Portland Palooza!

We had planned to visit my in-laws this weekend along time ago, even before Dad had all his runs to the hospital. The best part of visiting was that we were able to do some standard activities that we love in NH, things that Jenn and the kids weren’t able to do before. And with Dad recovering nicely under Mom’s care, we were able to head off to have some family time.

So Friday we headed over to Short Sands beach in York. It was a beautiful day, and we arrived shortly after 9 for a parking spot. We got there at high tide and were able to sun and people watch. Although I love the beach, it does allow me to appreciate OBX with how crowded York can get. Jacob built a sand castle (welcome back Smiley!) and Jess collected snails and stones. I headed over to the Golden Rod for taffy, and we were able to sit back and literally say goodbye to summer (but hello football!). On the way back we stopped at Shipyard Brewing in Eliot for a snack. The nachos hit the spot, along with their Hop Session Pale ale on draft. It was fun to spend the day together.

The next day we headed up to Old Port in Portland for some shopping. It was cloudy, so we were glad that we went to the beach the day before. For lunch we stopped by the Great Lost Bear, my favorite restaurant in town. The GLB has over 50 drafts and 4 beer engines and specializes in showcasing Maine microbreweries. I got the Cajun Cheesesteak, and although good, I wish they stayed with Cheese Whiz instead of their own con quesa sauce. I got a sampler (actually 2), and really enjoyed the Sebago Runabout Red Ale on cask. The GLB feature Allagash brews, and I was able to try the Fluxus on draft, their version of a Belgian Imperial Stout. The chocolate roast went well with the big beer finish (10.3% ABV).

We then headed downtown, and while Jenn and the kids shopped I went over to Novare Res for their Roguepalooza festival. They had 30 different Rogue beers on draft, and I was in heaven. I got a wedge of their Rogue Chocolate Stout cheddar to accompany the beer, and was able to try some drafts that I previously only was able to sample in the bottle. I tried the John John Dead Guy and the John John Hazelnut, versions of their classics that had been aged in bourbon barrels. I also tried some of their Doubles (Double Mocha Stout and Double Mocha Porter), and found them to be a little too much. The mocha portion was too sweet, and was glad to be able to sample them in a sampler size.

I enjoyed the trip, as it is always good to get away. And although the beer selection was good, I’d have to say the best part was seeing Dad recovering nicely. - 5566

"God is great, beer is good, people are crazy." – Billy Cunningham