Listermann Brewery – Cincinnati, Ohio

Brewery hopping is my joy. Love that I have a man to do it with that is in the business and also loves to check out new small brewery venues. Its getting tougher to find ones in our cities that we haven’t tried yet. Listermann Brewery is one neither of us have been to, so while killing time New Year’s Eve early evening, we decided to take a peak.

Pulling up it was super close to Xavier campus.

We only had one hour before they closed. Inside they had Tickle Pickle as their food venue. Always love when there’s food with beer. One thing about Rhinegeist I just don’t understand.

They had mead on tap which made George happy. It was actually quite good. One of the better meads I’ve tried.

Looks like a lot of recognition from the time they’ve been open. Love that they continue to stay local.

German heritage bold and proud in Cincinnati.

Our tasters. I got a Calista Flockhart or something that reminded me of a show from the past. I love the names of different beers when they are clever. Just makes it all more fun to try.

West Virginia Breweries

Well of course whenever I travel, besides hiking, the other love I have is breweries. I enjoy finding local beers and trying them. So while visiting West Virginia, I made a point to check out the local spots near me.

As soon as I crossed the border, I decided to stop in their capital city of Charleston and see what their city was like. I was drawn to their capital building with its top of gold but was unable to get a photo. Roads were blocked off and security was in place to enter.

I stopped at their rest area welcome center to see if there were any pamphlets to be had. I thought of George and picked a few up to give to him when I return for his files.

I crossed over the bridge to Charleston.

I made my way to Court Street and wandered the city blocks which had a small town feel.

I found a brewery called Fife and it was adorable. Down a brick alleyway.

The folks working there were very friendly and welcoming.

I got a flight. I was only an hour from my destination for the night.

Right outside across the street were these gigantic sculptures. I asked one of the workers what this place was and it was explained that this is where the homeless once lived and they rehabbed it but the homeless still come and enjoy the space. She made a point that it should be a shared space and we were all to get along. It was so kind and sincere the way she explained it.

The police station was at the tip of this park which I believe helped keep it controlled.

This was the alleyway Fife Brewery was located in.

I noticed this metal art as I was walking back to my car. Looked perfect with the metro bus in the background.

I took the local non-toll route to Fayetteville.

I found a local brewery named Freefolk just up the street from where I was staying.

This place was beautifully painted. I later found out the guy who painted the walls also did the metal artwork, the ceramic mugs and designed the coasters. A true artist!

I tried a flight and then took a 4 pack home.

Cute play area complete with pinball, ping pong and corn hole.

Can sculpt in ceramic and paint??? And graphically design- while doing metal work?????

Perfect location to where I am staying. Just up the road.

After doing the Castle Rock Trail in the southern part of New River Gorge, I google mapped my way to this local brewery which was close by.

Always fun to see their tanks and ingredients. I wondered if local breweries were giving any sort of competition to the brand names. I hope so. Its great that there is more taste added to beer flavors.

This place had strange decor, artistically conflicting. From Jerry Garcia to random art and country feel.

Definitely a local vibe with good pizza options and plenty of space indoors and out. When I was pulling in there were two side-by-sides rolling out. Sometimes the country makes me uncomfortable. Then I remind myself I’m from Findlay.

My last stop was Bridge Brews. I loved their “Mountain Mama” American pale ale.

As I was sitting outdoors a small plane flew across the cloudy skies.

Such a beautiful weekend, I feel so lucky that the weather held out and there was zero chill in the air here.

I purchased a growler to go, to be responsible driving back. I stopped at the Stop n Go to get some water and chips to get me through the night and I saw Boonesfarm wine, proudly positioned right below the Glade. Wow brought back high school memories.

Indianapolis Cider Festival

George invited me to a new event in Indianapolis and I thought it would be fun to go. With Hive & Barrel he is always setting up for tastings and I’ve worked a couple booths with him in Maysville and Bowling Green, Kentucky. Both were non stop busy but we thought this one, being its first year, may be a little light on traffic.

We were wrong! Zoe came later in the afternoon and we put her to work as well! A beautifully crazy day- working on my feet for 4 hours nonstop pouring cider and mead for the longest line at the event.

I snapped some photos when we first arrived. It was such a cool venue. I am sure next year will have an even bigger turn out. Free parking across the way and the pallet furniture/container venue was along a bike trail too. A little outside the city, people were travelling from all over to come.

The fake turf and colorfully painted palettes created a very cute outdoor weatherproof venue.

Notice the bikes hanging on the wire above. Pumpkins were everywhere setting the fall theme.

The buckets were for ball beer pong. Families seem to gather in this area letting their kids play.

They had a band playing later and once I escaped the booth, I danced with Zoe showing the crowd how to properly make a fool out of oneself.

Inside they had plenty of TVs showing the games and also a big screen which was going to house a movie night. I was tempted to stay.

Zoe captured this photo showing the turn out as she went to fetch us food during the height of the event.

We were completely exhausted by the end. On our drive out, I asked to stop by a brewery to sit and detox for a bit before we headed home.

We stopped at St. Joseph’s church/now brewery.

George got a tiny beer since he was driving home.

My ‘tangerine wit’ hit the spot. I ordered a growler to go and enjoyed several more once my feet were up for the night.

Grand Rapids Breweries

While visiting my sister and her husband in Grand Rapids, we tried to work our way through a couple breweries. Tim told me about an app called brewsader, that you use to check into breweries and get a free tee once you hit 8 of them. What a fun idea to get people out trying different places!

I googled breweries in their area and tons popped up.

#1- Our first stop was in an old church called Brewery Vivant.

They had a large outdoor venue with half covered.

I tried a flight and could not figure out how to get the beers out, I thought for sure they booby trapped mine in and gave me a flight where the wood openings were too tight. But then we saw someone simply lift their baby beer out instead of trying to pull it through the opening on the sides. I felt like a moron. And I hadn’t even started drinking yet!

We had a large group and I enjoyed meeting Paige’s friends and Zack’s fiance, Leslie Was nice how instead of a long table where you can only talk to one side, they pushed tables together to create a more round atmosphere.

#2- Greyline Brewery, because it was on the way home and I needed to take a work call.

Nothing special inside. It seemed pretty low key.

Outside they had a solo artist who was amazing! Guess he tried out for American Idol and gor pretty far but didn’t win. He was so chill with a great voice.

As we left I was admiring the tiny buds on the tips of the whipsy bushes.

#3- Perrin Brewery. We went for dinner and was not disappointed! Their food and beer was great!

Huge tanks, yet I’d never heard of them before.

I opted for another flight to taste some of their fruit choices and local IPAs. Loved the coloration of mine.

I ended up buying a tee shirt as a memento. Still searching for a vee neck though. Haven’t seen one since my Sterling Pig from Media, PA.

Garage doors open and the breeze felt great. Summer weather up here is amazing.

#4- Archival Brewery. It was on the way home.

Felt a little higher end. Overlooked an old golf course and I guess this building used to be a country club.

Their merch was displayed so nicely and they even sold discs for disc golf. Guess the course changed over to the new sport.

Trying to take a photo of the fermenting barrels.

Copper seemed to be a theme throughout. All of their silverware was copper too.

#5- Mittens. This used to be an old firehouse and then they turned it into a baseball themed brewery.

We stopped here to grab dinner on our way back from the beach.

Totally cute board cut out in the shape of the state accurately displaying why their brewery was named Mittens.

They offered a “flight” of pizza that you could order up to 6 different specialties. It was so fun. My favorite was the Westerdog which Leslie earlier recommended to us. Trisha thought she was crazy because it was made out of all beef hot dots, shaved pickles, ketchup and mustard- but I have to say we all loved it.

Score board leaning against the building completing the theme. I guess Grand Rapids has a minor league team that feeds into the Detroit Tigers which is fun.

Ohio City Brew Hop

Road trip to Cleveland. For no better reason than it was drivable, offered hiking and breweries- what more could a girl ask for? After hiking most of the morning at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, George and I decided to grab something to eat in Ohio City.

Needless to say, we never left. This very walkable area offered a variety of breweries as well as the infamous West Side Market and Grandma Campbell’s cupcakes. We hit as much as we could and then some!

#1- Firs stop was the classic must see “Great Lakes” Brewery. Historic Cleveland. We did one flight and I wasn’t so impressed. I think I’m spoiled now by all the variety that is out there offered by the smaller companies.

#2- We walked into the Market Garden Brewery only to find out they gave tours and sold merch but the brewery itself was not there. The gal running the store told us about Nano, so we headed across the parking lot to check it out.

Also some metal art of plants George couldn’t kill.

#3- Nano is a cute little place. I love how all the breweries in this city are unique. All of them sporting trans flags advertising their open mindedness and desire for like minded clientele.

Adorable bike rack right outside. Ohio City had tons of scooter and electric bike options. I really need to start downloading some new apps.

Inside was the typical sticker fridge and colorful beer chalk sign of choices.

We climbed our way to the balcony where no one sat and admired the peace and view. Noticed the plants were on a self watering system which I had never noticed before. Makes sense, but I wondered why I’d never seen them in action.

#4- The Bookhouse Brewery. With George’s love of books, I knew we would be hitting this one! I loved it immediately upon entering, but I ticked off the bartender by calling heavy metal music “angry” so I backed away and wandered the place to find the perfect seat while George got our drinks.

They actually explained the inside of the walls and the old wallpaper underneath. They salvaged some copper tiles and used it on the current ceiling.

We sat facing the amazing view of the Cleveland.

World Book Encyclopedias! Such memories. Those door to door salesman must have made a mint in the 1970s!

We need more of this in conservative Cincinnati. Businesses making a stand.

We passed some great murals while walking along our way.

I wanted to buy one of these utopian homes. I could see myself in such a place. If only I had the money. I’d own it and rent it out when I was traveling.

Loved the attention to detail adding color between the generic industrial colors of the recycled metal homes.

Knew if Zoe and Sedona were with us, we would’ve ended up inside this original art store.

Check out the slide leaving the building. We were told that living in this part of town is more expensive than in the heart of Cleveland these days.

#5 -Saucy Brewery. Love how George carried my Campbell’s cupcakes around for me and my girls. It brought back a childhood memory that I wanted to share with them upon return.

These guys were playing beer pong using trash cans and basketballs. I was tempted to team up with George and take them on for a game.

Ohio City, highly recommended to those visiting this area.

Always merch which is fun, but never a vee neck tee which I’m on the hunt for.

Loaded fries were just what we needed at this stage of our beer hop and a jar of pickles to keep us from cramping.

Such personality in the shops along the way. Had to admire.

#7- Had to take a quick dive into a game stop for a bathroom break. Looked like a fun way to spend the evening.

Day 2- We continued a bit of hopping but not in Ohio City. Checked out a few places surrounding the area but at a much slower pace.

#8- We ended up at Terrestrial Brewery where I had visited with Debbie on one of my hiking trips.

Cute glassware. Every brewery has stickers, tees, hats and glassware to sell as momentos.

#9- We drove across town to the East Side, Cleveland Heights, to check out a meadery.

Adorable place but not much surrounding it. More of a destination stop.

I didn’t care for the meads, but rarely do I. I’m more of a beer drinker.

#10- Nobel Beast Brewery. We headed back into downtown Cleveland making our way back to our Airbnb.

I loved the plants hanging from the ceiling. We met a single guy from Atlanta at the bar eating solo. He ironically just came from the meadery that we were at and told us about Moe’s which is supposed to be the inspiration for the Simpson’s tavern. We definitely had to check that out next.

#10- Moe’s . George having fun as we entered this pub being his animated self.

And sure enough this is where we ended our night. Eating a pizza with fried eggs on top. Not sure that was the best last meal idea but at the time was a perfect recommendation by our bartender. The Atlanta guy came in and sat with us here and I had a deep chat about what he wanted in life. I am sure he wanted to escape but engaged in conversation with me regardless. Southern people are so polite.

Knoxsville- Tennessee

After receiving a sweet hand written card for my birthday from one of my twins saying she missed our road trips and adventures, I decided to book a weekend trip to Knoxsville for Mother’s Day Weekend.

The drive down was met by torrential downpours, followed by closed highways due to unfortunate car accidents. We were delayed 48 minutes but I mapped my way over the most curvaceous mountain road following another brave SUV. Not a great start to the trip.

We arrived hangry and exhausted but made the best out of our Friday night!

Our Airbnb was in the perfect spot walkable to the Old City and the new breweries on the other side of the highway.

We started at The Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus. I knew the girls liked cider and theirs is the best. We had several glasses, along with the best pretzel and cider cheese dip imaginable.

There were two live belly dancers boldly moving about the audience. By the end, of course, with their encouragement, I was trying my best to match their moves.

While walking back we stopped at another brewery named Crafty Bastard. It was a mixed crowd. Zoe opted for a Pickle Beer.

Cute little brewery with a local guy singing. I liked that they offered non alcoholic options. Not that I partook in any.

We sat outside until the rain came. Then we headed indoors where we got the best tips from an Alaskan native now living in Knoxsville.

She told us about a donut shop down the way, so we detoured to buy whatever was leftover from the day. We discovered the owner went to OSU. I said O-H…….he replied appropriately. Between the 3 of us we ate a dozen donuts.

With our box of donuts we took a fork in the road to another brewery that had the coolest lights. But by this time I was a tad intoxicated and my photo taking abilities vanished.

Yep, having a great time! Mother and daughter for sure.

The next morning we headed out for some coffee and brunch at one of the recommended places. We walked across the tracks to the Old City where I admired the architecture.

We were out early but there was already a 45 minute wait at the brunch spot.

Looked like a lot of outdoor bar venues.

We got a bottle of champagne with a side of freshly squeezed OJ to start and let me say this place was well worth the wait.

We later hit a little boutique that just opened the day before. It was amazing and I loved the woman who owned it.

We walked to a graffiti art alley and of course Dolly was represented!

We admired the art as we walked seeing where a lot of the homeless found their nooks at night. Perfect alcoves where Sedona hid to take our photo.

Can appreciate that my kids love to explore and they appreciate art like I do.

Zoe captured this and I never even saw it.

We headed to a roof top bar but it started raining again, so we opted to head to their Art Museum to take a look.

Some super cool glass art along the ceilings above what was soon to be a wedding venue.

The museum featured a women’s art exhibit.

This was my favorite piece but the museum was disappointedly small.

This monument was put up 40 years ago for the first World’s Fair. I remember going as a kid and thinking it was huge. I asked my sisters if they remembered it. Tiffani did not, but Trisha remembered losing Kelly Souply and thinking she would never be found again. I remembered the Heinz ketchup bottle robot and the Chinese display.
Funny how our minds work and what they recall.

There are three free trolley lines in Knoxsville, so I convinced my daughters to jump on one which took us on a tour of campus. The University of Tennessee is HUGE- I had no idea.

Later, exhausted from walking, we went to a recommended pizza place which opened at 5 pm and was literally packed solid at 5:15. It was no joke the best pizza I have ever eaten. And no, I was not totally influenced by the bottle of wine we split on the side. You must try this place if you ever come to Knoxsville!

My beautiful twins. What amazing adults they have become.

The restaurant’s ceilings had sound proofing pads which totally helped the acoustics. Was nice to be in a crowded place but still hear each other speak.

The donut shop lady (yes we went there two nights in a row) recommended this German eatery.

We were able to watch the Kentucky Derby here where Sedona picked the winner! Odds were 80-1. Too bad George only be 2$ on it.

I found this crowd release sign humorous. Basically saying if you were there, your photo could be taken at any time and just get over it.

Well this angel could not endure two nights in a row. I was in bed by 8 literally Saturday night, but did the best I could to take this city in.

Just appreciating my mom.

Remembering how she always taught us to be independent, never relying on anyone.

Always fully supporting my adventures, she bought me my first suitcase on wheels (which back then only flight attendants had) and a cosmetic carrier which I still use 35 years later.

She visited me at every city I ever lived in and always wanted to meet my friends.

Never a sad or bad time with her, she was filled with fun and laughs along the way.

She lost her voice too soon.

Miss her and who she used to be.

Looking forward to seeing her again one day.

To all the mother’s who feel unappreciated, please know you are doing your best and that is absolutely all we have. We can try to show our kids the way, but ultimately it is up to them where to take what we have so lovingly given.

Brewery Hop – Park Circle, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant -South Carolina.

George had some meetings set up in the morning as I worked a 1/2 day. He returned with some local recommendations of where to go.

We started off early afternoon and didn’t stop until late night. We spread our drinking out by ordering mostly flights, to taste as many local brews as possible in one day.

Getting to some of these breweries makes me question where the heck George is driving/taking me. We were winding through local neighborhoods, then down some industrial roads complete with abandoned containers, and then pulled up on a pebbled drive and voilà, fabulous!

I could’ve stayed at our first stop all day if they had food.

#1) Freehouse: Guess if you build them, they will come. (breweries and baseball fields) We got there fairly early but again by the time we were leaving people were pulling up. There is no lack of avid beer drinkers to continue feeding the craft brewery market share.

Looked like new construction with plenty of space. Their view overlooked the Ashley River.

I loved their chill vibe and festival like music they were playing.

It will be interesting to see if this trend ends. Its fun to see beer tanks in the same spot that you enjoy their fresh concoctions.

I grabbed a bag of chips to tie me over. I was soaking in the sun and absolutely loving it.

George was sporting his MadMoon tee from our recent Columbus trip. Check out the various colors of his flight choice.

I took a snap shot of Freehouse’s location to see how desolate it really was from an bird’s eye point of view.

#2) Tattooed Moose– We drove to a location, also recommended, called Park City which was in North Charleston. This community was awesome with several breweries and restaurants all within a walkable area. It’s nice that George is friendly, where I am not. Sometimes being opposites if very beneficial.

I was drawn in by the visuals of this place. We decided to sit outside and see what their menu was like. They actually specialized in duck. You just never know looking at a place, but one thing I’ve learned is some of the best food comes from places you may judge differently from the outside.

Again, not quite sure why the colorful octopus is the mural outside of a moose themed place, but its fun!

Looking in past the bar, there were several mounted game heads which if you were in Wisconsin would be surrounded by a lodge like feel. What I loved about North Charleston is they created more of a quirky fun vibe with them instead.

We sat outside again, this time in the shade and had the most unbelievable lunch! Highly recommend you check it out if you are ever down this way.

Making George pose up on the stage trying to get his head positioned between the antlers. Graffiti was encouraged everywhere and pens were readily available for you to leave your mark. (on the walls, on the tables, in the bathroom stalls)

After going into the bathrooms, George and I compared notes on what was written. I bet there could be a whole story/psychological evaluation based around just that. The women’s room had inspiring girl power notes mixed in with some God debate and how to wipe the seat once done. He told me in the men’s room he read something regarding “size doesnt matter 🙂

#3) Commonhouse Aleworks– This place was very family friendly having a big outdoor space and a stage where I am sure they host a lot of artists in the spring and summer months. For a February Friday, I was appreciating all the people that were out enjoying the weather.

I noticed a lot of customers buying their tee shirts. I kept looking for one I liked but nobody had V necks in my size.

Their names were really clever – “the sin of man”, “salt in the air”, “tax day cpa”—I wanted to try them based on their names.

They had propane heaters ready to go, unnecessary tonight.

We sat in the back to catch the last of the sun as it was starting to fade. They also had these gas fireplaces at several tables for atmosphere. I found it an odd mix with the picnic tables.

Cute fake grass and lawn chair area by the stage.

#4) The Brew Cellar- this was right next door to Commonwealth and was more like a store with a small outdoor seating area. We were able to grab a small table but eventually got swarmed by baby carriages and families- this is a big thing now, babies and beers and it can get a little annoying since I’ve been there and done that. I am not a natural baby or dog lover that ooohs and aahs over the little nuggets that make their parents glow with pride.

Metal signs representing various brewers.

They offered just a few on tap but many from around the country in cans.

I liked the energy of this poster. Complete with the Cincinnati flying pig representing. I sort of related to this poster at this point 4 beers in.

#5) Game Night- I’ve seen these board game places around the cities but I have never stopped into one before. When we arrived there was just one family playing inside, the game of “Life. They had two daughters. It was so cute to listen to them in the background.

The mom went to the restroom, and when she came back to her family, they announced that one of the daughters got married. Was hilarious. Like she missed the moment. She replied did you get a husband or a wife?

They had a beer cooler and I picked one just based on the can design. Sort of like how I pick my wine.

We played Battleship, and of course, he won.

#5) Ship’s Wheel Hard Cider- This was the main reason we came down to this area. A family run cidery that George wanted to check out. They had an outdoor event with local vendors and a solo artist playing to create quite a fun atmosphere outside.

The garage doors seems to be a must for these places allowing fresh air in and marrying the outdoors with the indoors.

A window view to where the magic begins.

Dogs have become another annoyance to me. I loved my dog, Cookie, who we recently had to put down at age 16. He was literally the best and I still cry with the memory of him and all he was to my family. But I never expected other people to have to endure his barking or step over him while trying to get to a table at a restaurant. It’s really a new breed of parents out there with these animals!
I’m starting to sound like an old woman! (hmmmmm- I do have a birthday coming up)

They were sold out of some flavors which is good sign of business.

Remember these table games that were always at restaurants to entertain us? It was fun to watch how differently George and I played them. He strategized. I just jumped, not remembering one game to the next. Once we finished our flight, I had it down to 2 pegs which I was super proud of.

#6) Park Pizza- was directly across the street and only allowed one customer at a time in the store. I told George he best be ready to order when he entered, but he was not, so he got kicked back out. I loved their sign with Nicolas Cage.

Hey,they are hiring, along with every other low paying place in America.

There was a line outside and everyone told us it was worth the wait.

#7) Madra Rua Irish Pub- Being impatient, I told George I would literally eat anything and I dove into the Irish Pub next door to wait. This pub was beautifully Irish in feeling. So different than all the modern outdoor/indoor/brewery/cidery places we’d been.

We had one drink, picked up the pie and headed to back to our temporary home.

Guinness is good for you. Love that historic slogan.

The next day we headed to a beach in the morning, which I will post separately. We got our fair share of sun and needed some shade, so we hit a new location called Mount Pleasant on our way home.

I kid you not, I had no clue where, again, we were headed. Industrial with a dead end to a shipyard. But after turning around, among the containers, sure enough were a few breweries.

#8) Ghost Monkey- I liked the name and as we were debating about which one to hit on the way home, a local told us that both were in the same area. So in typical fashion, we hit them both.

You can see the containers from the map view. Amazing what a huge port area this is.

This brewery also had some really cute names to their taps like “yoga pants” and “death by mangos”. My favorite was a marshmello flavored beer.

Dead monkey skull logo catchy, but definitely not my favorite.

The solo artist was appropriate and singing some catchy tunes but still made it background like where you didnt necessarily want to sing along. I enjoyed him.

#9) Hobcaw Brewing Co- We could’ve walked but opted not to. This place was themed in what I would call Tiffany blue. They did a great job with this color from tiles, to the wooden flight holders, to tees. It made a statement.

The indoor area was pretty quiet, but outdoors was kiddie central. All couples were inside and all the families outside. I think this place must be known for bringing your children. As we left many more were strolling up.

Out in the warehouse were these random garage sale looking aka free/charity furniture collected. We sat out here and enjoyed some peace.

Our shared flight. Even the pens were blue that you wrote your order with.

On the way out I noticed this horse head which felt very Godfather-ish.

#10) Two Blokes- When we realized there was one more brewery within a 2 minute drive, we of course ended up there to end our adventure. They had a lobster food truck outside selling extremely pricey dishes. An interesting twist to take out.

As we were walking up, a man sitting outside said ” O-H” and I replied “I-O”. I was wondering where he was getting that from and then realized he saw my license plate. Ohioans are everywhere.

This place was probably my favorite of all of them. Saving the best for last. It felt cozy, but not crowded. Great attention to detail in the decor, friendly, knowledgeable bartenders, few kids and dogs and awesome beer.

I wanted so badly to purchase one of their tees since I loved their simplistic logo with the two hats and hops, but they didnt have my size.

Great social distancing and plastic shied for ordering.

I will admit being down here on vacation where no one is wearing masks is an odd experience for me. It’s as if Covid doesn’t exist here… or else no one is really paying any attention to it. Honestly, it was nice to forget about. When I looked up the stats, there were only 1,000 new cases in South Carolina which is half that of Ohio. Not sure how the two populations compare, but seemed like a small number compared to January!

Showing the brewing process in art form which I greatly appreciated.

Cute display and bar taps. Names again clever and catchy.

Even the wooden flight holder was shaped like a bowler. Loved how the table was artistically filled with stickers. George traded glassware with the owner and they gave him some free bottles to take with him. Nice having that industry connection of brewing.

“better red than dead”, “who’s your cran-daddy?”—-Small businesses that have the freedom to name and create art are priceless. I truly enjoy seeing all the varieties in companies here in South Carolina, each individually unique and local.

Hunter Gatherer -Columbia, South Carolina.

After another 4 hours of driving with some added brochure gathering along the way, we mapped out another taproom to try. This stop was in Columbia, South Carolina.

I’ve never been to Columbia before but was surprised by the amount of traffic it had surrounding this city. This stop would get us one step closer to our destination of Summerville, SC. Chosen mostly for its name and southern charm.

Another mural right outside the location. Not sure what it all means with the donuts and whale but definitely original. Can appreciate the rainbow coloration of the friends quote.

It was surprisingly a little higher end for a brewery. It was established in 1995 so the crowd definitely had an older vibe to it. (I fit right in)

Was located near the University of South Carolina. We passed the stadium on our way out of town and it was surprisingly huge! Felt more like a professional stadium to me.

We took a seat up in the balcony area which made for a great people watching view. The exposed brick and pipes gave it a warm industrial vibe.

An hour and a half later, we checked into the Airbnb and decided to stretch our legs and check out the small town. It was now 9 pm- we started our road trip at 7:15 am.

The weather was surprisingly warm and was such a great retreat from where we came from where the temperature was cold to the bone at around 20 degrees.

We found a local joint and I ordered a local beer. Exhausted we didn’t make it out for more than one. But the fun began the following morning as we decided to do a brewery crawl to see what the locals of the Charleston area had going on.

Rebel Mettle Brewery- Cincinnati, Ohio

I have no idea why, but I always struggle during the Holidays. This year, with taking on a new full time position and being back in America, I struggle to find the balance of life. I have learned what brings me nuggets of joy, but yet again I find myself chained to a desk falling back into the groove, working nonstop, making ends meet.

Why do we do that? Old habits die hard. Its interesting to me as I watch in observation of myself. Trying to figure out how I so quickly, automatically reverted back to become the past me.

I haven’t had much time for friends, shopping or hiking. I’m still working Cambly in the am and pm on top of my other job, as I refuse to let go of my now only 24 regular students who still brighten my day. I haven’t seen my friend Kevin in a couple months, so I was happy to have him on my calendar, even if it was just a Tuesday night.

Kevin travels all the time and is always off adventuring. Its one of many things I love about him. He is also such an easy going friend to hang with, unload on, gain wisdom from and explore with. We decided to try out a brewery that neither of us had been to before. Rebel Mettle is celebrating its 1 year anniversary.

Its in an odd location in the south west corner of downtown, wedged by alleyways and highways.

I loved how their tables had their engraved logo on them. It was a typical Tuesday night. I need to go back when the weather is warmer. It looked like they had a pretty cool second floor and outdoor area.

One of the workers is obsessed with the rubber ducks they give out at the Sugar & Spice diner. They look cute as beer taps.

Their graffiti wall reminded me of my house growing up. My parents allowed us kids to doodle on the basement game room walls which entertained us until high school. I am certain the memories live on in that house even if its covered in fresh paint.

When taking a closer look, it seemed to be a memorial wall tribute.

The bathrooms of this place were super clean and extremely warm which was nice. This graffiti awaited me in my stall. I wish I had a pen to contribute.

Kevin and I both ordered flights to try them all out. I ended up taking a mixed six pack home to get me through the week.

Being that it was Tuesday it was Trivia night at the bar. I really didn’t want to participate, but Kevin already had the app on his phone so we decided to give it a try. I was able to guess a bonus question, which I was dang proud of. (totally random number guess too- but made me look smart!)

We compromised on a lot of answers, which turned out he was usually right and I was usually not. But, nonetheless, we won a 10$ gift card in the end scoring 3rd place! (I won’t tell you how many teams participated🤣)

As we left the bar, there was a light snow coming down which was magical. It was not cold out, but perfectly still. Felt like we were in a movie. One of those moments you wish you could freeze in time. A great ending to a much needed night out.

I hope everyone doesn’t let time escape them during the holiday season. Cherish the time we have and remember that time really is just an illusion.

Cleveland Bar Hop

After wasting two hours dealing with my own stupidity in allowing my car to run out of gas and then having my battery die, I was hangry and needing a beer! Debbie and I set out to find lunch at 3 pm on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and did not stop until the bars closed at 1 am.