As a lifelong traveler, I have always been enjoyed taking the road less traveled, the backroads, and those that provide a unique experience.  Because my background had me traveling across the United States before I was out of first grade (I went to 13 different schools between Kindergarten and 12^th Grade), I have had my share of interesting encounters, adventure stories, and have made stops at places most people pass by.

My family taught reading via historical markers, and my children have learned that way as well.  We have seen the geographic center of the United States, the 50 States, and North America.  We have tried hot chocolate in France and Spain.  We have made the detour to see the world’s largest ball of twine; as well as Fred Smith’s Concrete Park.  As part of these adventures, I have been on the hunt for unique wines, craft beers, and now the new craft distilled products.

Back in the 80’s there were some niche’ locations, Napa, New Mexico, some in Pennsylvania, and some in Virginia.  Craft beers were very limited (and if you go to the National Brewery Museum in Potosi, WI you will find that there was a drop and now a steady resurgence of the local Brewer.)  And, even your distilled products such as bourbon, and whiskey had limited sourcing.

Today, you can go to many locations and learn the history of the specific industry, for example, there are Arkansas Vintners that have been in business prior to Prohibition (they made sacramental wine to get them through).  Some locations are new such as Oklahoma.  Similar trends can be found with beers and now the custom distillers are beginning to appear in some unusual locations – Moore, OK, and Wyoming.

So, join me in exploring the wide variety of spirits that can be found across the United States as well as learning about some wonderful places to visit when you are on that adventure!