It's been over a week since driving back from Virginia and spending time with my brother. It was a long time in the making and am now finding myself smiling every time I think about the trip and what it meant, both to he and I.
Having so much in common (like travel, discovery of new places and things to do, a love for multiple "Geek-doms" like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, Renaissance Fairs, Harry Potter, etc. The list goes on and on.
What stands out about this trip was finally meeting him, how well known he was in the community, how great the weather was, how relaxed the atmosphere was (even during a gas panic) and only having a little traffic jam around New York and Maryland!
The food, scenery, and the distillery and breweries visited were great, but nothing prepared me for...ALL THE FEELS.
Interlude.
Hamilton, Leesburg, and Purcellville, Virginia. All the places I visited in these towns are highly recommended, but the few that stood out are:
Hamilton
Hamilton Station Pizza & Gastropub (https://www.hamiltonstationgastropub.com/).
Described as "Skewered beef tenderloin tips with veggies in marsala wine sauce over rice pilaf", "The Athenian" was extremely delicious and was the meal of choice one night (which was hard because all the dinner options looked fantastic!) The marsala sauce was easily my favorite part of the dish and was easy to pinpoint the wine component.
Leesburg
Spanky's Shenanigan's Pub (https://www.spankyspub.com/)
Chicken Wings the size of KFC drumsticks! These bad boys were loaded with plenty of meat and the beer flowed like water!
Purcellville
Happy Creek Coffee (https://happycreekcoffee.com/)
Coffee. What's not to love?! And the people that work there treat everyone like family. If you're looking for a great cup of coffee and the best possible way to start your day right, visit them-you won't regret it!
Catoctin Creek Distilling Company (https://catoctincreekdistilling.com/)
Do you know why Virginia is for lovers? It's the people-they are so helpful and friendly-I can't say enough great things about the residents in this state. The lovely ladies at the distillery are full of information and not afraid to recommend other places to visit within town. The Whiskey is pretty great too!
Bonus Town: Bluemont
Bear Chase Brewery (https://bearchasebrew.com/)
A brewery overlooking a valley that also provides a great view while drinking some extremely tasty beers. The sheer size and location of this brewery is an experience that should be had. Don't pass go. Don't Collect your $200-JUST GET THERE!
Return Guaranteed!
It's safe to say I want to return, if not to experience more places with my brother as well as get to know him even better. I'm looking forward to the next time we get together, and I'll drink to that!
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