In our travels of the lower 48 continuous states, one of the things we love to do is visit distilleries! Obviously, we have not visited EVERY distillery in EVERY state. The listings are what we consider to be the best distilleries, wineries, and unique bars we have visited.
Sorry, Dave and I are not beer drinkers. We cannot make any recommendations to you about the best breweries in the country!
The following distilleries, wineries and bars are listed alphabetically by state based on categories.
No person, business or attraction has paid us for an endorsement.
Cocktail Bars (no food)
We have listed only two cocktail bars. They are both exceptional! Both make their own liquors and offer them as cocktails. We had always heard the terms “mixologist” and “bartender” used interchangeably. They are NOT the same! These two cocktail bars clarified to us the difference between a mixologist and a bartender. Both Backwards and Headframe have mixologists!
No tours of their distilleries were available, but both use their own products in their cocktails.
Montana
Butte, MT https://www.headframespirits.com/
Headframe Spirits distills their own gin, vodka and whiskey. Headframe is located in the historic Uptown Butte district. It has a laid back atmosphere. There is a two-drink limit in 24 hours. They are not a traditional bar, but a place to try new cocktails. Our favorites? Strawberry Rhubarb Gin-rita and Orphan Girl Bourbon Cream.
Wyoming
Casper, WY https://www.backwardsdistilling.com/
Backwards Distilling Company distills gin, moonshine, rum, vodka and whiskey. Backwards is located in downtown Casper. Started in 2014 by the Pollard Family, Backwards offers a casual, funky, circus atmosphere with expert mixologists. Menus change quarterly with the seasons. Our favorites? Strubarb Pie and Freak Show.
Distilleries (no food)
The following are all distilleries that just offer tours or samplings. No food is offered for sale. All offer alcohol you can purchase for take home.
Alabama
Foley, Al https://murdercreekdistillery.com/
Murder Creek Distillery offers tastings and sales of their moonshine. It is located in the heart of OWA, an entertainment center with an amusement park and downtown like shopping mall.
Louisiana
Lacassine, LA https://bayourum.com/distillery/
Bayou Rum offers tours and tastings of their signature rum. All of their rums are made from locally grown fresh sugar cane and molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the U.S.
South Carolina
Anderson, SC https://www.palmettodistillery.com/
Palmetto Distillery in downtown Anderson offers a large variety of flavored moonshine and whiskeys. Palmetto Distillery was started in 2011 by two brothers, Trey and Bryan Boggs. They operated the first legal still in South Carolina!
South Dakota
Vale / Sturgis, SD https://fullthrottlesaloon.com/
The Full Throttle Saloon (FTS) is probably best known as being the epicenter of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally held every August and the six season TV show called Full Throttle Saloon (2009 to 2015). Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon and Full Throttle Distillery offers bourbon, rum, vodka and whiskey.
Distilleries with Food
The following are all distilleries which offer a light fare menu or full menus during special events. The liquor is the star attraction.
Missouri
Branson, MO https://missouriridgedistillery.com/
Missouri Ridge Distillery has amazing moonshine and bourbon, all made in the building. We went for the tastings, but were surprised to find out on Friday and Saturday you can reserve a table for their smoked BBQ ribs, brisket and bacon!! Both the moonshine and the bourbon were smooth!
Pennsylvania
Bellefonte, PA https://www.bigspringspirits.com/
The Big Spring Distillery has a light fare menu and flights of their alcohol and premade cocktails. Big Spring is in an old refurbished factory building. The atmosphere is relaxed with indoor and outdoor seating available. There is a nice variety of light fare food to compliment the drinks.
Wineries
Occasionally when visiting a new town, we will go to a winery. Especially if there are no distilleries available! There are a couple that have been exceptional.
Maine
Winterport, ME https://www.winterportwinery.com/
Winterport Winery and Penobscot Bay Brewing Company are both located in “downtown” Winterport, Maine. They offer a wide variety of handcrafted fruit wines from locally sourced fruits. They have a tasting room and retail space where you can buy their wines and craft beers. The Cracklin’ Cranberry wine is legendary!
Montana
Miles City, MT https://www.tongueriverwinery.com/
Tongue River Winery is a family owned and operated winery located near downtown Miles City. They have been open since 2010. They make wines entirely from fruit and grapes that grow in Montana or that CAN grow in Montana. They do not use any West Coast (vinifera) grapes or non-hardy fruits.
Bars
Colorado
Golden, CO https://thegoldenmill.com/
The Golden Mill has self-pour tap walls! You can try everything from wine to beer to ciders to margaritas. Pay by the ounce. Try as many as you like! The food is an intriguing mix of barbeque, Mexican and sushi. Deck dining overlooking the Coors Factory. The Esquites? The best EVER!
Minnesota
Austin, MN https://gravitystormbrewery.com/
Gravity Storm Brewery Cooperative is a local downtown bar in Austin, MN. What makes this local bar stand out from others is its “Beer It Forward” program. Customers can purchase a gift card from the bartender and place it on the board for a friend or stranger. Cards commonly are left for first responders, teachers, and veterans. When someone matching the card’s description shows up, s/he can pull the card off the board and redeem it for a free beer!
Montana
Miles City, MT https://themontanabar.com/
The Montana Bar is a must visit, just to say you have been there. It opened in 1908 and has been operating ever since. It has a tremendous amount of character. Much of the interior is the same as it was 100 years ago. The glass tile floor is the same, the wooden booths are the same, as is the gorgeous wooden bar.
Texas
Bandera, TX https://11thstcowboybar.com/
11th Street Cowboy Bar is a funky bar located on a back street in Bandera. If you are lucky, you can see a horse tied up outside and a cowboy who just came in from working the range having a drink inside! The Biggest Little Bar in Texas has hosted Live on CNN during the 2008 Texas Presidential Primary and Texas Elections! The 11th Street Bar has the only jet-cooled dance floor and patio in Texas with a bandstand featuring top Texas talent every week. It is an experience.
Other Than Alcohol
Life is not just about alcohol. And there is no other category to put this drink in!
Utah
Salt Lake City, UT https://swigdrinks.com/
Swig is a drive-through beverage “store” offering “dirty sodas”. It is a local thing , and that is what they are called! Soda (Dr. Pepper, Coke, Mt. Dew and Pepsi) is blended with other ingredients. My favorite was the Raspberry Dream (Dr. Pepper, raspberry puree and coconut crème). Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it!
Take Away
In the U.S., there are probably a million places to drink alcohol, or (a few) dirty sodas! In our travels, we have tried many. Some places have beers and wines just like every other bar, but they have done something that made them stand out, for example, Gravity Storm Brewery and their “beer it forward” concept.
Two places standout for their mixology: Backwards and Headframe.
All have something special about them that makes us remember them above all others.
Your partners in travel,
Kathryn, Dave and Lucky
RVing Nomads
It’s a lifestyle
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