West Volusia’s CoolCraft American Summer Serves Up Sips Across America

Celebrate America 250 with Sips Across America

The West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority (WVTAA) and partners will celebrate America 250 and Florida 250 with the return of its acclaimed CoolCraft Summer, an exclusive West Volusia beverage competition designed to bring visitors and residents together to vote for the best “spirited” and “free spirited” beverages within the region. 

“CoolCraft American Summer,” featuring Sips Across America, began June 26 and continues through Labor Day, September 7, with 23 beverages themed to the people, landscapes, rich history, and culture of one of the 50 US states. Ranging from local coffee roasters to breweries, tea purveyors, and mixologists, each participating business has crafted either an alcoholic (Spirited) or alcohol-free (Free Spirited) creation. 

Start Your CoolCraft American Summer Adventure

To celebrate the semiquincentennial all summer long, visitors and locals can stop by any participating CoolCrafter, order their summer beverage, and cast their votes to help decide which business takes home the winning trophy and ultimate bragging rights. 

The CoolCraft Election System is getting a major upgrade this year! In addition to the online voting platform used over the past four years, WVTAA is introducing paper ballots. Available at any participating CoolCraft location, the West Volusia Visitor Center, or printable at home, the paper ballot is the official passport of this year’s Beverage Competition. Featuring a full list of participating CoolCrafters, you can track your progress and map out your summer tour. Guests who submit their ballots on or before Election Day, September 7 to the West Volusia Visitor Center, 116 W New York Ave., DeLand, FL, will receive a commemorative CoolCraft Summer “Made in America” bumper sticker. 

“The CoolCraft Beverage Trail and CoolCraft Summer have always been about exploration, but celebrating America 250 and Florida 250 takes it to a whole new level," said Georgia Turner, Executive Director of WVTAA. "You can taste your way across the country without ever leaving West Volusia. We are thrilled to introduce paper ballots this year so visitors can physically map out their trail, grab that commemorative bumper sticker, and maybe even turn their tasting tour into a full CoolCation.” 

Need a break on the trail? Turn your tasting tour into a weekend getaway with our "CoolCation" partners. Unwind at the Historic DeLand Hotel or dock a houseboat at Holly Bluff Marina - either way, West Volusia is ready to welcome you for the ultimate CoolCation. 

For the complete list of CoolCraft American Summer entries, paper ballots, and to start planning your getaway, visit CoolCraftTrail.com/Summer.