Going Down Smooth

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As a grain-to-glass distillery, Smooth Ambler Spirits, located in Maxwelton, WV, combines local mountain water, regionally sourced corn and wheat and clean air in an ideal climate to produce fine, handcrafted vodka, gin and whiskey. “We hand-select our grains, bring them to the distillery whole and grind them ourselves,” explains John Little, vice president and head distiller. “Then, the spent grain, or stillage, is picked up by a local farmer and fed to his livestock.” This cyclic process allows Smooth Ambler to maintain a hands-on approach and preserve relationships with their suppliers.

In the Chef’s Corner: Yellow Brick Bank

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In 1976, the former Jefferson Security Bank in Shepherdstown, WV was purchased for space as a restaurant. The new owner named it the Yellow Brick Bank and opened for business before discovering that the bricks resisted paints and glazes, yellow or otherwise. The name has remained, however, and today, the Yellow Brick Bank (YBB) is an Eastern Panhandle institution that has served a notable list of guests that includes First Lady Nancy Reagan.

A City Becomes a Work of Art: FestivALL Marks 10 Years

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In 2004, a small group of city leaders in Charleston, WV met with Mayor Danny Jones to develop an idea for a citywide arts and entertainment festival. The concept was different from past events the city had hosted, such as its long-running Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, which took place on the riverfront and focused on music. Instead, these city leaders envisioned a more comprehensive festival, one that would include music, theater, fine art and dance.

The Scenic Route: West Virginia by Motorcoach

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Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but sometimes planning and traveling can be stressful. There are many ways to make the traveling process easier, and one of those is to skip the traditional types of travel for a motorcoach tour. While it may seem like an obvious choice, many don’t think about a coach bus as an option for their vacation plans. Scheduling one of these tours has a number of benefits, which include the convenience of not having to drive, make reservations or plan events, as well as the social perks that come with a group of travel companions.