Travel the world for...Beer, Wine, Chocolate

Bend, OR - Fireside Bar, McMenamins' St. Francis School

2017-03-26T15:32:00.002-07:00

An old converted school, now a pub, brewery and hotel.

The calendar may say spring, but in Central Oregon, the warm weather does not arrive until much later. So my solution for enduring a raw, rainy afternoon is to find a warm cozy pub to enjoy a hearty dark beer. The Fireside Bar at McMenamins' Old St. Francis School, is the perfect place.

The Fireside Pub is located inside the old school

Tucked in the converted St. Francis School, now a brewery, pub and hotel in downtown Bend, the Fireside Bar features craft beer brewed on premises, and wines from the McMenamins own Edgefield Winery. In addition,there is a full bar featuring a variety of specialty drinks. We arrived around 4:30 pm on a particularly nasty day looking for a little warmth and a robust ale. Although there were already a few patrons in the small bar, we found a booth close to the wood burning fireplace and settled in for a pint, and a light happy hour meal.

After checking out the menu I realized there were too many tempting choices to pick only one, and opted for a six beer flight. I chose Terminator Stout, Wildflower Wheat, Rogue General Porter, Bear Paw Oatmeal Pale, Sleepy Hollow Nut Brown and the Nitro Irish Stout. The selections change regularly and these six did the trick for me. My husband, Bruce's favorite was the Nut Brown and he ordered a full pint.

A flight of six of their finest.

Looking for the healthiest option on the Happy Hour Menu, I ordered a veggie burger that came with all the trimmings and was surprisingly tasty. Bruce was looking for something a little more hearty and opted for the fish and chips from the full menu. We both enjoyed our food and ate slowly, lingering to enjoy the crackling fire and warm ambiance of the pub.

One of tastiest veggie burgers I've ever had.

When we headed back out into the nasty night, we were full of food and beer, feeling much better, and grateful to have such a snug little establishment in our town.

Siena, Italy - Wine Tour in Tuscany

2016-05-14T16:07:00.001-07:00

The Tuscan countryside on the drive to the vineyards.

Wine tasting in Tuscany has been on my list of "things to do" for many years. In April my husband and I spent a day in the Chianti region with an amazing tour guide, visiting four small family owned wineries in breathtaking locations. The knowledgeable and entertaining Donatella Noni operates her company, Wine Tours in Tuscany out of Siena. It has been highly reviewed on TripAdvisor and other sites. Those reviews are correct, and our tour with Donatella turned out to be a once in a lifetime day for us.

She picked us up at our hotel in her new sporty van she fondly named Sandy. One other couple joined us and the five headed out through the spectacular Tuscan countryside to our first stop, Setriolo, a small winery owned and run by a mother and daughter. The grounds and vineyards are especially gorgeous with colorful gardens, numerous roses, sensational vistas, and one very memorable field of grapes. In the center of the rows of grapes stands one grand olive tree, the symbol of the winery.

The one stately olive tree in the middle of the vineyard.

The wisteria was in bloom during our visit.

The wine tasting took place in the farmhouse living room, as comfortable and charming as you might expect from a home in Tuscany. We sampled two of their Chianti Classico and one Merlot, produced from grapes grown on the property and, accompanied by some tasty cheese, salami and crackers. The wine was delicious and inexpensive. We purchased a bottle of Chianti to bring home before we left for our next stop.

Our first wine tasting of the day.

Stop two was Querceto Di Castellina, a larger family winery with agriturism accomodations on premise. We enjoyed four more tastings, a pink Rose', two Chianti Classico and Merlot. Very drinkable wine, and we purchased a bottle of the Rose' for later enjoyment in our hotel.

Wine tasting at Querceto di Castellina.

The highlight of our third stop at Antico Podere Casanova was the house-cured prosciutto that was served with the quite remarkable Chianti Classico and Gandino wines. The owner/winemaker who spoke no English, brought us down to his cellar to sample some wine aging in chestnut barrels. My favorite of the day! We left with a bottle of his fine Gandino, exclusive to his winery.

Our guide Donatella with our gracious host,

Sampling wine from the chestnut barrels.

Lunch was prepared and served at the home of a family friend of our guide, Donatella. The home dated back to the 1200's and the charm was everywhere. The lasagna was prepared Tuscan style with Bechamel sauce, rich and flavorful. The Tiramisu was the best I've ever had. Of course, the meal was served with wine. More wine!

Our fourth stop was at the equally beautiful La Papessa Vineyards and Agrotourism estate. By that time, I was not a good critic of the wine we tasted. Matter of fact, the whole stop was a little vague after so much good wine, food and fun. The day was coming to an end and I had enjoyed more than my share of fantastic wine served in incredible settings.

All the wineries were as scenic as you would imagine in Tuscany.

This was a day that I will never forget. If you are looking for a unique, fun-filled and delicious adventure, I cannot recommend Wine Tours in Tuscany any higher.

Redmond, OR - Wild Ride Brewing

2016-03-09T12:59:00.001-08:00

The entrance of Wild Ride Brewing.

On a gorgeous February afternoon, after a spectacular hike at Smith Rock, a world renowned rock climbing venue, we were in search of some tasty craft beer and a little fun. We found what we were looking for at Wild Ride Brewing, in Redmond, Oregon.

Wild Ride offered 12 of their beers on tap.

Located in an industrial building, near the center of town, are housed the taproom and on-site brewery. When we arrived mid-afternoon the place was buzzing and there were few empty seats to be had. Other outdoor enthusiasts, bicyclists, hikers and apres-skiers, were all there to enjoy the lively atmosphere and drink a pint or two.

Everyone is having fun at Wild Ride!

We had 12 house made beers to choose from, everything from a light lager, to a bourbon barrel aged stout. I was thirsty so I chose the Whoopty Whoop Wheat, and my thirst was happily quenched. Others in our group chose the Mount Up Maple Brown, the Hopperhead IPA and the Stand Up and Shout Stout.

Three happy patrons enjoying the afternoon.

In our opinion, the quality of the beer was balanced and brewed by people who know their craft. By offering 12 selections, every beer lover I should find something to like. The atmosphere is festive and lively, and the imaginative décor and beautiful artwork only adds to the fun.

Some of the imaginative decor at Wild Ride. .

First time I've ever seen tasters served in skis.

We were hungry after our hike, and although, Wild Ride does not serve food, there are food carts outside, with staff that is ready to please. We ordered some chicken and pork barbecue and it was delivered to our table inside the pub. It filled us up and was a fine accompaniment to our beer.

Wubbas's served up some fine barbecue to enjoy with our beer.

If you in search of refreshment after enjoying Central Oregon's outdoor recreation, or just looking for a fun place to drink a pint with friends, a stop at Wild Ride will not disappoint.

Kauai, Hawaii - Kauai Beer Company

2015-12-31T10:58:00.001-08:00

When my husband and I decided to spend our anniversary in Kauai, Hawaii, we didn't go for the beer. We went for the glorious weather, spectacular snorkeling and panoramic scenery. Surprise, surprise! We actually found some pretty decent craft beer.

The brewery and brew pub is located in downtown Lihue,Kauai.

The Kauai Beer Company is not located in the most picturesque area on the island. Housed on a busy main street, the unassuming storefront does not impress. Once we stepped inside, we were transferred into a lively pub, filled with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying pints of colorful beer and having a very good time.

Bright, modern, comfortable pub.

With eight choices brewed right on premise, I chose a flight of six. Visually, I was impressed with the depth of colors when the flight arrived.

Such pretty colors. But how about the taste?

Pretty beer is one thing, but how did it match up with craft beer on the mainland. Okay, so the beer did not have the complexity of flavors offered in many Pacific NW brews (think Deschutes), but for a brewery opened for only two years, off the beaten path in Kauai, I have to say, it was pretty darn good. I especially liked the Tropical Armadillo, an oatmeal pale ale with a hint of tropical flavoring. It was refreshing after a day at the beach. The Austrian Chicken, a Vienna lager, was my husband's favorite. I thought the IPA was lacking, but the Black Limousine, a dark Bavarian beer was very flavorful.

Food choices were limited, mostly typical pub grub. The night to go, if you don't mind a crowd is Thursdays, when two popular food trucks park out front. Patrons are welcome to purchase locally grown and prepared favorites from the trucks and enjoy them in the pub with their beer. Although we weren't there to experience it, we were told that an empty chair is hard to find on Thursdays.

So, if you're in Kauai and you're craving a cold craft beer, you're not likely be disappointed with a visit to the Kauai Beer Company.

The beer is brewed on premise.

Blowing Rock, NC - Blowing Rock Alehouse and Inn

2014-10-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

Blowing Rock Alehouse - definitely blog-worthy,

I have to be honest. In the last year I have visited a number of brew pubs that I simply felt weren't blog-worthy. This blog is all about places that offer quality beer, wine and chocolate in a fun or unique venue. Recently there have been too many new craft beer joints that produce mediocre product, offer the same old food, in an uninspired venue. They've just left me flat. That's why I was so happy to discover the Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn. This place has only been brewing beer for a year, and the product is excellent. The ale house was originally an old lodge and has a warm intimate feeling inside. It still offers rooms on the upper floors. Since we visited with our pooch, we sat one of their outside tables on the front lawn, surrounded by colorful gardens. That early Saturday evening there was a lively crowd both inside and out.

This happy couple was enjoying the beautiful evening.

We sampled a number of the artisan beers brewed at the ale house as well as the three brewed at their facility in Hickory, NC. They varied from a summer ale to a seasonal farmhouse peach to a hearty imperial stout, and I honestly liked them all. The brewmaster clearly knows what he's doing.

Great beer, great food and dog friendly!

In addition, the food was as good as we've ever had at a brew pub. We started with mussels steamed in pilsner and followed with a ahi tuna and fried green tomato sandwich, accompanied with hand cut fries and marinated seasonal veggies. Perfectly prepared and presented, and so delicious.

The servers were friendly and kept us supplied with plenty of beer. It was a memorable night in charming downtown Blowing Rock and a pleasure to finally find a new brew pub that is worth writing about.

Asheville, NC - Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar

2014-08-23T14:44:00.002-07:00

A glass of bubbly!

Nirvana. I didn't think I'd ever find it. But I did find it in Asheville, NC, when I walked into the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. It's a beautiful and eclectic book store with thousands of old and new books, a chic champagne bar, that's dog friendly! I simply love this place. It's compiled of a maze of rooms filled with walls of books, and intimate seating arrangements for individuals or small groups to sip a beverage, browse through books, or work on a lap top. It simply has something for everyone. If you have a four footed furry companion, he or she is welcome as well.

Dog friendly!

My husband, my dog Belle, and I stopped by for a celebratory glass of champagne and a tasty cheese board on the first stop of our cross-country trip to our new home in Bend, Oregon. Now that I've left my day job I'll be able to travel more and visit fun places that serve beer, wine and chocolate. What an amazing way to start this journey.

Next time, the chocolate cake.

The champagne and wine list is extensive with something for everyone's taste and budget, from very expensive, to our sparkling wine of choice, a very reasonable $7 glass of Italian Prossecco. If we had visited later in the evening we probably would have chosen the dessert special,a glass of champagne and generous slice of chocolate cake for $10. They also offered local craft bottle beer and a full coffee bar. Did I mention water bowls and special treats for the pups? The folks who work at Battery Park love dogs and provide special attention to every visitor.

This establishment has it all.

If you are ever in Asheville, do yourself a favor and stop by Battery Park. Perhaps it will be your nirvana, too.

Chattanooga, TN - Terminal Brewhouse

2014-03-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

The Terminal Brewhouse all lit up at night.

If you're looking for a place to go in Chattanooga for quality craft beer, a lively crowd and a tasty meal, look no further than the The Terminal Brewhouse . It's located on the south side of the city, across from the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo train station now transformed into an elegant hotel. If you go on a Saturday night, just be prepared for a wait, since this place is popular. We arrived early hoping to beat the crowd, but no such luck. Even at 5 pm, we had to wait. Fortunately, two seats at the bar opened up before a table, so we grabbed them and had a prime spot to observe the ambiance. The bar service was excellent and it was only a minute or two before a flight of all their craft beer appeared before us.

A beautiful flight of Terminal craft beer.

The beer tasted as good as it looked. It was hard to choose a favorite from the Belgian Wit, the Maibock, India Pale Ale, Stout, Copper and Nut Brown Ale. They were all well crafted and each had something a little special.

The list of The Terminal's craft beers.

The food was a notch above most brew pubs. You can get everything from pot roast nachos, bison burgers to five cheese pizza topped with mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, provolone and feta. My husband and I choose to share the salmon cakes drizzled with a jalepeno, cilantro, onion and bbq aioli. We could pick two sides, and we chose the fresh green beans and squash casserole which were especially tasty.

The food paired well with all the beer.

By the time we left it was dark outside, the crowd had grown, and the wait was a little longer. I smiled and told the folks waiting to stick it out. The Terminal was well worth it.

Chattanooga, TN - Big River Grille and Brewing Works

2014-03-07T09:28:00.001-08:00

The welcoming exterior of Big River Grille and Brewing Works

During a quick getaway to Chattanooga, Tennessee, my husband and I discovered two blog-worthy brew pubs, and an amazing chocolatier. Since our planned afternoon activities included a trip to the famous aquarium, we decided to stop for lunch at a nearby brew pub, the Big River Grille and Brewing Works . Because of its location, I was a little worried that it might be big on tourist appeal, and short on quality beer. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. Obviously popular with tourists, the place was filled, but the service was excellent, the food was tasty and their craft beer – very drinkable.

The taps at Big River.

The beer is brewed on premise and we ordered a flight of six of their standard brews and one seasonal. Their handcrafted lagers and ales included a light lager, Vienna lager, pilsner, IPA, American brown ale and very smooth stout. The seasonal ale was Irish red. I liked all their offerings, especially the Sweet Magnolia American Brown Ale and the Iron Horse Stout. Their beers are of the easy drinking variety. Not too complex, not too bitter, very smooth, very enjoyable.

Big River handcrafted beer and ale.

The menu features regional cuisine and offered a variety of choices, from light appetizers to full entrees. We ordered the lobster and shrimp tacos to share. They were tasty enough and took care of our hunger for the afternoon. Our server was very friendly and attentive, even with the bustling crowd. If we didn’t have a busy afternoon planned we could have easily stayed and enjoyed another pint of two. I might have even liked to play a game of pool on one of the tables in the back room. Fun place, good beer, great service! There is a lot to like at Big River Grille.

Dahlonega, GA - Montaluce Winery

2013-11-23T13:30:00.001-08:00

Montaluce Wine

For the last few years I've heard quite a buzz about the new wineries sprouting up in the mountains of North Georgia. Last month I decided it was time that I go check one or two out. On a gorgeous fall Sunday, my husband Bruce and I rolled down the top of my Mustang and took the one and half hour drive to Dahlonega, a quaint historic gold-rush town that has become the heart of Georgia wine country. After doing some online research I decided our first visit will be to Montaluce Winery.

The beautiful entrance to the Montaluce Winery.

The experience was delightful. The tasting room and restaurant were esthetically beautiful, the views were lovely, and the wine tasting was very enjoyable. On that Sunday afternoon, Montaluce was comfortably filled with wine lovers mingling in the tasting room, on the back veranda, and in La Vigne, their popular restaurant. Since we’d been sitting for several hours on the drive up and decided to stand at the tasting bar and enjoy our wine there. You can select five wines to sample for $16. There are 10 choices total (not including their reserve selections) and between the two of us, we had it covered.

Some very tasty wines at Montaluce

After sampling them all we definitely had our favorites. One of the whites that we enjoyed most was the Primaluce, a 50/50 blend of Chardonnay and the Pinot Gris, made from grapes grown on the estate. The other, my favorite white, was the Viognier, produced from Oregon grown grapes. Our favorite overall wine was a glorious red, aptly named Super Georgian, a remarkable blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, created from estate grown grapes. We were not the only fans, as we noticed numerous people ordering bottles to take home with them.

The aesthetic Montaluce tasting room.

After tasting our wine we wandered around to take a few photos and found the back veranda an especially pleasant place to hang out. They had a couple of guitar players strumming some easily accessible music, perfect to complement the wine tasting experience.

Enjoying wine and music on the back veranda.

Montaluce has only been producing wine for five years and can already be proud of their product. The buzz is correct. North Georgia wine is pretty darn good. I’ll be back to taste more soon.

The view from the back patio.

Hull, Massachusetts - The Sea Dog Brewpub

2013-10-11T13:36:00.001-07:00

A portrait of the Sea Dog.

My husband and I picked the perfect sunny September Sunday to visit his cousin and her husband in the seaside town of Hull, Massachusetts. After exploring the town and taking a long walk on the beach, we were ready for a frosty beer. So we made our way to their local tavern, the Sea Dog Brew Pub.

Located on the third floor, the Sea Dog offers amazing views of the bay.

Located on the upper floor of a three story building, we found a table on the back deck and took in the panoramic views of the bay. What a gorgeous setting to enjoy a nice cold beer!

The view from the Sea Dog deck.

Technically the Sea Dog in Hull is not a brew pub. All the beer is produced at their sister establishment in Maine. We started with a few appetizers, standard pub fare – nachos, fried calamari and coconut shrimp – all well enough prepared. They feature eight of their own brews and two guest beers on tap. It was a warm day and I was tempted to try their blueberry wheat. When I saw they had Shipyard pumpkin ale as a guest selection, I had to try it. It came in an iced glass with a sugar cinnamon rim. So delicious!

My husband chose the Old Gollywobbler Brown, a rich malty ale with only a hint of hops. It was quite enjoyable. Since his cousin and her husband are regulars, they are members of the Mug Club and their beers arrived in large blue ceramic mugs, a few ounces larger than the standard pint. One of the perks of being a member of the club! Other choices included a blonde ale, a pale ale, a porter and a stout. The IPA selection was also from Shipyard.

The Sea Dog bar features eight of their drafts and two guest selections.

There were plenty of folks there enjoying a leisurely Sunday afternoon, gazing out at the sailboats and sipping a beer or two. The service was excellent. The beer was tasty. The company was great.The ambiance was
welcoming and the entire experience was fun.

A gallery of patron's sea dogs.

Okracoke Island, Outer Banks, NC - Howard's Pub

2013-09-16T12:04:00.001-07:00

Howard's Pub is the hot spot on Okracoke Island.

When planning our first trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we decided to visit Okracoke, an island accessible only be ferry, boat or plane. Spending a few days with only bikes as transportation sounded like fun. In addition to the spectacular national seashore, award winning restaurants and an array of eclectic shops, it was a delightful surprise to find Howard’s Pub, a lively bar and restaurant that featured over 20 regional craft beers on tap. Howard’s has been around for a while and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. On the summer weekend when we were visiting it was packed from opening time at 11 am until well after dinner hours. It is conveniently located en route to the beach, with plenty of parking for bikes and cars alike.

Howard's bar is a busy place.

Howard’s is an expansive, boisterous, family friendly establishment, with a full bar, in addition to their extensive beer menu. The decor is essentially made up of clever license plates from around the country and a variety of college pennants and memorabilia. The food is good and most folks seemed to opt for the fried seafood or burgers. We chose conch fritters for appetizer and the grilled fresh catch of the day which was one of the favorite fish dinners that we had while on the island. That’s saying a lot, since there are some truly noteworthy eating establishments on Okracoke.

A quiet Monday afternoon at Howard's. Not the usual weekend crowds.

The craft beer selection featured a number of North Carolina microbreweries in addition to popular favorites including Bells, Dogfishhead, Abita and the ubiquitous Guinness. After a hot day at the beach, Mother Earth Wit, a favorite from the eastern North Carolina microbrewery, really hit the spot. I’m sure it’s difficult to transport all those beer kegs to the island, and the price reflects this with domestic at $5.25 and most craft drafts two dollars more. I decided to keep my consumption to one pint per visit, and to enjoy every sip.

A couple of frosty summer ales on a hot August day!

If a trip to the Outer Banks (OBX) is in your future. Be sure to check out the pristine beaches of Okracoke Island and then be sure to drink a brew or two at Howard’s Pub.

Wilmington, NC - The Front Street Brewery

2013-08-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

The popular Front Street Brewery and Restaurant

All these years we’ve lived in the Southern US, we never visited Wilmington, NC. After pulling into town on our way to the North Carolina Outer Banks last week, I had to ask myself why? What a charming a vibrant city! My husband Bruce, and I stayed in the historic downtown neighborhood near the Cape Fear River waterfront, and upon the recommendation of several friends, made our way to the Front Street Brewery. At 4 pm on a Thursday, the brew pub, located in a beautiful historic downtown building, was packed. The half-priced appetizers (available until 6 pm) and 10 microbrews kept folks coming in all evening.

The bartenders stay very busy at the pub.

We sat at the bar and decided to try all of their offerings. Two samplers of five brews each, and a pint of the quite amazing barrel aged Eccentric Nobility, did the trick. Unfortunately, the IPA was tapped out, but I was impressed with the overall quality of the brewing, and a few selections really stood out. It was August and it was hot and the Coastal Kolsch was crisp, clean tasting and flavorful. It did the trick as a thirst quencher. The El Hefe Hefeweisen was also a good choice to help with the heat. The fruity Raspberry Wheat was fun, and the Amberjack ESB, is a respectable British style brew. I did favor the Eccentric Nobility for the depth and character created by the oak aging process, and was glad we ordered a full pint.

Such pretty colors!

On our second visit to Front Street we sampled the food with our brews, and I ordered a fried green tomato BLT that did not disappoint. The pub grub on the menu is varied and good. Bruce chose an entrée, the coriander seared tuna, and he finished it all and left with a smile on his face. And why not? Good food, excellent service, plenty of tasty beer… what’s not to like? Even the prices were very fair, and if you choose the daily beer and food specials, you can leave with your wallet mostly intact. Yes, I understand why the Front Street Brewery is so popular, and if you’re in their neighborhood I definitely recommend you stop by.

Royal's Stadium - Kansas City, MO

2013-07-08T16:51:00.002-07:00

What better place to spend the 4^th of July holiday than a baseball game! Last year we went to a minor league game in Asheville, NC. (See review, July 2012) This year, it seemed timely to visit the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium, home of the 2012 All Star Game. Our friends, Teresa and Ralph, share our love of good beer and baseball, so we embarked on this adventure together.

Hometown Boulevard Brewing Company is the beer of choice in KC.

Kauffman Stadium is a knock-out, highlighted with dancing fountains and waterfalls, but I was on a mission to search out the craft beer sold at the ball park. We walked around the entire stadium and found that the beer selections were dominated by the local BoulevardBrewery. Fortunately, that’s not a bad thing.

There were six choices!

Between the four of us, we chose three of the six drafts available, the wheat, the pale ale and the IPA. I personally liked the IPA the best, very crisp and refreshing for a warm summer night. The price is a little daunting at $9.75 a glass, so we kept our consumption down. It tasted great and sure beat the usual ball park options.

What's better than craft beer and baseball?

In addition to the Boulevard, I did find a Goose Island IPA on tap, and a booth that sold a variety of bottled craft beer. They also offered Guinness and Smithwick’s drafts scattered throughout the stadium.

A colorful fireworks display caps off the night.

The game was mostly a pitcher’s duel, with an exciting 9^th inning rally, that unfortunately fell short for the local fans. But even in defeat, the orderly crowd stuck around for a great fireworks display. Hard to beat the fun of an Independence Day weekend that includes baseball, craft beer, great friends...and fireworks!

Athens, GA Pub Crawl - Treppenhaus, Walker's and Pauley's

2013-06-04T13:48:00.002-07:00

My husband Bruce, had reconstructive foot and ankle surgery in February. Too many years of hard core running finally took it's toll. It kind of put a damper on our traveling plans, hence the lack of blog posts. Now he’s up on his feet again, and although not ready for any extensive trips, we did make it downtown for an Athens' pub crawl. May is a perfect month for bar hopping, with warm weather, long evenings, no big crowds, but just enough people around to keep things a little lively.

The mini-beer garden, aka sidewalk patio, at Treppenhaus.

We started our Happy Hour adventure at Treppenhaus, a German style brewpub, featuring a variety of European draft beer and domestic craft favorites. Although there is no beer garden, the patio is lively and the pub opens up to let the outdoors in. We sat at an indoor table near the entrance and had a great view of the sidewalk passerby's and even enjoyed a fresh breeze. Bruce ordered a Warsteiner Dunkel and I stuck with one of my all time faves, Bell's Oberon The pints are only $3 until 9 pm on weekdays That explained the healthy crowd.

Coffee by day and beer by night at Walker's.

Our next stop was Walkers Pub and Coffee House. What makes Walker’s unique is its dual personality, a coffee house by day and a pub in the evening. It’s a popular spot for students to study and then let loose a little after hours. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a pint or two. Their menu included Finch’s Fascist Pig and Allagash Tripel, two beers we had not tried before, and we spent a relaxing hour at Walker’s sipping a couple of winners.

Pauley's outdoor tables, a great place to see and be seen.

Our third stop is Pauley’s, a very popular bar and crepe restaurant featuring 150 draft craft and bottled beers that rotate regularly. If you become a fan and want to be included in their wall of fame, all you have to do is try 100 different beers. The Around the World Beer Club keeps growing, but there still is plenty of wall space left. So if you’re up for the challenge, go for it.

Here is one proud member of the Around the World Beer Club.

Time to head home. Okay, it was a really lightweight Pub Crawl, but remember, Bruce’s foot is still not fully healed, and after our walk around town, it needed to rest. No worries, we’ve already got our next Athens Pub Crawl planned. Stay tuned for three more of America’s quintessential college town’s best!

For two additional Athens beer venues check out the reviews of the Globe and Trappeze.

Bend, OR - Crux Fermentation Project

2013-03-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

The stylistic sign welcomes beer loving patrons at night.

Just when you think the beer scene in Bend, Oregon can't get any better, it does! During our winter visit we discovered a new exciting craft beer venue. Crux Fermentation Project opened last June, but we didn’t get a chance to check it out until our visit this winter. Now I’m sure it will be one of the first stops we make during our summer visit.

The door was open on this mild winter afternoon.

Crux takes pride in producing small batches of beer with creative and complex tastes, and I’m happy to report they hit their mark...and then some. It’s fun to find a new venue that is not just riding the super hopped band wagon foregoing all other beer styles.

The brew pub is busy during happy hour.

The interior of Crux is not all that unusual. They converted an old transmission shop and mill supply store into a brewery and pub with an industrial feel. Patrons sit on heavy wood tables or at a long bar in view of the large gleaming vats of brewing beer. Lots of windows and the ubiquitous sliding garage doors surround the tasting room. A good sized crowd was there the night I visited with my family. We were in the mood to enjoy some full bodied beer and tasty food, and we were not disappointed.

Darcy likes the Nitro Stout the best!

We ordered two tasters and tried 12 of the 15 beers. They also offered a draft cider. I don’t think there was one beer that we didn’t enjoy. Our taste preferences vary and each of us was happy. My husband goes for German style malt-driven beer. Our daughter prefers a dark stout, and I’m all about a nice hop finish. The Marzen, Nitro Stout and Imperial Triskel fit the bill. Original flavors and depth of character categorize their selection. It’s clear that an experienced beer master created these brews. We ordered some tasty pub grub - sandwiches, wraps and salads - to accompany our beer. It was one fun beer drinking experience!

I’m told they open a beer garden in warmer weather and they are building a dog park in the back. You can be assured we’ll be back to Crux this summer, not too long after we pull into town.

Arlington, VA - Rustico

2013-03-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to the Washington, DC area, I spent a few nights with my sister and brother-in-law in Arlington, VA. They wanted to take me to Rustico, a recent discovery, with a remarkable draft beer list. I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed when we got there and I saw the inscription on their front window: “Farm Driven Cooking, Hearth Fired Pizzas, Way Too Many Beers”.

Could you resist?

Rusico has stylistic décor, an eclectic menu and yes, plenty of beer choices. I was thrilled that they classify their 40 plus draft crafts in interesting categories including Crisp, Hop, Malt, Cask, Roast, and Fruit & Spice. It made it easier to choose an interesting selection of tasters. Both my sister and I chose four tasters each allowing us to sample 8 beers that night. My brother-in-law did not sway from his favorite style of beer, and chose a Schloss Eggenberg Naturtrub lager. What fun beer! They were all distinctively different and enjoyable. The only exception was the Heavy Seas Below Decks, a Cabernet barrel-aged ale that I think could have remained below deck. The Goose Island Matilda and the Founders Dirty Bastard were my two faves of the night.

Such pretty beer!

As I said the menu is eclectic, and that is for sure. They featured some of my brother-in-laws favorite food in unusual preparations including deep fried deviled eggs and crispy stuffed dates. He also ordered the special of the night, the pork schnitzel. My sister and I got adventurous and shared one of the hearth fired pizzas with pumpkin, rock shrimp, caramelized onions and pecorino cheese toppings. The crust was excellent although although the combination of toppings a bit unusual, it was still enjoyable and an excellent choice with the beer.

Memorable food at Rusico.

Since the reservation was not made well in advance, only the 5:45 pm time slot was available. Within a half hour after our arrival every table was filled with happy diners, and the festive environment and excellent service added to our enjoyment. Our trip to Rustico was a fun and I recommend you check it out if you’re ever in the neighborhood.

Washington DC - St Arnold's Mussel Bar

2013-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Like most American cities, Washington DC is exploding with new and exciting beer venues. When your visit is only for a long weekend, it’s difficult to choose where to go. Fortunately, on my recent trip, I had some locals help out, and I came upon two blog worthy establishments that offered great beer and tasty food in a fun-filled environment.

One of two St. Arnold's locations in the district.

St. Arnold's Mussel Bar is a lively place located on a side street near Dupont Circle. On the night we visited, the dark, atmospheric, boisterous bar/restaurant was filled with mostly young professionals enjoying a drink and a bite after work. Fortunately, we had a reservation and a table was waiting for our party of four, including my close friend Debby, her daughter and future son-in-law.

Although there are other items on the menu, when you go to a mussels bar, I recommend you order the mussels. There are twenty different choices, everything from classic mussels with white wine, or the more adventurous chipolte, curry or even blue cheese and bacon. They all come with frites, delicious Belgian style fries, and are served traditionally in cast iron pots. Although not quite as tasty as the mussels we had in Belgium, these were pretty darn close.

If you love Belgium style beer, this is your place.

The draft beer selection featured mostly Belgian and German style ales, and since I’m a big fan, I was very happy. The challenge was which one to select? I decided on the Hofbrau Dunkel, a German Dark Lager. Others had the Hofbrau Original and the Ommegang Witte, a Belgian style white made in Cooperstown, NY. St. Arnold's also serves wine and cocktails, but great beer pairs so well with mussels, why choose anything else?

Toasting the happy couple!

If you’re looking for a fun place to enjoy Belgian style beer, tasty mussels and an environment filled with lively movers and shakers, then St. Arnold's is worth the trip.

Paris, France - Beer and the Cafe Culture

2012-12-31T13:37:00.000-08:00

I saved the best for last this year. This past October, my husband and I were fortunate to spend a week in Paris. With 12,000 cafes to choose from in the City of Light, how do you ever expect to find the best place to enjoy beer, and perhaps a bite of traditional Parisian fare? In truth, it's the Parisian experience that matters, not necessarily the specific cafe.

We stayed in the 17th Arrondissement, a high energy neighborhood away from major tourist areas, where stylish Parisians live and work. The cafe where we spent most of our evenings was located a block from our small hotel, situated right by a metro stop, perfect for non-stop people watching.

We became regulars at the Royal Periere Cafe

It only took a visit or two for the waiters to remember us (it helps to tip American style), so the service was excellent. The Royal Pereire had several excellent Belgian ales on tap and our favorite was Grimbergen Dubbel. It tasted especially great accompanied with a plate of local cheeses and crusty French bread. Parisians spend hours socializing in cafes and it's great fun observing the talkative clientele as well as the folks passing by with bags of fresh bread from the bakery or colorful cut flowers from the nearby outdoor market. Our favorite seat was inside, where it was smoke free, right next to the front window. By the end of the week we felt like regulars and we really hated to leave.

Perfectly French! Goat cheese salad, olives, bread and Belgian Ale!

If you are lucky enough to visit Paris, here are my suggestions for a great beer experience. First of all, unless you're fond of tour groups, stay away from the main tourist areas. Find a cafe near lots of pedestrian traffic in proximity of shops or a metro stop. Check to make sure they have a few great Belgian ales on tap. Find a table outside, or by a window, order a beer and enjoy the show.

The Royal Pereire was hopping at night.

There is one unique place to drink beer in Paris that I should mention. And I recommend you climb there to really appreciate the experience. That would be the Eiffel Tower. We climbed up 1,652 steps, as far as we could go, then back down a level to the bar where there was only one choice of beer -Heineken. Although not usually my favorite, that beer sure tasted good, and on a clear day, the view of Paris was spectacular. This was definitely a beer tasting experience I'll never forget.

The bar on the Eiffel Tower.

Cheers to you from the Eiffel Tower!

Bend, OR - The Cycle Pub Tour

2012-11-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Two weeks after the East Coast branch of our family met in Romulus NY to enjoy some Finger Lakes wine tasting, the West Coast clan descended on Bend, Oregon to hit the craft beer trail. Not to be outdone by the wine tasting by boat adventure, this group decided to tour the craft beer establishments by Cycle Pub.

On a gorgeous late summer evening, a group of 13 family and friends, gathered in the parking lot behind Good Life Brewing Company, and boarded the cycle pub. Stocked with growlers of beer, bottles of wine and plates of appetizers, our enthusiastic group was ready to begin our journey through the streets of Bend.

The Bend Cycle Pub - ready for adventure.

Twelve peddlers lined both sides of the vehicle and one lucky person tended the bar. The traveling pub’s driver is provided by the company. Since our son was nursing a back injury, he was designated as the bartender, a job where he excelled!

The Cycle Pub hits the road.

Off we went to our first stop, Bend Brewing Company. One of the rules of the road as you drive through the friendly streets of Bend, is that when someone honks, you must drink. Trust me, everyone honks! So needless to say, our growlers were nearly empty by the time we reached Bend Brewing and we all hopped off to fill them up at one of our favorite beer establishments in town.

Our growlers are full after a stop at Bend Brewing.

Our next stop was Deschutes Brew Pub followed by 10 Barrel. Since you are not permitted to carry a single beer out of the bars, growlers were filled up at every stop. It’s surprising how much beer you can drink when peddling hard.

10 Barrels Brew Pub is hopping.

Once we were appropriately lubricated, our driver informed us we were about to hit the highlight of the trip, the big hill. He asked if anyone wanted to wear a helmet and we all laughed…until we started to descend the hill. We had no idea there was a Disney Land thrill ride included on this adventure. As we picked up speed, then careened around the corner, we all held on for dear life. Fortunately, with the exception of a cell phone that slid off the counter (and was later recovered) we all got through it unscathed.

Survived the big hill.

We rented the cycle pub for two hours, but as our time was coming to an end, none of us were ready to quit. Fortunately, we were the last group booked for the evening and our driver was able to extend our trip for an additional hour’s fee. We gladly paid. Since our group was made up of some seriously fit peddlers, we were able to climb the hill to Cascade Brewing Company for our last stop. In truth, by this time, I didn't care to drink any more, I just didn't want the fun and adventure to end. When it finally did, I had to admit I was tired. We had peddled hard for at least two of the three hours. I have no idea how much beer I consumed, but it was definitely one of the most enjoyable workouts I've ever had.

Finger Lakes, NY - Wine Tasting by Boat

2012-09-14T13:24:00.002-07:00

Wine tasting is always essential when I head back to my home town, Ithaca, NY, located in the Finger Lakes Wine Region on Cayuga Lake. The lake is dotted with numerous wineries and on this year's trip we added a new twist to our experience - visiting the wineries by boat.

A family gathering at my sister and brother-in-law's lake cottage is always a treat. On a gorgeous August afternoon, a group of us boarded their sleek speed boat and traveled to several of the most picturesque wineries on the lake. After an exhilarating fifteen minute trip, we made our first stop, and docked at Sheldrake Winery.

Just docked at Sheldrake Point and ready to taste some wine.

Sheldrake Point Winery

A rare moment when the there isn't a crowd at the tasting bar.

A short walk up a sloping hill brought us to the tasting room. After finding a place to gather along the esthetically pleasing tasting bar, we selected the wine and cheese pairing. For $5 you could taste five wines paired with small bites of a variety of cheeses. The pairings were excellent and added a little extra fun to the wine tasting experience.

This group is enjoying their wine!

When it comes to Finger Lake wine, I usually prefer the Dry Riesling and Pinot Gris, and this was no exception. Others enjoyed their Dry Rose, Cabernet Franc and Gamay Noir. After taking a quick tour of the small gift shop which displayed crafts and food from local atrisans, we bought a couple bottles of wine, took in the panoramic view and headed back to the boat for the next stop.

Heading back down to the boat.

Goose Watch Winery

The next stop was Goose Watch Winery, located high on a hill above the lake. A quick call ahead and we were met us at the dock with the electric cart to drive us up the steep hill past rows of vines already heavy with purple grapes.

The Goose Watch vines are laden with purple grapes.

The view from the Goose Watch tasting room is nothing short of spectacular. A back deck spans the length of the building and offers unparalleled views of Cayuga Lake. On a day as gorgeous as that, the word breathtaking was not a cliché, it was the real deal.

View from inside the Goose Watch tasting room.

After taking a quick tour of the kitschy gift shop, we gathered around the wrap-around bar to sample the wine. There are a few gems in their selection. I particularly enjoyed the sparkling Pinot Noir Brut Rose, the Pinot Gris and Villard Blanc. Some of the gang decided to drop a couple extra bucks to sample their Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and they gave it the thumbs up.

Tough choice deciding which wines to taste.

After purchasing a few more bottles, our happy bunch headed back down the hill to board the boat for the cottage. Perhaps I’ve tasted finer wine, but I have not experienced a more fun-filled wine tasting excursion than this one. I’m already looking forward to our next visit when we can hopefully check out a few more of the Finger Lake wineries that smartly welcome the boating crowd.

A stroll through the gift shop brought smiles.

San Diego - Karl Strauss

2012-08-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

The original Karl Strauss Brew Pub.

San Diego will always be special to me since it's where I met my husband. It was over a pint of John Courage at the old Princess of Whales Pub in downtown San Diego that we fell in love. It's been over twenty years since I've lived there, and a lot has changed. It's become a mecca for microbreweries, and a favorite of craft beer aficionados who love heavily hopped ales. Back in 1989, it all began with the Karl Strauss. On this short visit to San Diego we decided to go back to the original and see how their beer has stood up over time. I'd have to say, it still is great. I love the fact that they brew a wide range of beer styles, from German wheat to a nice balanced hoppy black rye IPA.

A flight of Karl Strauss craft beer, and a pint of wheat.

What did we have: Per usual, I ordered the featured flight of four beers. They included the Windansea Wheat, Pintail Pale Ale, Amber Lager and my favorite, the Blackball Belgian IPA. I enjoyed all four featured beers, but the Blackball was really special. I love a beer with a high IBU (international bittering unit), that's balanced with malt to cut the bitterness. The complexity makes it interesting, and so enjoyable. My ever-predictable husband drank a pint of his summer fave, Windansea Wheat, which was reminiscent of our trip last year to Germany. He followed it with one of his all times favorites. Red Trolley Ale, a Karl Strauss standby. We wanted to eat light, so we shared a Seared Ahi Salad that was surprisingly tasty and quite the work of art.

The Ahi Salad is a work of art.

What was fun: There are now numerous Karl Strauss brew pubs around San Diego, but we went to the downtown original. It was mid-afternoon and the Happy Hour crowd had yet to arrive. We had a great table on the outside patio and received excellent service. It's great to know that Karl Strauss is still a major player in the craft beer scene after all these years and I definitely recommend a stop there when visiting my former home town.

My "partner in fun" enjoys his beer.

Asheville, NC - Asheville Tourists Baseball

2012-07-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The players make a few fans happy.

Could there be any better celebration for the 4th of July than a minor league baseball game followed by a fireworks display? My husband, Bruce, and I didn't think so. We made plans in advance since we learned the hard way that McCormick Field, home of the Asheville Tourists, sells out early for this big game. We were hoping for some good baseball and some spectacular fireworks. We found both, and at least 20 selections of craft beer on tap to choose from. Why was I surprised? What else would you expect from BeerTown, USA? We're used to going to Atlanta Braves games where Bud and Miller rule with not a craft beer in sight (although I'm told that somewhere there is a Sweetwater kiosk, but we've never found it). When we walked into the entrance of McCormick Field we were greeted with a line of beer stands, each featuring different varieties of craft beer. Many of them local brews, and some selections from around the country. The biggest problem we faced was how do you choose?

So many craft beer choices!

What did we have: This was one of the most difficult beer decisions I've faced in a while. Even though I'm an enthusiastic beer consumer, I can't drink a lot in one setting. So I was limited to only two selections. Bruce can drink a little more, but wouldn't you know, he found a favorite first time around and kept ordering the same. For the first round we both decided to go local and I chose a Highland Gaelic Ale, their very popular amber. Good choice! Bruce picked the seasonal Highland Razor Wit, a Belgian Wheat. As I said, he loved it. I sipped my amber for the first three innings and then went back down for selection #2. I wanted a souvenir cup (a little larger pour) and selected something I knew Bruce would like as well, so he could help me out. I decided to head west this time and chose the Breckenridge Agave Wheat. Oh yum, crisp and refreshing but with real depth for a wheat beer. Another great selection to sip through the rest of the game.

Take me out to the Ball Game, and buy me some craft beer.

What was fun: Oh my gosh, what could be more fun? It was a beautiful night in Asheville, NC. The ball game was entertaining, the local crowd was enthusiastic and extremely friendly, the fireworks did not disappoint, and the beer....simply amazing. The food wasn't bad either. I got a tasty veggie taco from a food cart that paired very well with my craft beer. So, what are we doing next year for the 4th of July? Perhaps the very same thing. I have 18 more beer selections to check out.

Brevard, NC -Brevard Brewing Company

2012-07-14T17:11:00.000-07:00

The store front entrance of Brevard Brewing Company.

When I told our friends Angie and Jonathan that we were heading to Asheville for the 4th of July, they suggested we stop on the way in Brevard, NC, and check out their new microbrewery. We took them up on it, and what a great recommendation! Brevard is a quaint mountain town with one main street. Brevard Brewing Company is located in one of the store fronts downtown. To walk inside you can tell this establishment was only open in April and is still getting started. The brewing takes place in the back room, a large bar and open area with limited seating makes up the tasting room. Local art is the main decor that lines the walls. The building may feel like it's still a work in progress and nothing out of the ordinary, but the beer is the real deal. Their main problem is keeping up with demand. After tasting all they had to offer, I can understand why.

Brevard Brewing serves five outstanding ales.

What did we have: This was a short stop and we still had almost an hour of driving left to get to Asheville, so we limited our drinking. As the driver, I ordered the taster of five beers and only had a few sips of each. It was enough to make me want more! Their specialties are German style ale. Just one short year ago we were drinking beer in Munich, so we felt qualified to judge if it truly was up to German standards. I must say, it comes pretty darn close. The flight consisted of Lager, Pilsner, Hefeweisen, IPA and Dunkel. When sipping the Dunkel I could imagine myself relaxing in a German Beer Garden. It burst with flavor. The hef was also a highlight. The biggest surprise was the IPA which has just the right hop finish to make it interesting.

Ahhh, the pretty beer!

Why is it fun: It was a great treat to find such a high quality microbrewery in the small town of Brevard. At the time of our visit, around 5 pm, there was a nice gathering of locals who have clearly claimed this place their own. Live music is featured on the weekends and I'm told that it's very lively. The server informed us their beer is now served at all the restaurants in Brevard, and if they could meet demand, I'm sure they could easily expand into Asheville. For right now, a stop in Brevard and a visit to the local microbrewery is well worth the trip. We'll be back, and next time we'll pick up a growler to bring home.

Hilton Head Island, SC - The Lodge

2012-06-21T10:55:00.001-07:00

The front entrance of The Lodge in Hilton Head.

If you're looking for miles of sandy beaches, a unique natural setting, and world famous golf courses, Hilton Head Island is a terrific vacation destination. If you're looking for great craft beer, not so much. Bud and Coors are everywhere, but for years it's been difficult to find a bar that offers a selection of draft craft beer. The good news is that The Lodge, formally a martini and cigar bar, is now the island's choice for an interesting and varied selection of craft draft. You can skip the local brew pub, located right next door, but The Lodge is worth the visit. I got to sample four new beers, and that's always fun.

A one of a kind bar on Hilton Head Island.

Most of the popular bars on Hilton Head are going for a bright, cheerful beach feel. Not The Lodge. Walk inside and you'd think you were in Montana or Alaska with the dark wood paneled walls adorned with mounted animal heads, and bar stools that are covered with faux animal skins. It's dark, and not at all what you'd expect for a beach community. The Lodge features 36 rotating taps with a rather eclectic selection of beer, including the ubiquitous Pabst and Yuengling to Harpoon Leviathan with a whopping 10% ABV.

A sampling of very tasty summer ales.

What did we have: We came for Happy Hour and decided to have a bite to eat along with the discounted drafts. Since they offered many selections that I hadn't tried, I decided on a sampler of summer ale style beers. I asked our server to recommend selections that had some character with a nice hop finish. My sampler included North Coast Blue Star American Pale Wheat Beer, Anderson Valley Summer Solstice Cream Ale, Foothills Hurricane Hefeweizen and Stone Cali-Belgique IPA. I did not dislike any of the selections, but found only the Stone Cali-Belgique to have the complex taste I was looking for. I also enjoyed the cream ale, but due to it's sweetness, a small quantity sufficed. The menu offered usual pub grub fare with a large selection of burgers and barbecue. I chose the caprese grilled cheese with mozzarella, basil chiffonade, tomato slices on Parmesan crusted sourdough with balsamic glaze dip. It was very tasty. My husband enjoyed his baby back ribs.

What was fun: Just the fact that you can find a venue on Hilton Head Island that serves craft beer is a treat. I hope that the locals, as well as visitors, will support this bar. Among the plethora of beach bars featuring overly-sweet Margaritas, Corona and Jimmy Buffett cover songs, it's great to have one establishment that actually serves GOOD beer.

Bend, OR - Brother Jon's Alehouse

2012-05-30T16:31:00.001-07:00

The entrance of Brother Jon's Alehouse in downtown Bend.

It's always a delight to return to Bend and find new craft beer venues in town. Brother Jon's Alehouse is one that caught my eye as we drove into town. Our first stop was to Dechutes Pub to check out the new expansion. After a great meal and a few pints, we decided to head across the street to pay a visit to the Alehouse. It was so jam packed we decided we'd come back at another time.

The Alehouse features a full bar 14 rotating beers on tap.

We returned the next day in mid-afternoon to avoid the lunch crowd. Although only in business for four months, it's clear this pub has already developed loyal patrons. It features 14 beers on tap, mostly from local and other northwest breweries, and IPA influenced. They also include a German favorite, Weihenstephan Hefeweizen, and a Belgian red ale. They have a full bar and serve some fine Oregon wines.

Three of the great beers on tap.

Our friendly server recommended the local Boneyard RPM IPA, which is considered one of the best in the area. I had to agree. I also had a half pint of the Deschutes seasonal, Red Chair, which has IPA characteristics without the bitterness and, coincidentally was not available at Deschutes Pub when we visited the previous evening. Our server told us it was the last keg in town.

Perhaps the best bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado sandwich ever.

The food at the Alehouse is a notch above usual pub fare. According to our server, the owner's philosophy is to use the highest quality local ingredients and offer menu items at great value. They definitely succeeded. We shared several dishes including the BLTA, a traditional BLT with avocado featuring the best bacon available in Oregon, a blackened wild Coho salmon and goat cheese fritter salad, and an Alehouse brat marinated in local IPA beer. I get hungry just thinking about this meal.

We all had a great time at the family friendly Alehouse.

There are lots of great places to drink beer in Bend, but I'm betting that the Alehouse has the winning formula to stick around for a long while. The great downtown location, excellent beer selection and memorable food will keep folks coming back. I know I'm one of them.