travels: mi microbreweries

It's been such a fun and fulfilling weekend; my dad came for a visit and we spent our days talking over coffee, working on bits of Chris' and my home, and road-tripping to microbreweries. 

The crowning jewel of Dark Horse Brewery: thousands of mugs hang from the ceiling and walls.

We drove out to Marshall, and stopped for lunch at the unmistakable Dark Horse Brewery. Although the beer has become a staple for both our households, this was our first time at the brewery. The visit was wonderful; their food is as crafty as their beverages, the menu packed with all sorts of savory combinations. I had the Rio Grande: a bourbon pepper turkey sandwich on ciabatta, with bacon, pico di gallo, spinach, chipotle aioli & pepperjack cheese. Just talking about it makes me get a hunger for it all over again! Seriously delicious, guys. Their spiced Christmas ale was also a treat; with nutmeg, clove, and allspice, I'm ready to curl up with that fireside this season.

We drove back and relaxed for awhile before heading out to try Bad Brewing Company. This was another first and such a pleasant surprise! Chris and I were tipped off about this new brewery in Mason by a beautiful ol' gal we met while out on the town my last birthday. Tucked way in historic Mason (beside a vintage shop that demands my attention), Bad Brewing has become a local favorite. It's so cozy, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a gorgeous concrete slab bar. Bad has a wide selection on tap (Zythos IPA winning all of our hearts) and I surprised my lover by ordering their amber lager (evidently he's used to me getting chummy with fruit-filled stouts). Anyway, they were such beautiful pubs and it was a much-needed weekend.


:: Dark Horse Brewery
:: Bad Brewing Company