Brew Sunday

On a very recent Sunday afternoon, Mark and I, got a case of cabin fever and felt the need to get out of the house.  We had the idea of trying out one of the local breweries but which one was the problem...so we ended up trying three.  I think we can say we have tried all of the breweries in RVA now.

First stop:  Ardent Craft Ales

 

 

Nice outdoor seating, although it was a bit chilly for us!  5 beers on tap, 4 to a flight (tasting).  Lots of seating, free Wi-Fi and they didn't seem to mind that we brought a 4 year old along to keep the adults in check.

Second stop:  Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

When you say Hardywood in Richmond everyone immediately thinks of their Gingerbread Stout...it's not Christmas without it!  Very big open spaces, I think all the beers were on the flight but really I missed him explaining it.  Live music was playing while we visited.  Also has outdoor seating but no Wi-Fi.

Third stop:  Triple Cross Brewing

 

The last stop puts you a little closer to downtown Richmond.  Again there is outdoor seating...really it was just too stinking cold for it!  7 beers on tap/4 to a flight.  Free Wi-Fi and a larger/adult version of Jenga to try out. 

 

I've seen this at one other Richmond Brewery but darn if I can remember which one!

 

It was nice to get in from the cold in some of Richmond's finest breweries.  I guess the cold weather IS good for something. 

Legands

If you're ever looking for a place to just sit back and relax while taking in the beauty of Richmond check out Legand Brewery.  Legand is a small micro brewery located in a pub that over looks the James River.  With an outdoor deck that seats 200, a full menu and with great views of the Richmond skyline what more can you ask for?  Well there is the beer that you could ask for :)

We went with some friends on a Tuesday night and the crowd wasn't over whelming.  I think weekends and warm weather probably draw a larger crowd.  The food was good and at a decent price.  I liked the beer but the verdict is still out on what we actually drank.  Pale Ale was ordered but I was told that we didn't actually get that served to us.  They do have a kids menu and the staff was polite enough to not get grumpy when Emma wasn't on her best behavior.  I see a return trip here in the near future but when it's just a tad warmer!

Blue Mountain Brewery

A couple weeks ago, while we were visiting the Wintergreen Resort in Virginia, we found ourselves in need so somewhere to sit and have a meal.  Some friends had recommended Blue Mountain Brewery.  It was located directly on route 250, the main road leading to I-64.  So for us it was perfect since we had to pass by it on our way home.  When we had come through that morning it was empty but by late lunch/early dinner it was packed! 



Walk this way....

There was a large outdoor patio, a covered sun room with seating and a second story inside for customers.   So plenty of options for your dinning pleasure. 



The menu was primarily burgers, sandwiches, thin crust specialty pizzas, salad and 3 or 4 desserts.  Then there was the beer...it is a brewery after all!  They have a number of beers on tap (made by their brewery) and then beers that are bottled to take home.  While in the restaurant you can try a sampler so that you can figure out what best suites your palette.  They go from light to dark....and by the time we got to the really dark I was letting Mark do all the heavy lifting :)



Objects in picture are smaller than they appear.

The samples are actually just enough for about two mouthfuls out of each.  They do have a non-alcoholic beverage as well.  Christy got in on that one.  Well actually we all tried it.  It was light and fruity with a little fizz thrown in.  We all enjoyed the food and drinks and since there are still wineries in the area we haven't visitied (gasp-I know) I think we'll be stopping by here in the future. 





A shot of the restaurant.

If you are ever in Nelson County stop in and enjoy some almost home made brew :)