A DAY IN
DWIGHT A meadery, bank designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and more, all found in this village off Route 66 Story and Photos by Hannah Hoffmeister
H
ead southeast about 40 miles from Starved Rock State Park, and you’ll arrive in Dwight. Dwight Harvest Days, a celebration held in late summer and scheduled for Sept. 16-19 this year, features the legendary Basset Waddle, in which basset hounds from far and wide are the main stars of the annual parade. “Dwight is a doggone
good town!” became the town’s slogan, and in 2010, local artists painted 11 fiberglass dogs, which are now placed in prominent community spots. Starved Rock Country Magazine spent a day in Dwight to see what it had to offer for readers in need of a fun day trip — what makes it so doggone good? Here’s what we saw along the way:
UNPOSSIBLE MEAD
p Brian Galbreath, the owner of Unpossible Mead, stands behind the bar. He’s owned the 123-year-old space since July 2017.
28 | Spring 2021 • Starved Rock Country
111 E. Chippewa St. Brian Galbreath knew he was on the right track when he won the Mazer Cup — in his words, the “Super Bowl of mead” — in 2016 with what would become his Cherry Bomber mead. Fast-forward to September 2018: Dwight Harvest Days and the opening of Unpossible Mead. He opened with three meads, a lineup that has only since grown. Mead is an alcoholic drink made from honey, typically best served chilled. “My bees took off on me this summer,” says Galbreath. For about a year before their escape, he cared for them and used their honey for the mead. “I think I’ll get bees again; it’s enjoyable,” he says, adding his second hive might be more of a hobby hive than his main honey source. Making mead is a lot like cooking for Galbreath, who’s from the Coal City area. For a traditional taste, try the Basswood Blossom. Tastes Like Toffee is a 2021 release; look for hints of butterscotch and eucalyptus. Cherry Bomber, bottled with a bright red and blue label, is another standout. “I tend to do cherry really well,” Galbreath says. Unpossible Mead is open Saturdays from 3 to 9 p.m.; check back in the spring for updated hours. When you go, look for the two honey-themed baby photos on the walls, one of which shows a sleeping newborn in a pot labeled “honey.” That’s Declan, Galbreath’s 2-year-old son. The two photos were Father’s Day presents.
