Brew Trips!

Shut out as well. Couch for me as well. Not happy about it but certainly will be a wee bit more comfortable in the house.

 

Oh yeah - that's next on my hit list for sure - sounds amazing. Just didn't quite have time when we were in OR in October unfortunately

But I meant (didn't write it well - agreed) that between PDX and SD, based on research, I just don't see SD topping PDX for me

 

Every trip is a brew trip!! I always try and hit up a local brewery and establishment just to get a sense of their beer culture.

It's fun, even if it doesn't compare to my own backyard.

 

Did Portland this past October myself, after LA/San Diego the month prior. PDX is an absolute mecca, but SD was a ton of fun as well--more traveling makes SD a challenge, but there is no shortage of good barstools. Not going to make it out there again this year, so I am jealous.

 

London and the Lakes District in a couple months.

 

Did Bend, Or the other year, heading SD end of march then Portland this summer. Should be fun.

 

Any travel packages?...you can pick me up anywhere on the side of I-91 you choose...

 

Hoping to finally hit Belgium at the end of the summer.

 

Just booked Northern California trip for June, plan to hit Russian River, Lagunitas, possibly Bear Republic, and SN if time permits

 

I've lived in both - You are correct in your assertion.

 

we don't do "beer trips" per se but we do take day trips for family activities the only prerequisite is there has to be an excellent beer bar nearby.

 

I do Norcal or Socal every other Holiday season. Then this year I have Denver/Boulder lined up for late spring. Just did Virginia in February. Haven't decided for the Fall yet - possibly Western PA or Mass/Conn trip.

I also did Vermont and Washington State last year. Next year I plan to hit Oregon.

 

What makes the difference for you? Is it just the accessibility in Portland? Or is the culture more ingrained? Or both? Or something else?

 

Both. I found something I posted a while back because someone else asked the same question:

I made a list, but please note that most of these are my opinion and Im sure you will find someone who will disagree with most or all of this.

Portland:
Pros:

• Much greater beer style variety and better beer on the whole (my opinion)
• Greater access to saisons, sour, and funk;
• Access to better IPAs (my opinion, don't crucify me)
• More beautiful (my opinion)
• Great public transportation
• Less expensive
• More breweries closer together
• Camaraderie amongst the beer industry, friendlier people
• Highest percentage of people drinking craft beer in the country = even the sketchiest bars have mostly craft beer

Cons:

• Gray Skies 7 months out of the year

San Diego:
Pros:

• Weather, Beach
• Great Breweries in Modern Times, Societe, Alpine, and White Labs Tasting Room
• O'Brien's Pub

Cons:

• The people aren't as friendly
• All breweries are more or less making the same styles
• More expensive
• More spread out

There's not doubt where I prefer to be. I go back to San Diego a couple times a year, and I always discover something new and cool when I go --- but for livability - Portland

 

I just got back from a Kentucky, southern Indiana and Ohio trip last week. I'd have to say the highlights were Country Boy Brewing in Lexington KY, Fifty West in Cincinnati, and of course Jackie O's in eastern OH.

I'm going to Hickory and Raleigh, NC this weekend and I hope to finally make it to Asheville some time later this spring and central FL this summer.

 

Cleveland for a concert going to hit Great Lakes, do it a couple times a year.
Cooperstown for a concert going to hit Ommegang, never been.
RedHook for a wedding going to hit Other Half, never been.
" " Brooklyn, try to get there once every few years.
DC for a concert going to hit Right Proper, never been.

 

I went to San Diego and LA in November, I'm going to Rhode Island and Boston this weekend, Quebec in April (bunch of beers/breweries I've never heard of), DC in June, Vermont in August, and a Midwest beercation in September (OH, MI, IN, IL, WI). I love travelling and beer is always a major part of the equation.

 

I'm thinking of making to trip to Indiana for some 3 Floyds. Not sure, though. I don't have a disposable income to spend on beer, but it's frustrating not being able to find anything locally. Do you guys think it would be worth the trip? It's nearly a 7 hour one-way from eastern KY.

 

Well the wife is planning a trip to Hawaii this year, which sounds fun.
I'm hoping to hit up a couple breweries and craft friendly establishments myself.
I'm hoping on getting to
Kauai island Brewery and grill
Kauai beer co
Kona of which castaway(when fresh) is a top five for me
Gordon Biersch
and maui brewing.
I'm hoping to bag about twenty new beers and ten places
If anybody has suggestions let'um roll now

 

Rather than Brussels, head west to the beautiful city of Brugges.