Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Tag: Beer (Page 1 of 3)

Wyndham Austin: A Texan’s Welcome to Austin

There is a reason Austin has been named the No.1 city to live by US News and World Report for two years in a row.  Actually there are many reasons!  So, if you can’t live here, please come visit us a fast as you can.  And if you are looking for a place to take in all the excitement of Austin, the Wyndham Austin is a perfect place to start!

Wyndham Austin Owner's Page Article, Photo #3 - Our Son Enjoying the View

Our Son Enjoying the View of Austin from our Room

Staying at the Wyndham Austin

The Wyndham Austin is a spectacular way to be introduced to this wonderful city, or to welcome you back.  Located in downtown, everything is easily accessible with a staff that is professional and helpful.  The suites are thoughtfully designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed as soon as you walk in. 

Wyndham Austin Owner's Page Article, Photo #4 - Rooftop Infinity Pool

Rooftop Infinity Pool complete with views of Austin

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Deep Ellum Brewing Company

During our time in Deep Ellum, one of the main attractions I was looking forward to was Deep Ellum Brewing Company. During my time away from the DFW area, I heard many good things about this brewery. It had become popular for many reasons: they are in the trendy Deep Ellum area, they serve craft beer, and they have been around for a little while; but most of all, I’d heard how good their beer was. So, I knew this is where I wanted to go.deep ellum brewery logo

Deep Ellum Brewing is a wonderful brewery that proudly celebrates the Deep Ellum neighborhood. They are not without their controversy over their popular Dallas Blonde beer and the logo, but this brewery has grown to be one of the biggest and most well respected in North Texas.

After we enjoyed some amazing BBQ at Pecan Lodge, we headed over to the brewery to see what all the fuss is about. Here is what we found:deep ellum brewery rubric

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Lakewood Brewing Company

A few weeks ago, I was presented with another free Saturday, as Rebekah was working. After a great time the previous month checking out some new Fort Worth-area breweries, Shannon Brewing Company and Bearded Eel Craft Brewery (now closed permanently), I knew it was time to trek to the Dallas side of the craft beer scene. I met up with my good friend J-Higs, and had a tasty beer crawl across the eastern part of the Metroplex starting at Lakewood Brewing Company in Garland, and  finishing at FireWheel Brewing Company (now closed permanently), 20 minutes east in Rowlett.

First on the agenda, Lakewood Brewing Company. I had heard great things about this brewery, and I remembered enjoying its flagship beer: The Temptress. This brewery, producing great beer since 2011, is becoming big in the Texas craft beer scene and I wanted to know more!

Exterior of Lakewood Brewing Company

Let’s take a look at Lakewood Brewing based on our Brewery Grading Scale. Continue reading

In Case You Missed It…Czech Republic

Every couple weeks we’ll be collecting links from past posts grouped together by location; we thought it handy to have everything in one convenient location as you plan your upcoming travels. We just finished a couple different series featuring the Czech Republic, so here’s your recap:

Prague

Church of Our Lady before Týn

Church of Our Lady before Týn

Prague City Overview: Prague is a wonderful city! We were excited to sample the greatest parts of the Czech culture during our two day visit.

Hotel Hastal Prague Old Town: Hotel Hastal features clean, comfortable hotel rooms with convenient access to Prague’s Old Town for an economical price.

Old Town Square-Prague: The Prague Old Town Square includes the Týn Church, the Church of St. Nicholas, the Jan Hus statue, and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock.

The Slav Epic: Czech artist Alfons Mucha painted his 20-canvas masterpieces, the Slav Epic, housed in the Veletržní Palace in Prague.

National Cemetery in Vyšehrad

National Cemetery in Vyšehrad

Czech Beer: Czechs love beer. While in Prague and Český Krumlov, we enjoyed experiencing this integral part of the culture by sampling some great Czech beers.

Foreigners in a Local’s Pub: What is it like to drink a pint and eat cheese at the local’s pub? In Prague, this is a serious venture at the Golden Tiger.

St. Vitus Cathedral

St. Vitus Cathedral

The Music of Prague: With Prague’s rich and beautiful musical heritage, treat yourself to a concert! You will not be disappointed.

Prague Castle: Explore the squares, palaces, and churches of Prague Castle and miss the crowds completely by taking a romantic late night stroll.

Saint Vitus Cathedral: If you are in Prague, you must visit the Prague Castle and the stunning Saint Vitus Cathedral with its Mucha stained glass window.

Vyšehrad – Prague: When visiting Prague, you must visit Vyšehrad for scenic views, a relaxing time, and a beautiful insight into Czech artistry and history.

Český Krumlov

View of Church of Saint Vitus from Český Krumlov Castle

View of Church of Saint Vitus from Český Krumlov Castle

Český Krumlov Town Overview: The small, picturesque town of Český Krumlov provides an additional perspective of the Czech Republic beyond Prague.

Pension U Zámku: Pension U Zámku provides a wonderful bed and breakfast experience conveniently located under Český Krumlov Castle at a great price.

Český Krumlov Castle: The main attraction in this small Czech Town is Český Krumlov Castle, complete with a tower, bear pits, bridges, gardens, and panoramic views.

Český Krumlov Castle Gardens & Round Tower: Continuing our look into the Český Krumlov Castle complex, we explore the Castle’s Gardens and climb the Round Tower for a view of the Czech countryside.

Český Krumlov Castle At Night

Český Krumlov Castle At Night

View of Český Krumlov from Hill of the Cross: Enjoy a peaceful sunset view of Český Krumlov just minutes away from the town center.

Český Krumlov Theater: You will travel back in time when you visit the Český Krumlov Baroque Theater, one of two preserved Baroque theaters in the world.

Český Krumlov After Dark: Grab a beer and enjoy a traditional Czech meal at the Gypsy Bar before a romantic stroll through the lamp-lit town of Český Krumlov at midnight.

The People of the Czech Republic: The most enjoyable part of traveling is meeting locals. Our interaction with the caring Czech people was a highlight of our trip!

The Round Tower at Cesky Krumlov Castle

The Round Tower at Cesky Krumlov Castle

8th Wonder Brewery

While visiting Houston a few weekends ago, I wanted to meet with some friends on a Sunday afternoon.  Rebekah was practicing for a choir concert, so I had some time to kill.

I thought it would be fun to meet Isaac and Jessica in downtown Houston for a beer.  Wanting to find a brewery that was open on a Sunday afternoon, I used my newly-created Texas Craft Brewery List.  Within a few clicks, I had found a match.  8th Wonder Brewery met all my requirements, mainly, a brewery open on a Sunday producing Texas Craft Beer.  While I came in with low expectations and knowing nothing about the brewery, I quickly found this place to be awesome!

If you love Houston, you will love this brewery.  If you don’t love Houston, you will still probably love this brewery.  But if you love Houston sports and Texas Craft Beer, you will be in heaven!

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