Headed to Belgium

Discussion in 'Belgium' started by barrybeerdog, Aug 27, 2023.

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  1. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Hello Belgium BA folks & all others that follow the BE/Europe threads. My son & I will be headed to Belgium, Netherlands & France on Labor Day for a 15 day visit. The trip has been in the planning stages for approximately 1.5 yrs. Unfortunately it will be a bittersweet trip for the two of us. My wife of 34 years & my son's mother recently passed away. At first we considered cancelling the trip, but as time passed we realized we both still wanted to go & felt we needed to go, plus my wife was thrilled about us making this trip.

    Our itinerary is based around two things, my son's great interest in WWII & my great interest beer, (he's caught the beer bug too):grin:!

    We arrive in Amsterdam on September 5. Following two days of beer & sites, we will push on to Brussels & then the Ardennes followed by West Flanders & lastly, Normandy France.

    As far as beer sites & opportunities, I will revisit several previous locations, but also get to experience new to me establishments, to include Cantillon, Achouffe, Dupont, Moder Lambic Original, and St Bernardus new taproom & restaurant, (staying at the BrouwerHuis). Unfortunately, Dany at Fantome Brewery will be at a beer show in Italy during our time in the area, so we will not get the chance to experience that iconic location.

    Our non-beer sites include several US memorials & cemeteries, https://www.abmc.gov (this is a great site for all the information on these locations), The Anne Frank House, Bastogne, Hurtgen Forest Germany, Luxembourg American Cemetery, (General Patton's rest place), various WWI sites in West Flanders, Normandy FR and lastly, Victor Horta museum, (my Art Nouveau interest)

    I welcome any other beer/food or other suggestions along our route. Thanks in advance for those.

    For those interested, I'll do my best to to keep everyone updated on our travels, Cheers:slight_smile:!
     
    #1 barrybeerdog, Aug 27, 2023
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  2. Sigmund

    Sigmund Grand Pooh-Bah (5,433) Mar 26, 2002 Norway
    Society Pooh-Bah

    While there indeed is a Belgian county named Luxembourg, The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which is a separate country. You will be visiting 5 countries (including Germany), not 3. Beerwise and culturally you seem to have made extensive plans already. In Normandy, don't forget to sample some real ciders as well. Have a great tour!
     
    #2 Sigmund, Aug 27, 2023
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  3. Sabtos

    Sabtos Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,920) Dec 15, 2015 Ohio
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    If you're going to Bernardus and staying at the BrouwerHuis I assume you've already been to Cafe In de Vrede or are planning on it, being in the same "neighborhood" (of crops)? I'm very jealous you'll have extra time there, as I wish I had, with a bicycle especially.

    I can't recommend enough taking the train to Lot for 3 Fonteinen if you haven't already been. The tour is awesome, and it will be a week after OBD so either some things might hang on (not that they won't have a ton of awesome stuff available anyway) or else it will be less crazy. It really was my favorite day in Belgium, among many highs.

    Also, neither beer nor history related (well, maybe a little history related), but I would eat and buy as many Neuhaus truffles (especially the triangle shaped "Irrésistibles") as I could handle the next time I visit. I went through the whole pantheon of chocolatiers and found theirs to not only be my favorite there, but the best bites of chocolate I've ever had (including over some indulging I've done in Peru and Mexico).
     
    #3 Sabtos, Aug 27, 2023
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  4. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Thanks for the French cider tip, I wasn’t aware of that.
    I did over look the Luxembourg & quick German portions of our trip, so yes, 5 countries! Thanks for the catch!
     
    #4 barrybeerdog, Aug 27, 2023
  5. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    I did visit Cafe In de Verde on a previous trip. I will leave that up to my son if he wants to go.

    Thank you for pointing out 3 Fonteinen & the recommendation. It wasn’t on my itinerary, but I’ll try to work it in.
    And yes, we will hunt for the truffles!
     
    #5 barrybeerdog, Aug 27, 2023
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  6. Sparty93

    Sparty93 Devotee (399) Aug 29, 2013 Michigan

    Neuhaus has a factory outlet in the suburbs just south of Brussels. Very much reduced prices, you can buy kilo-sized bulk boxes, and there are all the free samples you could want - I've ruined more than one meal by overindulging at the outlet on an afternoon visit.
     
    #6 Sparty93, Aug 28, 2023
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  7. emerge077

    emerge077 Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,962) Apr 16, 2005 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    My condolences to you and your family. The Magritte museum and La Fleur en Papier Doré (a historical cafe where Magritte used to hang out) in Brussels are must stops for art/history lovers.

    In West Flanders, De Struise, t'Molenhof, and Au Nouveau Saint Eloi. On the way to Normandy, don't miss Thiriez, Au Baron, or Estaminet t'Kasteelhof.
     
    #7 emerge077, Aug 28, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2023
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  8. NickTheGreat

    NickTheGreat Maven (1,470) Oct 28, 2010 Iowa
    Trader

    I've never been to those parts of the world. But I'm sorry for your loss, but glad you are still going on the trip. This will be a lifelong memory for both of you.
     
    #8 NickTheGreat, Aug 28, 2023
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  9. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Thank you for that, I very much appreciate your kind words.

    My son’s 32nd birthday happens to be on the day we will be in the small village of Ligneuville BE. The Hotel du Moulin has graciously offered to prepare us a special birthday dinner, beer & all. I’m looking forward to sharing that with him.

    We just have to get him out of the Charleston SC area before the bad weather rolls in:astonished:! Thanks again!
     
    #9 barrybeerdog, Aug 28, 2023
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  10. Ernest7

    Ernest7 Devotee (349) Apr 24, 2019 Belgium

    In case you are in Antwerp, pm me and we will savor beer together
     
    #10 Ernest7, Aug 29, 2023
  11. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Thank you for the offer my friend, but unfortunately, we won't be passing through Antwerp on this trip.
    Too bad, Antwerp is my favorite Belgium beer city!
     
    #11 barrybeerdog, Aug 29, 2023
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  12. LambicLad

    LambicLad Aspirant (258) Feb 15, 2017 Finland

    When in West Flanders consider a visit to De Plukker, located on a hop farm near Poperinge and Seizoensbrouwerij Vandewall. There are many other excellent options in Iper and the surrounding area.
     
    #12 LambicLad, Aug 30, 2023
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  13. riko

    riko Pundit (756) Jan 18, 2008 California
    Trader

    Sounds like a great trip and sorry about your family's loss.

    My only suggestion is that if the Moeder Lambic Fontainas location is more convenient for you, which will be the case if you're staying close to the city center, I'd go there instead of the original location. In my experience, the Fontainas location has a better selection and is more comfortable.
     
    #13 riko, Aug 30, 2023
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  14. Bierman9

    Bierman9 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,313) Dec 20, 2001 New Hampshire
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Sorry about your loss, my friend.... my sympathies.

    BTW, how are you traveling around? I've been to a number of WWII sites in the area, and I know of some good guides....

    All the best...
     
    #14 Bierman9, Aug 30, 2023
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  15. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Yes, we plan on attending the Last Post one evening in Ipers. De Plukker is on my visit list, thanks!
     
    #15 barrybeerdog, Aug 30, 2023
  16. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    I have been to Fontainas on a previous visit & it is close to our hotel, so we will definitely stop in. I haven't been to the original location & since we will be nearby at the Victor Hotel House, I figured we should drop by.
    I agree with you, Fontainas is a great beer bar! Thank you for your kind words.
     
    #16 barrybeerdog, Aug 30, 2023
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  17. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Thanks Dave, I appreciate your condolences

    We are taking the train from Amsterdam to Brussels & then grabbing a car rental at the airport. From that point on we will travel by car w/ drop off at CDG airport.

    Yes, I would welcome information on good guides. Thanks my friend!
     
    #17 barrybeerdog, Aug 30, 2023
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  18. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    I added La Fleur to out list, it is very close to our hotel.

    I have visited Thiriez on a previous trip & I agree, well worth a stop. I'll research the other two locations. Thank you!
     
    #18 barrybeerdog, Aug 30, 2023
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  19. Qu3st

    Qu3st Savant (1,205) Dec 4, 2015 Massachusetts
    Trader

    While it is for WWI, the museum in Ypres, In Flanders Fields, is truly special. Very well put together with amazing things to see and learn about. Town square is also gorgeous.

    Cantillon is a must and very much lives up to expectations.

    IF you can get to Bruges...
    De Halve Maan is worth the brewery tour. Learn about their beer pipeline going under the city. One of their beers on tap is right out of the brewery and doesn't go through the normal treatments like pasturuzation the bottled versions do. I've tried both and the direct version is noticeably even better compared to the already great version in the bottle. Food is a mixed bag, but the beer is free with the tour so drink and go to....

    ‘t Brugs Beertje; amazing cramped bar with crazy beer list. Drink a hair too much and order their spaghetti dish. Add Tabasco to it and wallow in guilty rapture. Even better if you can find a place in Bruges for the night and drink until you close the place down and slink through the city to pass out in a bed, your soul charged for the next day.

    I need to get back...
     
    #19 Qu3st, Aug 31, 2023
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  20. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    Yes, The In Flanders Fields museum is on our list of visits! We'll tour the museum prior to attending the Last Post later that evening.

    Unfortunately we will not have time to visit Bruges. I have visited previously & would like my son to see the city, but just not enough time on this trip. And doubly unfortunate for me, I did not visit the De Halve Maan Brewery or drink the piped brewery beer while I was there. The trip was many years ago w/ my wife & a little before my true beer destination trips...Just another reason for a return adventure!
     
    #20 barrybeerdog, Aug 31, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2023
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