some maple syrup myself on a very small scale a time or two. People are often eye rolling, head shaking when they see me pour a teaspoon of maple syrup into my coffee, but it is very tasty, and what I’ve come to think of as “northern coffee”. I even now use a little half and half, or milk. And once in a while, I’ll even have a cup of sassafras tea!!
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BMW Championship Medinah Country Club Written By: Randy Weckerly
Photos Provided By: The Distillery Channel Media Team
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Getting into the Top 30 of the FedEx Cup this week is the golf. Qualifying here, so one can chase the $15 million is the goal at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia next week. To blow away the field in doing do, is what Justin Thomas did during the BMW Championship this week. Justin watched a sixshot lead melt to a three-shot victory in the end on this Sunday, over the on rush of scoring of one Patrick Cantlay, who shot 65. That is where I stop writing about numbers and stats. You can find stats, charts, and golfer stories across the Internet. This column is about the experience of attending a practice for a mom and her daughter and a dad and his son. Two different experiences and sharing the same and time while going in the same car.
Kira Peterson, “Miss Kira” is the daughter of Andrea Peterson. Miss Kira is cohost of “Happy Hour Lifestyle Show”, “The Next Taste Show” and Editor of this magazine. Miss Kira has been involved in golf during the past two years due to the culture of the members of The Distillery Channel Media Team and our podcast “The Happy Hour Lifestyle Show.” Miss Kira being totally invested in her introduction to the game, invited her mother to go with her to the BMW Championship.
My son Adam and I are on the other end of the golf spectrum. Adam was introduced to the game at my driving range in 1998 and became quite a player in his own right. I have been in golf and played competitively over the past 40 years. However, this day at Medinah Country Club was just about sharing the day at a golf event, father and son style. I played in a US Open 36 qualifying in May 1984 on the Big Course, where this event is being played today. I missed going to the next level of qualifying, but I did have a top five on this wonderful layout by shooting a 73 in the morning round. Shooting a 73 was considered pretty good at the time. I was recovering from a severely torn Achilles tendon five months prior. Needless to say, when I see the scores that Justin and Patrick are shooting today, I feel quite puny in the world of golf. My goodness these fine young men are so good today. It could be the equipment, balls, training and team methods do make a difference today…. or I was just not this good…I will go with the latter.
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Miss Kira, Andrea, Adam and I began the day by parking too soon in the neighborhood environment surrounding this venue. We had about a two-mile walk on gravel, broken pavement and growing bad attitudes before getting to the gate. My Achilles tendon of years back, still gives me fits, and this walk was no way to begin the day, when we were going to be walking one of the largest venues in golf. It was a beautiful sun filled day, with temps in the 80s and no clouds. We first went to the practice range. For Adam and I this is a real treat and motivator for perfecting the golf game while watching the “best of the best”, top 70, making it look so easy on every shot. Adam was inspired competitively at the end of the day, in seeing this culture of professional golf, as he has the potential with time and effort to be inside the ropes himself. Miss Kira and Andrea were good sports, but after sitting on hot metal benches in unshaded sunshine on the practice range, they decided to go for a walk and see up close what the golf course and players looks like to the novice.
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My feeling is they had a great time. Shade along the way became a luxury but stopping in the merchandise venue and seeing the handsome men on tour, is not a bad way to spend the time together. Adam and I were focused on watching the different training and practice regimens on the practice tee. Each player has his own way of warming up. Keegan Bradley spent hours on the right side of the range working diligently with his coach and team. Phil Mickelson joined in about 1 P.M. with his new restart body, 15 pounds lighter and somewhat unrecognizable due to the weight loss. He just went through a six-day coffee enhanced “cleans” which seemed to be very affective.
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I had Adam focus on Justin Thomas and his coach, who is also Justin’s father. A lifelong PGA Professional himself, he taught Justin all he knows about the game. He uses the same equipment Adam and I use when I work with Adam, our iPhone, taking pictures and golf swings along the way. Swing, hit, repeat, review, change a little here or there, repeat…that is the day for father and son on the range.
As a dad, seeing the father/son duo work on the range in the same manner as any dad would touches my heart. I admire the ethic and the fine gentlemen of the game. I learned much over my years in golf, and it is the father/son duos that have great success. Jim Furyk, Davis Love III and Nancy Lopez benefitted from their start in working with their fathers. Growing up in this culture and seeing not only the golf talent but the maturity and gentleness of Justin and his father is truly a space all young men could benefit from growing into adulthood.
We did watch Jordan Spieth warm up for quite a while. Justin and Jordan grew up together and competed many times along the way. It is inspirational for my son, as any son or daughter, to see both of these, now mega-millionaires, work on their games yet today as hard as they did in past years. Justin’s game went on to an amazing victory at the end of the week, picking up $1,665,000.00 for his effort. Jordan finished tied with five others in 37th, one of whom was Tiger Woods and took home $40,700.00. One can see it is “GOOD” to finish number 1. At the end of the day, Miss Kira and her mother, Adam and I realized we now had a two to three mile walk back to our car, with my left knee “barking” along the way. All four of us had a great time but for many different reasons. Andrea is a good sport trying to figure this event out, and what the world of golf is all about. Kira became dehydrated and Gatorade was her newfound friend. Adam became inspired to practice harder and see where he can take his own game. And me, “the Ole Guy”, I just enjoyed the day being with my son and friends. There is no better time than being at a great golf venue, sharing conversation, history of the game while being in nature. It would be wonderful if magic happened and I saw my son on the other side of the ropes someday. As for now, life is good experiencing Medinah Country Club 35 years after I had competed on this same grand venue. I am glad I am where I am at in life. Being a father with my son, nothing could be better. And I am blessed to have four great sons.
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Photo Provided By: Medinah CC
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Banana Phone Interviews with Miss Kira and Ole Uncle Randy
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Distilleries-Breweries-Wineries of the World Show Every nuance of flavor in the glass is a part of the larger story of the people who created it. these are their stories.
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