Essays, Interviews, Observations, Pop Culture, Stories, and other Dodginess

Occupy Octoberfest

Posted on October 11, 2011

Occupy Octoberfest on Saturday in Whiting and Crown Point was a success. We got what we demanded: Beer.

The two best Octoberfest beer gardens in the region banjaxed us by scheduling them on the same day. Oct. 8.

No worries, as we managed a scramble to both. Whiting was first because it was scheduled to end at 10 p.m., whereas CP’s extended to 11 p.m.

Whiting Octoberfest beer taps

This year’s Whiting Octoberfest beer garden seemed bigger compared to ’10. The band was The Hat Guys, popular in Chicagoland, I’m told and a good party band. I’m not that familiar with them but they take a  lot of pics. They have a bandmember who’s instrument I think is the camera. He’s always snapping photos of the crowds (especially of himself and the attractive lady fans – well done him).

The fest was out of its pumpkin beer by the time we got there, which was still early at around 7:30 p.m. No frets, they had other  choices. But still. The same thing happened last year.

Plenty of attractive gals here, especially of the Hispanic variety. Also, and more so than Crown Point, you get more dudes in sleeveless T-shirts and  bandannas. Or bad track shorts. Definitely more blue collar compared to CP.

The Hat Guys and a bunch of fans doing something

Off to Crown Point. Some hard rock band and a large crowd taking over Main Street. The beer taps were waaaayyy on the south edge – a long ass walk from the music and food. Nevertheless, Crown Brewing supplied the suds, although like Whiting, they also ran out of their pumpkin beer (and the Octoberfest). Doesn’t matter if you like the IPA or Crown Light, however.

Crown Point Octoberfest

Definitely some “princess-types” at this fest. Crown Point usually draws some of the finer looking lassies at its events. Although some may say that in Northwest Indiana that’s not saying much.

All in all,  a decent closure to what I call the final beer garden of the season. Outdoor drinking may be on the way out. Time to hit the bars and talk about those.

A Wild Beaver, Pizza and Pints in Indianapolis

Posted on October 4, 2011

Indianapolis…about a 2-hour plus drive from NWI. We did it. Wanted to check out the little city.

We stayed downtown but spent a lot of time in Broad Ripple. Most everyone around here knows of it. It’s a very cool village south of downtown with interesting bars, restaurants, food markets and some pretty people. Has a bit of a college town crossed with Lincoln Park (Chicago) vibe. Our first stop was the deep dish pizza and pints of beer at Union Jack Pub.

yum

If you sit by the open windows you get a great view of the lasses strolling by. From there we went to Brothers, a racous bar where the pitchers of beer were cheap. Again, great for lassy watching.

Indy  has a great trail system. The best is Monon Trail, especially the section that goes through Broad Ripple. Better than any in Chicago, I’d say, although jogging/biking on Chicago’s lakefront is a whole other experience. Just off the trail on 54th Street is a market called Locally Grown Gardens. It’s housed in what used to be a gas station and has a great vibe. It’s where I had my first taste of yellow watermelon. And the gal working there was one of the most beautiful and sweet that I’ve been around recently. I’m still thinking about her. Meh…I should’ve found a way to get her pic.

We spent the following night in downtown Indy. Everything’s pretty close and easy to walk to. Most of the bars are on Meridian St.  One of the first we checked out was Claddagh Irish Pub (of course!).

Pint of Killian's at Claddagh Irish Pub

From there it the Slippery Noodle Inn, “the oldest bar in Indianapolis.”  Lots of Blues music, if that’s your thing. This not-so-hot photo was taken from the second level overlooking the stage.

Slippery Noodle Blues

We also went to the Wild Beaver Saloon (there’s also one in Broad Ripple). It’s kinda a knock-off of Coyote Ugly. Didn’t like it. Kinda smallish and no gals, really. Just some drunks and not really the good kind, on that night anyway.

Indy’s not bad. It’s a nice quick getaway and there’s a lot less hassles that come with Chicago as far as parking and getting around. There’s a lot of construction going on downtown and we still had no difficulty getting around. I think they’re getting things ready for the Superbowl. That said, it’s no Chicago. But you can’t really compare the two.

And that gal at Locally Grown Gardens…oh my.

Octoberfest Pumpkin Bash

Posted on September 26, 2011

It was the 5th annual Harvest Covered Bridge Fest in Crown Point at the Lake County Fairgrounds but my first. It’s an all-weekend affair, beginning in the day with a bunch of pumpkin activities and things for kids plus food, etc. etc.

At night however, is the Octoberfest Pumpkin Bash, in the big barn on the grounds. It used to be held only on Friday nights but this year they added Saturday night too – which is when I was there.

Crown Brewing supplied the beer (I had its delicious Octoberfest brew). Music the night I was there was provided by Ashley Marlene (Selena, Adele), Vakill, and The Steve Nims Band (Motown).

There wasn’t a big crowd and that’s a shame. This thing has potential. The setting is fantastic. A giant barn, live music, an Autumn setting. It was just a beautiful, crisp fall night. Beer, barn, live music. Plenty of room to dance or get down with your loved one.  In two weeks Main Street in Crown Point should be pretty packed for it’s regular Octoberfest (I’ll be there) but this one here deserves better. And the chap with the beard serving the Crown Brews is pretty cool.

I’ll be here next year and so should you.