Finding Creativity Everywhere...

My husband and I went on a "beercation" this weekend.  We really needed a getaway, so we went up to a craft beer festival in Cooperstown, NY:   Belgium Comes to Cooperstown.  We had such an incredible time!

Cooperstown is such a beautiful place and the brewery Ommegang is situated in this gorgeous little valley.  The weather was perfect for camping!

I couldn't let my hands be idle as we drove up to Cooperstown, so I made some pretzel necklaces.  These things were essential to keeping our stomachs full as we did the tasting... those beers sneak up on you!

 I can't remember what exactly is in the cow tank pictured below.  I learned it on the tour, but let's be honest, I went on the tour so I could sneak into a regular bathroom (not a port-o-potty).

I couldn't help but notice this the second we walked into the tasting tents.  This gigantic sculpture was suspended from the ceiling.  Amazing!

It was made by local sculptor Jeremy Holmes.  He did the lighting for it too.  It was gorgeous at night.

I know this isn't a great shot, but this brewery's banner wins "best in show" for me.  Love the folky-crafty vibe!

And how cute is this girl?  She let me take a photo of her beer-inspired jewelry.  See what I mean?  Art everywhere!

And my favorite part of the day:  spontaneous shadow dance party.  There was a projector on for the movie that would be showing later.  People got really, ahem, creative with some of the shadows they decided to make!  Let's just say they weren't all making bunny rabbits and barking dogs with their hands... it was basically a festival full of intoxicated people, mostly guys, so I'll let your imagination fill in the blanks.  My husband and I laughed so hard we couldn't breathe.  I don't know what it is about immature humor that I love so much, but we were hysterical over some of the stuff these people were doing.

Terrible pic, I know.  But you get the idea.  Not to mention, we want to keep this G-rated.

And the greatest display of craft:  the beers!  Absolutely amazing.  Here is a list of some of my favorite breweries from the weekend:

Gulden Draak (they had a quad I got to taste!)

Shmaltz Brewing Co

Allagash

Ommegang (of course)

White Birch

Chimay

Unibroue

Victory Brewing Co

St. Bernardus

and so many others I just can't remember here :)

Thanks for stopping by!  I know I'm usually just showing you things I make on this blog, but I had too much fun not to share this experience.  A couple years ago, my husband and I decided we needed to pursue some common interests.  It turns out we both love trying craft beers!  So it might not be the most conventional hobby, but it has been great for our relationship.  Let me know what interests you and your hubs share in the comments!

Blessings,

Jamie