State Traditions
Best Gifts for New Homeowners
Sometimes shopping for someone who just moved or renovated can be tough. You don't want to be the person who shows up with a potted plant as a gift. This guide isn't just for new homeowners though it can be for someone who just renovated their man cave, is moving off to college in a few months, or pretty much anyone on your holiday shopping list.
Cut Maps
These state maps are a perfect unique gift. Each one is solid wood that's laser cut to display the interstates and roads that crisscross each states. It's a great conversation piece especially for someone who just moved to a new state and is missing home.
Pinecone Home Picture Frames
These are perfect for displaying gameday memories, or photos from vacation or pretty much anything. Available in multiple states and gameday colors.
California Rustic Hat Rack
This is perfect for your foyer or entryway. Especially during these winter months where almost everyone is wearing a hat or coat. A subtle accent that can fit into almost any decor.
Typography Maps
This is one that can really be a good conversation starter for locals. When most people see these they immediately hone in on their hometown and the surrounding areas to see if they made the cut.
The ST Market is full of great fit ideas that aren't just a shirt or hat. If you're looking for something truly unique this holiday season browse around and see what you can find.
3 Bourbons to Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month
September is the month where we celebrate America's native spirit, Bourbon. No matter what time of the year you're drinking bourbon it should be enjoyed with a large glass of ice in a State Traditions double old fashioned glass. Here's 3 bourbons you should enjoy to celebrate the end of Bourbon heritage month.
1. Angel's Envy
This is a great bourbon for so many reasons. For anyone new to bourbon this is a great starting point, Angel's Envy is actually finished in Port Wine Barrels which gives it a distinct sweetness and takes a lot of the harsh flavors out. For anyone who is a regular bourbon drinker it's great because the sweetness is a unique flavor profile you're probably not use to. It's also fairly inexpensive and makes for a great every day bourbon.
2. Maker's Mark
This is obvious as it's one of America's most popular Bourbons. You can't go wrong with Maker's Mark. This everyday bourbon is dependable, and versatile much like your first pickup truck. It is smooth enough to drink on it's own but also blends well into numerous cocktails.
3. Elijah Craig Small Batch Barrel Proof
Now this is something special. It's not an overly expensive special occasion bourbon. This is a bourbon that has such a unique flavor profile it's hard to describe. It's 131 proof which means it packs a punch, but there's a smoothness to it that cuts a lot of the heat associated with higher proof bourbons. It's another bottle that if you're a whiskey and bourbon connoisseur you'll really enjoy.
State Traditions Podcast Episode 10
This week on the podcast John and Jacob go over week 2 of CFB, and look ahead to week 3. Jacob also give a hot take of why cupcake games are good for college football. We also give our tradition of the week and the tailgate drink of the week.
Listen for a chance to win a hat, koozie, and sticker of your choice by answering our trivia question correctly.
Episode 9 - Week 2 CFB Picks, Instagram Reactions, Iowa Wave
This week on the podcast John and Jacob react to Week 1 of College football, Make picks on week 2, they also discuss The Turnover Chain craze, and one of the best traditions in sports the Iowa Wave.
State Traditions Podcast Episode 8 - Week 1 CFB Picks & Top 3 Fictional Football Players
State Traditions Podcast Episode 7 - Preseason CFB Top 25
5 Craft Beers for Independence Day
Part of what makes America great is that we're 50 different states that all have their own unique culture. Bring them all together and you have a recipe for a great time. America celebrates it's independence in typical American style with food, good times, and lots of booze.
And while there's nothing wrong with a classic Budweiser or PBR Independence Day is the perfect day to celebrate with a craft beer from a small brewery local or from across the country. Below we list 5 of our favorite beers from craft breweries all over the country to celebrate July 4th.
Kona Brewing - Big Wave Golden Ale
This is a beer that is perfect to drink at the beach or by the pool. If you find yourself in the heat it's light but full of flavor and extremely refreshing. Kona brewing is based out of Kona, HI but brews beers all over the country and it's pretty easy to find in most craft beer stores.
Chandeleur Island Brewing Co. - H90 Surf Side Pineapple Wheat
This is another beer made for summer. With it being a wheat beer it's another light beer with good flavor and a hint of sweetness from the pineapple. Chandeleur Island Brewing is based out of Gulfport, MS.
Fairhope Brewing Company - Causeway IPA
This beer is perfect year round. It's a good strong IPA at 8.2% ABV with a ton of hops and citrus that really hit you with each sip. Fairhope Brewing Company is based out of Fairhope, AL.
Abita Brewing - Strawgator
For those who like to walk on the wild side this beer is for you. Strawgator puts two of Abita's best beers in one bottle, Andygator an 8% ABV Hells Dopplebock and their Strawberry Lager. It's an 8% ABV beer that doesn't taste like one and will definitely sneak up on you. Abita Brewing is based out of Abita Springs, LA.
Ghost Train Brewing - Switchman's Stash IPL
Talk about a beer that's best of both worlds. Hoppiness of an IPA and the smooth finish of a lager. A beer that has enough flavor that can be paired with burgers and dogs and light enough to enjoy in the 90+ degree heat of the south. Ghost Train Brewing is based out of Birmingham, AL.
Thirsty Thursday: California Mai Tai
Warm weather is here in the south. In Birmingham it's 90 degrees today and won't cool off again until October. So it's always good to have a stable of refreshing cocktails that you can mix up on a whim.
Today we took the classic Mai Tai made famous by Elvis Presley's movie Blue Hawaii and put a west coast spin on it. Rum is the main ingredient and as always rum can always sneak up on you so be careful with this delicious drink.
Recipe
- 1.5 oz Spiced Rum
- 1.5 oz Coconut Rum
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz Agave Syrup
- Shake with Ice and serve
State Traditions Podcast Episode 5 - Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, Marg Talk
This week on the podcast John welcomes a special Guest Mary Martin Messer.
They discuss the Kentucky Derby, how to pick horses, Cinco de Mayo and their favorite Mexican restaurants and Margaritas.
As always listen to the podcast for a special 35% discount on everything on the site.
Thirsty Thursday: Talladega Week
This weekend people from all over the country migrate to a small town off of I-20 in East Alabama. This weekend NASCAR fans will watch for three days as cars zoom around the track at speeds over 200 mph. And everyone knows that NASCAR, warm weather, and cold beer go together perfectly.
And as John McElrath mentioned in episode 3 of the State Traditions podcast Budweiser is the accepted currency in the infield. So it's always good to have a few extra on hand in case you need to barter for something.