Happy Trails With A Beer Lover

by Annie Flaherty
(In the Central Valley of CA)

How do you keep your husband involved in the vacation planning?

How do you get good food while on vacation?

Here is the trick I found.

“Hey honey, we’re going camping down the Central Coast. Any good breweries down that way?”

“Ummm, I don't know. Let me check!”

That is all it took. Now when we are thinking of visiting an area I hear him say, "Let me check if there is a brewery in the area." And I know the food is always good at a brewery so we'll get a fantastic meal.

For our camping trip to the Central Coast of California, husband found a brewery called the Creekside Brewing Company in San Luis Obispo. This brewery was literally creek side. The patio dining area was build out toward the creek. We both had the delicious Smokin' Turkey Club; I had it with a Creekside Pale Ale and he had it with a Double Dark Stout; boy was that beer dark!

Down in Monterey, CA when camped at the Carmel By the River RV Park, we hit PeterB’s BrewPub. A very nice place with indoor or outdoor seating. It is part of a hotel at the far end of the lobby. Lots of shops to visit around the hotel/restaurant. I had the Grilled Veggie Sandwich. It is the most memorable veggie sandwich ever. He had the The Hunter (Roasted Turkey Sandwich) with a beer called the Inclusion Amber Ale.

Then while camping in Big Basin, I was informed that there is a brewery in nearby Boulder Creek, CA. It's only 7.8 miles but through the twists and turns of highway 236, it took 15 minutes for us to get to the Boulder Creek Brewery and Cafe. It was a friendly place with, of course, Good Food. On the menu was my favorite, called the Cubano (pulled pork). Husband had the IPA marinated Chicken Avo & Pesto bliss and with that he had the Redwood Amber. That was such a filling lunch, wee wobbled around Boulder Creek for awhile before our drive back to Big Basin.

While camping toward the north, we were in Olema, CA, a place very near Pt. Reyes. There it is short drive to the usually windy lighthouse and beaches. So after one of these brisk trips, it was a 30 minute drive into Fairfax, CA and to the Iron Springs Pub and Brew. The decor of the place was clean, but strangely there was a bicycle hanging on a high wall. Husband had the JC Flyer IPA and Southwest Chicken Sandwich with the Garlic Fries, I had the Alsatian Pale Ale and a Roasted Turkey Melt with Garlic Fries, as Rachael Ray would say, "YUM-O” to the meal.

Now, camping aside, on our drive back home from the state of Washington, we stopped in Ukiah. Husband found and we had dinner at the Ukiah Brewing Company 102 S. State St. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the food used in the meals. Organic vegetables and meats. The description of the porter was so good, I had to try it. As you might have noticed, I usually go for the reds or pale ale, but I just had to try the porter because of the description. Turned out to be the smoothest tasting beer. No bitter beer face taste at all. If you are in that area, have a try.

Finally near home is The Valley Brew in Stockton, CA is a large place with a bar area in the center and restaurant seating all the way around the bar area. The beer sampler is a great way to taste all the types of Valley Brews. During the weekend there is entertainment to enjoy. We usually have my husband's birthday celebration at this brewery. The Jambalaya, hamburgers and pastas are delicious and filling. He and I like the pale ales, reds and IPAs at this delicious place.

For Great Beer Apps to help you find nearby breweries and brewpubs when you travel, check out Get-App-and-Go.com