Im going to be in Mt Angel for training today and tomorrow, so expect my updates to be as lame as yeasterdays.
Yesterday I was back in Mt Angel for the first time since middle school, the first time I’ve been there since I turned 21. So where does a brewer go for lunch when in Mt Angel. Well I thought they went to the Mt Angel Brewery. Turns out it’s been closed for a bit though. Man do things change in a few years (ok so maybe like 8-10 years isnt a few, but heh).
Anyway,
For some reason when I found out I had to be in Mt Angel yesterday I thought I’d ride my bike. It would give me a chance to do a decent distance, on flat terrain, and would be fun. Problem was I wasn’t sure how long it would take me. Not remembering the terrain though, and guessing the distance from my memories of going up there with my dad I deduced at least 2 hrs would be necesary, I upped it to 2 and a half would be safe, and gave myself an hour onto that for lunch. So I left around 9:30 am to head up there, and rolled in to Mt Angel around 10:30 am…… There’s nothing to do in Mt Angel at 10:30 am. Heck the pubs don’t even open till 11.
So what does a beer lover do to kill 2 and a half hours in a town with nothing open. A beer lover rides out and visits the hop fields. Turns out it was time to twist the vines at the particular field I was at and I enjoyed watching people work on something that may eventually end up in my beer. In fact I took some pictures of the hop field….. While standing on the grounds of a seminary! Oh what fun it is to tempt lightning to strike you down on a sunny day.
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Oh yeah, Even with Mt Angel Brewery closed I managed to find at least one decent non import/non Coors beer. Glockenspiel had it on tap and it was called Celtic Copper Ale from Cascade Brewing. It was a pretty good beer, that is until I found out I had to give a urin sample for work right after drinking it. Good thing I wasn’t on the clock yesterday.
Tags: Cascade Brewing, Celtic Copper, Mt Angel
Glad you’re back visiting Mt. Angel! I’ve been to a couple of these places recently, and can give you my report on their beers, but must confess that I am a big fan of the dark German beers which are wonderfully available at most places in town. Because I enjoy the Spaten beers so much, I would always recommend trying to have lunch (the Brat-n-a-Beer special) at Mt.Angel Sausage Company, but that’s my German roots showing. Frank-N-Stein’s Pub has recently been serving a nice Widmer “W ’09” Golden Ale on draft, on their rotating seasonal tap, amidst the usual domestic lagers, and I think they intend to always keep one or more Northwest seasonals on draft year-round. Frank-N-Stein’s has good food as well, of the inexpensive burger/tacos/fish-and-chips type. The Bavarian Haus restaurant has a good selection of beers also, which seems equally split between German beers/Domestic beers/Northwest microbrews, and their food is wonderful! Glockenspiel is a wonderful fine dining experience, and I’m always grateful to see they have a fine selection of beers available to accompany your meal. Come back and visit again soon! –Bob
Hey Bob,
Thanks for your comment. The attitude of Mt Angels people is what makes Mt Angel such an enjoyable experience. Just this morning I ate at that little cafe on the left as you come into town. The people were friendly, and one of the priests from the church who was drinking coffee had a chat with me. I’ve experienced nothing but friendly people, both these last two days and back in middle school. I rode by Frank-n-Steins pub yesterday, and had been planning to go today, but with a half hour lunch today I just settled for a brat at Mt Angel Sausage. I have to forgo beer with lunch this week, which is dissapointing. Company won’t allow me to have any alcohol in my system period while on the clock. I understand the policy, but I don’t like it. I think I’ll swing by the Bavarian House after tomorrows training since so many people recomend it. Although I like some German beers, Spatten just doesn’t tickle my fancy. Ironic since it’s more common than Coors there.
Yay for rolling out there on two wheels! We’ll be riding out that way soon…we’ve been passing the cutoff sign for “Mt. Angel, 4 Miles” each Saturday morning, and keep saying ‘we need to get out there next time,’ so next time, I think we will.
Good ride.