Coming back from Phili was an easy 1 & 1/2 hour flight and George picked me up from the airport. I was looking a little rough from my two nights drinking with my girl friends, so I hopped in the shower and decided to bite the hair of the dog. (A great idiom that my Cambly students would love.)
While I was trying to put myself together, George researched a few breweries that I had never heard of, or been to before.
Our first stop was on Kemper Road at a place called “March First”. My younger sister’s birthday. 🙂 I convinced my daughter Sedona to come along, telling her that at any time she wanted to jump off the crazy bar hop bus, we would take her home. Needless to say, she lasted all night and we all had a blast!
It was a tad chilly but we sat outside as we tested a few of their taps. Honestly I would go back here! Pretzels ordered were tasty and every beer or cider we tried was unique.
They had fire pits ready for the evenings. Indoors they had plenty of games like air hockey and shuffle board. We got there early on a Sunday so it wasn’t too busy yet.
The chocolate cherry was like dessert!
I can’t even remember what mine was but I liked it. Sedona had some sort of blond coffee beer.
George looking handsome as ever.
Then we headed to bar number 2= Third Eye in Sharonville. I’ve been here many times before but wanted Sedona and George to try it. We had some awesome waffle fries and their Sunday chicken and waffle special which had some amazing bacon bits on top. Their food is always unique and presented beautifully.
George had a flight.
The one struggle with eating outdoors in the fall is the honey bees. They get a bit aggressive and you have to find something sweet to temp them to go to another table so they don’t continue to buzz around and dip into your drinks.
Stop #3 was Artifact Brewery which is in Northside. Its housed in an old church and specializes in sours.
The bar in the basement.
We again sat outside and Sedona snapped this cool photo of our flight. Sedona and I at this point started splitting the flights to keep from getting too drunk.
George and Sedona were competing to see whose photos turned out better. They honestly both had unique views.
I’m so glad she came out.
Across the street was another brewery named the Humble Monk. #4- I heard about it last time my friend Allen stopped over for a visit. I love the name.
Specializing in belguim style beers. I loved the logo, but this time, did not steal a glass.
Great saying placed right above the church pews.
There were a couple of gatherings there. Breweries offer such a great space for groups now that they’re starting to get back together. I just always continually remind myself when I’m out that Ohio only 50% of the population is vaccinated. Holding steady at this stupid’ point.
Capturing my new model.
Our adorable selfie with the logo in the background. I was sporting my new tee from the Media Sterling Pig Brewery. Needless to say, good times were had and we weren’t done yet.
My friend hosted our Phuket Posse reunion last weekend at her amazingly comfortable home in Media, PA. Her husband Blake was victim to our bold and open conversations about all topics as well as our rowdy intoxicated behavior well into the evenings. A good time to be had by all! Was a fantastic catch up that we will be putting on our calendars again in the spring next year!
We started off with an amazing cook out dinner on their new back deck. It was such a beautiful evening and I was so happy to be spending it outdoors with these lifelong friends of mine.
Karen, Blake, Susan and May.
Saturday night I wanted to check out their downtown area. It was walking distance from where we were staying and looked like a small town with one main street lined with boutiques and breweries, my kind of attraction.
I’m so glad Karen and Blake bar hopped along with me. I had so much fun hearing stories about their town and some of the history and gossip that goes along with it. They even taught me what a Delco was. (a person that has a look from Delaware County)
Karen pointed out Tom’s di sum shop which was only one store away from Dim Som Mania. She explained that the partners at Tom’s got into a fight, so the one partner left and opened his own shop two doors down. Rivalry at its finest here in Media. Let the best dim sum win! Or maybe there is room for two?
Adorable small church. One in every Americana town.
There is a trolley that runs down the middle of the main street and dead ends in Media. You can take the trolley all the way into Philadelphia.
Went into one brewery named Iron Horse.
I sampled a flight and enjoyed most.
Blake snapped this photo of Karen and I which I loved. Her shirt says “Wild and Free” and mine “May Contain Alcohol”. We are a perfect pair.
We then headed to a local bar they frequent named “Quotations”. I thought it had a cute theme with quotes on the tables and chalkboards around the bar. I mean who doesn’t love a good quote?
Karen had a selzer by a brand called “Two Robbers”. The can came complete with a comic. Love the marketing and branding these days! Funny thing about this bar is that they all think Karen’s name is Kelly, and now with the stereotype against “Karens” she just lets them call her that. Hilarious.
Must be an inside quote.
When we went back outside the temps had dropped as the rain came down leaving a shimmer on the streets. I loved the tram tracks in the middle.
This place was lit up and adorable. Too bad it was raining out so we couldn’t sit for awhile.
We dove into another brewery named “Sterling Pig”. Apparently they make their own pulled pork and brisket daily. They had sold out of both by the time we arrived at 9 pm.
Their logo was adorable and I ended up stealing a mug and buying a tee from them.
Their flight, always chosen by the bartender for me, knew I’d try anything. In Sante Fe I tried a beer named “Pickle Juice” and I swear it tasted just like it. Here I tasted a Cinnamon beer where the glass rim was dipped in it. Every sip was scrumptious!
They had a very industrial interior and every place we went to opened up all their garage doors to allow as much open air opportunities as they could.
It was a great little town and fun filled Saturday. Hiking, Breweries, and Friends. What more could you want?
And I get high with a little help from my friends. ✌🏼
I love that my man enjoys an afternoon beer as much as I do. Whenever we have a day off together it’s fun that we both like to go out and enjoy the beautiful day, sit outside, and taste local beers from a new brewery. (when I say new, its just new to me, not necessarily a new establishment)
That is one of the many positive changes Covid has had on my life. Inspiring me to do more things outdoors, which for me is usually in nature. But restaurants of all sorts have now expanded their availability of outdoor seating and this is an update I embrace!
We dropped into Falls City Brewery during the late afternoon.
I loved how they had their history written up on the brick wall for everyone to understand how long they have actually been around. Pre-Prohibition. So cool how some breweries have survived and reinvented themselves.
George, a reoccurring victim of my blog since he is by my side on many of my adventures.
The outdoor seating area was beautifully laid out.
Complete with a firepit for our upcoming chilly evenings.
Cute touches with the historic vehicles.
Always going to opt for a flight to test as many as I can. At this point I tend to love them all- sours, IPAs, lagers, ciders…..and soon to test out meads.
George snapped this photo of me wearing my new GoodVibes dress that I copied after my Norris Lake weekend.
We hung outside to enjoy the weather, but this place also had an expansive indoor area with a few video games and a bookshelf of board games for willing participants. I tried to play Mrs. Packman for nostalgia sake, but instead hit Galaga. I got a little stress release out on the “fire” button.
It was such a gorgeous night out weather wise Sunday. I texted my neighbor Nancy to see if she was interested in a going on a leisure, not all sweat induced, walk with me. She agreed and said I could pick the route. (she tends to take me up and down steep hills that I cannot manage without stopping….yet)
So in typical Tonya style, I decided we would walk our way to a brewery that had outdoor seating. It was just 1.5 miles from our house.
The logo is so cute and our bartender even cuter. He had this piercing in the back of his neck that I had never seen before, I just googled it and its called a nape”. I feel so outdated sometimes.
Indoor lounge seating is beautifully kept and plenty of space for social distancing.
Would be an excellent place to meet a group out.
Front windows provide ample people watching space as well as great lighting.
Nancy treated me to a flight which was adorably set with a palette cleansing water. Plenty of picnic table style seating out back.
On our walk home as the sun was starting to set, the Gomez caught my eye along with the painted mural. I heart ArtWorks had moved their headquarters over to this area of town. I coaxed Nancy down the alley to see what else may be here. This was located catty- cornered to the Firehouse Pizza.
Look what I discovered. This is what I love so much about Cincinnati. Its just one surprising cute artsy place after another.
Painted on top of the picnic bench. Words of strength and endurance. ✌🏼
After hiking for several hours, surviving off coffee and a single sprinkled donut, I was in need of some solid pub food and a craft beer. We headed to the NULU section of Louisville to start our brewery hop at the Ten20.
The East Market District, colloquially referred to as NuLu (a portmanteau of “New” and “Louisville”), is an unofficial district of Louisville, Kentucky, situated along Market Street between downtown to the west and the Highlands neighborhoods to the east. (according to Google)
Unfortunately their food was having its grand opening the following day, seemed odd, skipping a weekend and launching on a Tuesday, but nonetheless.
We decided to stay for a drink and then later find grub.
Great location and eye catching tower out front.
A lot of people were taking advantage of their days off work and soaking in the beautiful weather we were having.
The interior was decorated like a high end hotel lobby. Really impressive. Loved the color combinations, earthy and cozy. Area rugs grounded the sitting areas and broke up the cement floors.
Even their lighting fixtures were modern.
George has mastered the beer photos so I steal the shots from him before I post. I always opt for the flights. Never know if I’ll be back to places and want to try as much as I can.
On our search for food, we stumbled by a Mexican restaurant that was closed but were enticed down an alleyway by the cute strand of white lights strung above it. It led us to an open square with another brewery at its base. So of course we had to go in.
According to George, West6th was a brewery that originated in Lexington and just opened a Louisville location. According to their website, they also have a location in Newport, Kentucky which is across the river from Cincinnati.
George is a native to Louisville and knows all the ins and outs regarding the history of this riverside city. Its great hearing his stories of what was and how the city is developing here.
Clever signage.
We got the “snakes in the barrel” as one of our samplers. It is 13% alcohol content. Needless to say I took a sip and George finished the rest.
Such a cute venue.
We went upstairs for the peace and the view.
Setting up his beer shot.
He collects the flight cards noting the beers we try. Did I mention his hoarding tendencies? (Kidding of course.)
Me wearing the High Wire, Asheville Brewery tee and showing off my beer gut. The light above my head looks like a witches’ hat or is it a halo?
As we walked down the sidewalk I noticed this street art reminder.
Couldn’t agree more. Had to learn the hard way to stop the chase.
After devouring some much needed BBQ and mac and cheese we headed back to his place only to pass by another local joint named Apocalypse. When I was told it was a woman run brewery, I insisted we stop for one last one.
looked more like a construction sign.
Not too much to the interior but I tried a flight which offered a jalapeno flavored beer and a coconut option which I liked.
Unfortunately it was starting to get dark and I didn’t take any better photos. They had a large outdoor seating area with some Jumbo Jenga and Connect Four games. I swore I would never play Connect Four again with George, as the last time I did, I had two turns to his one and he still beat me.
Omg Asheville did not disappoint this weekend! George and I decided to road trip and had a blast checking out the brewery scene!
First night we hit 7 different breweries with one beer or flight per bar. They all had unique themes/vibes/ and flavors.
#1- High Wire– It was closest to where we were staying and we thought we’d just have a drink then work our way into the city. Needless to say, that night, we didn’t quite make it that far. Love when plans are fluid. This place had a pamphlet on all of the breweries in Asheville and that’s how we started our brewery jumping adventure.
Big top circus theme.
Everywhere throughout Asheville there were murals and rainbow colors. There was a mandatory mask mandate put back into place in this city. Places were not as crowded as I would’ve expected on a weekend.
Our flights and research pamphlets. I learned George has a pamphlet/brochure love or what some may say, hoarding tendency. Ya learn so much about people when you travel with them. 🤷🏻♀️🤣
Even the chandeliers were fun. We ran into a second HiWire location later on.
#2- Burial Beer- I wanted to head there next just due to their name. They also had a hatchet as part of their graphics.
This wooden sculpture was right next door to the brewery- quite odd looking and I didn’t take time to read the history of it but thought I’d still share with y’all.
By the looks of the mural outside the Burial Brewery, you knew this was going to be an uniquely special place.
This brewery seemed to specialize in sours- or maybe we just opted for them. But it was quite enjoyable! Was a cool day out. Cloudy and rained on and off.
We picked this vehicle to sit in. How fun right?!
Beers on the dash.
It was ironic that we ended up back in a car after 5+ hours of driving to get there. Much more relaxing with no traffic and a beer in hand.
Having a great time! So glad we planned this escape.
#3- Urban Orchard-we decided after sours maybe some ciders would be the next right choice. We headed around the corner to this classy open bar area.
Their mural. Love how the art takes on the personality of the place.
Very simple modern decor. Most people were lined up along the bar facing the outdoors and were enjoying people watching. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of this section.
We opted to sit on the comfy couch, with the unfortunate view of the bathrooms across the way.
When looking back through our photos it was funny how George and I never ordered the same thing. Opposites attract as they say.
#4- Green Man Brewery- After the cider bar we were stuck in the rain and I realized I lost my cardigan. Knowing I was going to catch a chill after getting wet I went on the hunt for my jacket, while George headed back to the car to fetch an umbrella. We knew we needed to get some food in us, but somehow I ended up at yet another bar with a drink ordered instead.
Interesting venue.
I immediately headed up the staircase to check out the rooftop views. Sadly the view wasnt of anything too impressive. But the atmosphere was fun with a bachelor party group upstairs. Typical young men telling lies and picking up girls with their wedding rings in their pockets.
Our rooftop bar view.
George called it quits and we headed out for food, umbrella in hand. I told him I wouldn’t melt.
#5- Funkatorium- We finally found a spot that served food. We had no idea what their menu was but there was a line to get in, and we were ready to eat.
A night view of the restaurant.
A look at the inside.
Me getting sassy and tired of my photo being taken 🙂 Picnic style seating. Great outdoor area with a lot of large groups having a great night out.
This was on the sidewalk as we crossed the street to the next stop. Just a happy kid with a balloon following the stars. That’s about how I felt at this point.
#6- Twin Leaf– This place pulled me in with the karaoke sound coming out of the open doorway. I had drank enough to be brave and was ready to belt out a rocking tune – I was ready to show George my onstage skills.
We didn’t get very far. The line for the beer was not moving, so we gave up and found another joint.
Looked like a cute intimate brewery. Maybe next time I will bless Asheville with my singing voice. 🤪
#7- Wehrloom Honey- This last stop was a perfect way to end our evening. We were following the sound of a band we heard down an alleyway and as we passed this place, the brew-master waved us in. How could we resist?
The menu.
I guess this beer is made from honey. I never heard of it before.
We did a flight to taste the variety. I honestly did not like any of them.
Obviously two sheets to the wind at this point and very glad this was our last stop for the night.
#8- Sierra Nevada- The next morning we had a lunch date with my Aunt and Uncle who live in Greenville, NC. Due to Covid, I haven’t seen them in two years. I was really looking forward to visiting with them and dragging George along for the ride.
Happy to be back.
This is the mecca of breweries. A must visit if you come this way. Plenty of beers to try and a pretzel with beer cheese that is to die for.
Inside the bar area.
My family. So kind. So fun. And wonderful to see how well they both are doing.
I noticed this bike fixing kit which seems to be a staple at many of the larger places.
And of course a clever bike rake.
#9- New Belguim Brewery- After visiting my aunt and uncle, we stopped at the North Carolina Arboretum. (see following blogs) and then headed back toward the River Arts section of Asheville which was recommended to me by Paul Flam. It did not disappoint!
Love the themes. Making a place unforgettable is a must.
Most people were choosing to sit outdoors and only came in to refill their drinks.
Merch.
Beer choices here were my favorite!
Our outdoor view. I love red umbrellas next to the blue skies.
Cheers. Here we go again 🙂
I truly felt in vacation mode. 💚
George is so kind to me. I cannot quite figure it out yet…..but am appreciating every minute of my time with him. He literally held the umbrella at an angle to block the sun until we finished our beers.
Again with the bike repair kit. So clever and encouraging.
#10- Wedge Brewery- As we were walking around some of the art studios in the River district we came across this metal sign and followed it to check it out.
I mean, what more could you ask for?
There was such interesting metal artwork throughout this place. All outdoor seating.
So cool right?
Looked as if they could make anything out of scrap metal parts.
I loved this saying. Such a great way to put it.
There are several art studios to shop at in this warehouse like building. We actually did not get a beer here, but instead got one at their second location.
This was the outdoor area for the second Wedge location. It was near all the graffiti areas further down the river.
The taps. I have no idea what I got. The bartender here was not the friendliest.
Indoors. They bragged about having air conditioning. It was a bonus after such a long day in the sun.
Not sure that this is truly his quote, but in his voice, it seems just about right.
Last weekend another friend came into town, so another tour was completed of my cool city. This time I wanted to hit some spots that I’ve never been to before, as well as the classics. I wanted to show him the walk from my place to the Pendleton area which takes you down multiple staircases showing a variety of views as well as amazing row houses and million dollar multi level properties.
Upon arriving in the downtown Pendleton area, we noticed an event was being set up. Many tents were being constructed, bars and outdoor beer trucks set up, as well as big screen tvs and hay lined streets. One thing I truly love (and sometimes hate) about our city is there is always something fun going on and I never am aware of it. Stumbling onto new things unplanned is my jam.
My friend Rebecca and her man Pete joined us at Nation for brunch. It was a 50 minute wait to get a table and was overly crowded, due to the amount of people in the area for the upcoming event.
Our view from the brunch spot, “Nation in Pendleton. Which by the way has awesome loaded tater-tots. You could see the crowds gathering.
The brunch gang. All of us doing our best to recover from the Friday night prior. George and I had conquered three breweries the night before. (MadTree, Woodburn, and Escoteric)
There was some excellent people watching entertainment with this DangerWheels event. The streets were full of characters. Some dressed up as penguins, others wearing wigs, you name it.
During the race, adults ride on a tricycle downhill while spectators throw water balloons at them. You get the feeling that this sport, if you can label it that, is actually more fun than competitive. Everyone was having a good time, win or lose.
Can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like it before. But families came prepared with buckets of filled water balloons and squirt guns.
The finish was a full on crash into the hay piles.
After watching a few races and playing a game of cornhole while sipping on our Braxton Brewery beers, we decided it was time to wander to a new part of Cincinnati and check out another brewery. Cincinnati has over 57 breweries embracing its’ German heritage. We headed to Brew Dog which was only a few blocks away.
The second level at Brew Dog Brewery was filled with bar games. All of which I lost.
Connect Four was by far my weakest competitive moment.
They offered board games, the giant Connect Four, table tennis, pinball, etc. We also discovered if you walked up another level there was a roof top area which can be rented out for private events.
We wandered through the famous OTR area and shopped a bit, then headed down to Findlay Market. There was a funk band playing as the market began to finalize their Saturday.
We quickly cut through and wandered across the street to Goose and Elder to enjoy a good cocktail ( or 3) and their amazing Mac and cheese. A must try!!!
After getting a small bite to eat and Ubering my daughter down to meet us, we conquered the dreaded stairs to the rooftop of Rhinegeist Brewery.
The view is worth it and the weather that night could not have been any better. Perfectly warm and cool.
After Rhinegeist we headed to a new Vietnamese Restaurant called Pho Lang Thang. Sedona tried a lychee martini. I was ordered a coffee which was also fabulous and a perfect caffeine boost which was needed at this point in the evening. Vietnam is known for their coffee!
Our last stop was Northern Row Brewery. This is the first time I made it to this bar before it closed. Its usually only opened until 10-11 pm. We obviously had a very long day starting off at 11 am and ending 12 hours later.
There are so many different areas in Cincinnati worth exploring. I encourage anyone needing a fun summer weekend to walk around or ride the Connector to see all the interesting parks, breweries, stores and events of this city!
Inside the last bar, there was a shuffle board game which I finally won at.
My daughter, Sedona, asked if I wanted to go on a walk with her since it was another beautiful day out. I’ll never turn down quality time with my daughter, plus the weekend wasn’t over yet!
We walked down multiple flights of historic cement steps to reach the art area of Pendleton.
I had never tried the Braxton Brewery before. The place was completely open aired but virtually empty. Located right beside the old performing arts school, now renovated into pet friendly apartments, I expected it to be busier.
Across the street we spotted an ice cream shop which we saved room for.
Thinking maybe this area is not yet discovered. Or possibly people are staying inside due to the surge in virus cases? Can’t quite figure it out.
They partner with the wings joint next door for some bar food options.
I would definitely get the fries again. Also highly recommend the blood orange shandy. So refreshing for a summer day.
We got to the ice cream store about 10 minutes before they closed. They were busy! And out of a lot of flavors. Seemed they were known for their shakes and sides of edible cookie dough based on what I saw people order.
I made Sedona pose beside the transformer. She was being a good sport.
Loved the “ funeral, no parking” sign beside the stadium seats.
Any place where President Lincoln is hanging on the wall beside Elvis Presley, you know you are in the right place.
And to top that, the employee of the month in the bathroom🤣. Someone has a sense of humor.
I convinced Sedona to download the Lime Scooter app and ride back. I told her it was just like the scooters in Phuket- feels free, adventurous, dangerous and fun. On the way Sedona butt dialed Zoe, her twin, who was out with friends. Once parked I snapped a selfie of the three of us. Was a perfect way to complete my Cincy weekend!
While walking to grab a pair of scooters we passed this mural. I think it sums up my attitude.
First stop -necessity of drinks and tacos! We headed to the Cincinnati Banks where there are plenty of food choices, stadiums, museums and the river walk.
Condado Tacos. Jalapeño margarita and corona draft, yes please!
Virlane wanted to take a few photos of the ballpark for her brother who is a diehard St.Louis Cardinals fan.
Showing her love for our Reds! Mr.Redlegs- whatever the hell that is. A very strange mascot.
Pete Rose, back from the days when I knew all the players.
It was 4 ish and fans were already waiting to get in to the 7 pm game.
We reminisced about how both of our families used to pack us up in the car and drive hours to a baseball game when we were kids. It was a big event! We never spent the night, but it was a long day out. I remember sleeping in our sleeping bags on the way home in the back of the station wagon.
Love seeing all the red color. It was a gorgeous day to be out. They blocked off the stadium street so you could walk around and drink/eat before the game.
We headed down toward the Ohio River and sat on the swings for a bit chatting and people watching.
Sculpture along the wall.
And even a meditation labyrinth.
Great view of the Roebling Bridge.
We decided to take the Connector to OTR brewery district. This tram beautifully attaches these two areas making it easy to check them both out in one day.
This transportation is free and super convenient.
I took her to Lackmans where I had my first date with GPP/Louisville Lover.
Always sharing laughs and memories.
We passed Cincinnati Music Hall where there was an event going on. Virlane told me, as we were walking by, that she smelled a skunk. 🤣🤣🤣🙈. I started cracking up. Certainly she cannot be my friend and be that naive.
We went to Tafts Brewery which is inside an old church. Thought that would be a unique venue.
Looking down from our upper level view.
Bar upstairs is quite beautiful.
I always appreciate the messages displayed of peace and open mindedness in Cincinnati.
We then jumped back onto the Connector and got out in front of the Rhinegiest Brewery. I wasn’t sure if this late into the day she was going to be up for all the stairs, but the rooftop was worth it!
Tonya Takes Thailand 