February 22, 2025
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Craft brews of Kankakee County tour set

By Lee Provost
mily and Matt Strysik, owners of Knack Brewing & Fermentations, stand inside the nano-brewery located at 789 S. McMullen Drive in Kankakee. Knack is part of the tour.

mily and Matt Strysik, owners of Knack Brewing & Fermentations, stand inside the nano-brewery located at 789 S. McMullen Drive in Kankakee. Knack is part of the Craft Beverage Trail. (Tiffany Blanchette)

KANKAKEE – Interested in experiencing a wide variety of Kankakee County’s own brews – both alcoholic and nonalcoholic?

The region’s tourism organization, Visit Kankakee County, has just what residents and nonresidents may be seeking.

The second Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail will be held March 27.

Between the morning tour, Coffee & Cafes, or the afternoon tour, Brews & Bubbles, there is something tasty for everyone.

Transportation is included. Participants can invite co-workers, team members and friends or go solo, as this promises to be a refreshing day.

Morning tour: 9 a.m. to noon

Stefari West Avenue – where cozy vibes meet artisanal brews

Connect Rosters – serving up rich, locally roasted perfection

Uplifted Bistro – a delightful spot in Manteno serving up great boba and charm

Copeland’s Bar & Grill – because coffee pairs well with a little indulgence

Afternoon tour: 2 to 5 p.m.

BrickStone Brewery – home to award-winning beers

Knack Brewing – where innovation meets hops

The Lush Vine – your go-to for exquisite wine selections

8 One Five – cocktails, craft beers and an inviting atmosphere

The cost is $20 per ticket and includes refreshments at each stop, a guided experience through some of Kankakee County’s finest beverage spots and transportation between locations.

Spots are limited, and the tours begin and end at the Kankakee Depot, 199 S. East Ave., Kankakee.

The tour was first launched in February 2024 and is a unique experience inviting both residents and visitors to embark on a journey through locally owned establishments.

The 2024 tour was a self-guided tour, said Nicole Gavin, Visit Kankakee County’s executive director.

There are 20 bus seats available for each tour. Gavin said the hope is to show participants the wide variety of beverage offerings available and what other attractions the region has as they travel from site to site.

“We want people to be familiar with the local offerings,” she said.

Gavin is hopeful that people from various companies, businesses and organizations will participate so they can be more knowledgeable with what is available when hosting others.

“We want people to be familiar with what is here,” she said.

Each destination will showcase their own inventive craft beverages, ranging from crafted cocktails and mocktails, espresso delights, refreshing smoothies, boba and hoppy brews.

Participants on the trail can click on this e-Atlas Craft Beverage Trail link to download a user-friendly app. Unlock special savings and prizes along the way. The trail can be completed in a day, weekend or entire year. It’s up to the participant.