I have a weakness for super cold soda straight from a glass bottle. Evidently, my son feels the same way, at least about Twigs soda in a glass bottle. One night last week I walked in the door and P accosted me, waving a glass soda bottle, “This is the BEST soda I ever had!” Earlier that day he discovered Zesty’s floats made with Twigs soda. I was about to drop the Mom mic, “I’m glad you like it. That’s where we’re headed on Saturday, to see their bottling line and sample their soda flavors.” Boom.
I was about to drop the Mom mic, “I’m glad you like it. That’s where we’re headed on Saturday, to see their bottling line and sample their soda flavors.” Boom.
And you know what? Our Saturday drive to Sundrop University was the best indoor field trip we’ve been on in ages. Like many things in life, you get as much as you put into it. Here’s what we got out of it.
The Bottling Line
Because we visited on a weekend, no one was working the production line, but each of the stations in the line was labeled. You can learn as little or as much as you like while walking down the line. P skimmed most of it, just taking in what he could see through the windows. Not surprising, I suppose, that I read it all– quality control, sweeteners, bottling, concentrate, mixing room, it was all fascinating.
History of Twigs Beverages
Listening to rock and roll on jukeboxes and plugging a nickel into soda machines to pull out a frosty glass bottle of soda are no longer just part of Grandpa’s childhood legends. For P, it was a chance to see in person the things his grandparents (in particular, his grandpa) reminisce about. The museum is bursting with glimpses into the pop culture of the 50s and 60s. Old time soda machines, tin signs, clocks, gas pumps, delivery trucks, bottles, cases, calendars, decorations. So much nostalgia for a time long gone brought a smile to my face and my heart.
The museum is bursting with glimpses into pop culture of the 50s and 60s. Old time soda machines, tin signs, clocks, gas pumps, delivery trucks, bottles, cases, calendars, decorations. So much nostalgia for a time long gone brought a smile to my face and my heart.
Soda Tasting
Soda tasting is my new favorite! It’s SO much better than wine sampling. They never cut me off and I could still drive home afterward! And it was neat to chat with the sodatender (I just made that up) at the “House of Soda” about all things Sundrop. Obviously, the best part was tasting every Twigs flavor under the sun. It’s hard to pick a favorite when you have so many to choose from– Rhu-berry, Caramel Apple, Farmer’s Brew Butterscotch Root Beer, Back Cherry, and on and on. If I had to choose one it would be Farmer’s Brew Butterscotch Root Beer. I think it’s what Harry Potter’s Butter Beer must taste like. P’s favorite was Blue Raspberry.
The Special Touches
The extras are what make this museum fun.
- Free admission
- Free bags of popcorn (on Saturdays and Sundays). Let’s be honest, salty fresh-popped popcorn is the perfect complement to soda samples.
- Photo opportunities abound.
- Sundrop Slushies! P even bought me one, his treat.
- House of Soda I Spy. They provide a laminated list for adults and children to use at the tasting bar.
- Their Sundrop sense of humor- I won’t spoil the fun. I want you to discover the details for yourself.
- The jukebox! Bring a few quarters so the kiddos can play music from the 50s and 60s.
After spending tbe morning at the Sundrop Museum, P declared these his three favorite things: 1. Sampling soda flavors 2. The Sundrop Girl commercials 3. The jukebox
Just for You
I put together a printable scavenger hunt if you need a little more time than your kids to browse the museum. I certainly did. I found all of these things inside the museum. Some are easier than others to find.
Print your Sundrop University Scavenger Hunt here.
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