So Catherine and I made plans to head down to Florida for a few days to enjoy some rest and relaxation. We were going to leave early Friday morning so we could beat the traffic. Well as I was at work on Wednesday, I received an email from Catherine about possibly leaving early and stay half way in Savannah, Ga. She even found a dog friendly brewery (since we had the pooches with us). How could I say no?
We left Thursday after a half day of work and headed to downtown Savannah to our hotel room. Once there, we unpacked and had a complimentary drinks and appetizers at the hotel. After waiting out a late afternoon pop up shower, we grabbed the kids and dogs and walked two blocks down to Moon River Brewing. This place was great since we could have the dogs with us. They even got served (water) first! With the super nice staff taking care of us we ordered a flight and enjoyed the food. The Captain’s Porter was the best. Since you can take a beer with you on the street in Savannah, we ordered a Sweetwater Hop Hash Double IPA that was one of the guest taps to go. We both love this beer! We found a convenient store and I bought some beer to bring back to the hotel. The Peace.War.Truth.Lie Session IPA from Orpheus Brewing was great. One of the better sessions I have had.
The next day before heading out we stopped in at Habersham Beverage where I grabbed a nice mix and match of different Georgia beer. I always enjoy a place where I can get a variety. We then headed south and stopped in for a late lunch at Tomoka Brewing in Port Orange, Fl. Man were we glad we did. Once again a dog friendly establishment with outdoor seating. The food was fantastic and the beer being even better! The stand outs were Hop Quest IPA, The King-Imperial Elvis Imperial Brown, Lunar Eclipse Stout, Float On Session IPA, Picnic Pilsner, Summer Siesta Mango Sour, and Twist of Cane Double IPA. We highly recommend this place when you travel or if you are a local.
We headed to our final destination which was Wekiva Springs, Fl. I love all the natural beauty of the area where I spent three years of my life in high school. Catherine and I had gone to the grocery store to get some things so that she could make supper for us a couple of nights. By the way my wife is an outstanding cook. Earlier in the day I had gone to Total Wine in Altamonte Springs to get some local beer to enjoy at home. Yes this included Cigar City Jai Alai IPA, which is a must have while in Florida. I also enjoyed Swamp Head Blueberry Cottonmouth Witbier, Brew Bus Brewing Are Wheat There Yet?, and although not local, NOLA Rebirth Pale Ale and Irish Channel Stout.
The next day we wanted to try a local brewery in Longwood called The Hourglass Brewery. We liked the looks of this place as soon as we walked in. There were several families in the brewery and as I looked around I saw why. There was a TV that had an Xbox and PS3 hooked up to it and other games all while sitting on couches as if they were in their own living room. This would obviously benefit the kids and the parents. A very smart idea to any brewery out there listening. We ordered a flight and let the kids play for awhile. We liked their Put De Lime in De Coconut Berliner Weisse the best. After we finished our flights we headed to a place in Sanford called Celery City. This was neat little place that had a nice selection of Florida beer on tap. We grabbed a flight and a cheese board appetizer while the kids played shuffle board. The cheese was rather good. I enjoyed the beers especially the Engine 15 Nutsack Double Brown. We headed home and enjoyed another meal prepared by Catherine.
Our last day in Florida we decided to spend outside. We packed some snacks and headed to Wekiwa Springs to let the kids swim awhile in the actual spring. It stays 72 degrees year round. That is a little too cold for me. After swimming the kids wanted to rent a canoe so we went just a short drive down the road to a place called Wekiva Island. This place was fantastic! So many options here that there is something I’m sure I’ll miss. Its property sits alongside the beautiful Wekiva River. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Come sit along the boardwalk and sun and swim in the river or play beach volleyball. Or better yet come in The Tooting Otter and enjoy a great variety of craft beer with a great staff. If you feel like staying the whole day you can rent a cabana. Truly a place for adults and kids to enjoy. After the kids and I had gotten back from our canoe trip we met Catherine and my step father Guy at the bar at The Tooting Otter. We enjoyed Cigar City Invasion Pale Ale, Funky Buddha Hop Gun IPA, and Terrapin Hi-5 IPA. I guess it’s a good thing we didn’t come here first or we may have spent all our time here.
As with everything, all good things must come to an end. We enjoyed our vacation and hated to leave. We will return one day and we can only hope to return to some of the great establishments that we stopped by and hope to try somewhere new.
Cheers!
Jason
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