Friday was Eli's 36th birthday. We made plans to head to the Amana Colonies since neither one of us had ever been there, and then to Backpocket Brewery for supper. My parents were so kind as to watch all four boys for us for the day! Such a treat!
We had to get the van washed before heading out. He looks so excited, doesn't he? If you could have heard the boy screams coming from our vehicle because of the soap shooting at us, you would understand.
And a pre-date photo-op.
It was a bit of a long haul to the Amana Colonies, but it was nice seeing different country. Not knowing what to expect when we arrived, we found a parking spot behind one of Ye Olde Shoppes and started walking.
My first impression...have you ever seen the movie "The Village"? I couldn't get that out of my head the whole afternoon! The colonies were settled in 1855 by German Pietists who had fled Germany under persecution by the government and the Lutheran Church. The Amana Colonies are famous for Amana Refrigeration and various handcrafted items.
We went into an antique shop for our first stop. We quickly realized this wasn't exactly our scene. Especially not for Eli. I love history, but this was history pumped up by consumerism. The prices of things were outrageous...or maybe I've just been spoiled by my junk hunting and thrift shopping?
$395. Shop your favorite museum today!
Nope, outrageous. I tried to get a picture of a $145 framed pastoral print, but I was starting to get dirty looks from the proprietor. We beat a hasty retreat. While Eli stopped at the visitor's center I decided to sneak into a quilt shop, hoping to find a clearance section.
No such thing. I did find a stack of fat quarters for $90 before Eli found me. Don't get scared now.
Eli said it was straight out of a horror movie.
We needed a plan. There are a number of wineries and micro-breweries in the area, so we skipped the antiques and followed the alcohol signs. Our day turned into a beer and wine tasting tour.
The beer maiden rolled her eyes at me when I refused a draft after my samples, and I sheepishly followed my husband out to the beer garden. I'm sure my Irish and German ancestors did a quarter turn in their graves. We sat under the pergola by the mill stream while polka tunes blared from the speakers. Just looking at these photos gets "In Heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here" stuck in my mind again!
This winery was mostly gift shop, and specialized in sweet, syrupy wines. Think jelly mixed with alcohol.
White Cross Cellars was my favorite winery by far. They had a wide selection of sauces, dips, and other specialty foods. The wine was delicious and we received good advice on what foods to pair different wines with. We bought a couple bottles of Chateu Blanc and a chipotle cheddar dip mix. Next Friday we'll enjoy these with fish tacos.
Eli bought me an iced coffee to enjoy on our walk back to the van. This was my favorite part! I snapped some pretty shots on our way.
We headed to Backpocket Brewery, about another half hour drive. We took a seat out on the patio to enjoy the rest of the day in a bit more restful way.
Eli ordered the Meatza pizza and I the Caprese salad. After we ate we went inside and Eli picked out a couple birthday gifts.
Happy 36th Birthday to my soul mate and best friend!
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