Tag Archive: black hills food

  1. Top 10 reasons to stay in Custer SD

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    While there are several locations to choose from in the Black Hills, staying in Custer ensures not only a diverse range of accommodation options but also the unique advantage of being at the heart of it all. With a blend of cozy bed and breakfasts, comfortable hotels, and rustic cabins, Custer stands out as the best choice for a memorable stay, providing easy access to the region’s wonders and a charming atmosphere that makes your experience truly special.

    Staying in Custer, South Dakota, offers a unique and enriching experience, making it an excellent choice for various types of travelers. Here are the TOP 10 reasons why someone should consider staying in Custer:

    1. Gateway to Natural Wonders: Custer is strategically located near some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the Black Hills. From the iconic Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park, to Jewel Cave National Monument, and the scenic Needles Highway, the town serves as a central hub for exploring the region’s natural beauty.
    2. Proximity to Custer State Park: Custer State Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise, and staying in Custer provides convenient access to this expansive park. Visitors can embark on the Wildlife Loop Road for a chance to see bison herds, pronghorn, elk, and other wildlife roaming in their natural habitat.
    3. Outdoor Adventures: The surrounding Black Hills National Forest offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, or hot air ballooning, Custer provides easy access to a variety of trails and adventure opportunities suitable for all skill levels.
    4. Historical Significance: Immerse yourself in the history of the area by exploring Custer’s historic downtown. Walk along Mount Rushmore Road to discover well-preserved buildings that tell the story of the town’s gold rush, and make sure you pay a visit to the 1881 courthouse museum for a window into Custer’s past.
    5. Crazy Horse Memorial: While Mount Rushmore often takes the spotlight, the nearby Crazy Horse Memorial is a must-see. Staying in Custer allows you to visit this monumental tribute to the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, witness ongoing construction, and learn about Native American culture.
    6. Community Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Custer hosts a variety of community events and festivals. Whether it’s the lively Gold Discovery Days, or quirky Burning Beetle event, staying in Custer provides an opportunity to engage with the local community and experience the town’s vibrant spirit.
    7. Quaint Downtown Atmosphere: Custer’s downtown area exudes a charming atmosphere with its quaint shops, art galleries, and local eateries. Choosing to stay in Custer allows you to immerse yourself in the town’s unique culture and enjoy a relaxed pace of exploration.
    8. The Eateries: In Custer, dining is not just about the food; it’s also about experiencing the town’s unique hospitality and charm. Whether you’re exploring local eateries after a day of adventure or seeking a quiet spot for a relaxing meal, Custer’s restaurants add a flavorful touch to your visit. Unique, locally owned, and one-of-a-kind, Custer restaurants are giving this small town a big name.
    9. Peaceful Retreat: Unlike larger and busier tourist destinations, Custer offers a more peaceful and intimate setting. Visitors seeking a serene retreat with a genuine small-town feel will find Custer to be a welcoming and relaxed destination.
    10. The locals: The locals in Custer, South Dakota, are a community deeply connected to the town’s history, natural surroundings, and a shared sense of community spirit. Their connection to the land, commitment to preserving the past, and welcoming nature contribute to the authentic and inviting atmosphere that makes Custer a standout destination in the Black Hills.

    In the heart of the Black Hills, Custer, South Dakota, emerges as more than just a picturesque town; it’s a vibrant community with a rich tapestry woven from the threads of history, natural splendor, and the warm hospitality of its residents.

    As you wander through downtown, you’ll encounter locals who wear their love for Custer like a badge of honor. A friendly “hello” is never far away, and conversations often veer toward shared tales of outdoor adventures, community events, and a genuine appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them.

    The community’s outdoor spirit is reflected in their active lifestyles, with many embracing the call of the Black Hills for hiking, biking, and reveling in the untamed wonders of Custer State Park. Preserving the region’s charm and protecting its natural treasures is a shared commitment among locals, who actively contribute to conservation efforts and celebrate the cultural heritage that makes Custer unique.

    Custer’s downtown, adorned with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and vibrant boutiques, is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. Each establishment tells a story of passion and creativity, adding to the town’s distinct character.

    The welcoming atmosphere extends beyond mere neighborliness; it’s a way of life. Whether you’re savoring a slice of huckleberry pie at a The Purple Pie Place, chatting with an artist about their latest creation at The Quilted Buffalo, or exploring the town’s history through the eyes of its residents, you’re sure to feel a part of something special.

    In Custer, the people are more than just locals; they are stewards of a legacy, keepers of the Black Hills’ secrets, and ambassadors of a lifestyle that cherishes simplicity, community, and connection to the land. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular in these parts, the genuine warmth of Custer’s residents ensures that every moment spent here is not just a journey through a beautiful town but a heartwarming experience woven into the very fabric of the Black Hills.

     

     

     

  2. EAT LIKE A LOCAL  – BREAKFAST

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    BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATIONS

    A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Black Hills is a magical experience. It’s a stunning way to start the day. The wildlife is active, the lighting is beautiful, and once the flight is over and the world is waking up, all you can think about is breakfast. We know. It happens to us too.

    A flight with Black Hills Balloons starts at sunrise, but the whole experience lasts close to three hours. With drive time to and from launch and landing sites, the inflation, flight, pack up, and champagne toast (yes! Complimentary and traditional champagne, and light snacks are served after the flight), it’s not surprising that people are hungry for a full meal when we return to the Hangar.

    We always tell people ballooning chose us, not the other way around. We aren’t actually morning people, we’re just balloon people. And so over time, we’ve become skilled in the act of finding a great breakfast. Lucky for us (and you!), the city of Custer has some amazing breakfast options.

    Iced Coffee from the Feel Good Cafe

    Located in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in the middle of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Devils Tower National Monument, Wind Cave National Monument, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, and more, we’re not just a place to hike, bike, swim, and snowshoe. We love to eat too and have some amazing restaurants here in Custer. Below are a few of our favorite spots to grab breakfast before you spend your day adventuring in the hills.

    SIT DOWN OPTIONS

    If you’re looking for the traditional small-town diner, full of locals that make up our great community, then Our Place is it. Not, “our place”, although, we’d be happy to cook for you if you don’t mind a crazy Labrador retriever running amok. I’m talking about Our Place, located directly across the street from our meeting place. It’s so convenient, you can leave your vehicle where you parked pre-flight, and walk across the street for yummy traditional pancakes, eggs, and bacon, or whatever your heart desires. They even have an endless variety of hot sauces for you to jazz up your meal.

    HJEM AM is our newest (and most unique) option, and might easily end up being the most memorable meal of your trip. Originally based on an earlier breakfast concept of Skogen Kitchen (which is now only open for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended! Read “48 hours in the Black Hills for the foodie” for our favorite things about Skogen Kitchen), HJEM AM is what breakfast dreams are made of. Pronounced “hem” (the “J” is silent), it means “home” and it certainly feels that way when you’re greeted by owners Cami and Erik. Where else can you get a Breakfast Caesar, Salmon Deviled Eggs, Fresh Oysters, Walleye (with bacon, buttermilk sauce, sugar snap peas, and roasted mushrooms), or Pancakes covered with fried chicken, franks hot sauce, and maple syrup for breakfast? Check out their menu and make your reservations asap.

    gurgle pot on table atCuster SD breakfast restaurant hjem a.m. salmon breakfast deviled eggs from HJEM AM quiche and hashbrowns at hjem a.m. in custer south dakota quaint seating inside hjem a.m. in custer sd

     

    GRAB AND GO OPTIONS

    If you desire more than drip coffee, try Miners Cup. Just down the street, Miners Cup is a grab-and-go option with a huge menu full of yummy breakfast sandwiches and a coffee menu that will satisfy anyone. They offer Gluten Free bread, and you can order off the lunch menu any time, making Miners Cup a favorite of ours. The Drive-thru is super handy when you’re heading to Iron Mountain Road for a scenic drive to Mount Rushmore.

    Maria’s Mexican Food Truck is just a few doors down and offers fantastic breakfast burritos perfect for anyone looking to grab something quick before they continue their Black Hills adventures. You’ll find the Black Hills Balloons crew here almost daily after the flight, spending their tips on bacon egg and cheese or sausage egg and cheese burritos. The salsa is homemade and delicious. It’s a great option if you’re grabbing something and heading into Custer State Park. Just make sure you finish your burrito before you come across the famous Begging Burros.

    Feel Good Café is a casual order-at-the-counter café with lots of cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Located next door to the famous Bavarian Inn, Feel Good Café has a Zen European vibe with crustless quiche, build-your-own breakfast bowls, tropical overnight oats, and even a breakfast banana sundae featuring a split banana covered in vanilla yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

    breakfast banana split at feel good cafe Feel Good Cafe

    No matter where you go when you’re visiting us here in Custer, stick to the local recommendations to find some of the best food in the Black Hills. You know what they say. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Choose wisely.

     

  3. 48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS

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    From the desk of Keely

    48 HOURS IN THE BLACK HILLS – For the Foodie

    Quite often when customers call to book a hot air balloon flight with Black Hills Balloons, Damien And I are asked about our favorite restaurants, hikes and day trips here in the Black Hills. It’s such a beautiful place full of hidden gems, its easy to get overwhelmed by all there is to do. And there’s SO MUCH TO DO, for everyone really… how lucky we are to live in a place with something for everyone.

    We also find that when we host a houseguest, we try to gear their visit to what they like most; fine-tuning itineraries for friends from different backgrounds. It’s so much fun to share our favorite spots with friends and family and make suggestions to those that inquire over the phone, we just had to share it with all of you. Here is our take on “48 hours in the Black Hills”, geared towards The Foodie; a person who not only loves food but considers it a hobby.

    48 Hours in the Black Hills – The Foodie

    Day 1:
    Breakfast

    Try Skogen Kitchen in Custer. Focusing on breakfast and dinner, this restaurant could compete with any high-end restaurant in NYC, and yet it’s located in Custer SD, population 2000. Choose the Morning Walleye with potato-bacon hash, mint emulsion and sunny side up egg, the Ma & Paul Pancakes topped with fried chicken, franks hot sauce and maple syrup, or the Avocado Toast featuring 9-grain bread, avocado, shaved red onion, chopped eggs, sprouts, and lemon pepper. Just make sure you make reservations (they only serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday) and be prepared to be blown away.

    (2023 update: Skogen Kitchen is now focusing exclusively on dinner service, but it’s amazing! They’re still highly recommended by the team at Black Hills Balloons, in fact. Our friend/chef Joseph Raney was just announced as a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award! Our advice: stop what you’re doing and make a dinner reservation for Skogen Kitchen, then make a breakfast reservation for their sister restaurant Hjem A.M. and read our Eat Like A Local – Breakfast Blog to get up to speed.)

    Walleye breakfast skogen kitchen
    Lunch

    Your 48 hours in the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a brewery tour with Black Hills Tour Company. Allow them to escort you to multiple Black Hills breweries in their custom VW limo bus. Along the way, skip lunch while sampling brews at Lost Cabin, Miner Brewing, Mount Rushmore Brewing Company and more. Most of the breweries have food available via full kitchen or visiting food truck to tide you over until dinner.

    Black Hills Tour Company custom VW limo bus
    Dinner

    South Dakota might not be known for its curries, but maybe it should be. For dinner, we recommend Everest Cuisine in Rapid City for some of the best lamb curries you can find in the states… it’s true! The cozy restaurant greets you at the door with that delicious smell of curry, friendly smiles and a menu full of all your favorites. It’s almost impossible to stick to one item, so bring friends and share to get the best variety on your plate.

    Day 2:
    Breakfast

    Start traditional with Jerry’s Cakes and Donuts or modern with Harriet and Oak, either way, you’ll need to save room for lunch and dinner. Jerry’s is one of those neat old donut shops that has stood the test of time. Get there early because they sell out almost daily and enjoy a traditional donut and cup of joe. Or, Harriet and Oak for a house-roasted coffee drink and a sweet potato breakfast burrito, acai bowl or organic oatmeal. If you are vegan or gluten-free, they can accommodate, and they do it well.

    Lunch

    No visit to the Black Hills is complete without a visit to Mt Rushmore’s Carvers Cafe for a bowl of bison chili. The monument’s restaurant is full of delicious items but it’s the homemade chili featuring locally sourced bison, that continually keeps us coming back for more. The view isn’t so bad either and if you can manage it, their famous Monumental Scoops of ice cream makes for the perfect presidential selfie. Did you know Thomas Jefferson brought the first recipe to the states?  Mount Rushmore is the only place you can get a scoop.

    The Custer Wolf Pub Sandwich
    Dinner

    For dinner, head to The Custer Wolf. Named after a legendary wolf who tormented the area in the 1920s, the restaurant is anything but scary. A local hotspot full of craft beer and fresh-made menu items, the Wolf is known for its wall of beer steins, each assigned to a regular customer. Stop in for Walleye Ceviche, added to the menu after the owners traveled to Belize, it’s a fresh South Dakota take on the popular seafood dish, the Shredded Buffalo Sandwich or their signature Bread Pudding topped with Whiskey Caramel Sauce. You won’t be disappointed. Grab a board game and a pint for a fun evening in this cozy spot. The friendly place will treat you like family. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up your 48 hours of the Black Hills.

    The Custer Wolf - food and drink in Custer South Dakota

    Of course, speaking of wrapping up. If you’re looking for a nightcap, check out The Custer Beacon. The Custer venue regularly hosts touring and local musicians, serves wine and beer and has a fun late night menu. A mix of comfy couches and tall wooden tables, you’re guaranteed to find a good spot to absorb some local tunes, digest and reminisce.

    Between meals, we recommend touring the beautiful area. The Black Hills area is perfect for hiking, kayaking, hot air ballooning (obviously) and visiting local wildlife, but we’ll save specifics for our next “48 Hours in the Black Hills” list. Have you checked out any of the restaurants we mentioned? Any tips or locations we missed?  Please share, there’s just too much good food in the Hills for 48 hours, wouldn’t you agree?