Due to the bat sighting last week I've done a little research to find that the Blackball Mines at the I&M canal are home to thousands of Indiana Bats, which are actually just now recovering, after being placed on the governments endangered species list. The Blackball Caves are located about 2 miles west of the Highway 178 Bridge over the Illinois and Michigan canal at Utica. Growing up I remember stories that my Dad would tell about being inside these bat caves and I never fully believed those stories, but I guess they could be true. Due to the endangered tag given to these bats, entrance to the preserve must be by permission only through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Fun and adventure right in our own back yard. If you are interested in more information I've included some links from government sources, trip blogs and even a bat magazine that discuss the habitat of the Indiana bat and adventure located around the Blackball Mines. - Ryan
Blackball Mines Nature Preserve
Endanged Species Program
Bat Conservation International

To me the perfect summer spirit is an appertif, probably the most overlooked group of items behind our bar. They have the greatest variance of any group of liquor in the method in which they are made, the ingredients that are used to make them and the types of situations where one might drink them. The one common bond that they do share is that they are all low in alcohol and high in flavor. To me they are perfect for a day like a wedding when you know you will have to maintain your senses for a longer period. For a sultry day many aperitifs are a perfect refresher. My favorite application would be as an after dinner drink when you want something lighter, not as sweet, and soothing on your stomach with coffee.
Here are some common aperitifs. Vermouth is the most widely known aperitif, used in martinis, it can also be drank straight on the rocks. Cynar and Fernet Branca almost have medicinal digestif characteristics. I like them after dinner with coffee. In Latin America Fernet is mixed with coke for the second most popular drink of their country. We also have Campari (mix with seltzer), Dubonnet (on the rocks with a twist), Lillet, Ouzo(send to your worst enemy), Pernod, Pimm's #1 Cup, Punta Mes, and Ricard. Most bottles will offer several serving suggestion right on the label to make things easier for the novice apertifer. Any of our bartenders would be more than willing to offer a small tasting and help you with a selection.  - Ray