Oct 13 2019

Adams County Pour Tour: Other Things to do in Gettysburg

Most popular thing to do in Gettysburg

World renown as the historic Civil War town, the majority of visitors who are looking for things to do in Gettysburg come for a tour of the Battlefield.

Things to do in Gettysburg Battlefield — Gettysburg Battlefield

And whilst the Civil War battlefield is a major attraction in Gettysburg, it’s not the only draw. Thanks to a growing generation of basement brewers and distillers, Gettysburg’s beer, wine, and spirits trail is also attracting visitors from Maryland, D.C., Virginia and other Pennsylvania counties.

The Adams County Pour Tour officially launched in May 2018, comprised of 14 wineries, breweries and distilleries. Today the marketing arm of Destination Gettysburg counts 20 partnered wineries, meaderies, breweries, distilleries, and cideries in its collective.

How the Pour Tour Works

The Adams County Pour Tour is available year-round. You traverse on a self-guided journey tasting various alcoholic libations in Gettysburg and throughout Adams County.

Where to get an Adams County Pour Tour passport

You can pick up a “passport” in one of three ways. You can get one at the Visitor Center, order it online, or grab one at any of the Partner stops on the tour.

For every drink you enjoy at one of the 20 wineries, breweries or distilleries, you receive a stamp in your passport. The more stamps you accumulate, the closer you get to receiving a Pour Tour prize.
– For 5 unique stamps you receive a set of coasters.*
– For 12 unique stamps you receive an Adams County beer glass.*
– for 20 unique stamps you receive a branded bag of goodies.*

*“Prizes may vary and are subject to change throughout the life of the program.”*

Pour Tour Partners

During a hosted stay with Destination Gettysburg, I had a chance to meet some of the partners behind the Adams County Pour Tour. Learning about the farm to glass process of an operation like Thirsty Farmer Brew Works, for instance, provides context for why some farms diversify their business model to include not only produce but also their own alcohol products.

Boyer Cellars
Jack’s Hard Cider
Thirsty Farmer Brew Works
Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery
Adams County Winery
Brookmere Wine & Tasting Room
Center Square Brewing
Dawg Gone Bees
Appalachian Brewing Company – Gateway
Battlefield Brew Works
Mason Dixon Distillery
Mount Hope Winery
Knob Hall Winery
J&P Winery
Reid’s Winery: The Cider House
Fourscore Beer Co.
Buddy Boy Winery Tasting Room
Tattered Flag Tap Room
Adams County Winery – Gettysburg Wine shop
Appalachian Brewing Company – Battlefield

Pour Tour Stops

Here is an interactive map of the Pour Tour Partners. You can see from this Gettysburg Pour Tour map where each shop is located with respect to the downtown Gettysburg area.

Food on the Pour Tour

Please plan your meals accordingly as you go through the tour. Only nine of the twenty stops serve food. Those establishments include:
Mason Dixon Distillery
Thirsty Farmer Brew Works
Adams County Winery
J&P Winery
Center Square Brewing
Fourscore Beer Co.
Appalachian Brewing Company – Gateway / Battlefield
Battlefield Brew Works

The Adams County Pour Tour Shuttle

If you want to partake in the tour and ride safely, you can purchase tickets to catch the Adams County Pour Tour Shuttle. You’ll receive water, a free gift and safe reliable transportation to and from a variety of stops.

Types of Wine to Expect on the Adams County Pour Tour

Many of the wines you’ll taste on the Pour Tour are sweet wines. Thanks to an abundance of fruit orchards in the area, you’ll find very few dry wines on this particular trail.

I personally prefer dry reds but some of the sweet wines I tasted and loved were the Rebel Red, Tears of Gettysburg from Adams County Winery; Crabapple Imperial from Boyer Cellars; and the Pink Catawba, White Sangria, Niagara, Peach Wine from Mount Hope Winery.

Types of Beer to Expect on the Pour Tour

You’ll find a lot of craft beers at the breweries on this tour from IPAs to Lagers, Stouts, and Ales. Many of the breweries also offer seasonal beers that loyal customers come back for over and over again.

Fan favorites include the “Hefe”weisen from Thirsty Farmer Brew Works and the Time Keeper from Fourscore Beer Co.

Interesting History and Facts on a Few Pour Tour Partners

Boyer Cellars
This five generations operation has been grinding since 1900. The family of farmers specializes in growing fruit trees including peaches, pears, nectarines, cherries, apples, and more.

They boast 500 acres in productions with 100 of those acres being apples.

Boyer Cellars offers a full-service garden center and tasting room. Their market is open from Spring until Christmas and their popular labyrinth with over 1000 shrubs planted in the maze is free and open daily.

What to Try: Crabapple Imperial

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works
The family behind Thirsty Farmer Brew Works was originally fruit farmers. This fully operational farm has been around since the 1930sz

The dad Milton Knouse made porters and stouts in the basement as a hobby for over 25 years. Family members all individually started brewing beer and realized they should start making it for sale.

They started with small 30-gallon batches to test demand. After realizing the plan would
work, 25 family members went on vacation together and voted on a name before crowdsourcing the logo.

Thirsty Farmer’s mission is to make the Farm a family-oriented place for people to enjoy.

What to Try: The onion rings, warm apple cider donuts, pulled chicken sandwich, Mac and cheese. Their most popular beer is the “Hefe”weisen.

Fourscore Beer Co.
Opening in July of 2019, Fourscore is the newest brewery in downtown Gettysburg. The Little brothers run the operation offering 12 varieties of beers.

Mount Hope Winery
They produce all the beer for the Pennsylvania Renaissance fair. Their downtown tasting room opened in 2018 with a microbrewery onsite.

The Mount Hope 80 acre estate is located in Lancaster PA. Mount Hope produces wine by the juice, not by crushing the grape. They bring juices in from all over the country as well as outside the country to accomplish this, manipulating the product how they want to get the taste they’re after.

In addition to wine, they also produce spirits including rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka.

What to Try: Gettysburg Battlefield Series – Pink Catawba, Niagara

Adams County Winery
Adams County’s original winery, Adams County Winery offers one of the oldest wines made in Pennsylvania. They grow eight different varieties of grapes, with a vineyard that spans 12.5 acres.

The 80-acre farm is PA preferred which means most of the grapes they use in their wines (aside from the concord and Niagara) are Pennsylvania- grown.

What to Try: Rebel Red, Tears of Gettysburg

Mason Dixon Distillery
The building that houses Mason Dixon Distillery was built in the early 1900s and served as the Gettysburg Furniture factory. Owned by a father and son team, Mason Dixon Distillery grows some of its own grains used in its spirits on leased battlefield land.

The owner, Yianni Barakos, goes for getting biggest flavor out of his grain

What to Try: The lavender lemonade and rum punch are on point! As are the Brussels sprouts.

Appalachian Brewing Company
The company has been around for over 20 years. The original location is located in Harrisburg in a building bought for $1 in 1997. ABC was the first brewing company to come back to that area since 1946 prohibition.

They produce four types of beers: ales, lagers, stouts, and IPAs.

What to Try: For non-beer drinkers, check out the cider.

Sep 08 2019

One Culinary Tour of Charleston’s History

A Culinary Tour of Charleston Never to be Forgotten

I hadn’t originally planned to go on a food tour in Charleston. But as fate would have it, the city had something for me to uncover.

Three glasses of wine and four hours later, a peculiarly vocal bird served as my early morning wake-up call.

My husband and I schemed to hit the road by 5 a.m., ahead of the holiday traffic from South Carolina to Maryland. However, a night of liquor, jokes, granny’s overactive heater, and a bed fit for one (but presently accommodating three) sabotaged all plans for a pre-dawn departure.

7:15 a.m. stared me in the face. I guess we’re staying another day.

Duelers' Alley Charleston, SC — Duelers’ Alley

Sunday mornings in Charleston are quiet, sleepy, slow, and generally, charming.

Periodic visits to my husband’s hometown are usually spent visiting family, hanging with his old friends, and laying back. This time around, I sought to do something different in Charleston – depart from the norm and be a tourist for once.

sweetgrass baskets in Charleston, SC — Sweetgrass Baskets

After a brief jaunt in the fitness center, a glossy rack card featuring pictures of succulent shrimp, chocolate gourmet deserts, and strips of steak, advertised a culinary tour of Charleston.

Hunger pains motivated my next action: within minutes I was making a reservation.

A different kind of culinary tour in Charleston

The walking tour was advertised to be a culinary journey through the low country’s history as told through the evolution of its foods. “Benne wafers, pralines, sweet tea, collard greens, old-fashioned stone-ground grits, gourmet chocolate, and Southern barbecue” would all be stars of the story.

Southern Pralines Charleston, SC — Southern Pralines

I was excited to go on this tour. Not long into the tour that excitement waned.

A tour guide who knows not what she speaks

A widow, six-years removed from Massachusetts, led the tour. She began the journey using colloquialisms native to African American Charlestonians, or as more commonly known, Geechee dialect.

I couldn’t help but cringe when she pronounced herself as a “Comeya”, someone who has come to the area, a transplant so to speak, and native Charlestonians as “Binyas”.

It was like listening to a Gringo explain Mexican traditions in Spanish using a heavily-accented American tongue.

It just. wasn’t. right.

It was also just a first of many moments during the 2.5 hour tour that made me close one eye and raise a brow and thank the stars that my husband hadn’t come along.

Charleston history “facts” from the food tour

Here are a few tidbits (as told by our tour guide) that were new to me:

South Carolina is the second largest producer of peaches.
The first Jewish settlement in the United States was in Charleston.
East Bay Street is shaping into Charleston’s Restaurant Row.
North America’s only tea plantation is in Charleston. [*After some fact-checking, I learned that Washington has a small operation.]

And here were a couple of the brow-raisers:

“Carolina gold rice is the reason for slavery in the Carolinas.”
These are thee best restaurants in Charleston: Cypress, FIG, Hominy Grill, McCrady’s.
This is how you eat old-fashioned stone-ground grits:

grits in Charleston, SC — Stone-Ground grits?

Apologies for the poor photo. I was so disturbed by what I was seeing that I literally could not focus! I couldn’t wait to get back to chat about my experience.

When I recounted the day’s events to my in-laws, my husband, and his friends, they were gracious enough to correct some of what I had heard.

The truth about Charleston from the Locals

First, grits are supposed to be smooth and creamy, not stiff.

Second, there is a slew of local restaurants, not featured on the Food Network or the Travel Channel which locals consider to be “the best”.

And third, although rice cultivation was a big money-maker for Charleston, it wasn’t the reason for slavery in the Carolinas.

I’m happy that I had the opportunity to have a conversation with people who know the history of their home. Unfortunately, when it comes to telling black history, “textbook facts” aren’t truly facts but rather subjective narratives designed by white men.

Real Charleston shrimp grits fish — This is how good Charleston food looks courtesy of Charleston Crab House on Wappoo Creek.

Despite some obvious discrepancies, the tour guide presented her fair share of knowledge of Charleston past and present.

According to her, Charleston tour guides have to take tests to be classified as official guides. In addition to keeping up with the ever-changing landscape, they have to take continuing education courses.

Question is, who is teaching those continuing ed courses?

I learned a few tidbits on the tour. But I was more impressed with what I learned after it was over.

After hearing the general disdain about the information given on the tour, I was reminded that history can truly be subjective at times – that what some record as facts can actually be no more than their versions of what they deem to be true. What may be one ethnic group’s truth may be another group’s falsehoods.

History isn’t as accurate as we think it is. Interestingly enough, food tells no lies.

If you want to get a broad view of a history of a place, I recommend you do some research before you go. I also recommend that you speak with the older locals who have more perspective and seen more.

Food is a great way to learn more about a destination’s history and culture but you have to be mindful of who’s telling the story.

Updated. Originally published on November 29, 2011.

Aug 16 2019

10 Things to Know about Kayak Fishing in Charleston SC

Kayaking is our favorite family activity in Charleston

It’s been a while since my family and I have gone kayaking in Charleston, SC. We are overdue getting back out on the water. When we go again, I am certain we will have as much fun as we did the first time if not more. Either we’ll paddle out further or we’ll try something new like kayak fishing.

Kayaking in the Lowcountry has taken off

It’s no surprise that kayaking in Charleston has become even more popular. The city itself is increasingly popular. Every year Charleston is named to a “best travel destination” list in one publication or another. With that designation comes an increase in tourism as well as a demand for a variety of things to do in Charleston.

The city is known not only for its architecture but also its beautiful waters. And because 14.5% of Charleston’s 127.5 square miles is covered by water, people want to be on it.

What better way to get up close to the various waterways in Charleston than via kayak?

I sat down with a Charlestonian, my brother-in-law to learn more about the rise in kayak fishing. He is a former Marine, avid outdoorsman, and super knowledgeable local who grew up in Charleston and knows every creek, crook and bend in the area. I couldn’t ask for a better subject expert.

Kayak fishing in Charleston SC is popular

According to my brother-in-law, kayak fishing in Charleston has become particularly popular amongst people who love being out on the water and fishing. It provides accessibility to the waters because there are so many places in Charleston to go fish.

There’s also a high probability of wildlife encounters when you’re out fishing from a kayak. You can spot dolphins, a variety of bird species, turtles, and other wildlife.

Now that we know the why of kayak fishing in Charleston, here are the 10 things to know about it.

1. Benefits of kayak fishing vs traditional fishing from a boat?

Accessibility and cost are the biggest differences between traditional fishing and kayak fishing.

People fish from docks and piers and think to themselves “if I could just get over there to fish.” But if you don’t have a boat you can’t do that. With kayak fishing, you don’t have to worry about the expense of a boat, fuel or a trailer.

You can take a kayak, throw it on your car, and launch it in the water just about anywhere.

Kayak fishing comes with its own demands. It is an industry in and of itself. Remember, there are people who own boats but still have kayaks because they want to be closer to the water.

When you fish from a kayak, you can sneak up in little areas emitting less noise than you can when you fish from a boat.

2. What special equipment do you need?

Aside from the fishing gear, you need all the things you would take for kayaking:

paddle
personal floatation device
sunproof hat
sunglasses (and a sunglasses strap if you’re accident prone)
Lab reel
tackle

You have to get creative here where you have to have your things accessible and contained in your kayak. There are so many configurations for rigging your fishing kayak.

There are lots of tips and tricks for holding on to your stuff while you fish.

A lot of people tie their fishing rods to the kayak because if you get a bite, the fish could pull the rod out of your hand. Stakeout poles or power poles (a motorized fiberglass pole that you stick in the mud which holds you in place) could be advantageous.

Other accessories for your kayak fishing excursion could include:

electronic fish finder
batteries
lighting for nighttime fishing
electric motors

3. What tips do you have for beginners?

If you are brand new to kayaking, go with someone if you’re going to add fishing to it. You want to have somewhat of an idea of what you’re doing.

Don’t do anything or change your kayak until you fish in your new kayak. Then you will know if it will be nice to have something else on your kayak.

Here’s why.

If you add equipment to your kayak, most times you have to drill holes in it. Remember, the kayak is plastic so you only want to drill holes once.

When you’re out on the water, think about where you would want to have your accessories. Go to Meetup groups, clubs on Facebook and forums to ask questions.

There are different techniques for fishing. Some people will drift and put their lines out. Some people will anchor and use an anchor line, trolley where they can sit over where they want to fish in a specific spot.

You can not paddle and fish at the same time. Unless you are repositioning – this is really for those people are more advanced and are using pedal kayaks where you can kick with your legs, a steering knob — this is an entirely different can of worms.

Go out with a guide if you are new to kayak fishing in Charleston’s waters. You have to have knowledge of currents and tides. Or else if you don’t, you will find yourself in trouble very quickly.

4. Do you need to know how to fish?

Successful fishing requires a bit of technique, location, and luck. Someone who has never fished before can have a good day.

In short, you need to be at the right place at the right time – especially when you’re kayak fishing in Charleston. The good news is that you don’t have to know how to fish to enjoy the activity.

5. Best areas for catching fish?

This is subjective as far as fishing goes. You can fish almost anywhere around Charleston.

Oyster Bays in Charleston SC — One of many oyster bays we came across while kayaking in a quiet creek.

There are a number of tidal rivers in Charleston to explore, including:

Wando
Cooper
Stoney
Ashley

You need to know what to look for. Fish like to congregate around structures, docks, in deep holes, and by oyster beds.

Start asking questions if you don’t know the area and don’t know what to look for. Usually, you find the deep holes around bends in creeks. Fish around shipwrecked boats (some can be found in the Cooper River, Folly River, and Ashley River) or along the shoreline.

In order to isolate the best areas to catch fish, it’s important to have some kind of knowledge around where fish congregate.

6. What type of fish can I catch around Charleston?

What you will typically find in saltwater is redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sheepshead but there are many other species that have been caught.

Bass, bowfin, catfish, and panfish (which cover special species) are what you will typically find in freshwater in Charleston.

7. Is this a safe activity for kids? What’s the youngest recommended age?

Again this is subjective – it all depends on the sophistication and savviness of the child.

The child would need to have a lot of confidence and have been taught how to manage a kayak (and themselves in the kayak) well. The biggest challenge for a child would be if they fall out of their kayak and need to get back in. Typically an 11- year old and older would be a good age but again they could be younger. You know your child’s abilities best.

8. Best time of day to catch fish?

Typically going out early on the water is better but it depends a lot on the tide.

This is where the knowledge of the waters and the tide comes into play. It can get complicated.

Depending on the tide, you’re gonna find particular fish in particular places. You just need to know what you’re looking for. For example, in high tide, you’ll find red fishtailing (tails are out of the water, heads are down) in the marshes looking for food to catch. On low tide, you may find the same redfish in a deep hole. You’d just change up how and where you are trying to catch the fish.

9. Should I be worried about sharks? Where are sharks typically seen?

Very rarely do you hear about shark encounters. When they do come around they go about their business. You could see small ones but they are nothing to worry about.

10. How much does kayak fishing in Charleston, SC cost on average?

A kayak tour generally runs about $40. About 2 hours. So if you’re going to go fishing add on top of that, especially if they are providing the equipment and bait for you to fish.

Kayaks allow just about anyone to get out on the water when they want to. Add fishing to the mix and it becomes a great equalizer for people who may not have the resources to rent a boat for more diverse fishing experiences.

Kayak fishing looks like an incredibly fun activity if you’re visiting Charleston, SC and you’re looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy. Even if you don’t catch fish, you have plenty of Lowcountry scenery to explore via your kayak.

Jul 05 2019

Forget Orlando, Discover Pensacola Florida this year

Orlando is the popular choice for Florida

[Read more…]

Apr 25 2019

Marvel’s Avengers Endgame Spoiler-Free Review

“The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, ‘Avengers: Endgame.'”

Exciting, bittersweet, surprising, emotional, comical. Can I say these adjectives to you without giving away too much about the Avengers in this review? I struggled writing about this movie without giving anything away. I promise I don’t so read on!

Tips for viewing Avengers Endgame

Use the Bathroom.
Buy the Popcorn.

What I will say is that Marvel’s Avengers Endgame is an emotional roller coaster. The culmination of 10 years of varying storylines and star power characters is in no way overwhelming.

Everyone gets just the right amount of screen time.

You FEEL that 10-year journey and harken back to 2009, remembering where you were and who you were when that first Avenger movie came out. Seeing how each of the major characters has grown makes you think about how you’ve grown along with them.

Sidebar: my oldest went with me for this one. Since he was 5, his father and I have been fighting over who would take him to see the new Marvel movie. I think it’s fitting that I take him for an early viewing of this last one. (Sorry, dad!)Yes, in the midst of ALL the action you do have a split moment to reminisce.

From the start, something happens. Expect that. You can also expect that the hours run will go very quickly.

At every point, it feels like something big is going to happen. And it does.

So who’s left?

When the movie opens we meet who’s left of the Avengers. The original crew. Dealing with the aftermath of Thanos.

The movie is well-paced, revealing things when it needs to, developing people how they need to be developed, taking us on the hero’s journey for each one of these characters. Their past influences who they are in the present and how they process this new adversity.

The Avengers are not used to losing and each one of our heroes shares their individual weakness and strength with this major loss. Our major guys and gals get some level of closure.

It’s satisfying but conflicting.

That freaking Thanos. Ugh!

Where we meet Thanos is interesting and oddly poetic. Of course, we all hate him for what he’s done but you get a better understanding. I won’t say forgiveness but you see what he was attempting to accomplish.

I would’ve liked to have seen more of an arc with him even as a villain. But I guess his time for that was Infinity Wars and that’s that.

The hero’s journey

Avengers Endgame The Crew

In Endgame, our characters are not just individual characters making an appearance together. They feel very much like a unit. It’s not just Iron Man or Captain America or Thor or the Hulk. Those movies feel like past lives. Now they’re a family – for good or for bad. Ups and downs and all the emotions in between.

Avengers Endgame Lightening Thor

The dialogue and banter flow effortlessly. Digs and sidebars are everywhere with humor in just about everyone. Chris Hemsworth just shines in this department (man he’s gorgeous) and I hope to see more opportunities for him to flex his comic chops in other characters.

Avengers Endgame is everything and more for Marvel fans.

Dope costumes? You got it! Twist and turns? Yup! Fast-paced action scenes? Of course! Formidable girl power? Yes, m’am! <- so hawt!!

The Russo brothers did a good job directing this film.

It’s a long one but it doesn’t feel like it’s long enough because of course none of us want this to actually be the end as the title states.

There are some heart-warming nostalgic moments with different appearances in the film that will make you smile. The future for Marvel feels uncertain but what is certain is that it has been one hell of a run!