I'm planning a trip to Belgium for May 2019 and I would definitely like to visit In De Vrede. I'm trying to make sure that I am in Westvleteren while they're open. Their website (http://www.indevrede.be/kalender.php?lang=en) says that they're closed Thursdays and Fridays for most months, including May. But the calendar posted there indicates something slightly different - for this upcoming May, it only shows it being closed on Fridays. Anyone know any more than this? As it happens, a Thursday visit would be ideal for my itinerary...
If you can adjust your schedule to a Saturday visit, I would HIGHLY recommend a stop at De Struise in Oostveteren. The taproom is only open on Saturdays, but it's well worth a stop & it's right in the neighborhood. Enjoy West Flanders, it's a wonderful area!
My guidebook said good things about them! I thinking we'll be spending Friday night at St. Bernardus and driving out of the area on Saturday - maybe we'll stop in at De Struise on our way out.
Ahh, the Brouwershuis...The most relaxing place to stay in Belgium! Jackie is such a wonderful person & gracious host!! Enjoy! If you have any extra time, I would suggest a visit to Brasserie Thiriez in Esquelbecq FR. If you call ahead, the owner/brewer Daniel will show you around his small brewery & pour several of their beers. The brewery is only a few miles from Watou, (I rented a bike for the trip), so it's quick & easy! Enjoy your trip to West Flanders!
Worth noting, when I was there a few years ago they had a sign posted that said there would be no bottles for sale that day. I arrived around noon'ish. Mysteriously that sign came down around 2PM and 6-packs started appearing on the shop counter. In other words, don't give up if it looks like they don't have bottle sales that day.
