When we were growing up in New Jersey, our families never thought of vacationing in Philadelphia: on weekends, we went to the Shore. Those were the days before “weekend escapes.” And long before we became beer travelers.
Recently, a group of Ontario brewers put themselves on the map by creating an Ale Trail. It wasn’t a physical trail, but a one-weekend-a-month open house. For a couple of dollars, one bought a “passport” good for entry into the breweries, a few samples, and conversation with other beer lovers. Hospitable staff were on hand,... View Article
Prague is a beautiful city. One of the most beautiful in Europe. The architecture spans the history of the continent with magnificent buildings ranging in style from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque to the most contemporary European designs. Cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes dominate the vista when viewed from the hill on the eastern... View Article
Pilsners It’s a narrow aroma, appearance and flavor band for Czech pilsners. All those tasted were golden, varying only slightly in hue. Several had pronounced floral hop aromas; others were softer in that area. A few were more malty and sweet; some were more spicy from hops and more bitter. Each had a light to... View Article
Over the years, people have asked us where we “drink locally.” For us, “local” means Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan town where we’ve worked and played for years. The city’s population is only 114,110—Michigan Stadium could hold them all—but it offers something for every taste. Where else can you watch the Royal Shakespeare Company,... View Article
As part of its silver anniversary celebration, All About Beer Magazine asked me to name my 25 favorite American beer cities. Lists like these invite controversy, which isn’t a bad thing. Differences of opinion make for good discussion and are amicably resolved over a pint or two.
Ten years ago, I found a rock-bottom airfare from Detroit to Frankfurt. And with it, an excuse for an impromptu vacation.
Take one state capital, add 30,000 or so college students, stir in a rich football tradition and—voila!—you’ve got a can’t-miss recipe for good times. Take Austin, for instance. It’s the home of the University of Texas, ranked by Princeton Review as one of America’s top 10 party schools. It won’t take you long to find... View Article
In 1979, the year All About Beer Magazine debuted, I was working as a researcher at the University of Michigan. For a budding beer traveler, it was the perfect job: It offered plenty of vacation time; and my assignments took me to out-of-the-way towns like Altoona, Beloit and Sauk Centre, where the evening’s entertainment consisted... View Article
