Bulldogs Bulldog Beer & Wine located at 2447 Park Rd in the Dilworth area of Charlotte is not your typical watering hole, but one step inside and it will keep you coming back time and again.

We first experienced this joint at a recent beer festival during craft beer month. They weren’t technically open, but the staff was on hand as well as the big boss (Rob) and their uber-friendly Bulldogs: No bark and all love.

The setup is like visiting your best friend’s converted garage. Almost a man-cave feeling going on here that includes a very large bar area. The bar itself probably seats 30 or so patrons and includes TVs to keep you constantly entertained. The seating area just off the bar is complete with whiskey barrel-styled tables and simple metal stools. You can’t fit a large group around a barrel, but a few folks can gather in small groups to sip on one or several of the rotating local craft brews they have on tap .

The Buzz at Parkway Brewing Co. ~ Salem, VA

We passed through Roanoke Valley on our way back to Charlotte after our week long Virginia Brewery trek. Along the way folks told us we could leave Virginia with at least popping by the Parkway Brewing Company at 739 Kessler Mill Rd in Salem, VA. We had already visited half a dozen or so breweries that day and Parkway wasn’t so far off the beaten path to cause any consternation. So we twisted our arms and took a detour to check it out.

The Visit to the National White Water Center ~ Charlotte, NC

We took a trip out to the National Whitewater Center, just west of Charlotte, to see what all the fuss was about. This outdoor enthusiasts theme park offers everything for the big kids, including hiking, mountain biking, ziplines, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and of course whitewater kayaking.

Even better, once you’ve had your fill of the sun and fresh air, you can kick back and have great Carolina craft beer while watching others overcome their obstacles and activities of choice.

May 24, 2016