July 4th weekend

I started off the July 4th long weekend in Charlotte, where it was a beautiful day to walk up to the growler shop and back uptown. Next stop was the white water center of course! 

Wicked hot but better in the shade of the trees. After the run I enjoyed an early dinner at the restaurant before it got mobbed for the night. 

And of course, the usual epic sunsets!

The next day I continued on to Conway to visit Grandma. Mom and I made good use of the retirement community pool. The first afternoon some thunderstorms were approaching, but we bribed the pool monitor (an 80 yo woman) to let us stay a little longer with some beer! 

Grandma enjoyed her 94th birthday at a nearby Italian place where the whole restaurant sang to her. 

Early the next morning we headed to the market common in myrtle beach for a 4th of July 8k. Luckily it was early, so it wasn't deadly hot yet!

Post race enjoying the sunshine. 

And some random gardens in the shopping center. 

We had the myrtle trace party that afternoon, which was absolutely mobbed. 

Including a duck race for prizes. These retirees take their racing seriously! 

We dropped grandma back at home and headed back for more pool partying. 

Including handstands. 

And noodles!  Pretty ideal summer weekend with family!

NYC 3

For day 3, we went for a nice run around the Jackie Kennedy Onassis reservoir in Central Park. Pics above from all sides of the oval. 

The we struck out to Williamsburg for a beer tour. You can pay for these, but it seemed easier to go to a few pubs at our own pace and only drink beers (or in Kerri's case, ciders) that we liked. 

Very momentous occasion at the first pub. I hit 1000 beers on untappd!  The bartender gave me my beer for free and also put the bottle in a place of honor behind the bar (just in front of gawdy Jesus you can see in the background) 

For my 1001st beer, I ordered a doppelbock from Germany.  When I ordered it, the bartenders were aghast. "Wow, you really know beer!"

Next stop was a Biergarten with love music. It was pretty crowded but we found a spot at the edge of a table. Kerri had told be about the new trendy Brooklyn thing, freeganism. This is where you only eat free stuff. We decided to try it, eating our neighbors fries after they left :) 

I continued on with my doppelbocks. Celebrator came with a pendant around the bottle! When I was in Germany, Jesse and I figured out that any beer ending in -ator (pronounced otter), would be good. Kerri googled this, and turns out it is because doppelbocks were first brewed by the Paulaner monks as "liquid bread" during their fasting. They named the first Salvator, after the Lord. The name stuck, and the Paulaner had to trademark it. So everyone else changed their doppelbock names to some variation of "ator". Beer history for the day. Cheers! 

Clifton

At the end of June I had a few days in northern Virginia after NYC. I decided to go explore the town of Clifton.  It is only 15-20 minutes from Burke but seems much farther away. Lots of sprawling lots and farmland and horses. I also found the only vineyard in Fairfax county! 

Paradise springs has been around for about 5 years. I enjoyed a tasting with the wine educator, George. He was a former intelligence officer for the U.S. During the Cold War and was also German. He had some interesting insights into the world! 

I explored the grounds afterwards. Stunning day. 

George also took me into the cellar room and explained all the ways the wine is aged, French oak, American oak, and steel at this vineyard.  

More of the amazing grounds. We plan to go on a hike here next time, parking at bull run and walking over. 

After the vineyard I headed to the old town area. They have really revitalized the area. The VRE runs right thru it as well. 

My Dad's family was out Clifton way before his Dad came over to Fairfax city. One of my great great Grandmothers was a kincheloe. I wonder if related to this house? 

I enjoyed a beer at the old general store, and wondered if my grandfather and great uncles had done the same! 

I wandered over to the park to complete my tour. Heaps of kids playing and a great spot to read. 

NYC day 2

After sleeping off a pretty reasonable hangover, we headed out for a New York bagel! We enjoyed our brunch at the secret garden. Only in New York can you have a membership to a rooftop garden. 

It was a lovely space. I then headed off on a run along the Hudson. There were a series of mini parks and art work. And a lovely breeze along the water. 

After my run and a shower, I figured I should carry on with my very New York day. Off to Central Park! 

Read my book with a great view and perfect weather. 

Finished off the day in Chelsea for beers and food. 

Cheers!

Close to the longest day of the year still. 

And it was also Pride weekend.  Plus he SCOTUS ruling allowing same sex marriage. Time to celebrate!