Great thing about free time is you never really know what you’re going to end up doing, learning or seeing. One day last week when temperatures were not in the 30s, we left on foot toward South Perth (known for the Perth Zoo but not our chosen destination) with only exploring in mind. We reached the bottom of Kaarta koomba (Kings Park) bluff and had a busy freeway to navigate across. I saw a pedestrian overpass in one direction but Craig noted an unmarked cross walk the other. In Australia, you may already know but vehicles have the right away so crossing a freeway can be a very harrowing experience. So a sandy gritty walk to the overpass it was.
The overpass itself was noticeably immaculate, air conditioned and linked a three level parking lot (or car park) to The Old Swan Brewery - a beautifully restored red brick building on the riverfront visible from downtown (or CBD central business district) Perth. The old brewery ceased production in 1966 and is now condos, offices, a restaurant (Cooee) and a non-operational brew pub (why it is not open is beyond me - imagine a brick RVYC building in Stanley Park, Vancouver with a fully built out antique bar and you can walk along the seawall to get there).
Cooee’s patio looked out to the Swan River and seemed so zen we decided to stop for an iced dirty chai latte and banana bread (wondering where did the banana bread craze come from?). We voted this chai the best we’ve had ever.
Recharged and emptied bladders, we set off across the bridge. The salt water river was jammed with huge ominous jellyfish which made me wonder about efforts to rejuvenate the ecological health of the Swan River. Couldn’t find much online but hopefully someone’s concerned about it and taking action. Update - apparently the rise in water temperature is responsible for the increase in jellyfish. This guy is kinda gross and harmless but apparently very protective of the lighter coloured ones that do sting.
The waterfront park and walk on the south side was expansive and quiet. The condos along South Perth Esplanade (such inventive names) were a nice mix of decades of design and the grounds all well manicured. There’s a catamaran ferry (small seabus) that runs every fifteen minutes to the CBD for $2.30 each way. Once you reach the dock of the ferry, you’ve reached the hub of South Perth - felt a little bit like Edgemont. We wandered up through the Shopping Plaza (basically a lobby area) and onto the street and headed towards the park and the zoo, stopping a a quaint little museum. Apparently South Perth was joined to the rest of the city by the tram system back in the early 1900s, much to the dismay of some of its residents. In fact one person shot at the conductor and the tram when the situation reach its boiling point. And we saw the sketches of May Gibbs, former Perth resident who is famous for her gumnut babies tales and illustrations. Further on our walk, the zoo didn’t appeal enough to pay the entrance fee but we did learn of the hardy grass trees (balga) a staple of the aboriginals, which flower after bushfires and their sap mixed with charcoal and kangaroo poo makes a superglue resin (some dirty hands must have discovered that!). As well as the grass trees and the related information sign, I wanted to show the solar panels used as a covered shaded walkway up to the zoo entrance. How clever.
Wandering back through the shopping area, including some frivolous clothing try ons, we took note for future visits that some of the condos have monthly rental available. We discovered the Good Grocer (Urban Fare like) with all its healthy reasonable readymade food options. While we continued our walk along the seawall, it was reaching the high for the day of 29. Up ahead a sandwich board sign caught my eye about a driverless vehicle test being conducted by RAC (Royal Automobile Club like BCAA or AMA) so we signed up for it in the hopes of escaping the heat.
The 11 seater electrical bus (equipped with ceiling straps for more standing passengers) has been gathering data since 2016 (7 years!) on a programmed route between the riverfront and The Old 1835 Mill (more on that later maybe). This route is about 2km and 1/2 hour return trip apparently using superior technology to Tesla. There were three buses manufactured but only one currently in daily operation except during lightning storms. I’m wondering why there’s not more of these on the roads gathering data and why there’s not enough data gathered after 7 years to show the ideal options for the safe use of this technology. Hospitals, public park maintenance, airports all seem reasonable places to use these autonomous vehicles to transport people safely. Apparently legislation is blocking further expanded use of them. Wondering how reactionary human operators could be viewed as safer than these emotionless and egoless programmed electric vehicles operated at optimally efficient speed.
Our surprise day ended with a riverfront dirty martini happy hour and quinoa salmon salad for dinner and a driver operated ferry and bus ride for our return trip back. Who knew what this 15k step day would bring.
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Located on Bridge Street in Dublin, The Brazen Head first opened its doors in 1198, making it Ireland's oldest still-operating pub. Photography By Gacro74, Alamy
8 of Europe’s Best Beer Cities Beyond Munich
From an Iconic Brewery in Dublin to a Beer Spa in Budapest, There’s Plenty More For Beer-Lovers to Discover in Europe Beyond Munich’s Oktoberfest.
— By Tamara Hinson | September 17, 2024
While Oktoberfest may be Munich’s biggest crowd-puller, it’s not the only European city suited to a beer-themed break. Whether it’s the Polish city with statues of beer-drinking gnomes or an up-and-coming craft-brewing hotspot in Sweden, we’ve got the lowdown on eight European cities that are perfect for a hop-scented break.
1. Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Dublin is the home of Guinness, so it’s no surprise that the Guinness Storehouse is the city’s most popular landmark. Hands-on experiences provide the opportunity to improve your pint-pulling technique at the Guinness Academy, learn about aromas and flavour nuances during tasting masterclasses and the chance to snap a selfie that’s then imprinted onto a pint. Other beer-related hotspots worth a visit include Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which opened in 1198, and Rascals Brewing Company. Tour this pint-sized brewery for copious samples of its weird and wonderful tipples, such as the silky Cherry Cola Ale made with cherry, vanilla and a hint of spice.
2. Pilsen, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Pilsen is the birthplace of pilsner, a German-style beer created by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in 1842. He brewed his first batch at Pilsner Urquell, the Czech Republic’s largest brewery. Tour highlights include a visit to the brewery’s historic cellars, which stretch for almost six miles. Other Pilsen hop-spots include the 15th-century Brewery Museum, filled with ancient brewing tools, Gambrinus Brewery, brewers of one of the most popular beers in the country, and the Purkmistr Beer Spa for a chance to soak in a bath filled with beer.
Pilsen is home to the German-style beer pilsner and ancient brewery museums. Photograph By MB Photo, Alamy
3. Lille, France 🇫🇷
For undeniable proof of Lille’s historic connections to brewing, head to its cathedral, which features a spectacular stained-glass window dedicated to Saint Arnold, the patron saint of hop-pickers. You’ll find countless microbreweries in Lille’s city centre, the majority of which are located in the old town. Head to Singe Savant Brewery, where you can join brewing masterclasses, or a larger brewery, such as Goudale, famous for its top-fermented beers (beers fermented faster at a higher temperature). Tours offered by L’Echapée-Bière specialise in beer-themed explorations of Lille and its history.
4. Wrocław, Poland 🇵🇱
Located in the heart of a major hop-producing region, Wrocław takes its beer seriously, with records showing that the old town hall’s cellars were first used to store beer in the 1300s. Breweries worthy of being on your radar include Złoty Pies (meaning ‘Golden Dog’), where you’ll find a statue depicting a beer-drinking gnome outside. For some hoppy history, Browar Stu Mostów, founded in the 1500s, is known for its malty beers, while Piwnica Świdnicka dates back to the 1200s. Consider taking a tour of Prost (you’ll find yet another beer-drinking gnome near the entrance), one of the city’s first breweries, for a beer-tasting masterclass.
Several breweries in Wrocław feature statues of beer-drinking gnomes. Photograph By Konrad Zelazowski, Getty Images
5. Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
Belgium brews more than 700 types of beer, all of which you can learn about at the Beer Museum of Schaerbeek, which focuses on the history of the craft. Top breweries include the Brussels Beer Project’s Port Sud taproom, home to the city’s largest beer garden with views overlooking the canal. For the wow factor, visit Delirium Café, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers served in one place — 2,004 — including several with ABVs of 40%. Brussels’ Grand-Place is a great place for a sundowner, and is also close to the famous Manneken Pis statue, which depicts a small boy answering the call of nature. On certain public holidays, the statue is hooked up to a keg, allowing passersby to quench their thirst with beer.
6. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
If simply sipping beer isn’t enough, consider Budapest — more specifically the Lukács Thermal Bath. Here, you can enjoy the popular beer spa, which involves sipping a stein while you soak in a barrel-like bath filled with thermal water, malt and hops. Alternatively, tour the city on its Beer Bus, where you can pull your own pint of Hungarian ale as you hop between breweries such as Élesztőház, which serves up some of Budapest’s top craft beers. For a swankier experience, head to the Continental Hotel Budapest’s ARAZ Restaurant for a meal that’s paired with various beers to match each course.
7. Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
Cologne is the birthplace of Kölsch beer, a golden ale served in 0.2-litre glasses, invented in 1902 by the Sünner Kölsch brewery. Today, it’s served by most of the city’s breweries, including the Haus Töller, which was founded in the 1300s. To learn more about the city’s historic connections to brewing, visit the Brauwelt brewery, which has been producing beer using water from its own well since 1830. Need a room? Stay at the Hotel zur Malzmühle, where curved headboards are designed to resemble the beer barrels that have shaped the city’s identity.
Kölsch beer is served by most of the Cologne's historic breweries, dating back to the 14th century. Photograph By Mauritius Images GMBH, Alamy
8. Gothenburg, Sweden 🇸🇪
Breweries have existed in Gothenburg since the city was founded in 1621 and its beers went on to develop a global fanbase by the 1700s, when they were among the items exported to the Far East by the Swedish East India Company. Today, Gothenburg’s brewery scene is thriving, with more than 40 craft breweries offering beer-tasting experiences and tours along with various restaurants and tap rooms, too. The best way to visit them is via the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which departs from Järntorget square every Saturday. The tour takes in several breweries, including Spike Brewery, known for its flavour-packed tipples such as the coconut and coffee-flavoured Doppler Effekt. Another reminder of Gothenburg’s slightly unusual approach to beer is Ivans Pilsnerbar, a bar specialising in pasta, pilsner and art.
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Colorado Sake Co.
Colorado Sake Co. is Denver's leading sake brewery and restaurant, offering a diverse selection of premium traditional and flavored sakes, including the world's first sake seltzer. Along with an innovative Japanese-inspired menu, we provide a unique dining experience combining sushi and sake. Located in the heart of the RiNo district, we strive to deliver exceptional food and beverages with a focus on craftsmanship and quality.
Website:
https://www.coloradosakeco.com/
Address:
3559 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80205
Phone Number:
720-449-6963
Business Contact Email ID:
Business Hours:
Mon – Thurs:05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
Fri :04:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sat :12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sun :10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
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