It’s float trip season in the Show-Me State and you’re in the midst of planning your next (or first) waterway adventure. You’ve visited the Missouri Division of Tourism website, VisitMO.com and chosen the perfect location and outfitter. The next step in the planning process is purchasing and packing snacks and beverages. Lucky for you, Missouri not only has beautiful rivers and streams, but also some tasty, packaged edibles, sold across the state.
Sausage and cheese is a classic float trip staple. Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. offers an assortment of beef and pork snack sticks, as well as summer sausage and hard cheeses. Elevate your noshing and add some goat cheese or Walloon (aged cheddar-like cheese) from Goatsbeard Farm or other Missouri-made cheeses.
Grab a snack bag (or three) of Ozark Mountain Popcorn to munch on while drifting down the river. With more than 50 delicious flavors, it will be hard to choose. Try a traditional flavor like buttered or kettle corn, or be adventurous and sample a gourmet flavor such as bacon and cheddar or cherry limeade.
Add chips and dip to the list! Wind & Willow dip mixes come in a variety of flavors and are super easy to make. Pick up a bag of Backer’s Potato Chips for scooping, and you’re good to go. Try the tantalizing combination of Backer’s German Style chips with Wind & Willows Chipotle Cheddar dip.
Staying hydrated is key, and all those scrumptious snacks are bound to make you thirsty. Throw a few cans (bottles are not allowed on the river) of O’Fallon Brewery Wheach (peach wheat beer) and botanically flavored canned cocktails from 1220 Artisan Spirits in with the bottled water in your cooler. Planning to share? Make a bucket of Ozark Sunrise using tasty Ozark Distillery Moonshine. Need something for the kiddos? Made in St. Louis since 1913, Vess Soda offers a variety of flavors – from cola to lemon-lime to pineapple.
Regardless of which beautiful waterway you decide to float, be sure to stay satiated with delectable Missouri-made food and drink. Don’t forget to tag your pics #MissouriAdventure!
Written by Amanda Long