Urban Growler- St. Paul. Right next to Bang, I call these stops, 2-fer's. One
stop, 2 breweries. A fun happy place, very inviting, friendly, all are welcome.
Great food, always a Friday fish fry. Large patio, organic "plow to pint" beers,
and between this place and Bang, they do not have "mowing disease". Which
means, they have flowers and other native plants. Also, kindred spirit, Liz
Foster works here, so we are biased towards this place and we don’t care.
She visited 120 breweries in 2018 and inspired us to continue our journey.
St. Paul / Flat Earth- St. Paul. They just recently changed their name to St.
Paul Brewing. Located in the old Hamm's brewing complex, this is a sort of
hole in the wall place. I I love it here because of the history and architecture.
Great patio with old left-over graffiti from the past. I have said, I don't care
what you put in the place, it will always be cool. Just love being here. Go
across the parking lot to 11 Wells distillery lounge, you will like it, I guarantee.
Northbound
Brewery &&
&
Smokehouse
Bike trail right next to this place, which of course we have ridden.
Surly- Minneapolis. This makes our list simply because it's Surly. The
mystique, the madness, the insanity, the beers, this place has it all. How can
a recently new 30-million-dollar brewery, not make our list? This is a homage
to brewing and the love of beer. The Beer Mecca of Minnesota, if you will.
Fabulous patio. Food is outstanding, so is the beer. I always order the Hog Frites, this meal would be one of my
last before I die. Home of the famous Darkness.
Schells- New Ulm. Since 1860. What can be said about Schells that has not been said. Visiting here is a step back
in time. The peacocks roaming around, the garden, the deer. Our beer collecting club (Schell’s Border Batch) has a
gathering in April here and the old taproom is opened for our group, the view and feeling you get is overwhelming.
The museum is a must visit. This ought to make anyone's list to visit. Just go. While here, you may as well visit the
Starkeller, which is Schells sour beer project. This place reeks of history, a must see.
Turning Waters aka Hoppy Girl- Wabasha. This is a bed & breakfast, with a 3-barrel brewery in the backyard
garage. Like being at home, friendly, cozy, inviting. I find the name Hoppy Girl to be quite unique and if you see
their logo you will never forget this place. I guarantee. Chances are you will probably meet the "Hoppy Girl" here.
Kindness and friendliness are the “beers” served here.
Reads Landing- Reads Landing. Located next to the Mississippi River,
with a railway right out the front door and just beyond is the river. An old
historic river town. You sit and relax on the deck and watch barges;
boats and trains pass by. Food and beer are an extra bonus. Just
fabulous.
Island City- Winona. Located near the Mississippi river in an old brick
building. When we arrived, there was live acoustic music (our favorite)
and a group of artists’ doing a large painting. Very comfortable,
progressive and artsy. Hike Wapasha's Cap aka Sugar Loaf Mountain
(Not easy to find the starting point, ask me how if interested) and hit the
bike trails. Love this place and town.
Boomtown- Hibbing. The Iron Range. The mural on the wall just blew us
away, it is a painting of old downtown Hibbing, sit here, have a beer,
food and contemplate what once was. Outstanding trip back in time.
Take a short drive out to Hill Rust mine overlook. The view is mindnumbing.
Mesabi bike trail nearby.
Klockow- Grand Rapids. In a large building with a very large mural
depicting what I see as, Adam & Eve strolling in the garden of Eden.
The most unique tap handles we have even seen. They are made of
children's wooden building blocks of the alphabet, stacked and attached
to each other, spelling Klockow. I laughed. Fun place.
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