travel

The Bank Hilton Head Island

July 10, 2023 by Rachel Leave a Comment

We recently visited Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and we were lucky enough to check out the hottest new place on the island. The Bank on Hilton Head Island is a must-see for everyone planning on visiting. From date nights to family pizza nights, The Bank should be your new go-to spot.

About The Bank Hilton Head Island

The Bank, which is located on Pope Avenue just before Coligny Plaza, houses various types of food and drink in an actual former bank — vault and all!

The location is spacious. Inside there are long tables meant to fit overlapping parties of guests. It’s a food hall type vibe with open seating. And? it works! We made friends with several people who popped down next to us.

There are two indoor places for ordering. Food orders can be placed on one side for Bank Heist Burgers, Pizza Co (which is wood-fired pizza made fast), and Mo’ Money Tacos.

The other side of the indoor space features Side Hustle Brewing. There is limited space at the bar for seating. But there are many other beautiful spots to find a seat throughout the building.

Side Hustle Brewing

Side Hustle Beer Company used to be located on Arrow Road in Hilton Head (at a much smaller location). Moving into The Bank provides them with so much more space to make their incredible beers.

The bar for Side Hustle Brewing has an extensive draft list. And, if beer isn’t your thing, they offer wine and mixed drinks, too. Just line up at either side of the bar and someone will take your order. If it’s too busy inside, head outdoors to the Outdoor Beer Garden.

The Outdoor Beer Garden features many of the same Side Hustle brews, plus you’re in close proximity to the live music, fire pits, and games.

Hungry? There are lots of options.

The Banks has somewhat of a ‘food hall’ vibe. Here are your options:

Bank Heist Burgers
Mo’ Money Tacos
Pizza Co.

All things considered, there’s something for everyone! But, I have to admit, the pizza is incredible! Truly.

Also, order the chicharones. For real. They’re delicious.

Other important (and not so important info)

The Bank leans heavy on the puns. From drinks named “Strategic Risk,” to burgers called “The Bandit.” The puns are always present.

The Bank is a cashless venue. Yep, that means that a place called the bank doesn’t actually handle cash. Crazy? Maybe. But, it keeps things simple.
Hours are 11 am to 11 pm. No outside food is allowed, but there are plenty of options if you’re hungry.

The entire place is family/kid-friendly. But, there is a specific spot called the Family Zone. The Family Zone is a place made for small kids. But, the whole place is truly family friendly (as are most breweries).

Family or not, there are tons of backyard-type games available outside. There’s cornhole, giant yard jenga, giant connect four, and more!
Even if you’re not staying nearby, The Breeze Trolly stops just outside The Bank (stop # 10!).
Plenty of on-site parking is available. But, there is also plenty of space to park (and lock) your bikes.

Regardless of what day (or time of day) you visit, The Bank is sure to be a fun time.

The Bank – website
59 Pope Ave.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Hours: 7 days a week, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Video of exactly what you can expect on a trip to The Bank

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Tips for Going On a Camping Trip with a Baby

July 16, 2020 by Rachel 23 Comments

What’s more exciting than taking your toddler or baby on their first camping trip? It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy, have fun, and bond over a hot campfire and roast marshmallows. Camping also so happens to be one of the few ‘safe’ ways we can travel and explore right now. Whether you’ve just started camping, or you’re an expert, there are a few ways to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Here are my tried and true tips for going on a camping trip with a toddler or baby. Let’s make that camping trip with a baby a success!

Do Weather Research

When going on a camping trip with a toddler or baby, you need to be conscious about the weather. Young children are super vulnerable to weather conditions. It wouldn’t be fun to spend the camping trip huddled inside the tent. Doing some basic research will help you in the long run!

Do a Test Run

When you feel that you’re ready and everything has been prepared, do a camping test run in the backyard. That way you’ll be able to catch if there are any snags with the camping gear. It will also be a test run for your toddler or baby to spend the night in a tent.

Bring Familiar Toys

If your toddler or baby is uncomfortable, giving them with a familiar toy will make them happy and calm them down. Only take a couple of familiar and favorite things. By giving your child their favorite toy, you’ll be keeping them busy — and it will give you more time to prep the campsite!

Do Your Research on the Location

As any parent knows, kids (especially young ones) are naturally curious. So if they see wild berries, they might try to eat them. As soon as you get to the campsite, make sure to check for any harmful plants, like wild berries. If you do find any harmful plants, make sure to warn your toddler about them. In addition to warning them, you need to check up on what your toddler eats at all times. Especially if they have the tendency to wander off!

Choose a Campsite With Lots of Activities

Toddlers are filled with energy, so they need to be kept busy. If you only sit around the campsite all day, they’ll surely get bored quite fast- and naughty! When there are many activities at your campsite, your toddler will have a wonderful experience and they’ll definitely want to come back again the next year. It’s best to plan these activities in advance to avoid potential disagreements with family members once at the campsite.

Take a Mat for Crawlers

If you have a young child that’s still in the crawling stage, make it a priority to take a large enough mat for them. It will stop them from crawling in the dirt and potentially hurting their tiny hands. If you have a pack and play, that works as well!

Take a Headlamp

To avoid your little one getting scared at night, and to keep them calm while you move around the campsite- take a headlamp with. A fun headlamp would also be fun for them, as well as aid in reducing the anxiety that the darkness may cause.

Take Sunscreen and Bug Spray

You may be able to stand a sunburn, or a few mosquito bites- but your toddler or baby on the other hand may not. Especially if your child hasn’t had a sunburn or been bitten before. If they experience such a thing, it may cause them distress to a certain degree where they would end up avoiding camp. Young children are quite vulnerable to the sun’s rays, so take the necessary precautions like keeping your child in the shade. When you buy sunscreen and bug spray make sure that you buy the right ones- such as ones that are made with natural oils and don’t contain DEET.

Put the Electronics Away

Once you get to the campsite, put the electronics away. If you give your toddler or baby a cell phone or tablet to keep them busy, the whole purpose of going on a camping trip would be defeated. Only bring your camera along to snap photos during outdoors family time.

Pay Attention to Children Near the Campfire

It’s easy to assume that your child knows not to go near the campfire. But the truth is they don’t. If you’re not mindful of what your toddler or baby is doing when they’re by the campfire, don’t be surprised when you see them going straight for it! If you plan on having a fire, sit and tell your child that they can sit near it, but they remain seated in a designated spot. Of course, you still need to keep an eye on your child just the same.

PIN FOR LATER:

Tell me — what tips would you give to parents going camping with young children?!

Hilton Head Island Travel Tips + Must-Sees!

October 27, 2019 by Rachel 47 Comments

My first trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina was just over 2 years ago. From the moment we returned home, we’ve been dreaming and planning our next trip to Hilton Head. Now considering myself a semi-pro at Hilton Head, I want to provide you with all of my go-to places and must-sees! Check out these Hilton Head Travel Tips!

One thing that was set well in advance was our condo for the week. We stayed at Seacrest Villas, directly on the North Forest Beach, and just steps away from Coligny Plaza.

Our condo was beautiful. It was three-bedrooms, 3-baths, and had a full kitchen and dining room — plus TWO balconies! It was truly gorgeous! And part of me — the super mom part of me — could have had just that and nothing else for an entire week. No responsibilities; not our house; no laundry and cleaning — just that for a week.

But there was so much to do!

Annie O’s Kitchen

We discovered this place by pure chance. We found ourselves upon a child-free evening and had not at all planned it out. Where would we go alone!? Well, a google search later and the results… showed a bunch of other places. But I happened to see the description of this restaurant — their meats, dairy, and eggs, are all-natural and cruelty-free. There are no antibiotics, no preservatives, no pesticides, and sustainable. Basically, totally our wheelhouse.

I had the Chicken and French Toast (what a fun play on chicken + waffles!) and Chad got the flash-fried whole flounder with collard greens.

We absolutely loved the atmosphere and the vibe from the staff. They were incredibly hands-on — the chef even came by to deliver our meals to the table. The cornbread? Bomb. The sweet tea? SO bomb. The desserts?! OMG I can’t even!

After our dining experience, we convinced the whole family to join us for a ‘last hurrah’ dinner at Annie O’s. And the whole extended family all said, hands down, the best food we had during the whole trip!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Join their VIP Club to receive special deals like BOGO 50% off entrees. And make a reservation before you go!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Somewhat. The atmosphere is less appealing to children, but the waitstaff and other employees were super friendly to the kids.

DETAILS: Annie O’s Kitchen. 124 Arrow Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 341-2664

Coligny Splash Pad

The beach, the pool… they can be… exhausting for parents. There’s just so much sand and ‘stuff,’ that kids need. This splash pad was a perfect break for all of us. Located near Coligny Plaza, the splash pad is just off the beach and easily accessible.

Our kids had a blast running in and out of the fountains — and even made a couple of friends! I suggest hitting the splash pad first thing in the morning before the sun really starts beating down on the kids. But, in case you find yourself there a little later, just know that it does have a little overhead shade, thanks to the awesome trees!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive first thing in the morning for the least amount of overcrowding.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: 100%!

DETAILS: Coligny Beach Park. 1 N Forest Beach, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Skull Creek Boathouse

My sister insisted that we go here. We were having a rough day with the kiddos and I didn’t have even a second to check out the menu ahead of time. But I’m so happy that I put all of my trust in her with this restaurant decision!

When we arrived shortly after 5 PM, the place was already packed with an hour wait for outside seating. As much as we wanted to sit outside, we were also dealing with a time limit thanks to the kiddos bedtimes! Instead, we opted for an immediate high-top table inside. Believe it or not, they have highchairs for the high-top tables, so they could easily accommodate two infants.

Our meals were delicious! I ordered the fried fish and chips and a big side of hush puppies (because, yum!). And Chad ordered a lobster rice bowl that tasted amazing.

My sister and her husband loved the Lowcountry boil — and I had some serious food envy of them!

After our meal, we headed to the dock to check out the views. On the other side of the dock there is a beautiful outdoor beer garden with picnic tables, sandboxes for kids, and giant connect four games. The live music was a young guy playing guitar and singing up on stage. It was the perfect way to spend an evening!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive early and be prepared to wait if you are looking for outdoor seating. But also enjoy that time in the beer garden while you wait!
The restaurant will text you when your table is ready!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Really family-friendly! Each child will get to pick a prize from the treasure box after the meal. The outdoor beer garden is the perfect place for parents to spend a relaxing evening with young kids.

DETAILS: Skull Creek Boathouse. 397 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
(843) 681-3663

Java Burrito

We stopped here, first and foremost, for the Java. But I was so impressed by the food setup that I had to come back later in the week to try it out. It’s nestled in a business park on William Hilton Parkway, so you almost have to go searching for it, but I promise it’s worth it!

Their coffee bar is definitely high-end, specialty coffee, with a huge clientele that prefers a pour-over (hello!? LOVE pour overs!). But they also offer cocktails for those customers who are going to hang out in the cool café for a bit!

As far as the food, they offer Mexican-style burritos and bowls with ingredients that are locally sourced, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yep – they do breakfast burritos with farm-fresh eggs!

I opted for a burrito with chicken, rice, beans, queso, and guacamole. As someone that frequents other fast-casual burrito places, I can tell you that this was far superior to the rest of them. The freshness is something that you can taste!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Take a look at the menu online ahead of time so that you have an idea of what you want to order. Definitely order coffee, too!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Yes, for a quick family meal. But not for lounging around.

DETAILS: Java Burrito. 1000 William Hilton Pkwy Suite J6, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.
(843) 842-5282

Duck Donuts

So I realize that this is a franchise location and not a native Hilton Head Island thing… but for those of us who do not live near a Duck Donuts, checking this out while we’re on the island is KEY.

See, I have a love affair with donuts. I like them fancy and I like them plain — I don’t discriminate! Ha!

These donuts are served up fresh out of the fryer! We customized our order of a dozen and a half so that we could basically try all of them. Somehow a single plain old fashioned donut ended up in our pack. And I swear to you that is the best darn old fashioned, plain old donut, I have ever had!

(Good news, Ohio friends — there are several Duck Donuts locations open, including Polaris, Pinecrest, and soon-to-be, Summit Mall!)

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Prepare to wait in line — this place is popular!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very! The kids have fun watching the donuts being made.

DETAILS: Duck Donuts. 890 William Hilton Pkwy #70, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 842-3825

Frosty Frog

This little dive of a frozen cocktail bar is located in Coligny Plaza and features about 25 different frozen daiquiri combinations such as a Hurricane, Grape Danger, Sex on the Peach, Piña Colada, and Jungle Juice! Real Talk: They put all of their drinks, daiquiri or not, in styrofoam to-go cups — whether you’re eating in or taking food to go. Also, you’re allowed to walk with the open container anywhere within Coligny Plaza.

We took our daiquiris to go and walked around the plaza a few nights. They were so delicious! My favorites were Jump Start and Grape Danger.

After several visits, we decided to give their pizza a shot. And OMG it’s delicious! Like, really good and the slices are, as Ari would say, GINORMOUS!

HILTON HEAD TIPS: If there are more than 3 of you ordering daiquiris, save yourself a few bucks and order a gallon to-go. It’s the most cost-effective way to sip some frozen yummies!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Not very. We saw a lot of children with their parents, but it’s really more of a bar than anything else.

DETAILS: Frosty Frog Cafe. 1 N Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 686-3764

Lowcountry Backyard

Located in Palmetto Dunes, this gem of a restaurant serves up local cuisine with some serious Lowcountry flair! We arrived just before 4:30 PM, which is when they open for dinner service. We were quickly greeted with two other families awaiting the dinner ‘bell’! Great minds (and early bedtimes for babies — likely)!

The atmosphere in the outdoor seating area is awesome. There’s giant Jenga, a hillbilly golf set, a giant porch swing, and a stage for the nightly solo performances.

Our food did not disappoint. Between the fried green tomatoes, the shrimp and grits, crab dip, and grilled pimento cheese sandwiches, we left… ~~satisfied~~ very full.

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Arrive right when they open to avoid a wait. Sit outdoors.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very. There is so much to keep the kids entertained, between the games, the music, and the mason jars with lids as sippy cups!

DETAILS: A Lowcountry Backyard. 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #4A, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-9273

Pirates of Hilton Head

My husband took our four-year-old on this adventure, just the two of them, as a special treat. The Pirates of Hilton Head is an excursion in Harbour Town (near the lighthouse!) on The Black Dagger! The kids, which range in age from 3-10, in groups of about 20 children (max), learn to speak like pirates, get tattoos, and takedown Stinky Pete with water cannons! Ari had such an amazing time and came home with enough gold doubloons to last him a lifetime! We will definitely be hitting this up with every visit.

HILTON HEAD TIPS: Check Groupon and other discount sites to see if they have any deals first (they did for us!). Also, make sure you plan to spend some time in Harbour Town because there’s a $6 fee to be in the area, but you will have in-and-out privileges all day. Final tip — wear a small backpack and bring plenty of water and snacks.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY RATING: Very much so! Especially for kids 3 and up!

DETAILS: Pirates of Hilton Head. 149 Lighthouse Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-7000

We will certainly be making Hilton Head our go-to vacation spot from here on out. I can’t wait to visit all of these places again! Make sure you pin this for later! xo

8 Tips For The Perfect Day Trip to Great Wolf Lodge

August 21, 2019 by Rachel 28 Comments

It’s nearly the end of Summer and here in the Midwest, that can only mean one thing — snow is just around the corner! While some may think that being in the Midwest means constant cold through the Winter months, the exact opposite can — and is! — true!

Did you know that Great Wolf Lodge now offers Day Passes for those who want to visit without staying in their hotel accommodations?

We recently took a day trip to our Sandusky Great Wolf Lodge to check it out. What we came back with was a SUPER good time and a LOT of tips for those planning a day trip for themselves.

Here’s what you need to know about a Day Trip to Great Wolf Lodge:

Arrive Early.
The waterpark hours change seasonally, so be sure to check your locations’ hours.
Arrive just when the waterpark is opening to avoid a rush. The folks who have stayed overnight are not yet up. Plus, that days’ check-ins haven’t arrived yet either.
Leave the towels at home!
The waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge has towels available for guests to use, so it’s not necessary to pack yours from home.
Have a plan for meals.
A day of fun at the waterpark will leave your children with a seemingly insatiable hunger. The good news is that GWL has a lot of options.
There are options for seated dining, quick dining in the park, and other options (like pizza!) in the resort itself.
As a family of 5, it was most cost-effective to just order a large pizza and a couple of sides for lunch. I kid you not, my picky eaters finished the. entire. pizza! Bonus points? It truly was delicious.
Check the daily schedule for activities.
Scheduled events range from character appearances to storytime. The event calendar changes daily, so check your location’s website for the can’t-miss land attractions. It will help to give a break from the water attractions.
Rent a locker.
Without a room to leave your belongings in, the easiest way to ensure that our belongings were safe while we were enjoying the attractions was to rent a locker.
The lockers were on-site in the waterpark, easily accessible, and made me feel so much better about the safety and security of my valuables.
Leave the puddle jumpers at home!
The waterpark is equipped with both lifevests and puddle jumpers for kids of all ages and sizes, so there is no need to bring any floatation devices from home.
Obviously, a lifejacket or puddle jumper doesn’t mean a child is 100% safe in the water (they never are — and you should always watch your children around water), but it does provide some small sense of relief regarding having a child in the water and on the water slides.
Wear sandals or flipflops.
Putting your shoes on and off to go between the waterpark and dry activities will definitely happen and there’s a fairly good chance you won’t be completely dry. I suggest wearing shoes such as flipflops or sandals.
Be prepared for exhausted children.
At the end of the day, your children will, without a doubt, be exhausted. Be prepared for your children to sleep on the way home.

My final tip — HAVE FUN! Well, that’s honestly the easiest part, right?

Want more information? Check out Great Wolf Lodge for pricing on Day Passes and overnight accommodations.

Plan a Trip to Great Wolf Lodge on a Day Pass

Travel Tips // Getting Peace of Mind with Guardian Alarm

April 18, 2019 by Rachel 24 Comments

This post is sponsored by Guardian Alarm but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Well hello, spring! I feel like we’re finally pulling out of our season of hibernation and are about to enter the season of travel.

This Easter weekend we’ll be taking our first trip away from our new home since our big move in December. In anticipation of this trip, Chad and I decided it was time to get some peace of mind by having Guardian Alarm come out and install a security monitoring system.

Years ago (which seemed like another lifetime) I heard several stories from people who had just had a break-in. It was heartbreaking on so many levels. What was most rattling was that these people — often times parents with small children — no longer felt safe in their own homes. From that moment on, security has been a top priority. I never want to feel like my safe haven has been violated by a stranger.

When I contacted Guardian Alarm, they walked me through how the process would work — from beginning to end. We discussed areas of the home that I really needed to secure like all three doors, securing the hallway to alert us to potential intruders, and a camera to keep an eye on things.

I definitely want to protect my kids from potential intruders, but I also want to make our lives easier with home automation. So we decided to get the keyless entry deadbolt, a lamp module, and also a combination fire alarm/CO2 detector.

The installation process was so easy and wonderful. Our installer, Megan, walked me through the entire process step-by-step. I had so many questions about which was the ‘right’ way to secure our home. She took the time to answer all of the questions in depth. We even decided to separate the CO2 detector from the fire alarm (at her suggestion) so that we could assure our home would be it’s safest.

Thanks to Megan, the placement of the CO2 detector will immediately recognize as soon as there is a danger or threat to our family — and the monitored system will notify emergency services. It’s amazing.

But most importantly, when we travel this weekend I won’t worry about the fact that we have a very high-profile location. This house sat vacant for many years and I often hear people say “Oh you’re the people who bought that house! We always talked about buying it! It’s such a great location!” And they’re right. We’re right next to our sons’ elementary school.

Unfortunately, this means that there is a good amount of foot traffic, both for the school and the playground. There is a parking lot near the edge of our property. And we’ve noticed that people certainly like to cut through the drive. I plan on using the lamp dimmer switch to remotely turn off and on our living room light at key times during the day and evening and I’ll check in on the property with the camera just for a little bit of extra peace of mind.

Honestly, I can’t imagine entering into this busy season of life (with all of the travel, sports, and other various activities) without having a Guardian Alarm system to keep us all safe.

How do you

keep peace of mind

when you travel?

7 Ohio Breweries to Visit on National Beer Day

April 5, 2019 by Rachel 30 Comments

Did you know that this Sunday, April 7th, is National Beer Day? Well, I for one am here for it, friends! Anyway, to celebrate my love of hops and local breweries is something I can get excited for. And here in Northeast Ohio, we have so many incredible craft brewers and micro-breweries! I’ve rounded up a list of my favorites. Perhaps you should give one (or two) a visit this Sunday!

HiHo Brewing Company //

This is the local fave of many. Homebrewers turned pro-brewers, Ali and Jon have transformed the local craft beer market. They offer a wide variety of rotating taps as well as local craft soda from local brand Norka.

They run a small kitchen, which currently features meat and cheese boards, salads, and bread options (like a brewery pretzel and pepperoni roll) from the local Brimfield Bread Oven.

Soon enough they will have a full-service wood-fired pizza oven to round out their food offerings.

Bonus? They are offering Yoga On Tap this Sunday, April 7th at 10:45 am. For $15, you’ll receive a 60-minute yoga class led by the instructors from the Yoga Lounge in Hudson plus a post-flow beer (or coffee from Akron Coffee Roasters).

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

R. Shea Brewing //

In my humble brewery snob opinion, this is by far the best brewery around — and it is severely underrated. Ronald Shea is another home-brewer turned pro-brewer, operating out of a little spot on Merriman Road in the Valley of Akron.

They previously had partnered with local-legends of Diamond Deli to serve kitchen-fare, but have since spun off with their own homemade sandwiches and wraps. Truthfully, they are on par with the Diamond Deli sandwiches (and are well worth a visit to the brewery if beer isn’t your thing).

Ronald is currently documenting his journey at opening a second location in Downtown Akron on Facebook. As a previous employee of this area of Akron, I can tell you that this would be an incredible addition to the area. In the meantime, check out their taproom in the Valley and tell my favorite bartender, David, Rachel says hello.

Bonus? Compared to almost every other craft brewery, they are the most reasonably priced. They also offer a “sandwich of the week” for just $5.

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

Sibling Revelry //

This gorgeous and open brewery, located in Westlake, not only is home to some incredible beers (such as Cherry Wit, Siblime, and Quiet Hero), but they frequently partner with food trucks so that they can deliver what they do best — make beer.

If you head to the taproom you’ll be able to get a delicious flight of beers and try a variety of local food options (from Barrio to Burning River Bagels), making each visit different from the last.

Bonus? Their patio is super inclusive for those of us with babies and fur babies!

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

The Brew Kettle //

Want to try and make your own beer? There’s no better place to do it than the Brew Kettle in Strongsville. Not into brewing your own beer? Well, the good news is that they have their own lineup of awesome beers (I’m looking at you White Rajah).

They have two other locations — one in Amherst and one in Hudson — this brewpub is super accessible and a great way to dabble in craft beers for the first time.

Bonus? Their food menu is pretty good, too (try the smokehouse wings and the smoked turkey spinach salad — you won’t be sorry!).

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

Akronym Brewing //

This relatively new brewery is nestled into the bottom of the building that houses the parking deck for the library and the Akron Art Museum. It may seem like a strange location, but it’s honestly perfect and absolutely beautiful.

It’s definitely not huge inside the brewery, but it is a really contemporary space. Also, the name Akronym and the story of the brewery (go read it here) speaks to my nerdy soul in a serious way.

For those non-word nerds, there’s still plenty for you to enjoy — including, but not limited to, a wide array of award-winning craft brews and a patio that makes other breweries envious.

Bonus? The brewery regularly partners with Akron Yoga and Wellness for classes and they offer food via Any Thyme Any Plate (a delicious food truck) for brunch on the weekends.

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

Fat Heads Brewery and Saloon //

I feel like this should come with a disclaimer, but Head Hunter from Fat Heads is one of my favorite beers of all time. And the only thing better than a bottle of Head Hunter is getting it on tap at the brewery itself.

Established in 1992, the brewery exploded on the craft beer market. The original location has had to expand several times but is continuing to call Middleburg Heights home.

With the addition of their Canton location last year, you’re now able to enjoy Fat Heads Brewery whether you’re a “northerner” or a “southerner” in Cleveland!

Bonus? Catch the Balance + Brews team at the Middleburg Heights location monthly for a yoga class and post-flow brew!

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

Royal Docks Brewing Co. //

Part craft brewery, part British pub, this cozy spot is perfect for the craft beer foodie! Stop in for a Backyard Crusher or a Dare IPA and get to know the staff of this ‘neighborhood’ pub.

While you’re there, try out some of their signature flatbreads like the Royal Scotch Egg or The Castro. And if you are feeling adventurous, visit their brewery and cannery for a behind-the-scenes look at the process (which just so happens to be housed in an old roller rink).

Bonus? You can book your next event in their roller rink/cannery! Such a cool setting.

Follow them on social: instagram | facebook | twitter | website

Wherever you find yourself on National Beer Day, make sure you bring a friend, relax and unwind, enjoy the flight, and always drink responsibly.