Selfie! What did you expect?! |
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 |
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 |
Vicious Fishes Taproom backyard courtyard in 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.
I may have to try Vicious Fishes. Not a huge fan of beer experts or Celtic music karaoke. Let me know when you are making your next journey there.
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