Ahhhh, Goat Races, can you believe it? Goat Races!  What can I say; I’m a sucker for cute little goats.

For those of you giving your computer screens a questionable look, this is a real event.  Sly Fox Brewing Company hosts the Sly Fox Bock Festival & Goat Races annually. The day marks the release of the Maibock which is tapped immediately after the race and named in honor of the winner.

This was our first time going to the races however we’ve been following race results on Facebook for a couple of years. We decided after last years’ race was won by a cute little 3-legged goat named Peggy that we would not miss another one.  We would go and root for this little underdog or undergoat, if you will, Peggy.  GO TEAM PEGGY!

On this beautiful Sunday adventure, we were joined by our friends Marty, Noelle and Rosie, all Nerds in their own right.  With everyone one gathered in Nerdahlicious kitchen we had some quick pre-game Spicy Bloody Mary’s then hit the road.

The trip was pretty uneventful but the traffic was horrible on the Schuylkill. Stupid Schuylkill!

At the brewery finding parking was a crazy search but we finally found a spot across the street from the event.

The ticket line was quite long, you had to buy tickets for beer and food, but it moved quickly and we were able to get some bevy’s!  Yay BEER!!!  For 2 tickets you received 3 cans of beer to which Eddie and I chose one of our favorites, Sly Fox’s 113 IPA.  According to Sly Fox’s write up it’s “A big, flavorful IPA for all the hopheads out there, brewed with British Pale and Crystal malts, and hopped with Centennial, Cascade, German Northern Brewer, & UK East Kent Goldings. Bold and spicy”. I’ll agree with that…  SO DELISH!

Beers in hand all of us wandered through the crowd checking out the goats, I was even able to pet a few.  I really wanted to hug one but I realized that maybe the goat wouldn’t appreciate that quite as much as I would. Ha!  We found Team Peggy’s tent where I quickly purchased a T-shirt to show my support.  We also met Peggy’s life partner Simon.  He’s cute little goat also with only 3-legs.  Both of these little goats are rescue goats.  Be sure to check them out on their Facebook page.

While we were walking around Eddie asked me if the guy walking past us looked familiar and swore that it was no other than Sean Hoots from Hoots and Hellmouth but the guy was moving pretty fast so we couldn’t be sure.

As the races got started we wandered over to the track where as very short girls, Noelle and I had a hard time seeing too much. Noelle was able to hold the camera up and over the crowd and we were able to watch through the viewer as well as get some pictures.  There were quite a few heats so we walked over to the food tent to grab some deliciousness.  Man, German food! I do love me some me some German food and things in casings are at the top of that list.  We enjoyed some brats, knockwursts and even Weisswurst.  This days’ deliciousness rating was increasing with each bite.  More beer here please!

The final heat was upon us and since Peggy won each of her previous heats she was ready to go in the final.  As the race started everyone just started cheering “PEGGY, PEGGY, PEGGY!!”.  It was really neat but I did feel for the other owners and goats.  Oh well, GO PEGGY!!   Those little goats and their handlers ran as fast as they could, it was exciting but since we still couldn’t see the track very well we relied on Noelle’s camera for a view of the win.  It was tight but Peggy won!!  WOOHOO!!!

With the races finished up we strolled around to find some more beer.  Eddie said they actually ran out of 113’s so he grabbed us some other delicious dark beer, also very delish.  He also said that when he was in search of more beer he ran into Sean Hoots.  Identity confirmed.  It would have been cool if Eddie was wearing his new Hoots T-shirt from the night before.

We found Team Peggy taking pictures so we took some pictures of Peggy and little Simon.  Peggy must still have been super amped from the races because she put the smack down on poor little Simon with a wicked headbutt.

With the races over and fully belly’s we decided to hit the road for home.  We all decided we had a pretty good time but Rose did have a point that betting on the races would have been fun.  Maybe next time.

Hello Fellow Nerds!

This post is late I know but I just have to share this awesome adventuring weekend that Eddie and I had back on Saturday, May 5^th starting with lunch in Philly with family and jammin’ out in New Hope with Hoots and Hellmouth to the Goat Races at Sly Fox Brewing on Sunday, May 6^th.

We first met our beautiful cousins, Toni & Celeste in Philadelphia, at The Piazza at Schmidt’s for lunch. The Piazza is an apartment style amphitheater with a collection of stores and vendors.  As it was our first time there, Eddie and I wandered around for a bit looking for the restaurant we were to meet, and man this place was really cool.  The center had a jumbo TV and right under that was a stage.  The big TV we could live without but the music center stage…  Eddie and I said “sell the house, let’s get an apartment.” Kidding guys, the house has Indagaraj and we couldn’t live without that place.  Anyway, we found Toni & Celeste right near El Camino Real outside the amphitheater and went in to have lunch.

I’m not sure if it was because it was Cinco de Mayo but there was a very pleasant door guy there carding peeps. He carded me as I assumed he was carding everyone coming in but being I will be 42 in June I was elated just to be asked.  I thanked him for doing so and he smiled and said let me give you this wristband so they won’t ask you again inside.

We sat down and Eddie and I ordered a couple of extra spicy Bloody Mary’s, Celeste ordered a Blood Orange Margarita, which looked delish and an order of Bean Dip.  On the menu was a pulled pork sandwich named “The Chronic” whose ingredients consisted of the pork, topped with sweet bbq sauce, mac and cheese and bacon bread crumbs on a cacia’s roll!  As delish as The Chronic sounded, none of us wanted to drop dead of a heart attack so early in the day so we ordered some tacos, quesadillas and a sandwich all of which were delish.  Rousing conversation and good laughs were shared as we ate. Such good times with family, LOVE these girls!

With lunch over we walked around the Piazza enjoying the shops and outdoor vendors such as Jon Swartz Designer/Illustrator, whose art was really creative and at times a little creepy.  This Piazza place was pretty cool.

The time finally came for us to hit the road as we had a show to see at the New Hope Winery at 8:00PM.  Kisses and squeezes all around promising to meet up again real soon in Philly for tattoos and beer!  That is a whole different adventure but for now Hoots & Hellmouth here we come!

On our trip up to New Hope I told Eddie that I was really happy to get carded earlier which is when Eddie explained to me that not everyone received wristbands at the restaurant that only people who looked 21 or there about received them.  HOLY COW! I looked that young?  I WIN!! HAHA!!

Upon arriving at the New Hope Winery we quickly made our way to the sampling area where we were greeted by a very nice bartender who stated that we could try five different wines once we purchased our wine glasses.   Back with our new glasses, we started sampling all sorts wine both red and white.  My favorite turned out to be the Sangria but I’m a sucker for beverages that contain some fruit.

In conversation with the bartender we mentioned that we were there to see Hoots & Hellmouth later that evening and asked where we could find some delish food in the meantime.  He pointed us in the direction of Triumph Brewing for some eats and also told us that when we got back from dinner to let him know and he’d find us a great parking spot for the show.  Fantastic!  This day is going great.

When we arrived at Triumph the parking lot was quite crowded but Eddie noticed a vehicle leaving their spot.  As the vehicle pulled out he drew up alongside of our truck and handed us his little parking slip which had about two hours left on his meter.  AWESOME!  We are really sending out some positive vibes today!  Thanks random dude!

Inside we were shown to an upstairs table and ordered some IPA’s, wings and burgers all of which were pretty tasty.  For dessert we ordered Hendricks Gin Martini’s and watched the Kentucky Derby!  WOOHOO delicious beverage and an exciting race!  Just a shout out to the waitress at Triumph, who’s name I unfortunately do not remember… great service and with a smile. Thank you!

All finished up we headed back to the winery where the bartender did indeed find us a wonderful spot right in front of the building with easy access to exit.

Inside the Event Room there wasn’t a bad seat in the house but our table was in direct view of the stage.  We win again!  I grabbed us some waters and a bottle of wine and waited for the show to start.

Just to let you all know, I LOVE Hoots & Hellmouth!

They are like some sort of crazy ass Folk Music Jammin’ Revival.  I am never able to sit still at their shows even if it’s just butt dancing.  This time I actually got up and danced as did quite a few other peeps.  I even saw some dudes dancing and not just the drunken hippie kind that appears at most every show Eddie and I see.

What makes these guys even more special is that Sean Hoots (Lead Vocals & Guitar) and Rob Berliner (Mandolin, Banjo, Piano, Organ, Vocals) have these awesome “Stomp Boards”, whereupon they, well, stomp, giving the music and very eclectic rhythm.  You can check them out here in a live performance of You and All of Us at World Café Live.  It’s cool video but doesn’t compare to seeing them live.

They played a lot of songs from their latest album Salt which is completely awesome but they also kicked in songs from their previous albums, all of which you can find at their website http://www.hootsandhellmouth.com/music.php.

About an hour into the show they had a small intermission, which is when I prodded Eddie to come with me to meet Sean Hoots.  Eddie was calm and casual as usual but me? Well let’s just say I wouldn’t be a nerd if I didn’t act like one.  Me with a big toothy grin asking for pictures for this blog, HA! what a nerd.  Sean was really nice and agreed to take a picture with me, him and the guys at the end of the show.

More dancing ensued as the band jammed it out on stage during the second set.  There was even one fan that showed the band a bit more enthusiasm than most by screaming and giving heaving metal fingers during and after each song.  At one point Rob asked if she wanted to get the screams out because the next song was a quiet song.  Needless to say, once pointed out, she went wild again to which he replied… “someone’s having a good Cinco’ de Mayo”.  I was actually quite fearful for Sean since he was right in front of her. I thought at one point she would snatch him off the stage. Yikes!  Good times. J

When the show ended we wandered back over to the stage where I was able to get my picture taken with Sean and Rob.  Thanks guys for the picture and the amazing music.  You truly are the best!

What a fabulous end to a perfect day!  Tomorrow, Goat Races!!

Hey there Nerds!  I don’t know how many of you are acquainted with Shooter Jennings or Cody Canada (Cross Canadian Ragweed) and the Departed, but let me tell you, all of these guys kick ass!

A couple of weeks ago Eddie and I traveled out to Lancaster PA to see them all play at the Chameleon Club, a really cool little venue that every town should have.  We arrived at the club a little late due to a stop at the Lancaster Dispensing Company for some Nacho’s and delish Sierra Nevada Pale Ale’s.

Those nachos were outstanding, just like homemade.  Finished with our snack, we made our short journey over to the club where we found Shooter already playing.  Thinking we had missed The Departed we bellied up to the bar and ordered a round of Sierras then went over to watch Shooter finish his set.  Man did he ROCK!  When Shooter finished playing, the crew for The Departed started setting up shop, which is when we realized this night had taken a happy turn for us.  Shooter wasn’t the final act he actually opened for The Departed!  Our lucky night!  Needless to say, Eddie and I were very excited with the turn of events.  We’ve seen Shooter live a couple of times before and we’ve seen Cody Canada with Ragweed a few times before but never with The Departed.

As The Departed took the stage we knew were in for an amazing treat. All through the set Cody Canada and Seth James traded lead on vocals, from tunes that were mostly from their new album “This is Indian Land”, with a couple of Ragweed’s favorites in between.

While The Departed was on stage, Eddie noticed a familiar face walking around the club, watching the show. I heard: “Hey Chele, look over there… it’s Shooter!”  …HOLY COW! It was Shooter Jennings standing right there at the bar! As he was walked by, Eddie shook his hand, which opened the door for me to show off my nerdiness! Let me tell you that I nerded it up pretty good asking him if he would take a picture with me.  He was very sweet and friendly.  At this point we didn’t think the night could get better but it did.

The show ended with one of my all-time favorite songs by Ragweed, “Soul Agent”, performed by the awesome Jeremy Plato. There really is nothing like that song live.

I’m just going to tell you my Soulful Nerds, this show was off the charts!

With the show over, Eddie and I made our way to the lounge area where we could purchase some Departed swag and lounge back with another Pale Ale.  While sitting there chatting I noticed a familiar tan leather jacket standing at the t-shirt booth and said to Eddie “Isn’t that one of the singers?” to whom the singer replied “I am” and came over and sat with us!

It was none other than Seth James himself!!! We chatted about his travels and where we were all from and where he was headed to next… NY.  He was so nice and so soft spoken …crazy to imagine that he was the same person wailing out those awesome tunes on stage a few minutes ago.  Unfortunately Seth had to get on the road, but man, what an experience.

We departed the club shortly thereafter and walked back to our hotel smiles plastered on our faces.

This night was beyond FREAKIN AWESOME!!

The next morning we stopped at Yorgo’s for some snackables, which consisted of Bloody Marys’ and some yummy little Greek meatballs, before we hit the road to Victory Brewing!!!

HOT DAMN, we’re on our way to VICTORY!

We traveled through the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside from Lancaster to Downingtown in relatively good time arriving at Victory just in time for lunch.

Ah, Victory Brewing how I love thee, let me count the beers.

HopDevil! Yes please!

As we parked the vehicle and grabbed the triplets out of the back of the truck, oh, the triplets are our Victory Growlers that are always in dire need of a refill, we noticed the Victory Brew Pub On Wheels was all setup near the entrance and getting ready to smoke something awesome. Smelled so DELISH!

We entered Victory and bellied up to the bar where we enjoyed the display of all the wonderful beers on tap.  It was as if, we had arrived at our “Mecca”. I think I saw Eddie shed a tear at the bar, which is when I noticed the sky opening up to spread rays of joyous sunshine upon us.

I ordered a HopDevil, of course, and Eddie ordered a Hop Wallop as we perused the lunch menu and picked out a couple of personal pizzas.  I had the Stockyard, which was mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, roasted garlic spread and bell pepper slices and Eddie had the Smokestack Lightning pulled pork, caramelized onions, smoked jalapeño peppers, Conebella smoked cheddar and scallions over HopDevil barbeque sauce, both of which were amazing.  If you live in the area or find yourself in Downingtown for some reason, you must stop here.  Eddie and I joked that we could retire here one day. Not really but that’s a long ways off so who knows.

Finished up with our lunch we had to decide on which beers would fill our three little loveys.  It’s obvious to say that HopDevil made the list, with Hop Wallop following in second. The decision for beer number three was a tossup between Alla Spina Novello and Saison Du Buff.  We sampled and loved both but the Alla Spina won out.

With our bellies and the triplets full and a couple of HopDevil t-shirts in our possession, we made our way back outside for the journey home.  At the truck we secured our little packs of deliciousness into their seatbelts; safety first. 

The ride home was pretty uneventful due to mass amounts of traffic on the highway but we made it safe and sound happily recalling the day and the night before, another successful adventure behind us.

Until we meet again my fellow Nerds,

Peace, love and soul.