On Saturday, July 25th we spent the evening at the Philadelphia Zoo attending the 2009 Summer Ale Festival. What a fun evening!!! While unsure as to what exactly to expect, we figured the evening would be fun as beer, food, and zoo animals were all included!
The Summer Ale Festival was from 6:30pm – 10pm held in the Philadelphia Zoo. We gave ourselves enough time to get parked and even figured we may be able to people watch for a bit. As we approached the front gates of the zoo however, we noticed how long the line was to enter and decided we best stand in line.
Once inside the zoo we were given beer glasses to use for our beer samples ((VIPers had glass, ours were plastic)) and a map that outlined the food and beer stations. Since we weren’t sure what stands had what we decided to not really waste time with our map and just meander through the park. Josh and I are suckers ((probably more me than Josh)) for the people in parks who take your photos that you can view them later at a stand. So of course we had our picture taken, and of course we purchased it!
Summer Ale 2009
Before going we were under the impression that the beer and food stands would be centralized in one location. Once we got there we realized that the beer and food stands were scattered throughout the zoo. This allowed us to view the attractions that were open while taste testing beer and local resturants. This was a very unique experience as we were able to taste test beer at the same time as taking pictures of some of our favorite animals.
Victory Brewing Company had a unique tasting where they served their Golden Monkey beer ((Yeah, Matt, you know what we’re talking about – the Golden Monkey – barf, but yum)) and banana bread. While it sounds disgusting, oddly enough it tasted very good! Better yet, the tasting occurred in the Monkey Exibit – how smart was that for Victory! Drinking Golden Monkey while watching Monkeys!
Another beer that we liked was Stoudts Brewing CompanyHeifer-In-Wheat ((look under their Seasonal beer selection)). Not only was this beer very smooth, it also had a cow on it’s label! Although can you believe they matched it with gazpachos!!
Our favorite beer, the Brawler, of the evening was from Yards Brewing Companylocated in Philadelphia. It was so good that we went back multiple times just for another small sampling. Hopefully sometime in the future we can visit their brewery as they are supposedly opening a resturant in the near future!
Next year we plan on attending the 2010 Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival, although this time Megan might end up being the designated driver! 🙂
Take a look at the pictures we took while at the 2009 Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Festival!
Mom said,
August 4, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Another nicely written interesting post.
Mom said,
August 5, 2009 @ 8:41 am
you guys are quite good at convincing others to try the fun things you have done. love the pictures in this post.
Michelle said,
August 5, 2009 @ 9:19 am
I for one hope Megan is past the “designated driver” stage a year from now!
Megs & Josh said,
August 5, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Michelle, We both are hoping the same!!!! 🙂 Still trying… 🙂
Dad said,
August 15, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Sounds like a fun thing to do. I liked the picture of Josh and the chimp. I will be nice!