First weekend of April I'm driving to Hershey, PA for a buddy's wedding. I'm driving from Madison WI which means I'll be taking I-90/94 to I-80 then I-76. A solid 13 hours, doable over 2 days (stopping in Pittsburgh). And a straight shot back. Since I drive back to Michigan semi-regularly on I-94, I've spent enough beer-related time in Chicago as well as FFF (probably stop there for an early lunch and a glass of ZD). But I know nothing about what else is in northern Indiana and Ohio along I-80. Pennsylvania is more of a known territory since I lived in Philadelphia for 2 years, and I'll definitely check out Troegs, even bring back some Nugget Nectar if I can find it. 1- Any good bottle shops in South Bend (I feel like dropping by and visiting Notre Dame anyhow), Toledo, Cleveland? Pittsburgh? Anything else along I-80? 2- Aside from FFF, what breweries/brewpubs are worth visiting along the way? I know GLBC is in Cleveland but is that a place worth visiting? 3- Any BAs who live along I-90/94, I-80 and I-76 interested in doing any IP trades? I have a decent amount of BA stouts, access to NG/CW and other Wisconsin locals and will probably post an ISO:FT later when I get a better handle on what I'm interested in getting on this trip.
Flossmoor Station isn't too far off 80. They might still have some bottles of BA Pullman Reserve and/or BA Fireside Chat available. You may want to call ahead of time and check. Here's their location: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=floss...&cid=0,0,3283316681936571008&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A
I've been to this Chalet Party Shoppe in Elkhart, Indiana a couple of times when I traveled in this area, and I was impressed with their selection. It is several miles south of I-80 but it may be worth the detour off of your route. http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/8735/view=beerfly
You are driving directly past the Brew Kettle in Strongsville OH, they have great beer. If you are lucky they will have White Rajah to go. You could also take a slightly longer route and go to fatheads in North Olmsted, and a little longer and go down to GLBC which can be very crowded.
I will echo what the other two guys said about Fat Head's - slightly out of your way(10 minutes or so) but very good beer. Not crazy about their food, but I don't go there for that really. You can pick up bottles of Head Hunter there, and it will be fresh. No telling the quality if you see it at any bottle shop. They will also have Bumble Berry(a great and under appreciated beer in my opinion) and maybe Oompa Loompa. Brew Kettle is less than a mile off I80 and has good food/beer. I love GLBC, but that's your call as it is off the route. Beer stores are hit an miss in the area. I always tell people to head up to the Strongsville Heinen's, but that may be a little out of the way(15 - 20 minutes).
Since you are located so conveniently in Madison...If you are able to pick up Nugget Nectar, maybe we can work out a trade for something. If you have room to bring back some, lets work something out over DM
Now everyone starts responding, haha. Something came up at work that Thursday (April 4) which would cramp the timeline a lot so I just decided to fly with a shipper instead. I'm definitely looking to fill it up with some Nugget Nectar and Head Hunter. And any Russian River I find for a reasonable price in Philly. Next time, though..
