Iowa Spring-Summer 21 - 14

CENTURY FARMS

Ryan and Amanda Bare at Century Farms are part
of a warm welcome to the Northwest Land of
Farms and Lakes.
CENTURY FARMS

whiskey isn't much different than growing it for
livestock or ethanol, but he and Sara have learned
that field corn is better suited for distilling than
sweet corn. They also recognize the benefits of
place. " The black soil here makes a huge difference, " Sara told Iowa Farm Bureau. The corn that
is being distilled [at S&B Farms] is nice, sweet, very
good tasting. There's no bitterness to it. "
S&B Farms Distillery products include bourbon,
wheat whiskey, whiskey flavored with apple and
peach, hot cinnamon whiskey, and spicy pineapple
jalapeño moonshine.
In addition to S&B products, the Bancroft storefront and tasting room carries homemade barbecue sauces, jams, salsa, and more. And to make
sure you don't run out of cocktail ideas for the
distillery products you take home, the website
offers loads of creative ideas.
The Fun. After harvesting the goodness at
Century Farms, spend some time in Spencer.
Feed your muse at Arts on Grand and Vermeer
Glass Art. Soak in the talent of Iowa artists; sign up
for a class to make your own artsy magic; or take
home a memory of your travels-and a new family
heirloom.
The exhibit gallery at Arts on Grand hosts a
variety of local art as well as occasional live music
from local musicians. A gift shop offers art, books
and other items from local and Midwestern artists
and authors. At Vermeer Glass Art, Jim and Julie
Vermeer open their studio and gallery to visitors.

14 IOWA SPIRITS

They create fusible color glass in decorative glass
plates, bowls, and displays. And oh, what
mind-blowing colors they use!
Enjoy other shopping opportunities in Spencer's
historic district, along Spencer Main Street and
historic Grand Avenue.
If the great outdoors is more your thing, hike
the trails at Oneota Park, explore the expansive
trail system and enjoy nature at Stolley's Pond. You
can also camp, kayak and fish at Scharnberg Park,
with its 15-acre pond (including a handicap-accessible fishing pier), a swimming beach, and a campground and three year-round cabins.
After you've sampled the treasures in Spencer,
consider winding down in the Okoboji Lake region.
This beautiful chain of glacier-carved lakes covers
approximately 15,000 acres in northwest Iowa's
Great Lakes region, including Iowa's largest natural
lake, Spirit Lake, and five interconnected lakes.
Besides their beauty, these lakes offer a natural
playground all year round. Whether you prefer
water or land; summer or winter, fall or spring;
comfortable resorts or back-to-nature campgrounds; burning calories or consuming them;
gourmet or down-to-earth-or any combination
of the above-you can find it here.
The Food & Drink. If you're still in the mood
for craft beverages, visit the West O Beer taproom
in the Okoboji Lake Region. Knowing how important water is to great beer, West O uses spring-fed
water from West Okoboji Lake (hence its name).

Iowa Spring-Summer 21

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