Love, Beer and History

I returned from yet another excursion to Gettysburg last night. I must admit that it was with much sadness that I departed the quaint town. It was time to head home, but inside I actually felt like I was leaving a place that is meant to be my home in due time.

Many things factor into my feelings for Gettysburg. The rolling topography, the stories of those that fought and/or lived there, the multiple fruit stands with Chambersburg peaches on the way there, the lovely town square and the historic aura. I even love it so much that I have a tendency to write some forms of run-on sentences when I think of it. I'm so attached to this place that I was too saddened to leave that I cost myself one of my few opportunities to visit Troegs Brewing Company in Hershey on the way home.

Union artillery in the newly-renovated Ziegler's Grove.

I have much to share in the next week or two in the beer-related things I discovered on this trip. I find it interesting that I was disappointed to find the sulking beer scene that I did last summer only to stumble upon a town infused with more craft beer. There's still more room for growth, though. My favorite place in the world is definitely on the ups in terms of craft beer.

I've been reveling with anticipation at a chance to finally visit the Gettysburg Battlefield Brew Works in the historic Monfort farm house. I found this to be a microcosm of the town's growth in beer presence. The place and process still needs some work, but the foundation for a cornucopia of fresh local beer is more than visible.

I was able to finally meet Justin of Justin's Brew Review over the weekend as well. We dined at the historic Dobbin House Tavern. I discovered a new Pennsylvania brewery by the name of Spring House. The Dobbin House had its 150th Anniversary Ale tapped in honor of the battle.

I also returned to one of my favorite burger joints in the Gettysburg area at Blue and Gray Bar and Grill. There I found an interesting beer contraption that was built into my table as well as more evidence of a diverse beer presence in the town. Stay tuned.