10th Annual Fairies on Ferry ( Our 2 destination adventure) *please read details

Join us for the highly anticipated Fairies on the Ferry, a beloved event once organized by the St. Louis Gay Men's Social Group and carried on by Dudes Dining & Dives. This year marks the 9th anniversary, and it promises to be an unforgettable all-day affair along The Great River Road that you simply can't miss.

Our first meetup spot of the day, at noon, is at the picturesque Grafton Winery & Brewhaus. With its expansive outdoor patio and cozy indoor seating, the winery offers a stunning river view, especially enchanting during the fall season. Delight in a delectable charcuterie board, cheese tray, and other appetizers while socializing, relaxing, and sharing a few bottles of wine. Be sure to leave room for dinner at Wittmonds, where the ambiance is simply delightful.

Next on the agenda, we will board the Brussels Ferry (between 1:30 and 2:00 PM) for our journey to the Wittmond Hotel. No need to worry about fees as there is no charge for the ferry service.

Located in the charming town of Brussels, Illinois, the Wittmond Hotel awaits with its all-you-can-eat family-style meal that has become legendary on weekends. The meal begins with a delightful relish tray (don't miss the cinnamon rolls on Sundays) and features a mouthwatering selection of fried chicken, green beans, sausage, rolls, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, roast beef, and dumplings.

The cost for this fantastic feast is $23.00 per person (beverages and dessert not included), and please remember that the Wittmond Hotel accepts only cash or check – no debit or credit cards. To reiterate, BRING CASH OR CHECK.

After a satisfying meal at the Wittmond, you have two options for returning to the St. Louis area. One route takes you through the scenic beauty of Calhoun County, Illinois, where you can board the Golden Eagle Ferry for a fee of $8.00. This ferry ride will transport you to St. Charles County, conveniently close to New Town. Alternatively, you can choose to backtrack your trip and board the Brussels Ferry once more, heading back towards Alton.

This road trip along The Great River Road is an absolute must, filled with unforgettable experiences. Should you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact me.

Hurry and secure your spot as this event has consistently drawn a large crowd in the past, and we can only accommodate 45 attendees. Kindly RSVP soon to reserve your place.

As an added incentive, consider joining the Grafton Winery Wine Club, where membership is free. As a member, you'll enjoy exciting perks like a generous 20% discount on Grafton Winery Wines, complimentary wine tastings for you and a guest each month, and a 10% discount on Grafton Winery events and dinners. For more details, reach out to [sales@thegraftonwinery.com](mailto:sales@thegraftonwinery.com), and remember to include "Wine club" in the subject line, or simply call them directly at 618-786-3001.

We look forward to sharing this incredible journey with you!