Yellowstone Microbrews
As I mentioned earlier this week, Shaun and I spent the last week traveling through Wyoming and Montana on a Yellowstone Park adventure with the Humiston side of the family. Breathtaking views, wildlife at every turn, and whitewater rafting dominated our week in Yellowstone, and if you have the means, I highly recommend making the trip.
But when you're distracted by views like this...
and this...
well let's just say that food isn't exactly at the forefront of one's mind...even for me. I know, how can that even be possible? But let's just say that there were a lot of car snacks.
It was, however, the land of the microbrews. Whether lagers or pale ales, the great states of Wyoming and Montana were not without their locally brewed favorites. One of our favorites was Moose Drool Brown Ale. Since I'm immediately wooed by a quirky name and had made it my mission to see this elusive animal during the trip, this was a must try and became one of our favorites of the week.
On our first night in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we dined at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, serving up burgers and beer. With a bison and elk burger in our tummies, we also sampled the local brew, appropriately deemed Million Dollar Cowboy Bar Beer.
And since I just had to be different, I ordered the Snake River Pale Ale, named for the local Snake River. While I always enjoy a taste test, I also realized that pale ales are just not for me as their spiciness overpowers the simple beer flavor.
Once we got into Gardiner, Montana, we picked up a Grand Teton Blonde Ale. And yes, that is a naked lady on the label. But it was the first organic beer I've ever tried!
And how could I pass up a lunchtime regional brew like Rainier, mountain freshly brewed and on special for a mere $1.
All of this is not to say that I didn't indulge in some local fare, just a little bit. With barbecue grub at every turn, could you blame me? My favorite dinner consisted of tender beef brisket, sweet potato fries and sweet baked beans. It was enough to do a body good...and sleepy.
Aside from microbrews, barbecue and some car snacks including cashews, granola bars and craisins, the food was plentiful but took a back seat. In addition to the amazing natural views, we were constantly being followed around by furry creatures like this...
and this...
Seeing them roam free was enough to make even a major carnivore like myself contemplate vegetarianism.
So there you have it. A little round up of our favorite microbrews in and around Yellowstone Park as well as some gratuitous footage from the trip since, hey, it's some pretty decent eye candy, isn't it? And speaking of gratuitous, check out this last one of Shaun and me by the Yellowstone River in Montana.
Not too shabby, huh? But what I really want to know is, have you traveled this summer? Have you sampled the local eats? It's always my mission to get a feel for what the locals frequently dine on!
*For some more microbrew fun, check out my Antigua roundup!
4 Comments | August 11, 2010 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Microbrews, Yellowstone, local beer, travel | in Travel Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (4)
Hey Rach,
the photos are amazing, as I've said to you before. I love trying local eats as well, and I'm a huge fan of beer. Because of your posts, I have added two more destinations to my bucket list :-) Thanks for the inside tips and of course, the pictures. Great job!!!
Hey Rach,
the photos are amazing, as I've said to you before. I love trying local eats as well, and I'm a huge fan of beer. Because of your posts, I have added two more destinations to my bucket list :-) Thanks for the inside tips and of course, the pictures. Great job!!!
The views look amazing! My husband and I love local eats and really love local brews. It is such a refreshing break from the watered down US light beers.... Via Wyoming!!
Glad you enjoyed the post and the pics! Jenny C, I'd love to hear your list!