Drink Locally

Saturday is my favorite day. Not only because it’s the weekend, but also because it’s Farmers Market Day—where chatting with the growers who hand-picked the berries I buy is almost as sweet as the fruit itself. The economic and environmental benefits of eating locally from family-run farms are endless, but have you ever given much thought to whether you’re drinking locally?

My husband Ben and I recently made a day of imbibing in Hood River, 65 miles outside of Portland. We started at a picturesque winery, then enjoyed some local brews (made with locally grown hops), then stopped by a cozy neighborhood coffee shop for a latte made from coffee roasted in Portland. (Unless you live in a coffee-growing region, coffee travels a long way to our cups, but small roasters and retailers are big on paying fair prices that offer opportunity to coffee growers around the world.)

Chances are, wherever you live, you’re within an hour of a brewer, winery, distiller or coffee roaster who’d love to share their stories and drinks with you. Get out there and see what’s in your neck of the woods—it’s a great way to discover and support local food and drink artisans. Then share your favorite locally-inspired sips & stories! — Siobhan Crosby