I have always spoken so highly of autumn. Being from central Pennsylvania is was always my favorite season; football, beautiful colors, perfect temperature, a run in the crisp air, a light jacket. What could make it better? Oh yeah, beer! When I discovered beer years ago I was still becoming familiar with the concept of seasonal beer offerings and events. I have come to realize autumn is the greatest time of the year to drink great beer! Recently, through late September and October this past year I took the greatest beer related adventure of my life!
It started with the call from a friend asking if I wanted to take a trip, I felt inclined to agree despite the fact that I know my friend truly does not take vacations, he takes trips. This means no down time and constantly having a beer in my hand. I suppose there are worse things, so I agreed. Our adventure would begin with Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany with an add on stop in Brussels, Belgium. Returning to New York for a few days only to jump on a plane for Denver, CO for the 2014 Great American Beer Festival with an add on stop in San Francisco, CA then finally returning home! The beer kept me going….
First stop on my trip to Oktoberfest after flying out of NYC was Zurich, Switzerland. Last minute decisions, over booked flights, and 6 million people’s love of beer made a direct flight to Munich next to impossible, so Zurich it was! Which I was later very pleased with as I got the opportunity to take the 2 hour bus through the German countryside to Munich for the festival. Autumn in full swing, it was beautiful and reminded me of home in central Pennsylvania and my PA Dutch heritage. The ride would further build my anticipation for German drinking songs, lederhosen, and many liters of beer!
Opening ceremonies were off and running and the excitement was in the air. Our group was in line bright and early at the Hacker-Pschorr tent in hopes to get a table so we would be served when they tapped the ceremonial first keg at noon! At first upset we didn’t get a table inside, all frustration melted away once the first beers hit the table! Tip: treat your servers well with tips and your glass will never be empty, you might even get first pours! Beers, pretzels, lederhosen, great people, and conversation made the day move too quickly into night, but we were up early the next day to do it again and explore Munich. Visiting beer gardens in the city like Paulaner Haus, Hofbrau Haus, Spaten Haus. Which were absolutely incredible and I highly recommend, they were filled with people just like the tents. Back to the tents for the evening, we found ourselves in the Marstall tent! A newcomer at the 2014 Oktoberfest, this tent really felt like the locals hangout. Filled with festive Germans, great bands, drinking songs, and a wonderful beer & food selection we ended our Oktoberfest trip at those tables! Beautiful architecture, people, and beer made this an incredible experience, and if you ever have an opportunity to make this journey at any point in your life, take the time! PROST!
