Local Day Trip: Raleigh, Apex breweries

Selfie! What did you expect?!

Our plan was to drive northwest about two hours from Cary to Mount Airy, legendary North Carolina town of the Andy Griffith Show. After visiting a couple of "Mayberry" breweries for the first time, one for beer only and the other for beer and lunch, we would head to Elkin for another brewery. That was the plan.

Interstate and four-lane highways there and lesser know highways to return home would be the travel routes this time. But we nixed that idea. It was Sunday, and we didn't want to be in the fast lane for just over four hours. We would save it for another day.

Another option was an hour drive southwest to the Pinehurst Brewery, an enjoyable beer and pizza location we visited before the COVID-19 pandemic. Outside seating is available, just as at the other three breweries. Pinehurst is a unique village but we weren't up for that either.

Making plans these days is not a chore but not fun either. Spur of the moment stuff is not always possible. Doing the same thing every day is downright depressing, though that may be too strong of a word for us. Let's say we've become "down in the dumps," probably no different than millions of others who are adhering to methods to keep from getting infected by what I'm now calling the "Trump Flu" and for good unmentionable reasons.

So, not wanting to go very far but go somewhere, we packed a lunch and drove 15 minutes to Trophy Brewing on Maywood Ave. in Raleigh, near the State Farmers Market just off of Interstate-40. We knew there would be well-spaced outside seating and good beer.

Ham, cheddar, tomato , Duke's mayo
on cinnamin raison bread with
Mr. Cheesesteak Garlic Parm Fries

Nancy constructed one of my favorite sandwiches: Ham, cheddar cheese, sliced tomato, and Duke's mayo on cinnamon raisin bread. That's right, cinnamon raisin bread! Delicious! Don't knock it until you've tried it. Guy Fieri would love the sandwich, describing its sweetness of the bread to complement the the acidity of the tomatoes and the texture of the ham and cheese, and so on and so forth.We also had potato chips, grapes, and pickles. However, when we arrived the Mr. Cheesesteak food truck was there, front and center. Nancy suggested the Garlic Parm Fries, as a substitute for the potato chips.

During 90 minutes at Trophy, we met a guy who quickly offered he is a beer connoisseur. "I have a certificate," he boasted, saying he dislikes IPAs. "Weak and too hoppy," he said. What? IPAs should be hoppy. Weak? How about 7.5% AVB for my first choice, "Best In Class" New England IPA, served in a 12 ounce plastic cup instead of 16 ounces because of its ABV. This guy went on and on, describing his beer tastes, saying every "beer" he doesn't like is not beer. Hah! Connoisseur? Consuming Beer Snob, maybe. Expert? Sure thing, pal. And if you don't believe me just ask him.

There was also a patron sitting around the corner from us, singing off-key to music coming through his earphones. It was Celtic music, we discovered. Now, come to think about it, isn't all Celtic music off-key? Fortunately, Celtic guy finished his beer and sing-along while beer expert finished his beer at nearly the same time, about 70 minutes into our day trip to Trophy. We were sandwiched in between the two: beer lecturer to our right, and wannabe off-key serenader to our left. They soon departed, giving us 20 minutes of good beer and food without uninvited noise.

Look for the sign on old U.S. 1 south of Apex

The day was not over. We drove about 20 minutes southwest, through Apex to Vicious Fishes, a brewery taproom which is an extension of Vicious Fishes Taproom and Kitchen in Fuquay-Varina. This location is on Old U.S. 1 just past NC Toll Road 540 and is also home for Piranha Joe Coffee. The coffee shop opens at 7:00 a.m. and has a wide selection of coffee offerings. I'm not sure what was in the building previously. Maybe an old garage or country store of some sort.

Vicious Fishes Taproom 
backyard courtyard in Apex

When we arrived, the parking lot appeared full. We wouldn't stay if the inside was over-loaded which it wasn't. We were pleasantly surprised to find a courtyard of picnic tables out back, offering plenty of room to social distance yet sit at the same table with unknowns. The beer was good. There was a wine offering. The staff was wearing masks; the seating inside was well spaced. It was well-worth the drive through Apex.

Just as we've been to Trophy several times before Sunday, we'll return to Vicious Fishes some day soon, maybe for morning coffee or for an afternoon beer or glass of wine. It'll be a good follow-up to this local day trip which was excellent by our important and must-have-a-good-time standards: Tasty beer, nice drive, delicious food, and interesting folks.