#Great South Bay Brewery

[brewyork]

Celebrate Lagers at Das Bock this April

The New York State Brewers Association has rolled out a new seasonal festival this spring, and just outside the city limits on Long Island: Das Bock, New York’s Original Lager Festival, will be held at Plattduetsche Biergarten in Franklin Square on Saturday, April 29th from 11am-5pm.

The indoor and outdoor fest will feature lagers from over 45 breweries across the state, including KCBC, Great South Bay, Fifth Frame, Strong Rope, Prison City, Wild East, and more. The fest is a relaxed, pay-as-you-go vibe, with the $30 admission getting you entry, a 0.5L beer stein, and 3 beer tickets good for 5 ounces of beer each. More can be purchased on site during the fest. There will be German food and live music as you take in the atmosphere of this unique venue.

Plattduetsche Biergarten is a 20-minute walk from the LIRR at Stewart Manor, and the NICE n6 Bus, which departs from Jamaica. Tickets are on sale now.

[chipotle]

A year back in Florida

About a year ago, I moved away from the San Francisco Bay Area, back to Tampa Bay, Florida, where I’d lived for (mostly) all my previous life.

Florida is not the same place it was when I left. The metros feel more urban, more alive, than I remember. Some of that is undoubtedly on me, on my failure to explore them adequately back in the 1990s. But a lot of what I’ve been finding now simply wasn’t there two decades ago. St. Petersburg now has blocks of walkable downtown, starting from the waterfront museums and moving west through the Edge District, on to Kenwood and Grand Central, where they recently held one of the biggest Pride festivals in the country. Tampa’s downtown no longer feels like they roll up the sidewalks at five (a problem that San Jose struggled to solve for years as well). Just like St. Pete’s Central Avenue reminds me—a little—of K and J Streets in midtown Sacramento, smaller towns like Gulfport and Dunedin remind me—a little—of the smaller walkable towns back in California like Danville, Campbell, and Livermore.

Some of the areas that were truly nothing twenty years ago have become, well, something. The town I’ve moved to, Ridge Manor, is an unincorporated area a few miles north of still-tiny Dade City, on a state road that goes straight east-west between I-75 and Orlando. The next “big small town” over, Clermont, has blossomed from a near-abandoned downtown into a genuinely interesting suburb, even if it’s hard to figure out just what it’s a suburb of. Wesley Chapel, about a half-hour south along I-75, is a surprisingly large suburb of Tampa now.

A year ago, I wrote that you can find great coffee shops and craft breweries and cocktail bars in any metro area, and that’s true here, too. Dade City itself has a great craft brewery and a solid coffee shop, and there are far more throughout Tampa/St. Pete and Orlando. Great cocktail bars are the hardest to find here, I’ve found, but they are here.

Florida is not the same place it was when I left. It was, back then, a relatively purple state overall. There are still Florida liberals and leftists, but the Florida of 2023 is a one-party state. And, not to put too fine a point on it, Florida Republicans lead the charge to make that party indistinguishable from the far-right fascist parties plaguing Europe and Central America. Every day brings a new attack on the rights of people DeSantis and his supporters have identified as The Enemy. Trans people. Queer people. Drag queens. Immigrants. Teachers. Librarians. Disney.

A drive around rural Florida a quarter-century ago would have certainly taken you past houses and farms flying confederate battle flags; the state’s panhandle has long been an epicenter for the neo-confederate movement. On a similar drive today, though, the flags are almost exclusively for Trump. And there are many, many flags for Trump. Flags and bumper stickers and banners, and an ugliness I can’t remember seeing in America in my lifetime. When I left Florida, Jeb Bush had just won reelection; I’ve returned to a state where Republicans would consider Jeb too suspiciously liberal to elect him to a municipal utility board.

I am not in the same place in Florida as I was when I left. Politically and culturally, I’m more Left Coast than I had been two decades ago, to be sure—but I spent most of my previous Florida years in Tampa or its suburbs, or the wealthy, culturally rich city of Sarasota.1 As someone who presents as a cishet male, I have little to worry about in most interactions here yet—but that yet slowly gathers weight. I’ve been open about my beliefs, moderately open about my not-so-binary, fairly asexual identity. I write queer, often political, furry fiction under my own name. So far, this has only resulted in lost friendships, but the potential for worse is real.

Yet my worries don’t center on me. The majority of my friends are queer, too. Will any trans friend, including my BFF/partner, be safe here even for a visit? They’re certainly not going to move here. More and more, I’m hearing of people moving out.

I am not in the same place in Florida as I was when I left. All my adult life, both in California and previously here, I could reach dozens of choices for shopping, eating and drinking in under fifteen minutes; some were just a nice walk away in good weather. But Ridge Manor’s several thousand residents spread out over rural half-acre lots. A few businesses cluster in a couple of strip malls around the I-75 interchange. There’s a grocery store, three or four decent restaurants (and three or four fast food places), so-so Chinese takeout, and a few gas stations. Anything else is twenty minutes away at a minimum.

That might not sound like a big deal. It didn’t sound like one to me, either. I’d come home to this house every Christmas from California; I knew where it was. And, I’ve always enjoyed driving. For years, my BFF and I took Saturdays out, exploring towns hours away. How bad could this be?

The answer, it turns out, is worse than I thought. In all my adult life, I’ve lived where I could reach dozens of choices for shopping, eating and drinking in under fifteen minutes, often in places where some were just a nice walk away in good weather. Now, hitting even most standard suburban chains is no longer a whim, it’s an excursion.

Sometimes I’ve dreamt of living in a cabin in Big Sur. I don’t anymore. I want to be in walking distance of something, a short driving distance of anything. Markets, coffee shops, a neighborhood bar, an ice cream parlor. Ridge Manor is not a place where that’s possible, and despite the construction and development around the area, it never will be. Yes, it will get hundreds of new tract homes, but the people who move in there will find that they, too, are a half-hour away from everything.

But do I regret moving? No. I moved to be with my mother, to help take care of her and the house. Our relationship isn’t frictionless, but it’s good, better than many such relationships that I see among my own friends and, for that matter, among hers. I know her better now than I have at any previous point in my life. It’s not just a solid, loving parent-child relationship, it’s a solid, loving friendship. That’s invaluable.

I still take Saturdays out, albeit mostly by myself now, and I’ve discovered or re-discovered plenty of cool places, many of which weren’t here before and all which have changed. There are places I could truly feel at home in, if I lived closer to them, and if Florida’s politics ever become less fraught. And if I can still deal with Florida summers.

The what-ifs remain, though, no matter how much I try to shunt them away.

First what-if: My ability to carve out my own time has been markedly impaired over the last year, from writing to TV watching to reading. Perhaps I am not good at setting boundaries, or perhaps I am just not used to living with someone who wants a lot of attention compared to past, undemanding housemates. Would it have been better to live in the suburbs a half-hour down the road, drive up here a few times a week for dinner, spend the night every other week?

Never say never, but I’m doubtful. The connections I’ve been making with my mom couldn’t have been made if we weren’t living together. Beyond that, I wouldn’t be here to be able to help with routine small things, and helping with large ones would be that much more challenging. She’d be markedly lonelier, and despite my penchant for solitude, I would be, too.

And there’s the cost of living. Despite the isolation, there are many things to like about this house—it’s on over an acre of wooded land, for a start—but the number one thing is, simply, that it’s fully paid off. A year ago, I wrote, “I won’t miss paying as much in rent share [in California] as I would pay for an entire two-bedroom apartment in Tampa.” That turned out to be optimistic; a decent one-bedroom, not two, apartment in Wesley Chapel would be hundreds more a month than my rent share in Santa Clara was. The median rent in Sacramento is, as of this writing, lower than both Tampa and Orlando.

Second what-if: my mother and I could move somewhere else, somewhere that checks off more of my boxes and, ideally, more of hers. She’d like to be closer to amenities, closer to medical care, closer to the water. We’re both concerned about the heat, too. As I write this, Florida swelters in record-breaking heat. The SF Bay Area and Sacramento are at unusual highs, too, but the old “it’s a dry heat” joke hits home. Sacramento’s projected high of 103°F tops our projected 94°, but our heat index hits 116° compared to Sac’s 164°—and our low will be 74° (with a heat index ten degrees higher), whereas Sacramento will make it down to a comparatively arctic 58°. If this is the new normal, it may be untenable for both of us.

Housing prices anywhere we’d want to live are likely to be challengingly high even with our resources pooled together, though, and I don’t know what place we’d both agree on. Stay in the state, or leave it? She thinks about going back to Baltimore, where she grew up, or around Asheville, where Floridians seem to be moving to when they want to leave this state. I have no personal affinity for Maryland or North Carolina, though; the places I do have affinity for—most of California and the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest—aren’t places she does.

The thought of moving anywhere, though, leads to uncomfortable thoughts of mortality—both my mother’s and my own. When will I find myself living alone once more? Will I want to stay where I’m living then? If it’s still here, still in this house, the answer is likely no. But if my mother and I move to a new place, she’ll push for a bigger house. I doubt I’d want a bigger house by myself, or even with a housemate. (And if it’s in Florida, the current politics all but ensure my trans BFF won’t be that housemate.)

Of course, maybe a bigger house still makes financial sense; with luck, having a more expensive house means I get more money if I sell it and do move somewhere else, ultimately. The money isn’t being lost. Objectively, I know that. But I don’t feel it.

So, where does this leave me? It leaves me with a loving parent and great finances; it leaves me isolated, frustrated with my inability to manage my own time, wondering why I’m even worse than I used to be at coordinating with friends. It leaves me in a good and bad place. It leaves me in limbo.

I’ll check back in after another year.

Sarasota is now ground zero for not just Florida’s culture wars but all of America’s, as the home of the neofascist Moms of Liberty and epicenter of QAnon conspiracy nonsense. My college, New College, is the one that DeSantis is in the process of transforming from a nationally-recognized liberal arts school into a national laughing stock. [return]

[limoteesese]

MLB Tampa Bay Rays Grinch Christmas Sweater Design

MLB Tampa Bay Rays Grinch Christmas Sweater Design

Entertainment: Dickson street is great, lots of MLB Tampa Bay Rays Grinch Christmas Sweater Design and good food. There is the Walton Arts Center which has top notch broadway events (musicals, plays, etc). TheatreSquared is also excellent for watching plays. The AMP (Arkansas Music Pavilion) has well known bands/artists every year. There is a Botanical Gardens. Believe it or not, we still have a drive-in theatre which plays current movies and is lots of fun. There is also a retro-arcade, bowling, skating rink, Locomotion (go karts, arcade, mini-golf), Gater Golf (mini-golf), several area Golf courses that are very nice, museums, and lots more. Outdoors: We are right next to the Ozark National Forrest, Beaver Lake, the Buffalo River, White River, Mulberry River, Devil’s Den state park, the Ozark Highlands Trail (218 miles through seven counties), caving, rock climbing, hand gliding, scuba diving in Beaver lake, and countless more to do. There is an excellent paved trail system that stretches from south of Fayetteville to the Missouri border with lots of parks and side trails along the way. Everywhere you turn there is hiking, biking, canoeing, geocaching, etc. Enough to never be bored. Community: Excellent Farmer’s Market, lots of community outreach programs, excellent public schools and some great private ones also (or so I’ve heard) Events: We also have lots of events in our area: Bikes Blues & BBQ, Joe Martin Stage Race, First Thursday (every first Thursday downtown), Fayetteville Foam Fest (Local Breweries, Food Trucks, Lots of Beer), War Eagle Crafts Fair, Block Street Block Party, NWA Naturals baseball games, Tri Sport Kid’s Triathlon, Fayetteville Roots Festival, Lights of the Ozarks, Ozark Valley Triathlon, Halloween Monster Dash, Color Vibe 5K Run, Primal Challenge.

[mollydsails]

October 19 - Third try on this post. Don’t know if other two tries posted. If they did, Sorry. I made a couple of errors in the other posts, so now I can correct them.

Had a pleasant night’s stay in Fishing Bay. Onward to Hampton

8 AM departure for Hampton. Sol A Maya is ahead of Molly D

The wind wasn’t terrible. The seas were choppy but were from our stern (surfing!!) and the sun warmed the cockpit. Many boats were still on the water headed south. We were not alone.

Plenty of company on the water today. The green triangles are commercial ships at anchor. The ships are waiting their turn to enter their destination port or to cross the tunnel to the ocean

Molly D sent up 2 “swear clouds” during our transit. Both times David strung together colorful words aimed at sailboats that had caused Molly D to alter course to avoid a dangerous crossing situation.

During our transit, a “securite” (security) was broadcast alerting mariners to a “dead ship” tow from Norfolk to the ocean. The tow passed by Molly D. The dead ship had one tug boat pulling it (tow line from bow of ship to tug) and another tug was at its stern pushing it.

Dead ship tow

Molly D arrived at the Docks at Downtown Hampton around 2:00. Not bad timing for a 42 mile trip.

Molly D is docked. She is facing what I believe is an athletic facility of the University of Hampton

Looking down the Hampton Docks toward the marina office. The brick structure is a parking garage. The first floor of the garage houses businesses, including the Bull Island Brewery, our go to place for pizza and drinks

Molly D will stay in Hampton 2 nights. She will begin her ICW journey on Monday. Monday’s journey will take us through the Number 7 railroad bridge which is famous for breakdowns. We will also go through the Great Bridge Lock which is always a fun experience. Molly D will end her very long day in Coinjock, NC where the most delicious prime rib dinner will await us.

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] With such a breathtaking stretch of coastline, you’ll want to find the best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast. Whether you are a hiker, a beachgoer, or a do-nothing-er; this guide helps you choose your perfect spot. By: Paul Healy | Published: 12 Apr 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> With 95 miles of coastline and 185 million years in the making, the Jurassic Coast is a geological marvel, a scenic refresher and a hiker’s paradise. Finding where to stay on the Jurassic Coast is just the start of a great escape to some of the best coastal activities the UK has to offer. Spend an afternoon in rejuvenation mode either hiking along rugged white clifftops or lazing on pebble beaches below them. Take in the Jurassic Coast light via a sunrise excursion to a decaying castle, or under the exposed lightbulbs of a hipster brewery producing artisanal ales. The Jurassic Coast is a 2-hour drive from one end to the other, so it’s important to understand where you want to stay. Pick from a stylish clifftop hotel staring, a shepherd’s hut, a cool treehouse or a traditional pub in a remote location. Whatever accommodation you are after, our guide to the best hotels on the Dorset Coast includes all the regions along the Jurassic Coast to help you plan your next long weekend in the UK. 1 – PURBECK PENINSULA Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for superb hikes and dramatic scenery The Purbeck Peninsula is a sixty square mile patch of England, jutting out into the English Channel and bordered on three sides by water. Nowhere along the Jurassic Coast is the scenery more dramatic than in the Purbeck Peninsula. Towering white cliffs and mighty stacks of rock drop precipitously to the sea. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks – the iconic sights of the south of England – are scattered across the peninsula, connected by scenic hikes on the Jurassic Coast. Just inland, the exceptionally photogenic Corfe Castle and several abandoned villages, add to the remote feel of the region. There are some great Dorset Coastal hotels on the Isle of Purbeck. Remote pubs all alone on the southwest coastal path, grand hotels in charming market towns or a bit of luxury along the bay in Studland. OSMINGTON MILLS SMUGGLERS INN The remote pub with traditionally furnished rooms perched right on the coastal path has stunning views over a rugged stretch of the Dorset coast. BOOKING.COM WAREHAM PRIORY HOTEL A grand hotel in the charming town of Wareham, the Priory Hotel is set within 4 acres of beautiful English cottage gardens. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM STUDLAND PIG ON THE BEACH A gem of a 16th-century manor house on Studland Bay with a commitment to local produce and quality service. BOOKINGS STUDLAND COSY COTTAGE This cosy 3-bedroom cottage sleeps 5 and is ideal for families with all the facilities you’ll need for a Dorset coastal getaway. It’s a lovely 10-minute walk to the beach. VRBO.COM 2 – LYME REGIS  Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a hip and welcoming seaside town There are a few seaside towns along the Jurassic Coast, but the pick of the bunch is Lyme Regis. Unlike some of the tourist-driven towns on the coast, Lyme Regis capitalises on the character of the area. Independent shops stocked with local produce line the high street beside quality restaurants and surprisingly good coffee.  The Lyme Regis micro-brewery perched over a tiny brook is a secret worth knowing about. Down on the front, the part shingle, part sandy beach bends in an arc backed with colourful huts and cute townhouses. It’s a lovely, authentic town with a working harbour that still clamours with activity in the early hours as fishermen head out to sea.   A little further afield, take part in a fossil-hunting expedition at Charmouth or enjoy a circular walk around the weird rock formations of West Bay. The barrel-vaulted, 14th Century Chapel at Abbotsbury is as traditionally English as you could h

ope to find. LYME REGIS CLOVELLY GUEST HOUSE  Great value guest house in the centre of Lyme Regis with help-yourself breakfast and very friendly hosts. The perfect Dorset welcome. BOOKING.COM LYME REGIS COVERDALE A comfortable and spacious 1 bedroom apartment located just 450 metres from the beach, this is a great choice if you’re planning on making the most of the beach. BOOKING.COM LYME REGIS THE PILOT BOAT  The recently refurbished beautiful rooms at the Pilot Boat are complete with finishing touches including robes, slippers and free beer. BOOKING.COM | HOTELS.COM 3 – DORCHESTER  Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a charming market town with easy connections If you want to explore all the things to do on the Jurassic Coast then Dorchester is a great option. Centrally located between the Purbeck peninsula and Lyme Regis, it’s a great base to explore most of the main attractions on the coast. But as the capital of Dorset, Dorchester has its own appeal as well. The High Street is lined with grand and imposing architecture, excellent restaurants and museums. Perhaps more importantly, there’s good coffee at Coffee Saloon. As a major centre, it has a good range of accommodation from top quality B&B’s to grand Jurassic Coast hotels in landmark buildings. Dorchester is a great option for accommodation on the Dorset coast. In less than an hour’s drive you can be at many of the best spots anywhere along the coast.   DORCHESTER DUCHESS OF CORNWALL Classic market town hotel with a Georgian theme, modern amenities and beautiful decor. The Duchess of Cornwall is a classy stay on the Dorset coast. BOOKING.COM 4 – DESTINATION STAYS  Best Jurassic Coast hotels and innovative stays which are the attraction in themselves The Jurassic Coast has its fair share of quirky accommodation; places so good it hardly matters that you’re also in one of the most scenic parts of the country.   Go off-grid in a well-equipped and cosy Shepherds’ Hut set in the Dorset countryside, or unwind in stylish, quirky accommodation overlooking the sea. For something completely different, escape to the outdoor luxury accommodation of a treehouse; a unique stay on the Jurassic Coast and a memorable way to unwind. BURTON BRADSTOCK THE SEASIDE BOARDING HOUSE Stunning clifftop views from this stylish hotel with an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in the area. BOOKINGS THANKS FOR VISITING // WHERE NEXT? A BIG THANK YOU We’ve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. If you appreciate what we do, here are some ways you can support us. Thank you! Paul & Mark FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM USE OUR RESOURCES PAGE [ad_2] Source link

[brookstonalmanac]

Beer Events 3.1

Events

Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture founded (1785)

Christian Moerlein sold his first keg of beer (Ohio; 1854)

Toldeo Brewers Association founded (1898)

16 Baltimore breweries banded together to form the Maryland Brewing Co. (1899)

Anchor Brewing became Manilla Brewing, Dobbs Ferry, West Chester County, New York (1900)

The Decapitator, a combination bottle opened & corkscrew, patented (1910)

Pabst introduced Pablo, their 1st non-alcohol beer (1916)

American Can patented a Liquid Filling Machine (1938)

”Duffy’s Tavern” radio show debuted on CBS (1941)

Victor Alvear patented a Keg Closure (1949)

Bud Man debuted (1969)

Uley Bitter 1st brewed (UK; 1985)

Mack Johnston patented a Keg Tapper (1988)

Iceland repealed their Prohibition, which began in 1915 (1989)

Miller Clear introduced (1993)

Michael Frank patented a Card-Controlled Beverage Distribution System (1994)

Carlsbad Pubhouse & Brewery closed (California; 1997)

Sidebar Brewing closed  (California; 1999)

Breweries Opened

Pontiac Brewing (Michigan; 1900)

Mon Village Brewery (Quebec, Canada; 1987)

Les Brasseurs G.M.T. brewery (Quebec, Canada; 1988)

Butterfield Brewing (California; 1989)

Indianapolis Brewing (Indiana; 1989)

Pavichevich Brewing / Acme Brewing (Illinois; 1989)

North Yorkshire Brewing (England; 1990)

Conners Brewery (Ontario, Canada; 1991)

Bardo Rodeo brewery (Virginia; 1993)

Republic Brewery (Marshall Islands; 1993)

Atlantic Coast Brewing (Massachusetts; 1994)

Avery Brewing (Colorado; 1994)

Boardwalk Bistro brewery (Texas; 1994)

Covany Brewing (California; 1994)

Great Falls Brewing / No Tomatoes Restaurant & Brewery (Maine; 1987)

Lowell Brewing (Massachusetts; 1994)

Spring Garden Brewing (North Carolina; 1994)

Uinta Brewing (Utah; 1994)

Alley Kat Brewing (Alberta, Canada; 1995)

Boundary Bay Brewing (Washington; 1995)

Hoffbrau Steak & Brewery (Texas; 1995)

Hub City Brewery (Texas; 1995)

Medicine Bow Brewing (Wyoming; 1995)

Newport Beach Brewing (California; 1995)

Sutter Brewing  (CA; 1995)

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub (Colorado; 1995)

Baja Brewing (CA; 1996)

Bar Harbor Brewing (Washington; 1996)

Brauhaus Schloss (Maryland; 1996)

Charlie & Jake's Brewery & BBQ (Florida; 1996)

Coasters brewery (Florida; 1996)

Cottage Brewery (Canada; 1996)

Ice Harbor Brewing (Washington; 1996)

Rough Draft Brewing (South Dakota; 1996)

San Rafael Brewing (California; 1996)

Woodstock Inn & Brewing (New York; 1996)

Black River Bistro & Brewing (Michigan; 1997)

The Brewery (Alaska; 1997)

Brutopia brewery (Canada; 1997)

Circle City Beer Works (Indiana; 1997)

Dirty Dawg Brewing (Pennsylvania; 1997)

Flying Bison Brewing (New York; 1997)

Great Providence Brewing (Rhode Island; 1997)

Harbor Brewing (New York; 1997)

High Desert Brewing (New Mexico; 1997)

Island Brewing & Pizza (California; 1997)

Lovejoy's Brewpub (Texas; 1997)

Magnotta Brewery (Canada; 1997)

Old Hampton Brewers (New York; 1997)

Sanibel Brewpub (Florida; 1997)

Shady Island Brewing (Canada; 1997)

Southern Oregon & Pacific Brewing (Oregon; 1997)

Tom's River Brewing (New Jersey; 1997)

Wolf Creek Brewing (California; 1997)

Worcester Street Brewing (Maryland; 1997)

Cafe Charles Brewing (New York; 1998)

Central Coast Brewing (California; 1998)

Founders Brewing (Michigan; 1998)

Lighthouse Brewing (British Columbia, Canada; 1998)

Palau Brewing (Philippines; 1998)

White Water Brewing (California; 1998)

BJ's Pizza Grill & Brewery (California; 1999)

Coast Brewing (Mississippi; 1999)

Hook & Ladder Brewing (California; 1999)

Oakdale Brewing (California; 1999)

Arran Brewery (Scotland; 2000)

Bluebell Brewery (England; 2000)

Driftwood Brewery (England; 2000)

Zea Rotisserie & Brewery (Louisiana; 2000)

Heritage Ales brewery (England; 2001)

Mount Tallac Brewing (California; 2001)

Napa Smith Brewing (California; 2008)

Hill Farmstead Brewery (Vermont; 2010)

[charbear177]

10 Things To Do While Visiting San Diego This Summer

San Diego, California is the perfect spot for families and couples. San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast of California known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public. ― Google

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo is a world-famous zoo, and one of the biggest draws to San Diego. The San Diego Zoo is a zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park leased from the City of San Diego. Wikipedia

Sea World is great place for family fun. SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay Park, San Diego, California, United States. Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, the park is multifaceted, animal-focused marine mammal park, oceanarium, and aquarium—with both indoor and outdoor aquatic exhibits. Wikipedia

USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum is a historical naval aircraft carrier museum located in downtown San Diego, California at Navy Pier. The museum consists of the aircraft carrier Midway. The ship houses an extensive collection of aircraft, many of which were built in Southern California. Wikipedia

Coronado Island

Coronado is a California resort city on a peninsula in San Diego Bay. It’s known for the grand Victorian Hotel del Coronado, which opened in 1888. Across from the hotel, the wide, flat Coronado Beach draws surfers and sunbathers. Its western stretch includes the leash-free Coronado Dog Beach. The Coronado Ferry Landing has shops, restaurants and a small beach. Nearby, Centennial Park offers San Diego skyline views. ― Google

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Wikipedia

San Diego Museums

San Diego Museum of Art

San Diego Natural History Museum

Museum of Us

The New Children’s Museum

San Diego Air and Space Museum

Torrey Pines State Beach

Torrey Pines State Beach is a public beach located in the San Diego, California community of Torrey Pines, south of Del Mar and north of La Jolla. Coastal erosion from the adjacent Torrey Pines State Reserve makes for a picturesque landscape.

Petco Park

Petco Park is a baseball stadium in Downtown San Diego, California. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres, and has also been used as a venue for concerts, soccer, golf, football, and rugby. The ballpark is located between Seventh and 10th Avenues south of J Street. Wikipedia

Hash House A Go Go

Voted one of the best brunch spots in San Diego, Hash House is a hip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys.

Old Town

Old Town is a neighborhood of San Diego, California. It contains 230 acres and is bounded by Interstate 8 on the north, Interstate 5 on the west, Mission Hills on the east and south. It is the oldest settled area in San Diego and is the site of the first European settlement in present-day California. Wikipedia

Craft Brewery

San Diego has the best craft beer scene in the country. But in a city with 150-plus breweries, finding the right one for the occasion can be intimidating. There’s a San Diego brewery that can fill the bill, whether you’re looking to sip suds in a scenic beer garden by the beach, take in rooftop views with a growler in hand, or pair your brews with some of our city’s best Mexican food. To help you navigate the seemingly endless choices, we drank lots of local beer and compiled a handy guide to the best breweries in town to help you plan your next pint. Now go on and get to sipping.

[dsandrvk]

Wednesday, June 14 - Haines

We had a perfect day in Haines. The brochures always show Alaskan mountains in the sun, with sparkling water and blue skies, but we all know that isn't reality. Today, though, it was true, and for once we left some of our rain gear (not all of it - we aren't totally stupid), and headed out.

We had originally signed up to do the White Pass railroad out of Skagway, but that was cancelled due to an overabundance of cruise ships in Skagway itself, and we were glad to stay in a more low-key port with two other small ships. I had scoped out some possible hikes here just in case, and so we had lots to do.

We first headed east of town on the beach road for a couple of miles to get to the Battery Point trail. This was actually a small state park with a 2 mile trail that wandered through woods, over a couple of streams, and then through meadows, and finally out onto a rock-paved shore with spectacular views. It was warm in the sun, but the strong breeze out of the south kept the gnats mostly at bay. We walked back along the "beach" for a while, as the rocks below high tide were embedded in the moist muck, acting more like cobblestones. The wildflowers were coming out and everywhere there were wild roses, wild irises, and lots of huge dandelions.

Along the road to the trail there was evidence of a huge landslide that had happened a couple of years ago. It totally destroyed two houses, took two lives, and the area does not look stable. There was a house right on the edge that someone was working on, but it seems a precarious place to try to rebuild.

Once we got back to the port, we headed up and over the spine of the peninsula that dominates the area just south of Haines. Appropriately, we started on Portage Street, since it was the easiest route from the Chilkoot Inlet to the Chilkat Inlet. After we hiked up and over, we walked along a trail facing Mud Bay, which is the estuary of the Chilkat River. It is a popular place for locals, and much less rocky than our first hike. It was a bit cooler, too, since the wind had picked up significantly.

We walked back up and over and back to the site of Fort Seward, which today is mostly privately owned former officers quarters, and a parade ground. The fort site was purchased by WWII veterans in 1947 as a place to start over, and named it Port Chilkoot at the time, according to a sign placed there. We were thinking that the building with the tall tower might have been the fire station, and the tower for drying hoses, but today it seems to just be someone's garage.

We then wandered into the actual town of Haines, which is a thriving, quirky place with a great brewery. Like other breweries we have been to in Alaska, they didn't serve food, but that didn't matter. Alaska has a law restricting individuals to 36 ounces of beer per person per day in a brewery - there is no limit in traditional bars, however. And unlike bars, there is no seating at the counter - you either stand or take a seat elsewhere in the room. We stood and chatted to several of the locals, and the owner, who was working the taps. Beer was served in 12 ounce glasses - it makes it easier to track the limit that way - if someone had a couple of pints, they could only have a taster glass for the third serving.

With the limit in mind, they serve beers ranging from 4.4 percent alcohol to 9.6 percent. That latter is a stout called "Black Fang" and it was delicious (and potent). The IPA was also lovely, and time passed quickly.

We saw the mural on a wall nearby, and loved that the picture of the local fauna included giant mosquitoes. We haven't seen any yet, and we are grateful. We also passed the Hammer Museum, but weren't tempted to visit. The other art was by the harbor, and we saw it on our way back to the ship. We had managed a whole day without rain, and caught the next to last tender to our ship, having hiked almost 12 miles in total. After dinner, we watched from our cabin as the sun colored the mountains pink as we sailed south to our next destination.

We are headed next to Icy Strait Point, which is a destination developed by a native corporation specifically for cruise ships. We will not be the only ship there, although originally it was only capable of handling one ship at a time. They are predicting 100 percent chance of rain tomorrow, which is hard to believe after today, but we'll have to wait and see. At least we had beautiful weather today.

[rehobothheritage]

Petcation in South Delaware: Beach & Beyond

Thinking of a beach getaway to Southern Delaware with your furry friend? Look no further! From sandy beaches to scenic hiking trails, South Delaware is a pet-friendly paradise ready to be explored. This guide is packed with tail-wagging activities you and your pet can enjoy together.

Firstly, let's talk about accommodation. For a spacious, comfortable, and pet-friendly stay, book your room at the Heritage Inn & Suites, Rehoboth Beach. Our cozy suites offer comfort not just for you, but for your four-legged friend as well. Save more on your pet-friendly stay by availing of our exclusive offers.

Unleash the Explorer

We know that our pets love a beach playdate, enjoying a day of beach bonding while frolicking in the waves and digging sand. Beaches and trails in South Delaware are perfect for adventurous pets, and that’s exactly what should be first on your list of things to do with your dog when you visit South Delaware. Spend a warm afternoon with your pooch on the Lewes beach or at the Rehoboth Beach which are just minutes away from our pet-friendly hotel in Delaware. 

The hiking and walking trails around Rehoboth and Lewes are well-known but what many people don’t know is that you can take along your four-legged best friend to many of them. Bring your dog along as you hike the scenic trails of Cape Henlopen State Park or at the Junction and Breakwater Trail, or take them for a picnic and some outdoor activities at the Killens Pond State Park or at the  Fenwick Island State Park. (Tip: If you and your four legged companion love an outdoor adventure, then you can also camp in the park surrounded by nature's best.)

Another tail-wagging activity that your dog will love would be at the Delaware Seashore State Park where they can join you on the sand as well in the water (just not on any swimming or sunbathing beach with lifeguards, between May 1st—September 30th). Just remember to leash your pet and bring a towel to dry them off after a fun splash! Other pet-friendly parks include Delaware Seashore State Park, Gordons Pond State Park Area, and Killens Pond State Park.

Tail-Wagging Tastes

Quench your thirst and satisfy your pup's palate at the same time. Revelation Craft Brewing and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery offer refreshing local brews for you and your furry friend, so you can take your dog along on a date! Enjoy a picnic at the Nassau Valley Vineyards, where well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join.

You don’t need an occasion to treat them—so bring them over to Salty Paws where they serve lactose-free ice cream especially for dogs, in irresistible maple bacon, vanilla, pumpkin, or blueberry and peanut butter flavors, and also serve cookies and treats. The doggie bakery offers a perfect selection of irresistible doughnuts, cookies and cake mixes for every pooch. 

While you’re in Southern Delaware, don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine and the seafood, especially on your trip to Lewes and Rehoboth. Some of the places where you can enjoy a day out of delicious eats with your furry friends are Arena's Deli & Surf Bagel (Rehoboth Beach), Dairy Queen, Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, Big Oyster Brewery, The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, and Lewes Bake Shoppe (Lewes), and Grain On The Rocks (Lewes Ferry Terminal).

Doggy Dates

If you and your dog love ferry rides, then don’t forget to catch the Cape May—Lewes Ferry, where dogs are permitted on the ferry except the food court without any additional charge. You can also rent a premium motorboat from the Freedom Boat Club Delaware and use it to go fishing, waterskiing, cruising, and other pet-friendly adventures on the water. If a dog-friendly solo adventure is what you both like, then renting a kayak or paddleboard from pet-friendly rental services and enjoying a scenic adventure along waterways like the Broadkill River or Rehoboth Bay is also a great way to spend the day with your pooch.

Socialize and make new furry friends at local dog parks such as Lewes Dog Park or Slaughter Beach Dog Park. Take your furry companion to watch his buddies fly and jump at the Delmarva DockDogs and if you have that energetic one that loves to jump up and play, then maybe let him try too! 

If you love spoiling your furry best friend, you can take them shopping for unique toys, accessories, and supplies at Concord Pet Foods & Supplies or Dirty Dog Grooming & Pet Boutique. 

After a day full of exploration and adventure, you and your furry friend will look forward to a peaceful night's sleep at the Heritage Inn & Suites, Rehoboth Beach. Our welcoming and comfortable accommodation promises to recharge you for another day of fun in Southern Delaware. Don’t wait! Plan your paw-fect beach vacation today. Book directly through our website and save more on your stay at the Heritage Inn & Suites, Rehoboth Beach.

Tip: Please read state and local guidelines before you take your dogs to any public places, and remember to always follow them for a safe experience!

See you and your furry friend soon!

[beautiful-world-travel]

Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in North America. Located on the west coast of British Columbia, this city has everything you could want in a travel destination - from stunning natural scenery to a bustling urban core, there is truly something for everyone in Vancouver.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Vancouver is by flying into Vancouver International Airport, which is located just 30 minutes south of the city center. There are direct flights to Vancouver from many major cities around the world, making it an accessible destination for international travelers. Once you arrive, there are plenty of transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and the SkyTrain, which is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Things to Do

One of the biggest draws of Vancouver is its natural beauty. Stanley Park, located right in the heart of the city, is a 1,000-acre park that offers stunning views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown skyline. There are plenty of walking and biking paths throughout the park, as well as beaches, picnic areas, and even a water park for kids. Other natural attractions in Vancouver include Capilano Suspension Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of a canyon and a suspension bridge that sways 230 feet above the river below, and the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a free alternative to Capilano that is also located in a beautiful forested park.

For those interested in culture and history, Vancouver has plenty to offer as well. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest, while the Vancouver Art Gallery offers an impressive collection of contemporary art. The city is also home to a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and breweries to explore.

If you're looking for adventure, Vancouver is a great place to try something new. You can go kayaking in False Creek, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in English Bay, or take a bike tour around the city. And if you're feeling really brave, you can even go bungee jumping or ziplining in the nearby mountains.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options in Vancouver, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you're looking for something in the heart of downtown, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and the Rosewood Hotel Georgia are both excellent options. For a more budget-friendly option, the Samesun Vancouver Hostel is a great choice, with dorm rooms starting at just $25 per night.

Overall, Vancouver is a fantastic travel destination for anyone looking to experience the best of both nature and city life. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural offerings, and endless opportunities for adventure, it's no wonder that Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world to visit.

[brewyork]

New York breweries win six medals at Great American Beer Festival

Six New York state breweries, including one in New York City, took home medals at this year’s Great American Beer Festival in Denver last weekend.

 Relative Risk Brewing Co. in Penn Yan, Great South Bay Brewery in Bay Shore, Coney Island Brewing Co. in Brooklyn, Industrial Arts Brewing Co. in Beacon, Blue Point Brewing Co. in Patchogue, and New York Beer Project in Lockport all scored wins in the 37th annual edition of the competition, which featured over 9,000 beers from breweries in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico in 99 categories. This was New York’s best showing at the festival since 2019, when the state’s breweries won seven medals, and a marked improvement over last year’s performance, when the state’s breweries took home just two medals.

Of note, four of the six winning breweries were first-time GABF winners, and one of the winning breweries is barely a year old.

Relative Risk Brewing Co. won a silver in the Fruit Wheat Beer category for their Inclusion Criteria, a Strawberry Rhubarb Wheat beer, among 106 entries in the category. The brewery, which is on 12 acres in the Finger Lakes, just celebrated their first anniversary last weekend as they won their first GABF medal.

Great South Bay Brewery on Long Island took home their seventh GABF medal this year for the Jetty Cream Ale in the Honey Beer category, among 67 entries. Jetty is practically a perennial winner, taking home a silver medal this year, a bronze in 2019, a silver in 2017, and a gold in 2016 in the same category.

Also winning a medal in the Honey Beer category was Coney Island Brewing Co., who won bronze for the Valhallale, a potent 10% foeder-aged honey ale. It’s the first medal for the long-standing Boston Beer-owned brand, which has been brewing beer in its namesake neighborhood since 2015.

Blue Point Brewing Co. in Patchogue was awarded a silver in the Contemporary American-Style Lager category for their Shouganai Japanese Rice Lager, a summer release from their Innovation Series. While it’s their seventh medal overall, this year’s silver marks Blue Point’s first medal in the competition in a decade; they last won for their Rastafarye back in 2013.

Industrial Arts Brewing Co. in Beacon earned a bronze medal for their Week 365 in the American Pilsener category, among 141 entries. The hoppy pilsner, which was released for the brewery’s seventh anniversary, was Industrial Arts’ first since opening in 2016.

Finally, New York Beer Project won silver in the Classic Saison category for their Disco Elephant. The category had 62 entries. It’s the first medal for the brewery that’s been making beer since 2015 in Lockport, about 15 miles northeast of Buffalo.

Across the Hudson in New Jersey, a pair of nearby breweries also won medals: Bolero Snort Brewery in Carlstadt won silver for their Jersey Vice Berliner Weisse, and Kane Brewing Company in Ocean won silver for Sneakbox in the Juicy or Hazy Pale Ale category.

Great American Beer Festival will return next year, October 10th through 12th in Denver.

[matt-coben]

Consult your local brewery about your favorite beverage

Small-batch craft brewers produce craft beer, which they brew. These smaller-scale breweries are often independently owned and operated. This brewery is noted for its passion and eagerness to experiment with diverse flavors and brewing procedures. Large breweries may exist in your area, but local breweries are more likely to offer a wider variety of exciting beers. In addition, craft beer is more often affordable, as compared to many major brands.

Drinking local beer helps the local economy in addition to helping out local companies. It may breathe fresh life into a community with a lack of culture and old buildings and downtown districts. The beer is fresher because local brewers employ regional ingredients.

Craft beer production is rising, with many regional breweries beginning small and expanding from nothing. Although Stephen Hughes’ brewery in Newark is just a few years old, it has already welcomed customers. The brewery’s first beers were milk stouts and a porter with coffee and oatmeal. A coffee-infused cream ale and a vanilla porter are some other brews.

Atwood Ales, a local brewery in Blaine, Washington, is another. It produces a variety of distinctive beers using local ingredients. The brewery harvested 60-hop plants from its farm last September. According to the owners’ estimates, this will take care of 60% of their main demands for the year. The Bone Fresh Hop Pale Ale, a distinctive pale ale created with regional malts and estate-grown hops, was produced by them last fall.

Many locals are spending time in the brewery’s tap room, conversing with one another and even consuming local beer, making it a vital component of the neighborhood. As a result, the brewery is quickly developing into a hub for the community. Even board games and other amenities are available to help folks unwind. You can even get a badge if you check in your local beer with your neighborhood brewery.

Large brewers generated 97% of the beer in Canada in the early 1980s. Nevertheless, a few brewers began producing their beer despite the growing rivalry. North Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay Brewery was the first. But it was abandoned after a year. Later, Spinnaker Brewing Corporation, a brewpub in Victoria, was founded by Mitchell and Appleton. In the 1980s, several local breweries went public, such as Brick in Watertown and Upper Canada in Toronto.

Brewing traditional brews are prevalent in rural Africa. These beers are produced by regional customs and the availability of regional ingredients. Honey beer and ginger beer are two common varieties. The United National Breweries in South Africa created several regional beers, including Johannesburg beer and Chibouk beer. Sorghum malt is a crucial ingredient in the brewing of beer in Botswana. This beer is frequently cloudy.

Visit a nearby brewery for a great local beer can. You can pick up cans or take them home from the city’s many tap rooms. Alternatively, you can purchase a keg from a craft brewer online. The Brooklyn Brewery offers a selection of local and international beers. The greatest ones to try are a few from the Hudson Valley and Grimm, 18th Ward, and Folksbier.

The Commonwealth Brewery in Nassau produces Kalik, one of the most well-liked beers in the Bahamas. Since 1969, this light European-style beer has become a local favorite and has garnered numerous accolades. Its crisp, energizing flavor makes it the ideal beverage for an afternoon spent lounging on the beach or a day spent exploring the lush jungles.

The Memphis Made Brewing Company, which serves a variety of beers on tap, is another excellent local beer spot. This brewery features a large taproom and is housed in an industrial structure. In addition to a sizable Jenga board, its pub has a comfortable bar. It also has a food truck, making it a fantastic spot to socialize with old friends and make new ones while enjoying a delicious local brew.

The water used in brewing determines the type of beer that comes from a particular area. For instance, sulfates and calcium in hard water cause light-hopped beer, whereas soft water produces black beer. But in modern times, industrialization has made combining goods from several places easier. As a result, many brewers frequently employ German malt, American hops, and diverse yeasts. As a result, it can be challenging to determine what constitutes a local beer in each locale.

[auraeseer]

I could go either way with this lager . . .

[oldsoldier]

OLD SOLDIER x Blue Point Brewery Oyster pocket tee available now

Shop

[brookstonalmanac]

Beer Events 3.1

Events

Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture founded (1785)

Christian Moerlein sold his first keg of beer (Ohio; 1854)

Toldeo Brewers Association founded (1898)

16 Baltimore breweries banded together to form the Maryland Brewing Co. (1899)

Anchor Brewing became Manilla Brewing, Dobbs Ferry, West Chester County, New York (1900)

The Decapitator, a combination bottle opened & corkscrew, patented (1910)

Pabst introduced Pablo, their 1st non-alcohol beer (1916)

American Can patented a Liquid Filling Machine (1938)

”Duffy’s Tavern” radio show debuted on CBS (1941)

Victor Alvear patented a Keg Closure (1949)

Bud Man debuted (1969)

Uley Bitter 1st brewed (UK; 1985)

Mack Johnston patented a Keg Tapper (1988)

Iceland repealed their Prohibition, which began in 1915 (1989)

Miller Clear introduced (1993)

Michael Frank patented a Card-Controlled Beverage Distribution System (1994)

Carlsbad Pubhouse & Brewery closed (California; 1997)

Sidebar Brewing closed  (California; 1999)

Breweries Opened

Pontiac Brewing (Michigan; 1900)

Mon Village Brewery (Quebec, Canada; 1987)

Les Brasseurs G.M.T. brewery (Quebec, Canada; 1988)

Butterfield Brewing (California; 1989)

Indianapolis Brewing (Indiana; 1989)

Pavichevich Brewing / Acme Brewing (Illinois; 1989)

North Yorkshire Brewing (England; 1990)

Conners Brewery (Ontario, Canada; 1991)

Bardo Rodeo brewery (Virginia; 1993)

Republic Brewery (Marshall Islands; 1993)

Atlantic Coast Brewing (Massachusetts; 1994)

Avery Brewing (Colorado; 1994)

Boardwalk Bistro brewery (Texas; 1994)

Covany Brewing (California; 1994)

Great Falls Brewing / No Tomatoes Restaurant & Brewery (Maine; 1987)

Lowell Brewing (Massachusetts; 1994)

Spring Garden Brewing (North Carolina; 1994)

Uinta Brewing (Utah; 1994)

Alley Kat Brewing (Alberta, Canada; 1995)

Boundary Bay Brewing (Washington; 1995)

Hoffbrau Steak & Brewery (Texas; 1995)

Hub City Brewery (Texas; 1995)

Medicine Bow Brewing (Wyoming; 1995)

Newport Beach Brewing (California; 1995)

Sutter Brewing  (CA; 1995)

Tommyknocker Brewery & Pub (Colorado; 1995)

Baja Brewing (CA; 1996)

Bar Harbor Brewing (Washington; 1996)

Brauhaus Schloss (Maryland; 1996)

Charlie & Jake's Brewery & BBQ (Florida; 1996)

Coasters brewery (Florida; 1996)

Cottage Brewery (Canada; 1996)

Ice Harbor Brewing (Washington; 1996)

Rough Draft Brewing (South Dakota; 1996)

San Rafael Brewing (California; 1996)

Woodstock Inn & Brewing (New York; 1996)

Black River Bistro & Brewing (Michigan; 1997)

The Brewery (Alaska; 1997)

Brutopia brewery (Canada; 1997)

Circle City Beer Works (Indiana; 1997)

Dirty Dawg Brewing (Pennsylvania; 1997)

Flying Bison Brewing (New York; 1997)

Great Providence Brewing (Rhode Island; 1997)

Harbor Brewing (New York; 1997)

High Desert Brewing (New Mexico; 1997)

Island Brewing & Pizza (California; 1997)

Lovejoy's Brewpub (Texas; 1997)

Magnotta Brewery (Canada; 1997)

Old Hampton Brewers (New York; 1997)

Sanibel Brewpub (Florida; 1997)

Shady Island Brewing (Canada; 1997)

Southern Oregon & Pacific Brewing (Oregon; 1997)

Tom's River Brewing (New Jersey; 1997)

Wolf Creek Brewing (California; 1997)

Worcester Street Brewing (Maryland; 1997)

Cafe Charles Brewing (New York; 1998)

Central Coast Brewing (California; 1998)

Founders Brewing (Michigan; 1998)

Lighthouse Brewing (British Columbia, Canada; 1998)

Palau Brewing (Philippines; 1998)

White Water Brewing (California; 1998)

BJ's Pizza Grill & Brewery (California; 1999)

Coast Brewing (Mississippi; 1999)

Hook & Ladder Brewing (California; 1999)

Oakdale Brewing (California; 1999)

Arran Brewery (Scotland; 2000)

Bluebell Brewery (England; 2000)

Driftwood Brewery (England; 2000)

Zea Rotisserie & Brewery (Louisiana; 2000)

Heritage Ales brewery (England; 2001)

Mount Tallac Brewing (California; 2001)

Napa Smith Brewing (California; 2008)

Hill Farmstead Brewery (Vermont; 2010)

[foreficfandom]

Mystic Messenger - Wedding Headcanons (Bride! MC)

--- Zen ---

Zen's a surprisingly down-to-earth man, and he wanted the wedding to be a modest, but gorgeous affair. It’s a rooftop wedding, where everyone gets to see the two most beautiful people in the world get married amidst a bright, morning cityscape. Zen creates an amazing set of custom vows that make him cry, and it ruins his makeup but he doesn’t care. 

It’s all paid with his and your own money, which isn’t a whole lot but enough to afford a very put-together package. Zen insisted on catering from a famous brewery, and there’s a very nice open beer-on-tap bar.

There’s also a very important scheduled evening dance, of course. Your new husband asks for your hand like you’re royalty, and the two of you begin a very romantic slow-dance with a specific playlist in the background. When that ends, the music picks up and everybody starts getting a little wild. That delicious beer must have kicked in.

Zen’s arm rarely ever leaves your waist for the rest of the evening. He begins to refer to you as ���my SPOUSE’ to everyone you have a conversation with. His face is literally glowing with pride.

By the time the two of you get married, Zen’s a very established actor, so its a celebrity wedding that attracts reporters and curious starwatchers. The two of you graciously (you more than Zen) accept Jumin’s gift of security guards to keep them off the venue.

The honeymoon is a beautiful week spent in the Maldives, enjoying the therapeutic beach life. Paparazzi end up hounding the two of you a little bit, but nothing can truly ruin this bliss. This perfect love.

--- Yoosung ---

He’s been dreaming of this day and its finally here!! He almost can’t believe it, and spends a lot of the planning just kinda fanboying himself. He can’t decide between themes and packages ‘cause it all seems wonderful to him. His parents end up helping quite a bit, especially on the parts he finds particularly confusing, like booking a venue and managing costs.

The two of you eventually settle on a garden-like wedding, taking place in a beautiful park. He loves the vintage lace look of your dress, and matches with an old-hollywood-style suit. Thanks to the advice from his family, the two of you avoided purchasing entire wedding packages and instead sourced everything from different retailers, which required a lot more research but saved money. 

The two of you said your vows underneath a gazebo lined with flowers, and then walked back down the park to the reception area while everyone tossed bucketfuls of petals upon the two of you. Yoosung was tearing up pretty badly from happiness, and almost tripped twice. By the time you guys made it to the dining tables, Yoosung’s glasses were fogged and he couldn’t stop smiling. 

The reception lasted longer than planned ‘cause everyone was having so much fun. You two had hired a pizza truck that carted their wood-burning oven on-site, along with a massive snack table and colorful cocktail dispensers. Yoosung asked to dance once, twice, and maybe five more times. You had to take off your heels to keep up with him, which just made the moment that much more beautiful.

The honeymoon had to be short, but it was a peaceful five days spent in Shanghai. 

--- Jaehee ---

One of the first things planned was going to local fashion shows and shopping for dresses, since according to Jaehee, it was this season that designers begin to shell out the good stuff. Jaehee settled on a cream-colored silk trumpet dress with an embroidered veil. You chose a dress embroidered with gold-colored thread to match hers. 

And that set the tone for rest of the wedding. Gold decor, pearly-white chiffon, and dots of warm red embellishing the tablecloths, bouquets, and plate settings. Jaehee was always the one on the phone with the planners, since she had That Business Voice which made everything go so much more smoothly.

You married in a temple, an hour away from the city. Jaehee and you met at the altar simultaneously, and held hands over vows. You could see her tearing up for the first time ever. 

The reception was held in a small park nearby, where a light catering was offered underneath a large tent, along with several chocolate fountains and bottles of expensive champagne. Jaehee really wanted to avoid a huge social event, since her past job at C&R required a lot of boring business events. So after speeches were delivered and everyone had their fill of chocolate and wine, you all barreled into your cars and zoomed back home for the afterparty, which was a lot more casual and involved blaring Zen’s musicals on the flatscreen while everyone played drinking games.

The two of you had a long and indulgent honeymoon spent traveling between Greece and Italy, doing everything from spa hotels to skydiving. You ended up with two album’s worth of pictures to remember it by.

--- Jumin ---

You might have thought he’d be pulling out all stops when it comes to the wedding, but the man’s a devoted Christian - even if he doesn’t show his religious side often, it was important to him that his holy union wasn’t too ostentatious. 

But he’s still Jumin, so everything’s designer. The outfits, the catering, the decorations, the transportation, even the invitations sent out were on luxury emboss paper lined with real gold leaf. So your wedding actually begins a few days before it even starts, with a visit to a celebrity spa for a red-carpet all-over treatment, and then you spend hours getting your hair, makeup, and nails done. 

Both the ceremony and the reception are held in a large, lavish hall. There’s a huge crowd of guests for business reasons, along with reporters and other representatives from the press, plus even some politicians. When Jumin takes your hand at the altar, there’s a literal spotlight shining on the two of you while the room grows dramatically dark.

So your wedding is kinda a publicized business event, which isn’t super ideal but Jumin tried his best to keep it as special as possible. He deferred to you when it came to almost all the decisions, such as the color scheme of the decor, and what kind of menu you wanted. Almost everything was based off of your preferences, which is what Jumin wanted. He desired nothing but you as his spouse, and that’s what he was getting. 

Jumin rarely ever gets overly emotional, including at his own wedding, but for the rest of the evening he couldn’t keep his eyes off you, and whenever you turned your head your new husband was smiling, absolute adoration in his eyes.

The honeymoon is a worldwide tour, of course. With cruises, five-star hotels, attending operas, and dining at the most famous places.

--- Saeyoung ---

He’s free from the agency and Mint Eye both, and he has you with him. He never been be happier, or feel more free than he ever did. So the wedding reflects it; it’s held outside, by the sea, lightly managed so there’s almost no schedule to adhere to. 

It’s super important that he makes his vows to you under god. So it takes some digging until he finds an actual church that’s within a short distance from a gorgeous beach. The two of you marry under brightly lit stained glass windows before hopping into one of his sports cars and race to the reception area. The other guests have to catch up.

He cries at the ceremony, of course. He eventually leaves his glasses off because his eyes keep welling up. He recites from the bible. You can feel his hands shaking. 

And at the reception, it’s p a r ty time. There’s music playing and a very important playlist is playing that the two of you made beforehand. The catering is seafood and barbecue. There’s very little alcohol, and lots of dessert. 

It’s a smaller crowd of guests, but that’s what made it so special. You all played at the beach with spontaneous games of badminton, or dunked yourselves into the beach then running off laughing, and joked amongst yourselves for hours, long after night came around and the area was lit up with Saeyoung’s jacked lighting system.

The honeymoon is spent in South Korea, in Jeju-do where the two of you go on sunny car rides along the cliffs, go spelunking in gorgeous caves that light up like the universe, and stay in a traditional bathhouse. 

--- Saeran ---

Saeran will always and forever adore the ‘princess’ aesthetic on you. When you two first met, his Ray alter embodied and obsessed over it, but nowadays he simply enjoys the magical romance of a fairytale love story. It reminds him of his longing daydreams when he was younger, and how it all eventually came true.

It’s an evening wedding, held in a hotel banquet hall, planned and catered by an expensive company he and his brother both shelled enthusiastically to purchase. He didn’t really know anybody aside from the RFA and you, and only made like one or two other friends since beginning recovery. So you invited all your friends and family you knew would support the two of you, and it turned out to be an intimate but loving crowd.

SOOO many flowers. Bouquets dot the walls, sit at every table, and line the isle. And Saeran beforehand prepared your bridal bouquet himself. It was a very carefully crafted arrangement that masterfully relayed a thorough message of love, commitment, and family.

Saeran’s quiet but surprisingly calm. It’s just ... pure happiness. He’s every bit a prince when he takes your hand at the altar. This wedding marked more than the beginning of your union, it was evidence that his life was good.

He wasn’t super enthused about traveling anywhere for the honeymoon, and wanted to spend the time alone with you at home, where its safe and familiar. But you convinced him that an extreme change of scenery can do wonders for his depression and anxiety. So the two of you spent an amazing twelve days in Canada, where he got to experience a world he’d never seen before. He took really well to hiking, which turned out to be a great low impact exercise option for his frail physical health. 

--- Jihyun ---

The reception’s held outside, by the Suncheon Bay area - a beautiful national wetland park with amazingly unique scenery and wildlife. The ceremony beforehand is held inside, and its short and sweet with custom vows.

He’d want a Catholic wedding if it’s okay with you, or if not, a fusion wedding where the vows aren’t religious but its overseen by a pastor, or something like that. 

As a photographer, he’s surprisingly anal about the timing of the event. There has to be the perfect amount of natural sunlight during the wedding. So the ceremony is held in the late morning, then he quickly urges you outside where beautiful pictures are taken of the two of you standing amidst gorgeous nature. 

There’s a surprisingly big crowd. Jihyun is a popular man, so aside from the RFA there’s his various art friends, his other friends, his older friends, not to mention your own friends and family. His father does show up, but it’s sadly stilted.

He’s worldly and artsy, so the banquet is multicultural, with lots of his personal favorites he’s experienced from around the world. You notice a lot of french bread.

And don’t forget, he’s a rich boy! So everything’s quality stuff. You don’t have to worry about expenses with him. He’s not ostentatious to the level of Jumin, but he’s still got a packing wallet.

The honeymoon is spent touring Central America, which he particularly loves for its blazing sun and colorful culture. You split the trip between luxury all-inclusive resorts, and countryside roughing it.