Tag: North Carolina

Raleighhhhhhh

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

This work travel has me drinking way more than my liver and doctor prefer. You know, it’s not my money though so why not.

Couple weeks ago brought me to North Carolina. Now, I’ve been to Charlotte and Asheville before, but this was my first time to Raleigh. It was a Monday night, most of the city was dead. I expect that anywhere on a Monday. That wasn’t going to stop me from getting to a couple breweries. First stop was at Clouds Brewing where I downed a stack of wings along with two beers. The Hazy IPA I had there, Forecast: International-Ale tasted delicious. Really high quality Hazy.

After that, I stopped at Little City Brewing. The bar was just me and coulple regulars but I enjoyed their Amber Ale called Little City Red. A pretty solid beer as well. That marked my last stop in Raleigh. The town was pretty quiet, but it was a Monday so I’m not shocked. Would definitely like to visit again and see more of the town. I briefly drove through Duke’s campus nearby and UNC vs Duke hoops game is on the bucket list. Guess I have to come back.

Queen Of Beers

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, History, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

After a week of schmoozing people for my day job in Charlotte, I decided to stay the weekend and see a bit more of the city. Between a baseball game, a museum (New South Museum) and eating I found some time for a few beers. Ok, more than a few. Over just a few days, I visited seven breweries. My body needs a rest now.

I started off my work trip with a visit to D9 Brewing in Uptown. What’s interesting to note about this place, is that they also looked to be big into coffee. That’s not my thing, but I think beer and coffee lovers have a lot in common in appreciating a unique craft.

On the weekend, I jammed the next 6 into just two days. We started Saturday off with brunch and beer at Suffolk Punch. This was my favorite stop. Between a juicy biscuit chicken sandwich and two sours that even non-beer fans would love, this place hit the spot. From there, after watching a college baseball game at UNC-Charlotte, we visited Armored Cow and then finished the night at Sycamore Brewing with some live music. Shoutout to the guy in a cowboy hat living his best life as the hype man. Oh yeah, before I forget, a very good Hazy IPA there called the Slurricane too.

For Sunday Funday, we visited three more breweries after brunch at The Stanley (get the doughnuts). First stop was Legion Brewing then onto Pilot Brewing and finally Trolley Barn Fermentory. Each of which had some solid beers to tide me over for a bit. Or at least till next weekend. See ya Queen City.

Day 2 & 3 Asheville

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

Day 2 and 3 were each filled with more beer and some hiking on day 2. Asheville contains many breweries and we went to several. Wicked Weed Brewing and Blue Mountain on Day 2. Day 3 included Catawba, Burial Brewing and Green Man.

Wicked Weed had fantastic beer and the house chips and beer cheese were very good. Artery clogging cheese is one of my favorites. Their Riverkeeper IPA was a well done and consistent. A great beer.

Blue Mountain had some of the best pizza around and was right down the road from our AirBnB in Weaverville. The small little brew pub also had some good live music that we managed to catch the end of, plus the waitress was this nice sweet grandma type if your grandma smoked weed daily.

Day 2 we also did a bunch of hiking. It was a bit foggy but we still caught some great views at various overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

On Day 3, we explored Downtown Asheville and did a mini brewery trail with Catawba, Burial and Greenman. The triple IPA at Burial Brewing packs a big punch and Greenman provides a no frills dog friendly tasting room with clean crisp beers. Additionally, the small batch brews at Catawba were delicious and unique. The Red Rhum IPA was a good one.

Asheville has great food, some of the best beer and hiking with majestic views. It is a fairly manageable city and doesn't overpower you or leave feeling like you didn't see much. A great weekend spot. The art was beautiful and this is coming from someone who has little interest in art usually. Take a trip to the mountains and see what you find. You'll enjoy it.

Asheville Day 1

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

So we made it. Asheville day 1. Some may say I am neurotic for spreadsheeting my vacations, but it allows for maximum intake.

On the first day here, we managed to check out two breweries, Asheville Brewing Company and Hi-Wire Brewing. Both cool spots. Asheville had a very good DIPA (double IPA) and their tater tots with Queso were like a Mexican fried heaven in your mouth. Hi-Wire has a small industrial tap room and plenty of good beers. Both are essential parts of the beer scene down here.

Additionally, we checked out Sky bar and it's amazing views of Asheville and Battery Park Book Exchange along with the River Arts District. Battery Park Book Exchange is a really cool spot where you can drink wine, beer and buy used books. You also trade in your used books for bar credits. Shoutout to my old teachers who got me to keep my books each year. I'm finally going to be able to buy booze with them. Day 2 I'm looking forward to you.