If you enjoy road trips, learning, shopping, and having the chance to taste good wine, the Spoon River College Office of Community Outreach invites you to climb aboard the Snapper bus for a destination learning experience.
Two such trips have already been offered and were met with enthusiasm. In the Wine About Spoon River Country Tour, attendees traveled to Spoon River Junction Winery, where owner Bradley Beam talked about making his long-held dream of opening a winery come true and the path from fruit to bottle he uses in the production of his wines.
From there, the group traveled to Native Hills Winery and Big Horse Vineyards in rural Lewistown. At each location they learned more about the wine-making process, the care of vineyards, and the public and private events hosted by each. They also enjoyed tastings of select wines as well as the opportunity to make purchases to take home.
“This tour was a way of trying something new for our department, and it went over really well! Attendees enjoyed the relaxed learning environment… and the wine!” said Andrea Barbknecht, Director of the Canton Office of Community Outreach. “We’re always looking for new classes to add to our schedule, and new ways to connect with our communities.”
Next up will be Lincoln’s New Salem Tour, with Rick Klinedinst joining as the tour guide and sharing his knowledge of all things Abraham Lincoln. It will take place September 15, and the bus will depart from the SRC Canton Campus at 10 a.m., and return at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The tour will start at Rockwell Mounds, the site of a Lincoln debate, then continue to The Yellow Door Boutique in Oakford for some shopping. Following that, attendees will enjoy a box lunch and a self-guided tour at New Salem before the final stop at Hill Prairie Winery near Oakford for wine tastings.
Comfortable shoes are encouraged, as there will be some walking and stair climbing. Attendees much be 21 or older, and drinking is not allowed on the bus.
To register for Lincoln’s New Salem Tour, visit https://src.augusoft.net. For more information, contact andrea.barbknecht@src.edu, or call 309-649-6260.
A complete schedule of classes and events available through the Office of Community Outreach can be viewed at www.src.edu/outreach.
