…food and travel stories by Karren Doll Tolliver
A serendipitous visit to Bavaria's hops fields near Pfaffenhofen. Much of the world's hops is grown in this area and an Autobahn traffic jam forced me through the hops bines in Bavaria.
On a hilltop in Bavaria just south of Munich lies the Andechs Abbey, famous for the monk-made beer, beautiful hiking, organic dairy and produce and an all-around monastery/brewery German experience. Nearby are the lakefront towns of Dießen and Herrsching, known to German locals as relaxing places to kick back.
During Lent, Bavarians observe what is known as Starkbierfest, or Strong Beer Fest. At that time, uber-strong beer can be had at the breweries and it will knock you down. It's said that monks, who fasted during Lent, subsisted on this strong brew.
Asher turns out respectable, locally sourced organic beer in Boulder County, Colorado. The small taproom is big on hospitality, with a nice outdoor area to enjoy good weather - and bring your dogs.
A visit to a very congenial brewery and taproom, New Belgium Brewery in Ft. Collins, Colorado. You might know its Fat Tire beer. In my experience, New Belgium's digs could qualify as a beer garten in many ways, including the way people are invited to hang out there, take the free tour, and feel comfortable doing so.