July 20, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Less than an hour west of Sioux Falls, you’ll find a memorable coffee shop, convenient golf and a longtime bar known for its pizza taking on new life.

It’s all happening in Salem, where the community recently became part of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

“We’ve really enjoyed getting to learn more about what’s happening in Salem,” said Sheldon Jensen, an economic development manager at SMGA who works with Salem. “There’s great small-business activity already and the potential for much more. We encourage anyone in the Sioux Falls area to make a day of it — you won’t be disappointed.”

Here’s a look at what we found:

The Homestead Coffee Co.

Inside The Homestead Coffee Co., there’s a lot literally brewing.

“It’s a historic building,” owner Michelle Barnhouse said.

“It was the post office first. It’s been a video store, a men’s clothing store. I’ve heard taxidermy; I’ve heard a lot of stories.”

She started as an employee, then became the owner of the business at 116 E. Vermont Ave. nearly two years ago. In addition to coffee drinks, The Homestead serves breakfast, lunch and ice cream.

“I try to make as much as I can from scratch. So all my baked goods are from scratch. My bread’s from scratch,” she said. “I have egg sandwiches, pancakes, and for lunch, I’ve got burgers and panini sandwiches, wraps and salads.”

Both visitors and locals have supported the coffee shop. Multiple seating areas often host groups.

“I have a lot of regulars who have been coming here since the very beginning,” Barnhouse said. “No one else in town makes anything from scratch. Our coffee is locally sourced; it’s organic. There’s nothing like that around here.”

The Homestead opens at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday and closes at 1 p.m. Monday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

McCook Country Club

Head outside in Salem at McCook Country Club, which is open to any golfer and a draw for those from the Sioux Falls area.

Tee times are on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Saturday, Sunday can get a little busy, but for the most part on a weekday morning, there’s not a lot of people, so it’s nice,” general manager Trent Sabers said. “We get a few Sioux Falls people that come out because they can golf nine holes and not feel rushed.”

The nine-hole course is a good fit for any golfer, including less-experienced ones.

“There’s a little bit of water, a little bit of trees, but it’s a nice, little, scenic golf course,” Sabers said.

“My mom and dad ran this for 20 years before I did, so I was born and raised on the golf course.”

McCook Country Club is at 501 Douglas St. It includes a pro shop, bar and multiple newer options for outdoor seating.

“We’re doing a lot of watering, keeping all the fairways and greens and tee boxes nice and green,” Sabers said. “But overall, the course is in good shape.”

The Brewery

And when you’re ready to sample some local fare, head to The Brewery, which marks 50 years in Salem this year and was purchased by a group of friends about a year ago.

“A lot of people when they’re back home to visit, family and friends come up here,” co-owner Mitch Rayman said. “Pizzas are kind of our specialty, so they like to come back and have that.”

The rest of the menu delivers classic bar fare with some twists.

“We have wraps, burgers, a really long list of appetizers,” Rayman said. “Tuesday is usually our Mexican special, and Friday we have a lunch special.”

You’ll also find a patio that hosts beanbag leagues in the summer and plenty of entertainment inside.

“We’ve got pool, video lottery, Buck Hunter, stuff for the kids,” Rayman said. “Usually once a month, if not twice, we have a band of some sort.”

The Brewery is at 233 N. Main St. Hours are 4 p.m. to close Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to close Friday through Sunday.