Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Louisville Slugger Museum, and Packing Up

Touring the Buffalo Trace Distillery - we saw them pack the Sazerac variety


Packing Blantons single barrel bourbon at Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY





Taste testing at Buffalo Trace


Touring the Louisville Slugger Museum - we saw a great historical film, an exhibit area, and a tour of the bat factory.


Working off our convention calories by carrying the RCI luggage. Just this and an SUV full - easy peasy!


Tour Day 2: Schimpff's Confectionery and Candy Museum

Watching their favorite red hots being made in Jeffersonville, Indiana


Touring Schimpff's Candy Kitchen


Touring the Candy Museum with RCI attendees at the annual convention


Jill Schimpff points out historical items in the Candy Museum

Kentucky Derby Hat Themed Reception at Don and Pam Hurt's Home

The group arrives at the hat party at Don and Pam Hurt's house


Having fun at the Derby Hat Party


The hats are a hit!


Even the guys enjoy the hats at the Hurt party


Kentucky Horse Park

Amanda, Elaine, and Joe had lunch at the Kentucky Horse Park, then enjoyed equestrian shows at the park


Chocolates at the Horse Park





Charles Flavelle takes the reins at the park


Judy and Maegan enjoyed the Hall of Champions


Tour Day 1: Rebecca Ruth Candies

Stepping into Rebecca Ruth Chocolates in Frankfort, KY


Their version of bourbon cherries are topped with pecans


Classic candy jars line the counter top

Bourbon products are kept cool in the refrigerator

Tour Day 1: Old Kentucky Chocolates

Don Hurt greeting the Bus Tours at Old Kentucky Chocolates


Entering the store on Southland Drive


Kitty and the staff make 1,500 baskets during the holidays in this room!


Thanks to the staff!





Patty gets bourbon cherries to take home with her!


A view from inside the store


RCI 90th Annual Convention and Industry Expo in Lexington, KY

Celebrating Elaine's retirement


Enjoying the RCI Hospitality Suite


Friday, June 25, 2010

Friday, June 4, 2010

Convention Tour Site a Top 10 Store in the US

RCI member, Schimpff's Confectionery, was named as one of the top 10 candy stores in the country by USA Today. Chocolate and candymakers attending the RCI National Convention & Industry Expo June 21-25 in Lexington, Kentucky will get a peek into operations of the store in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the store hosted by owners Warren & Jill Schimpff.
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2010-06-03-national-candy-month_N.htm

For more information about the convention schedule or to register, go to the RCI website: https://rci.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=60196&module_id=3021

The Food Channel Prepares for Choc-umentary

The Food Channel prepares for Choc-umentary at the RCI National Convention June 21-25 in Lexington, Kentucky http://www.foodchannel.com/stories/2758-countdown-to-chocolate