Are You That Woman

Discovering Las Plumas

In 1820, Captain Louis Arguello explored portions of a stream in northeastern California. Impressed by the large number of bright-feathered waterfowl, he named the stream El Rio de Las Plumas, “River of the Feathers.”  From this the names Plumas County and Feather River were born. Nearly 200 years ago, early visitors discovered the diversity of Plumas County’s wildlife riches. Hunting and fishing, of course, but also the attraction of wildlife viewing. Today, wildlife and nature viewing is a popular pastime throughout the steep ridges and mountain valleys of Plumas County— birds, mammals, reptiles and insects are abundant. 

After a brief winter nap, spring awakens the wilds and wonders of Plumas County. In their four-season wet or dry years, Plumas County always delivers on the promise to OMG! you at every turn. Scenic back roads, world-class golf, amazing wildflowers, open space with views for days, outdoor recreation for all ages and desires – hike, bike, fish, boat, camp – or just enjoy hushed moments under blue or star-studded skies.  A drier than normal winter may mean fewer wildflowers in spring and summer.  Mule’s ear, larkspur, yellow meadow buttercups, lupine, California poppies and the rare California pitcher plant  in Butterfly Valley are just a few of the dazzling flora to be discovered.  The best and busiest season is May through July.

More than 85 percent of the Plumas National Forest’s 1.1 million acres are within Plumas County.  However, in the past six years essentially two thirds of the forest was affected by wildfires which has also impacted all the natural wonders.  Claiming more than 100 lakes and 1,000 miles of rivers and streams, open space defines Plumas County. The Feather River Land Trust has preserved more than 100,000 acres of private lands. The Maddalena Ranch and Heart K Ranch are open year-round for birding and hiking.  Plumas County is Mecca for birdwatchers and nature lovers of all ages. The Plumas Audubon Society offers guided bird walks. Learn about the birds of Lake Almanor in the mountain meadows of Plumas County. Two official California Watchable Wildlife viewing sites are found in Plumas County – Antelope Lake/Indian Creek and Lake Davis. Camping, hiking, biking, fishing and boating are all part of the wildlife and nature tourism experience. Bring your binoculars, camera, and Plumas County Birding Guide along for the ride.

Locavores eat, shop, and learn local
After winter passes, the season of good things from the Earth awakens. Fresh is good and so very good for you.  Could there be a better triple threat for visitors and residents than shop local, eat healthy, and support Plumas County farmers and cottage industries?  Back in the Gold Rush Era, there was a long tradition of market gardening and local retail that evolved in response to the needs of miners and pioneers. That rich heritage is alive and growing in Plumas County. 

Seasonal farmers markets provide an array of produce, meats, arts and crafts and other local treasures for the heart, soul, and stomach.   The Quincy Certified Farmers Market, Sundays late June through mid-September, is bountiful regional goods, artisans, massages, baked goods and music.  Romano’s Farmers Market, Fridays May (last Friday) – mid-September, is California’s only on-the-farm farmers market.  A true destination, fresh fish, local meat, lamb, and eggs, wine tasting, and free guest chef cooking demos. Yes, good vibrations along with local produce, baked goods, and crafts are happening at the Chester Themed Farmers Market at Chester Park at 190 Willow Street. Check online for dates and times.

At Genessee Valley Ranch, the herd is 100% purebred Black Wagyu beef. These animals are pasture-raised solely on a diet of diversified grasses. Each field is rotated with a variety of native grasses to ensure that both the land and the cattle benefit from a sustainable, environmentally sensitive management program. You can savor a wide variety of farm-fresh offerings including ranch beef at the Genessee Store. Just a few miles up the road, Young’s Market in Taylorsville is a historic landmark selling artisan cheeses and cured meats, great beer and wines, and specialty groceries.

Riley’s Jerky in Greenville is family-owned and operated since 1981. Stop by Monday – Saturday or order online. Enjoy jerky and craft beers on the patio.

Throughout Plumas County, fun fare and libations make this road-trip a must! At the crossroads of highways 70 and 89, The Brewing Lair is craft brew in a wooded wonderland.  Picnics, disc golf, live music, Ricochet Café food truck, and creative ales – it’s family- and dog-friendly, and just ridiculously fun.  In Blairsden, MoFo (mobile food) fanciers will diverge from driving for Bread & Butter food truck where road food has risen to new heights.

Quintopia Brewery is unique and was Quincy’s first brewery in more than a century. The brewer’s specialty is making easy drinking session beers. They feature a diverse menu with an international flare. Don’t miss the Masala chicken loaded fries and cold udon noodle bowl.

New to Chester, Timber Lodge Brewing masterfully crafts ales, lagers, IPAs and porters. For something bolder, the Monkey Face brand of gin, vodka, rye, bourbon and spiced rum will warm the soul.

Bike your cares away in Plumas County!
Mountain biking is big business. In Plumas County, it’s really big and fun. So much so, that they have amazing biking events. There are three “century” rides throughout the county – Mile High, Tour de Manure, Lost & Found Gravel Festival – with picturesque mountain and lake views accessible to all skill levels. Trails beginning at the base of Indian Valley take advanced riders to mountain ridges overlooking the valley. A free Plumas Mountain Biking Trail Guide, available online, details rides in Eastern and Central Plumas County and the Lake Almanor Basin.  If mountain biking isn’t your obsession, downshift and bike Plumas County backcountry roads – they’re traffic- and stress-free.

Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has been instrumental in expanding trails throughout Plumas and Sierra counties. The Quincy-based nonprofit has developed the Mills Peak Trail in Graeagle, the South Park trail system in Quincy and is currently in the midst of phase two of the Mount Hough project, which will add 38 miles of new multi-use trails on Hough by next year. Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship's legacy project, Connected Communities, aims to revitalize Lost Sierra mountain towns through the creation of a 564-mile multi-use singletrack trail that would connect 15 towns, including Truckee and Reno.

Mountain biking is not allowed in wilderness areas or on the Pacific Crest Trail.

For more information, visit:  plumascounty.org. 
Many businesses have seasonal hours of operation. Check online or call ahead. 

Originally published:

Mickey Abbey, Artist, Custom GlassWorks Holy hits keep on coming

Mickey Abbey, a Sacramento native, and Midtown dweller started his stained glass art business more than 45 years ago at 18th and L streets. Next door to Mario’s Italian Cellar, now Crepeville, Custom GlassWorks By Mickey survived changing times, while other familiar Sacramento haunts faded away. Mickey’s Wonder Woman (circa 1982) which graced the Crocker Museum and the glass canopy over Kupro’s Craft House are Midtown landmarks.

In his own words:  "I took a painting class at San Francisco State and discovered my art DNA. After four years working in Macy’s Union Square display department, I returned to my Sacramento roots. You come home because it’s comfortable.  Back in the day, Midtown was happening. We were just a group of guys doing a craft shop – Beginning – with woodwork, metal, sculpture, and stained glass.  There was nothing else down here at that time. 

I have come full circle doing today what I did in the '70s. Work and live in my studio, the doors open, impromptu music. It hasn‘t changed much. There weren't so many people living down here and everyone gathered at a handful of places – most no longer exist. Now, the choices are unlimited."

Never one to be idle, Mickey continues to create and share his art. Now more than ever. A recent commission of two stained-glass windows at Marysville First United Methodist Church in Yuba County, pays witness to his incredible talents. Hundreds of pieces of glass - cut by hand - were painstakingly assembled into this Biblical display. After weeks of worrying - something Mickey rarely does - the windows were installed May 8, 2024. Commissioned by church member Lelah Holmes in memory of her husband, the artwork was created by a church member. A higher power and an internet search led Pastor Glen to Mickey's studio to bring the sketch to life. Sadly, Lelah passed away last year, but her children and grandchildren celebrate this lasting gift.  

With more projects waiting in the wings, this is certainly not Mickey's swan song and guarantees he won't have to wait at the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter will be there ready to let him in.

Can we get an Amen?

If my Subaru can't get me there, that's a good reason not to go!

Oka-Bs still Made in the USA 2021

OKA b. Shoes that Love You - Originally published 2012

And yet another product I already owned and bought last year because....drum roll...they were Made in the USA. I needed some new slip-ons. Not for spa use necessarily, but to have for that quick footwear and out the door. I did go with the basic black, but these come in some really great styles and colors.

Oka-B really are comfortable and affordable, too! The website states, "A shoe that's 100% recyclable, waterproof, Made in the USA and priced under $40."  And they give you guidance on recycling their sandals and all the other great eco-friendly stuff they do.

Made in the southern quadrant of the USA in Buford, Georgia. Where? Okay, near Atlanta. These sandals are fun, fanciful, frilly, fierce, and Made in the USA! You know, they're kind of like flip flops on steroids.  Hey, I wonder if I could find a real pair of flops Made in the USA. Do you know?

PS - They're vegan, too!

Made in America: Florence & New Italian Art Company

Yes, Made in America has been a mantra. Embraced by many. Now, more than ever, it should be embraced by all Americans. During the pandemic, we could clearly see how out-sourcing nearly all of our manufacturing put us at an economic disadvantage. Many everyday items - appliances, electronics, parts - were unavailable or taking many weeks or months to arrive. This was not the case pre-COVID.

So, when I decided to buy a new garden birdbath I would have nothing other than "Made in America". Thanks to online searches, I quickly located Florence & New Art Company. Imagine my delight and doing a joyful dance!

Family-owned and operated for decades, the original Florence Art Company was founded in 1916 by Tuscan artisans living in San Francisco. A leading San Francisco statuary manufacturer established in the 1920s, New Italian Art Company, bought Florence in 1950 and the next generation of garden art began. One of the West Coast's premier manufactures of garden décor, Florence & New Italian Art Company hand-casts a wide variety of fountains, birdbaths, containers, and assorted garden accents.

I immediately called the Hayward-based company. Yes, they were still making birdbaths. And incredibly, my local Ace Hardware of Chico was one of their distributors. Just two tiny glitches.  (1) Ace Hardware was out of the hummingbird birdbath I was seeking. (2) COVID! In the early days of the pandemic, Florence & New Italian Art Company was not considered essential and had to close down for several weeks. By the time they re-opened, they were many weeks behind in manufacturing.  The ups and downs of being a small, locally-owned, operated and Made in America company. Sigh.

I would not be deterred, the birdbath was ordered and the waiting began. Tick tock. The days and then weeks slipped by. Every so often I would call to confirm. "Yes, we have your order." The promise was always "soon". Months passed.

Then, sometime in November the call finally came. My birdbath was in on truck and on its way from Hayward to Chico. The long wait was over. I could hardly contain my joy. Now mind you, I had never actually seen this birdbath. I was hoping against all hope that it would be everything my garden and bathing birds would love. 

And it is! The proof is in the splashing. 

We all scream for Long Island Ice Cream

Rating:  Star*Star*Star*Star*Star*
Thank you so much for being there on one of those painfully hot days. One of our rare "eat out" moments during Covid-19 - we were so happy to see Mariam there behind the counter. We went home with hand-packed pints of salted caramel and vanilla bean - brought miles of smiles and lovingly enjoyed that evening on fresh baked peach cobbler.They carry delicious Gunther's Ice Cream - a Sacramento tradition for many decades. Thank you Long Island Ice Cream for being there for the long haul in the neighborhood on the Boulevard.  This wasn't our first tasty foray and it won't be our last. 

Don't miss out on all of the deliciously prepared ice cream delights and cupcakes! Custom crafted milkshakes and smoothies, too! Oh, yes, made to order coffee drinks - every cup freshly brewed featuring (take your pick) Pete's, Starbucks, and the very local, Temple Coffee. It's all perfection and about keeping you happy and coming back for more.

When you walk the #shoplocal #shopsmall #supportyoursmallbusiness talk you should know that Ken, the owner, born, raised, and living in Oak Park.

Heart your local farmers with a Taste of Butte County

The Sierra Oro Farm Trail will celebrate its annual Passport Weekend in partnership with Chico State’s Virtual Alumni &  Family Weekend on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

In an effort to keep our community, visitors, farmers and wineries safe, the Sierra Oro Farm Trail is pivoting to a virtual effort this year with deliciously creative options in place. Instead of in-person visits, direct-order tasting boxes from farms and wineries on the trail will be available for delivery or curbside pick-up the first week of October. Boxes will arrive in time to coincide with the virtual farm-to-fork tasting opportunities presented through hosted interactive online tasting videos through a partnership with California State University, Chico’s Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement .

“This year, residents and guests can tour, taste and toast their way through the Sierra Oro Farm Trail without leaving their homes,” said Nicole Johansson, organizer of the Sierra Oro Farm Trail since 2004. “A purchase of a tasting box supports family farms and wineries and allows everyone to partake in a variety of virtual tasting experiences that keep our ‘meet the farmer’ experience alive for loyal trail goers.”

California State University, Chico’s Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, a 16-year partner in the Sierra Oro Farm Trail’s signature passport weekend, is inviting parents and alumni to celebrate Virtual Alumni and Family Weekend by participating in the tastings and tasting box delivery.

“This is a great way for us to engage parents and alumni in celebrating our local community and college atmosphere while students are distance learning,” said Shari Anderson, director of the University’s Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement. Plans for virtual family weekend can be found here. The site will be updated as plans unfold.

Food, wine and craft beer enthusiasts can order a Sierra Oro Farm Trail tasting box starting August 17, 2020. For less than the price of two passports and a tank of gas (valued at $150), guests can experience a virtual tasting experience by selecting from three tasting options at www.sierraoro.org.

• Food Box $79.99: Will include farm-fresh products made in Butte County, including Lundberg Family Farm’s debut of its new Organic Rice Cake Minis.
• Food and Beverage Box $124.99: Will include all food box items plus two bottles of wine and a limited-edition bottle of the new Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Farm Trail Harvest Baltic Porter, which will be available in limited quantities starting this fall. The first 500 Sierra Oro tasting box orders will receive the sample in their shipment. For more information on the beer collaboration visit www.sierraoro.org
• Sierra Oro Farm Trail Case of Wine $249.99: Will include a case of 12 wine bottles from Sierra Oro Farm Trail boutique wineries.

As part of the University’s participation, beef sticks from the California State University, Chico Meats Lab are included in the tasting boxes. The University Farm has also provided peaches from its beloved peach orchard for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s Farm Trail Harvest Baltic Porter.

Virtual tastings will take place to coincide with the items in the tasting box. Interactive videos will run on the University’s GoToMeeting Platform, registration will be required to attend , space is limited. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will debut Sierra Oro Farm Trail Baltic Porter and a toast to Butte County. Maisie Jane Hurtado, Anders Lundberg, Dave Daley from the University Farm will participate in the video.

Three great choices of boxed Butte County foods, wine, and beer delivered right to your door! My box is already on order and will be ready for pick-up the first week in October. I can't wait! Order #1257 confirmed.

Sacramento's Best Cookies

Goodie Tuchews wears the crown for more than 35 years! 
Hoping to re-open in early June 2020. Open! Open! Open!

It’s shocking to hear that some of you are not into sweets! A box of expensive chocolate truffles holds no fascination and luscious cakes aren’t your Achilles’ heel. You don’t wait breathlessly for all those candy-laden holidays – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, or Christmas – to be swept away into a sugar coma. However, on the rare occasion when your sweet tooth is itching to be scratched do you know where to go? A place – special above all others – called Goodie Tuchews. Sacramento’s bona fide cookie castle and where Terry O’Reilly, owner and lone baker, reigns as the Cookie Queen.

It’s amazing – nay, stunning – that longtime downtown residents and workers say they’ve never noticed the cookie heaven at 1015 L Street (circa 2007) and for many more years at 10th & J streets. Terry’s love affair with cookies pre-dates Goodie Tuchews’ 1981 opening. For five years she honed her cookie skills as a regional manager for Cookie Magoo, a Berkeley cookie chain (which eventually succumbed to the wilds of Mrs. Fields.) Terry had a short-lived break on the road to cookie connoisseur when she went to “live” in Europe . Three months later she was back in Sacramento working at the family-run Goodie Tuchews.

Terry’s dad came up with the 10th Street location. Though lackluster, the rent was cheap. And the name? Just a fun play on words, Goodie Tuchews, it was somehow fated. They found out after the fact that people use to call the Cal Western building the “Goodie Two Shoes Building ” because it housed so many non- profits. Terry, along with her father, Gerald, and six siblings crafted their cookies. Six Cookie Magoo recipes (Terry was granted these as long as she stayed out of the Bay Area) evolved into 19 and a local cookie legend was born. Eventually the other family members left the business and Terry became the cookie maven in 1994.

In more than 25 years at her 10th Street shop and now 13 years at 1015 L Street, Terry has baked thousands and thousands of cookies. About relocating she said, “Everything happens for a reason. The new space is luxurious by comparison and a better location.” Though she’s joined the ranks of prettier storefronts, her cookies will never be cookie-cutter. Each one is made with love. The most popular cookie is always the semi-sweet, chocolate chip without nuts. The only cookie to ever be retired was the gingersnap – due to lack of interest. And rumor has it that the chocolate cookie with peanut butter chips is a real “adult cookie”…try it with red wine. My personal favorites are Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut!

Quoting the Cookie Queen:  “People said, ‘We thought you’d never make it!’ I never imagined after more than 35 years that I’d still be doing this. I made myself a job that I love. My motto has always been, Peace & Cookies on Earth!”

I say, "Amen to that and eat more cookies!"  You can also enjoy Sacramento's Best Cookies and Ice Cream Sandwich!

California Made Grace Note Chimes Mariposa

Let the Wind Chimes
To hear the most heavenly sounds click on the wind chime images—harmonically tuned aluminum—longer, clearer resonance. I tell you, once you've heard a Grace Note Chime you'll forever recognize these incredible tones.  With a long history (more than 25 years), the business was born out of the inspiration and dreams of brothers Jeff and Mark Kile. And a successful history it's been. This talented California duo still creates their magic in the small community of Mariposa California not far from Yosemite National Park in a warehouse along scenic Hwy. 49 and the back roads of California's Gold Country.

The chimes are addictive and have a dedicated following. With prices ranging from $42 to hundreds of dollars, lovers of Grace Note are true fans. You too can own one, two, or more of these fabulous California made wind chimes - lyrical works of art. The chimes are available online and also at the Grace Note facility in Mariposa, California.

Grace Note also practices environmentally safe policies in the making of each and every wind chime. To help safeguard the planet for current and future generations Grace Note:

• Recycles 95% or more of total waste

• Scraps of aluminum, saw dust, and shavings always recycled

• Grace Notes Wind Chimes are designed for a lifetime, not the trash can!

• Use only biodegradable soaps and oils for cutting

• No Toxic By-Products Produced When Making Wind Chimes

• They primarily use post consumer cardboard and paper for shipping

• All wind chimes are guaranteed for 10 years and any that are damaged beyond repair will be recycled by Grace Notes.

Buy California-made and California-grown, the job you save may be your own. Lots more great California-made products are coming your way through the Are You That Woman.

Sacramento's Best Cookies
Meet your Makers:  Susan Sipe Rabinovitz
Two Rivers Cider Company

Made in the U.S.A. 2020 High Seas Trading Co. Aloha Face Masks

Another moment to be thankful for all the brilliance and resilience of small businesses throughout the U.S.A. In this case, California - our Golden State - home to family-owned and operated High Seas Trading Co. I was fortunate enough to meet this family-owned and -operated father and son duo some years ago at the Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks.  I was already supporting Made in the U.S.A. and Made in California through many of my travels and online posts. I was thrilled to acquire High Seas Trading Co. California-branded shirts including Historic Highway 101 and California Missions. 

When a random post brought their latest endeavor to my attention, I replied to owner Terrill Agnew and was so honored that he remembered our meeting. And thankful that I can return the honor by helping them promote their newest Made in the U.S.A./California project.

Here's what Terrill had to say about his company's jump to help make face masks during this crisis and providing employment:

March 25, 2020
"And just like that, my shirt factory has shifted production, retooled, and is making much needed face masks for hospitals and clinics. We are all proud to be part of the effort in the Corona Virus fight to provide protective gear to doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, who in my eyes are the front line soldiers in this global crisis.

They are working hard under extreme stress to adapt daily to the new protocols that the pandemic has caused and to protect themselves and the most at risk patients and sadly are short critical gear. It’s unbelievable, worldwide demand has more surged a 1000% , if not more. All supplies and surpluses have been depleted and overseas suppliers have a Covid 19 crisis in their own countries and their respective governments are requiring them to supply their own needs.
    
On Saturday morning, head of my production said hospitals are making video pleas for face masks of high thread count tightly woven cotton which is material we use for our Aloha shirts. I told him to make a sample. Not kidding, within two hours of the sample, I get a call on the weekend from a good friend who procures for a hospital that desperately needs them and have been getting quotes of MID-MAY deliveries . I told him we had the sample already. We made production pattern and marker Sunday and were in production Monday with the first drop being made last night.

This is an emergency rush so we had to use the materials on hand which happen to be Hawaiian prints and fun, bright novelty designs. They actually love the idea to bring a little cheer to what has been an extremely stressful situation. The good news is the fabric is ideal, reusable, easily sterilized, and we can produce them at mass scale to meet their immediate and critical needs. Under CDC protocols when there is a shortage of specialized medical grade masks, this becomes an acceptable and a necessary alternative.  There are very few N95 respirators available and they are being allocated and prioritized for the most critical front line doctors and nurses for high risk procedures.

Thursday we were a “non-essential” clothing manufacturer, a dinosaur from the once proud California garment industry. A factory that local and state governments had asked to shut down during this crisis, but are now a maker and supplier of critical medical supplies.

I’ll be honest, up until a few days ago, I had no idea on how bad the shortage was and have been brainstorming to how we can build capacity. We are finishing an urgent project this week and will continue to make as many as we can in anticipation of other calls as we have been receiving them. Many of you are in the medical industry and if you have a serious need, contact my business by text or phone 949-380-8641.

Calling home sewers!! If you want to be part of this effort please contact me and I will get you a pattern, cut pieces, and if necessary, elastic to make these. We just donated all our surplus cotton to volunteers that normally make quilts, but are now making face masks. You can make a difference!

Medical professionals, hospitals, and clinics are our first priority, but so is the safety of friends and neighbors. The people have seen them have asked to buy them. I know it’s hard to find masks of any kind anywhere. In the coming days we will have them available. We are going to make some cool designs because there is no rule that you can’t be hygienic and fashionable at the same time. Check online!

Cheers friends back to the factory."

Lemons to lemonade Patio29 Spirits to hand sanitizer

Back to Made in  U.S.A. 2020 - In 2012, I started Made in the U.S.A. 2012. For 12 months, I bought only Made in the U.S.A. or recycled (second hand) products. Well almost. Some things simply can't be bought secondhand or in the U.S.A. We all know this truth. Anyway, my search and dedication brought some amazing products to my attention. Interesting to look back to see how many of these local and/or small companies are still flourishing. Of course, in this most insane time of "corona" those that were still on the front lines, may soon and sadly be a thing of the past. Unless, of course, we continue to reach out and support their efforts.

When all is said and done, we must change how we live and spend in the U.S.A. This crisis will bring about new manufacturing and creative products out of simple necessity. And, again, when all is said and done we cannot or should not abandon these amazing Americans who have risen above the insanity to makes our lives better and safe!

So today I begin again and commit to Made in the U.S.A. (aka Meet Your Maker) by sharing the first of what I hope are many inspirational stories. If there's a product or company you want to share, please send me the information.

Just two weeks ago we were exploring the wilds of Visit Yolo - much of this included small local businesses. We met and enjoyed an afternoon with the Boone family at the recently opened Patio29 Spirits Company Distillery. We tasted a wide range of products and came away with a bottle of their fabulous Yolo County Craft Vodka. Even then, the jokes were flying about using it to sanitize your hands. The magnitude of Covid-19 hadn't yet hit home.

Fast forward two weeks: March 28, 2020.
Like millions of others, we are "sheltered in place" and watching life unfold through social media. This morning an amazing post from Patio29 Spirits Company brought a smile and an "a-ha moment" to my morning routine! Yes, necessity is the mother of invention! Here's what was posted:

"Patio29 Spirits & Sanitizer Co.! Temporary name… Starting tomorrow we will have 4 oz hand sanitizer (80% ethanol) available for $5, limited to one per person. This hand sanitizer will be available a couple ways:

1. Receive one 4 oz sanitizer free with any purchase of Patio29 Spirits: Call us at (530) 794-6174 to place your order for curbside pickup or delivery. See graphic for details. FYI, we have 3 NEW Harmon’s Hot Pix Flavored Whiskeys available: Black Cherry, Mint Julep, and Lemon Maple!

2. If you are only interested in sanitizer, you can purchase it directly from our tasting room for exact cash only (we are doing this for a couple reasons, the main one being we want to minimize transaction times, and get you in and out as fast as possible). 11am-1pm will be reserved for at-risk individuals, and 1pm-3pm will be open for everyone. See graphic for details.

3. If you are an essential business, medical field or first-responder looking for large quantity sanitizer please reach out to us via email or phone. You are our top priority, and we want to make sure you and your workers are safe and healthy while you remain open.

Thank you to everyone for your continuous support. This is new territory for all of us, and we’re thankful we have a rock-solid community to keep us up. For the time being we’re going to keep busy making sanitizer. We’ll be ready for a drink once everything returns to normal. Cheers to good health!"

 

I was on the  phone with Eric Boone before day's end. The hand sanitizer was the whole family's idea. However, it started with a craft distillery in Seattle. "We saw a story about a distillery doing it there. Regulations prevented us from making the sanitizers but guidelines were loosened and now we can make this for anyone who needs it. As soon as got the green light, we put our spirits aside  - and started making sanitizer." said Eric.

 

He went on to say that this is a group effort and was discussed with the American Distillers Institute. A simple formula, the FDA provided a recipe that follows with what the World Health Organization supports. Patio29 Sanitizer uses neutral grain spirits, a denaturing agent, tea tree oil, glycerine, reverse osmosis purified water and ultra-sound gel. 

 

FYI - the tasting room is closed but Patio29 Spirits Company is providing curbside pick-ups.