Road Trip Tips: Making the Most of Holiday Travel

Posted on by caitlin

The holidays are synonymous with good food, family time, and the oh-so daunting travel. Unfortunately, the “travel” part doesn’t always get the best rap…flight delays, road trip traffic, and busy schedules have everyone more stressed than usual!

This year, Tucker and I are road tripping from Southern California up to Oregon for the holidays, and we’ve decided that we are going to make the most of the 14-hour drive. We are frequent road trippers, so we’ve put together a few tips that will take your drive from grueling and long to memorable and fun. Check them out!

Truck parked in the snow.
The Super Duty…our road trip vehicle of choice!

  1. Opt for the Scenic Route

While we could make the drive in 12-hours or less, it would be a pretty boring route up the 5 freeway to get there. Both of us have made that drive a million times, so we decided to mix things up and head up the 395 instead. The 395 takes you up the eastern side of California, and passes through places like Mammoth and Lake Tahoe. We can’t wait for some snowy, mountainous scenery, and I’m sure there will be many photo ops along the way. In my opinion, it’s well worth an extra 2-hours in the car to see parts of our state that we haven’t seen, yet!

Truck overlooking vista point.
Can’t argue with vistas like this one.

  1. Find Destinations Along the Way

There’s something for everyone on road-trips, whether you are looking for vista points or craft breweries along the way. While you don’t want to over-research your trip, take a look at the map and see if there is an area you want to be sure to stop at. Adding in these little destinations gives you something to look forward to as you drive, and also makes the drive feel more like a mini-adventure! (Check out how we did this on our epic 5,000+ mile road trip!)

Truck on snowy road.
On the road again…

  1. Pack a Picnic

One of the most time-consuming parts of road trips are the obligatory stops to fill up your tank and your tummy. Rather than pulling into a rest stop, why not pack a picnic of holiday leftovers and eat while overlooking a beautiful vista? This will save you some money while on your trip, and will likely be more memorable than other fast food options you would find along your drive. If you are a craft beer fan, it might not hurt to have a few brews or a growler in your cooler to go with your meal!

Caitlin holding Oakley outside of the truck.
Pit stop for some pictures in Sedona (back when Oakley was little enough to carry!).

  1. Mix Up Your Music

Speaking from personal experience, music on road trips has the potential to be a divisive topic…which is why we are always sure to put a lot of effort into choosing music we BOTH like. Make sure that your music selection has a mix of everyone’s styles of music, and throw in a couple new artists, too! As a kid, my family used to pick an album or two for each road trip we went on, and to this day those songs remind me of certain places along the highway that I sang along to the lyrics. Pick music that makes you happy, and know that it will likely bring back memories in the future! (P.S. don’t forget to bring along some actual CDs, especially if you are driving through remote areas where you may not have phone service!)

Tucker, Caitlin, and Oakley in the back of the truck.
Our little road trippin’ family.

  1. Get Sh*t Done

Got some online shopping to do? Planning for an upcoming event that you’re hosting? There’s no better time to figure out those details that when you’re in a car for hours on end. Put your co-pilot to work researching, communicating, etc., and feel like you’ve accomplished more than just putting hundreds of miles on your vehicle when you park it! No joke—on our recent road trip to the desert the day after Thanksgiving, I did ALL of our Christmas shopping online on our way there. It was the BEST feeling not having to worry about it for the rest of the month!

Caitlin and Oakley in the truck.
Set up and ready to get on the road, Oakley and all.

  1. Your Co-Pilot Should Be Present, Too

There’s nothing worse than having a co-pilot who sleeps through the drive or scrolls through social media the entire trip. Road trips are a great time for bonding with family and friends, and that’s not gonna happen if people aren’t paying attention! Take the opportunity to put the phone away (unless you’re getting sh*t done) and have some good conversation. It makes the drive go by quicker, and you both get to experience new scenery, funny signage, and the adventure of it all together.

Oakley in the back of the truck.
Our little Goldendoodle road warrior, Oakley, ready for another adventure!

  1. Be Spontaneous

We’ve all heard it before: “It’s about the journey, not the destination”. It’s important to remember to enjoy your road trip, rather than stressing about what time you will arrive at your destination. That means if a sign advertising “The World’s Best Apple Pie, Next Exit” catches your eye, then GO! You will be glad you checked it out, instead of passing on the opportunity and never knowing if you will be driving that route again. Even if it is a bum steer, at least you can say you tried. Enjoy the spontaneous moments of your trip, and let go of the stress that an ETA would otherwise cause you.

 

If you are road tripping this holiday season, safe travels and enjoy the ride!

Do you have your own road trip tips that you want to share? Let me know in the comments below!

5 Days in Ireland (For the Adventurous Soul)

Posted on by caitlin

I’m not one for “relaxing” travel, per say. I typically like a sense of adventure in each day that I’m exploring a new place. Which is why when my husband and I decided to go to Ireland, we decided to see as much as we possibly could in the limited time we had there (just 5 days!). Translation: time for a road trip!

Tucker, Caitlin, and their car overlooking the Irish countryside on their road trip adventure
Side note: If you ever see a sign indicating “vista point”, just go! This was a beautiful view of the Irish countryside that we stumbled upon while driving.

If you find yourself in a similar position, check out this itinerary that we created for our trip!

Day 1 & 2: Dublin

Fly into Dublin and begin your trip there. Plan to spend your first full two days exploring the city. That’s enough time to see all the sites and feel like you’ve experienced the city.

Fellow sippers will appreciate the drinking culture that Dublin (and really, all of Ireland) has to offer. Some must-sees are:

  • The Guinness Storehouse! What’s more Irish than that? Consider purchasing “The Connoisseur Experience” if you want to avoid some of the crowds…you get a more in-depth look at the history of the Guinness empire, and get to taste some really unique beers! You’ll learn how to pour a proper Guinness, too. Be sure to book tickets in advance!
A lineup of Guinness bottles
Inside the “Connoisseur Experience” room! Check out all those different Guinness bottles (and the weirdos in the mirror).
  • If you prefer whiskey, check out the Jameson Distillery and take a tour there. No need to purchase in advance, as long as you get there fairly early in the day. You will enjoy a Jameson tasting as part of your tour, as well as a mixed drink at the end. There’s also a great bar at the distillery that offers tons of cocktails, and they’re really good! No need to have a tour ticket to have a drink at the bar.
A cocktail table in the Jameson tasting room
Whiskey tastings waiting to be consumed.
  • Temple Bar is the Bourbon Street of Ireland. Loud, busy, and a total blast. You will obviously want to stop by THE Temple Bar and grab a Guinness if you can find a seat…the Temple Bar is pretty touristy, though. If you want a more authentic Irish experience, visit Oliver St. John Gogarty’s (just down the road), and enjoy some traditional Irish music with good company and a good drink! Note: if you value your sleep, you will want to find a place to stay outside of the Temple Bar area…especially on the weekends. If partying is your thing, then you might love staying in that spot!
A Guinness on a carved stool.
I wonder how many bums (or beers) have sat on that stool…
  • The Brazen Head is the oldest pub in Ireland, and well worth a visit. You’ll see knick-knacks and memorabilia all over the walls that have been left there by guests. It’s a historic building serving good food and cold beers, and offering a great atmosphere for mingling with the locals.
Tucker and Caitlin outside of The Brazen Head on their last day in ireland
Obligatory “prove we were there” picture.

There’s obviously more to Dublin than the sips, so here’s some other tips for places that you’ll want to make sure to see while you’re there:

  • Patrick’s Cathedral is absolutely beautiful and central to Irish history. The cathedral does a great job of providing easy-to-digest Irish history as you wander around the premise. You can see the entire thing in an hour, but if you enjoy churches and cathedrals, you may want to set aside more time.
The inside of St. Patrick's Cathedral
Inside view of the cathedral.
  • Trinity College is in the heart of the city and is home to The Book of Kells Exhibition. Even if you don’t go to the museum, walking through the campus is a nice way to spend an afternoon.
  • Dublin is rich with museums—you may want to spend A LOT more time in the city if you intend to visit each one. A few highlights are the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol (a former prison), and the Dublin Writers Museum. Literary figures are celebrated throughout Ireland, so you will likely see representations of them often!

If you’re looking for a good restaurant in Dublin, go to The Bank on College Green. It is a nice restaurant in a beautiful old bank, and the food is fantastic. It’s not all traditional Irish fare either, so if you’re sick of pies, bangers, and mash after a while, this is a good option.

Day 3: The Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Make an early morning of your third day and arrange to pick up a rental car to begin your road trip! Yes, you will likely be driving on the opposite side of the road which is a bit scary at first. However, the roads open up fairly quickly and soon you’ll find yourself driving amongst rolling green hills on the Irish highways. It’s spectacular!

The cliffs of moher
The cliffs on a cloudy day. It’s impossible to understand the scale of them with a photo like this.

It’s about a 3-hour drive from Dublin to The Cliffs of Moher: your first stop. The dramatic cliffs along the west coast of the island show the dramatic landscape of the country in all its glory. The Cliffs are a UNESCO designated site, and are Irelands most-visited tourist attraction. If you get nice weather, you could spend all day taking in the beauty of this place. There’s a small lighthouse that you can pay a couple euro to climb…I think it’s worth it! There is also a small museum that describes some of the geology behind the cliffs’ formation.

Caitlin posing near the cliffs, an epic stop on the adventure
Representation of how you’ll feel when you see the cliffs!

Once you’ve soaked in the views (and taken way too many pictures of the same thing because you just can’t help yourself), jump back in the car and drive another 1.5 hours to Galway, a beautiful little port-town that just screams “Ireland!”. An afternoon is enough time to see all of what Galway has to offer…it is a small, walkable town.

If there is one thing you do while in Galway, it is The Pie Maker. You MUST go to The Pie Maker. It is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurant, run by a single (awesome) woman, that makes some of the best food I’ve ever had. They make savory and sweet pies, serve craft beer, and make you feel like you’re part of their family while you dine. While you’re there, make sure you visit the bathroom (if you can find it!)—you will not be disappointed. (Bet you’ve never read a travel blog that encourages you to visit a bathroom, huh?!)

the outside view of The Pie Maker restaurant
The Pie Maker in all its hole-in-the-wall glory. It’s tiny and amazing.

Day 4: Giant’s Causeway

This will be another early morning, where you will jump in the car and head out on a 5(ish) hour drive up to Northern Ireland, ending up at Giant’s Causeway. In case you haven’t heard of it, Giant’s Causeway is another UNESCO site known for the thousands of hexagonal basalt columns that have arisen as a result of volcanic activity over thousands of years. What’s left is an absolute spectacle, and some of the most unique views of nature you will ever see.

Caitlin walking along Giant's Causeway
Wandering the causeway. It just doesn’t get old!

Take a tour at Giant’s Causeway, and spend some time looking through the museum before your tour begins. You’ll be led down to the causeway, and will actually have a chance to climb along the pillars that line the coast (can you say, photo ops?!). Be careful though…there is black algae that grows on the columns that is VERY slippery. Wear cold-weather (ideally waterproof) gear and shoes with good tread on this trip!

Stay the night in nearby Portstewart or Portrush—both small little towns with good restaurants, scenery, friendly locals.

Day 5: Back to Dublin Bay

Believe it or not, you’re only about 3 hours from Dublin. Jump in the car and head back to that general area. There are plenty of places to check out along the way!

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not too far of a detour on your trip. If you live for a little adrenaline in your life, then make a stop here. You will have a chance to cross a bridge that links the Northern Ireland mainland to a tiny island by way of a couple ropes and some wooden planks. Good luck!

You will be driving right through Belfast on your way south. If you enjoy seeing cities along your trip, you can stop here for an afternoon of lunch and exploration. Check out the Black Cab Tours if you want a first-hand history lesson in Belfast!

If you prefer the small-town experience, skip Belfast and keep heading south. Rather than going back to Dublin, head a little east to Dublin Bay, starting on the north end in Malahide. The DART train runs along the bay, and is a great way to tour this little part of the country if you can!

Malahide is known for Malahide Castle. There a fairly short tour of the castle that you can take, and if you have some more time, wander through the botanical gardens at the castle. The castle grounds are beautiful!

Dun Leoghaire (pronounced Dun Leery…yay Gaelic!) is another coastal town that is picturesque to say the least. It has a great little maritime museum (next to the Royal Marine Hotel) that gives you another glimpse of Irish history.

Caitlin walking through the maritime museum
Soaking in the maritime history with every step. The architecture of this museum is beautiful!

Dalkey, which is at the south end of Dublin Bay opposite Malahide, is a little town right out of a storybook. Little bakeries, pubs, and boutique shops line the main road, and friendly locals greet you as you wander around town. There is no experience more authentic than visiting Biddy’s Cottage in Dalkey, where you can join a sweet woman named Biddy for an evening of storytelling, history, and Irish tradition. Biddy opens her cottage to guests, and they get to soak in her warm Irish welcome with some oatcakes and tea. It is truly a highlight, and a perfect way to end a trip to Ireland.

Caitlin, Tucker, and Biddy looking through the red door of the cottage.
The perfect Irish experience: Biddy’s Cottage. Tucker and I took the chance to pose in the dutch door with Biddy!

Another trip to Ireland is definitely in my future, and if you do have the opportunity to spend more time there, do it! There are plenty of other resources out there to help you plan a road trip around the southern part of the island if you would like to do a full loop.

 

Taking this trip? I’d love to know how it goes! Comment below and let me know!

The Best Brews are in Your Backyard

Posted on by caitlin

It’s easy to be blinded by the big-name brands of craft beer, and don’t get me wrong—they have their place. When I’m at a random restaurant looking for a beer, I’m always happy to see Stone or Ballast Point on the menu. That said, what I’ve come to discover is that often, the small, family-owned breweries in my own backyard are making beers of the same (or better!) caliber.

 

As a Ventura County resident, I’m happy to report that I have nearly two dozen breweries making quality craft within minutes of where I live. I frequent many of these places! However, what Ventura County lacks is the small-town, walkable feel that many other beer hubs (like San Diego and Portland) thrive on. Which means more driving and less beer drinking. Womp womp.

Ventura Craft Brew Tours logo

Enter: Ventura Craft Brew Tours.

This family-owned transportation service that shuttles you to craft breweries (and will even pick up and drop you off at your home if you live in Ventura). Which means less driving and more beer drinking. Whoop whoop! Tasters are included at every destination. If that’s not enough beer, they have a chilled cooler to store your to-go growlers throughout the day, too!

Two people cheersing a beer in front of a van.
The family behind the brew tours!

Ventura Craft Brew Tours is new to the Ventura beer scene, as they just founded the company over the summer. They are a small business supporting other small businesses in their hometown—a piece that is central to their mission. The craft beer business in the US is a community more than anything else, and Ventura Craft Brew Tours is the perfect complement to that culture!

Beer drinkers at a brewery
Happy beer drinkers on their Ventura Craft Brew Tour!

Want to see where the Brew Tours can take you? Check out the brewery logos below. Some of the stops are favorites of mine!

 

Ventura county brewery logos

 

A flight of beers from Madewest brewery.
I enjoyed a flight at Madewest recently…the IPA cannot be missed! And the tasting room is awesome, too. Check out my other post about Madewest beer here!

Have you taken any beer tours or frequented breweries in your hometown? Let me know in the comments below!

Germany…Must-Know’s Before You Go!

Posted on by caitlin

Germany…the land of pretzels, lederhosen, and most importantly, beer! It’s Oktoberfest season, which means beer establishments everywhere are in a season of celebration. Pretty fun that you can celebrate Oktoberfest from the other side of the world these days!

We were fortunate enough to spend some time taking a road trip through southern Germany this past summer, where we spent 10 days traveling from Munich to Salzburg, Austria. Surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever laid eyes on, we took advantage of every opportunity to enjoy a liter of fresh lager and soak in all Germany had to offer.

A view of Walchensee Lake.
Did we mention stunning scenery? This is Walchensee Lake, a short drive outside of Munich. The picture doesn’t do this place justice!

No matter how much research you put into a trip, there are always surprises along the way. I thought I would put together my list of lessons-learned for everyone who has their sights set on traveling to Germany (particularly, Munich). Here are your must-knows before you go!

  1. Cash is king…

…especially at biergartens. Forget trying to rack up points on your fancy travel credit card. It is VERY common to walk into an establishment that is cash-only! This goes for restaurants, museums (see #3), and even some shops. We got stuck a couple of times, and were rushing around the city, frantically looking for an ATM. Carry plenty of cash so this doesn’t happen to you!

Caitlin and Tucker enjoying a pretzel at bratwurst at a biergarten.
Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden in Munich…next to a beautiful farmer’s market and shaded by giant trees. We enjoyed a german spread-lager, bratwurst, potato salad, and a pretzel!

  1. Oktoberfest is NOT the true German experience you’re looking for!

We heard over and over again that Oktoberfest attracts the tourists while the locals head elsewhere. If you want to experience “authentic” Munich, Oktoberfest isn’t the time to do so. That said, there’s no doubt Oktoberfest is loads of fun, so if that’s your motive for going, party on!

A collection of beer steins inside of cubby's for locals.
Loyal locals who frequent a particular beer establishment are often rewarded with their very own cubby for their steins! Chances are you’ll see many of these locked up while on your Oktoberfest adventures…the locals will be elsewhere!

  1. But on that note, the Oktoberfest Museum should not be missed!

Tucked in a back alley, away from the city, and situated in Munich’s oldest historic townhouse lies the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, where you can learn all about the history of the brewing and beer-drinking culture in Germany. Better yet, you can enjoy local beer and freshly baked pretzels as part of your museum tour! This is a spot few tourists know about, and rumor has it that they serve a great food, too.

A small taster glass of beer with crests on it.
One of our taster glasses at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. We had the chance to try German Maibock, a seasonal style of beer with a nutty flavor (similar to an Amber). It is often served in colder months of the year!

  1. Germany? Or, Bavaria?

If you come to Munich expecting views of the striking black, red, and gold flag flying high, think again. I was surprised how few times we actually saw the German flag! Instead, most of southern Germany proudly flies the blue-and-white checkered Bavarian flag. Bavarians are very proud of their roots, and seemingly strive to set themselves apart from the rest of Germany. Bavaria is said to be the region that displays the most authentic, traditional German culture (some call it old-fashioned), but it seems to be exactly what the tourists want!

A view of an old monastery in Ettal, Germany.
A small town called Ettal near the German/Austrian border. Home of Ettaler Beer (brewed by monks!).

  1. You can only eat so much bratwurst…

German food is good…for the first few meals. By the end of our trip, I felt like I was going to explode if I even laid eyes on another sausage. Don’t get me wrong, I could eat giant pretzels and drink beer everyday, but other than those staples, I needed some variety in my food. What we eventually learned was that you can’t underestimate the various international cuisines you will find in a city like Munich. I think our favorite meal was last one on our road trip, where we had THE BEST Indian food. We also had some great Italian food in Munich. So, don’t be afraid to step outside the box with your food choices—they won’t disappoint.

A closeup of a german pretzel.
I ordered a pretzel and cheese, and got this amazing dish. Absolutely delish!

Not only do we recommend everyone travel to Germany at some point, we also think everyone should take the opportunity to drive through the beautiful Bavarian countryside and see all that the country has to offer. The roads are easy to navigate (very similar to the road system we have in the US), and you will have the chance to see some truly incredible sights (Dachau Concentration Camp, castles, and surreal mountain views).

 

I hope these tips point you in the right direction on your future travels to Deutschland! Prost!

A Sipper’s Paradise in the PNW: Bainbridge Island, Seattle

Posted on by caitlin

We decided a few months ago that September would be the perfect time for a mini-vacation to end a busy summer filled with work and Southern California heat. The chosen destination was Seattle, and we departed with high hopes of cold weather, jackets, and rain. Instead, we were welcomed to a city filled with smoke from the Washington wildfires, hot weather, and 90 percent humidity. Not fun.

Smokey skies behind the iconic Pike Place sign.
Smokey skies behind the iconic Pike Place sign.

After dealing with the heat for a day or two, we decided it was time to get on the water and beat the heat. We took the ferry to Bainbridge Island (about a 30-minute boat ride from Seattle) and spent the day wandering around the little town that looks like it is straight out of a storybook. We enjoyed checking out the little boutique shops on the main drag, and had an awesome lunch at Bruciato. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, it did.

Seattle skyline
Seattle skyline from the ferry ride.

Enter: Coppertop Park.

Not the kind of park you’re thinking of. An industrial business park. And guess what industrial business parks are perfect for? Breweries.

Old truck outside of a brewery
The glorious sight we were welcomed by…a brewery! And an awesome old school truck.

A short bus ride from downtown Bainbridge lies Bainbridge Island Brewing Company.

It feels like a “locals only” place that brews and serves quality beer under its copper roof, surrounded by giant trees. It screams PNW. We found ourselves hanging at the brewery enjoying a couple of beers and relaxing for the afternoon before we decided to walk around the rest of Coppertop Park to see what else was around while we waited for our bus back to the ferry.

(Side note: what we learned is that this so-called “dial-a-ride” bus service is not nearly as reliable as they say it is. Long story short, Uber saved the day. Sort of. (Side note 2: somehow, our Uber driver got lost. Like, seriously? How does that happen. Eye rolls all around.) Take note of all this in case you ever decide to go on this excursion.)

Our walk around Coppertop led us to find a few other hidden gems that turned this locals-only brewery experience into a must-do for Bainbridge visitors who enjoy their sips.

A row of tap handles at Bainbridge Island brewing
The taps with custom stained glass signage above.
A tasting flight at Bainbridge Island brewing
Our flight…the Double IPA was the favorite.
A lineup of pints at Bainbridge Island Brewing
They happened to be doing a photoshoot the afternoon we were there, so we snapped a quick shot of their year-round beer lineup.

Right next door to the brewery lies Fletcher Bay Winery.

This family-owned winery makes small batches of wine from Washington-grown grapes. I learned while we were here that Washington state is the second largest wine-producing state in the US! Naturally, we had to give their wine a try. If you go, stick to the reds…those are the specialty. The Tempranillo was my favorite.

A glass of red wine from Fletcher Bay Winery
Enjoying a glass of wine in Fletcher Bay’s coastal-themed tasting room.

And we’re not done yet…

Across from the winery you will find Bainbridge Organic Distillers. I’m not a big fan of spirits myself, but there were plenty of people inside taking tours of the facility and enjoying tastings, too.

A lineup of bottles from Bainbridge Organic Distillers
A lineup of spirits with the distillery behind.
The tasting room at Bainbridge Organic Distillers
Yes, the guitar is for sale…not sure why.

Last, but not least:

Now, once you give each of these establishments a try, you’ll probably be pretty tired toward the end of your tasting experience. Fear not! As if this Coppertop place couldn’t get any better, it also features Storyville Coffee…a Seattle-born and family-owned coffee shop AND roaster! A perfect pick-me-up before heading back to the city.

Burlap bags of coffee beans at Storybook Coffee
Bags n bags n bags of coffee beans…the smell in this place was incredible!

All this to say: we basically found a sipper’s “Disneyland” on Bainbridge Island. And it is well worth checking out for yourself when you need a quick getaway from busy downtown Seattle.

 

Until next time, Bainbridge!

Aircraft & Beer Craft…Book Your Flights!

Posted on by caitlin

Coming up at the end of September is the second annual Breitling Huntington Beach Air Show in Huntington Beach, California. (In case you don’t know, Breitling makes watches that you probably can’t afford.) This event, which will take place September 30-October 1, 2017, showcases several notable air performers (including the US Navy Blue Angels) who demonstrate precision, talent, and technique in their aircraft as they conduct flyovers, flips, and formations over the open ocean. As if this spectacle was not awesome enough, you get to enjoy the event while overlooking the beautiful Huntington Beach pier and soaking in some Southern California sun. What more could you need for your weekend getaway?

 

I’m glad you asked! An event like this is just not complete without a good brew (or two…or three). A Huntington Beach native myself, I thought I would share with you my favorite craft breweries where you can find some quality sips to enjoy with the air show. Did I mention that all three of these breweries are award-winning?

 

  1. Beachwood Brewing

Located at 7631 Woodwind Drive, Huntington Beach

beachwood brewing logo

Beachwood Brewing’s tap room is an off-the-beaten-path local hangout. Beachwood has a beer for everyone. From lagers to porters, and hoppy IPAs in between, their tap room features more than a dozen kegs of fresh beer to choose from any time you visit.

Beachwood Brewing taps
A view of the Beachwood Taps

An IPA fan myself, my go-to Beachwood beer is the Amalgamator—a West Coast-Style IPA hopped with Amarillo, Warrior, Columbus, and Mosaic hops. By including this unique combination of hop varieties in the kettle, Beachwood allows this beer to develop an amalgam (get it?!) of flavors more complex than your typical West Coast IPA. The Amalgamator is then dry-hopped with Mosaic hops, giving it a crisp, fruity, extra hoppy (99+ IBU!) citrus finish. This powerful, complex IPA is what many IPAs strive to be, especially considering it holds a silver medal in the American IPA category from the California State Fair!

 

If lighter beers are more your style, then you can’t go wrong with Beachwood’s award-winning Foam Top Blonde Ale. The Foam Top is a perfect refreshment for a summer day. It’s light body and mild hop flavor make this ale a crowd favorite. The Foam Top has been recognized for its perfection several times, winning gold medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, as well as a silver medal at the San Diego International Beer Competition.

 

Beachwood brewing tasters
Beachwood Brewing Tasters

If you happen to find yourself in Seal Beach or Long Beach (just north of Huntington Beach), be sure to stop into Beachwood BBQ for a meal. The food is delicious, and all of their freshly-made beers are available on tap as well. Long Beach is also home to The Blendary, Beachwood’s small batch beer producer, which features uniquely-made Belgian-style ales.

 

  1. Four Sons Brewing

Located at 18421 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach

The family posing in the brewery
The family behind Four Sons Brewing

This family-owned and operated brewery just celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and in its three years in Huntington Beach, Four Sons Brewing has made quite the impact! You would be hard-pressed to find an HB local who hasn’t enjoyed a Four Sons beer or their awesome tasting room. Four Sons combines quality beer with a family-friendly environment, making it a perfect weekend hangout spot for locals.

The four sons tasting room
The Four Sons Tasting Room

Each weekend, Four Sons releases at least one new beer, meaning there is always something new for you to try. The brewery features beers of all kinds, and they often experiment with different ingredients to put their own unique spin on a style of beer. Some favorites are the Coconutorius Amber Ale (a gold medal winning beer), the Not So Dum Raspberry Blonde, the O’Sonset Irish Red (one of the most decorated beers on the menu!), and The Great One American IPA (a gold medal winning beer). There really is something for everyone at Four Sons—sours, stouts, and sour stouts included.

 

My favorite Four Sons brew is the Hopprentice Hoppy Pale Ale. The hoppiness of this Pale Ale bridges the gap between a Pale and an IPA. The beer features a combination of crisp pine flavors with a citrus aroma. Hopprentice is a well-rounded beer that hits the mark on flavor. Combine it with some sliders from Kaya’s Kitchen (the staple Four Sons food truck) and you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch.

A pint of beer with a tasting flight in the background
My favorite beer…the Hopprentice!

If you happen to be a hockey fan, be sure to stop by the brewery during hockey season. The family are big LA Kings fans, and there is almost always a game to watch while you enjoy your brew! It’s not uncommon to see other sports on the big screen throughout the year, too. Check out their wall adorned with beer competition medals during the commercial breaks.

 

  1. Riip Beer Company

Located at 17214 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach

riip beer company logo

Located just steps from Bolsa Chica State Beach, Riip Beer Company features its own style of beer that capitalizes on the laidback culture of Surf City, USA. Having just recently expanded their tasting room to accommodate more thirsty customers, Riip offers an idyllic beach environment, complete with an ocean view and outdoor patio, to enjoy some quality craft brew.

A crowler, pint, and growler in front of palm trees
Riip bottles in their natural habitat.

Riip beers are often hoppy and dank, but in the best, most balanced way possible. The tap room always has several IPAs on tap (those seem to be the specialty), with a few Blondes, Reds, Browns, and Porters to help round the menu board out. You really can’t go wrong with any beer on the menu…I’ve yet to try one that hasn’t been delicious.

 

If you’re stuck deciding between the variety of IPAs on tap, order the Super Cali IPA. You will love it. Super Cali won the silver medal in the American IPA category at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016, which is one of the most competitive categories in the beer world! For Riip to take home this prestigious award after only two years in the business says a lot. Another award-winning beer is the Dan K IPA, which won 1st place in the 2015 Taste of HB competition. As you may assume based on its name, this beer is dank and totally awesome.

A pint of beer in the taproom
The infamous Super Cali IPA at the taproom.

If you are local to Huntington Beach (or happen to have an Airbnb for the weekend), take advantage of Riip’s delivery service. Yes, you read that right. Riip will deliver growlers of beer to your home. Sometimes your beer may even arrive by way of the Riip 1931 Helms Bakery Coach (which doubles as their logo!). Check out the Riip website to learn more about how their beer delivery service helped catapult their brewery into what it is today.

 

Riip will celebrate their 3rd anniversary this October. Join them for their anniversary celebration if you find yourself craving another hoppy beer!

5 growlers sitting on the wall
Riip growler delivery

If you find yourself in Huntington Beach for the air show, or any other time, I hope you’ll stop by these local businesses and support their passion for brewing and serving their community. I’m a frequent visitor to each of these places, and feel fortunate that my hometown has so many great local sips to choose from!

 

And, if you need me during the air show weekend, you know where to find me!

Campfire Cooking: 2 Easy Recipes for Your Next Camping Trip

Posted on by caitlin

This past weekend, Tucker and I traveled to central California for a quick camping trip. We spent our time exploring parts of San Luis Obispo county, which is littered with small wineries and breweries! More on these sips in a later post.

I decided to try a couple new campfire recipes to add some diversity to our camping-meal repertoire. This dinner and dessert combo were both easy, prep-ahead meals that hit the spot after a long day of exploring. Check out the recipes below!

Oakley in front of a lake at our camping spot
Our Goldendoodle, Oakley, licking his lips as we prep our meal.

Creole Shrimp Foil Pack

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

 

Ingredients

16 jumbo shrimp (the bigger the better) or prawns

1 large corn on the cob

2 large red potatoes

2 andouille sausage links

2 large limes

3 tbsp Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning (if you like it spicy, you may want more)

 

Supplies

1 gallon size Ziploc bag

8 sheets (12”x16”) of aluminum foil

 

Directions

Prep your veggies by dicing potatoes into 1-inch cubes and cutting your corn into 1.5-inch slices. Cut your andouille sausage into thick slices. Combine the potatoes, corn, sausage, and shrimp into the gallon bag. Squeeze the juice of two limes into the bag (you can throw in the rinds for some extra flavor, too). Add the creole seasoning, seal the bag, and shake until well-combined.

When you get to your campsite, divide the contents of the bag in two and wrap each portion tightly with aluminum foil. I double layer my foil to prevent leakage or breaks during cooking. Once your foil packets are sealed tightly, throw them on the fire (or on top of a grate) to cook for 10 minutes, turning once half-way through. Finally, pull them off the fire and enjoy!

Sorry for the poor lighting in the picture!

Foil packet by the campfire.
The finished Creole Shrimp Foil Pack!

Note: If you have time finding large enough shrimp, you can keep the shrimp in a separate foil packet and cook them on the fire for 5-minutes to avoid overcooking. Then, combine everything at the end.

 

Apple Pie Filling

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

 

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1 pinch of salt

1 tbsp lemon juice

 

Supplies

1 gallon bag

4 sheets (12”x16”) of aluminum foil

 

Directions

Cut apples into ¼ inch slices. Combine sliced apples, lemon juice, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar in the bag. Seal and shake well. Slice two pads of butter and put them in the bag after everything is well combined. Seal and keep refrigerated (or in a cooler) until ready to cook.

When you get to your campsite, double-line your apple mix with aluminum foil. Seal tightly! Throw the foil packet on the fire or grate for 10-minutes, turning once half-way through the cooking process. Once cooked, you’ll enjoy some delicious apple pie, minus the crust and the mess!

Foil packet with apple pie filling
Apple Pie Filling ready to enjoy!

Not camping? Try making these recipes on your BBQ instead!

 

If you try these awesome, healthier alternatives to your typical camping hot dog meal, let me know what you think in the comments below!

campfire with lake in background
Cooking at Santa Margarita Lake

Fika! The Swedish Tradition You’ll Want to Adopt for Yourself

Posted on by caitlin

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is learn about nuances that make each culture unique. Even better is when I find one related to food and drink! I recently traveled to Stockholm, Sweden, where I found a great sip for travelers heading to that part of the world. Enter: Fika.

 

a plate with three small sweet bites
Sampling the Swedish treats!

 

Fika essentially translates to “coffee break”. Moreover, it is a time of the day that Swedes set aside to socialize and enjoy a warm Cup of Joe with a sweet treat on the side. And yes, Fika always includes a sweet treat.

 

Here are two things I learned about Fika:
  1. The coffee is AMAZING. You know how the Italians are praised for their love of espresso? And Brazil is known for its infinite blends of quality coffee? Well, I’ve determined that the Swedes’ contribution to the coffee world is severely underrated. My Fika coffee was one of the best cups I’ve ever had!
  2. Don’t underestimate the sweets. Sure, it is easy to look in the display of homemade Fika specialties and say, “Eh, I’ve had pastries like that before. I’ll pass…”. Okay, maybe not. But still, while some of the sweets may look simple in nature, they are some of the best sugary bites that will ever enter your mouth. Each bite I tried ended up tasting completely different, and much better, than I ever expected. My personal favorite was a cardamom roll…similar to a cinnamon roll, but SO much more delicious. (Check out Bakery & Spice in the Vasastan district in Stockholm for a fresh, homemade cardamom roll, and many other baked specialties.)
A rack of freshly baked bread
Fresh baked bread at Bakery & Spice, Stockholm.

 

If you’re looking for some authentic Fika in Stockholm, be sure to go to Rörstrands Slott in the Vasastan district. This former castle-turned-local-hangout will offer a dose of history along with your Fika. You may even have the chance to enjoy your coffee in the dungeon! The chocolate ball was my favorite bite, but you can’t go wrong with anything you try. They have full meals as well.

Caitlin and Tucker enjoying fika
Enjoying Fika in the dungeon!

 

Personally, I wouldn’t be mad if America decided to incorporate Fika into the everyday routine. It’s hard to imagine a better treat in the middle of a workday!

The skyline in Stockholm
View of Stockholm Harbor

 

 

Hi, I’m Caitlin. The Voice Behind Sips N Tips!

Posted on by caitlin

As a kid, my TV-of-choice was Food Network. Sounds silly, but it’s true. “Iron Chef” was my “Friday night pizza” pick (more on that later), and I could have watched “Unwrapped” (anyone else remember this show?!) all weekend if my mom let me. Spoiler alert: cooking shows are still my favorite past-time.

Caitlin sitting with a cup of coffee in Rome, the photo that has become the profile of Sips N Tips
Enjoying an Italian cappuccino in Rome…just one of many sips I’ve enjoyed during my travels!

As I got older, I realized that my interest in food also extended into the beer and wine world (and other spirits, for that matter). Reading the labels on craft beer bottles and getting lost in the wine aisle at the grocery store became my favorite part of the errand. I found myself taking my amateur education in cooking and combining it with my love of beer and wine to create new recipes and pairings for my family and friends. They seem to like it, so I must be doing something right.

To add fuel to the fire, I’ve been hit by the “wanderlust” bug, and if I’m not actually traveling or exploring new territory, I can guarantee you I’m planning my next trip. I have a fascination with culture, and I find that food and drink tend to be the most honest forms of storytelling wherever you go. Sure, you can learn about history in a museum. But what about learning about history through some Bangers & Mash and a 6.5-degrees Celsius Guinness? (More on that later.) Understanding how particular ingredients are sourced, traded, and utilized in your food and drink can shed light on everything from intercultural relations to socioeconomic factors if you pay close enough attention.

Each bite and sip I take during my travels is added to my personal “registry” of flavors and cultural history, and influence my approach to cooking and drinking at home.

Sips N Tips was born with these passions in mind. I want to influence others to get out and explore by seeking out the best of food and drink, and share my own observations of the food, beer, wine, and travel world through the tips I provide. Not only will I tell you about the best wines to buy under $10, I’ll also show you where you can have a pint of German lager at the top of the Alps in Bavaria overlooking mountain ranges in four countries. Yes, this is a real thing and yes, I’ve done it.

Subscribe to Sips N Tips to get these tips, and many more, for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!