The Blog

Munich is one of Germany’s most popular tourism cities, just behind the capital of Berlin.

Of course, many people are drawn to the city’s famed Oktoberfest beer festival. But as the capital of Bavaria and Germany’s third-largest city, Munich has a lot more to offer. It has a history stretching back hundreds of years, adequate green space for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s a day trip away from notable attractions.

Here are nine compelling reasons why visiting Munich should be on your travel to-do list.

1. Rathaus-Glockenspiel

If you visit the Marienplatz—Munich’s central square—just before 11 AM or noon (or 5 PM during the summer months) don’t miss the chiming of the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. It’s been delighting audiences for over a century.

This giant clock puts on quite a show as it re-enacts two stories of Bavarian history that date back to the 1500s. The Glockenspiel features 32 life-sized figures of people and horses and 43 bells. After its display, visit a few of the many shops, restaurants, and bars that surround the square.

2. Surfers on the Eisbach

Munich is perhaps the only city in the world where you can surf (or watch surfers) on a man-made river that produces a serious wave. The Eisbach (meaning “ice river”) has attracted daredevil surfers for years, but began legally allowing them to test their luck on the feisty waters in 2010.

Shallow, cold, and fast, the Eisbach is suitable only for experienced surfers but spectators can enjoy the show from the overhead bridge. Located in the Englischer Garten (English Garden) park, the river often welcomes a long line of wave riders hoping to test their luck.

3. Deutsches Museum

Science and technology nerds will be in their element at the Deutsches Museum. It’s the world’s largest museum paying homage to scientific and technical knowledge. Over 65,000 square feet of space contains exhibits from the worlds of natural science, energy, communication, transportation, and more.

The museum features a replica of Spain’s Altamira cave with its Stone Age paintings, a planetarium, and glass blowing demonstrations. Some portions of the museum such as the aviation area are temporarily closed for renovations. Check with the website before you visit to make sure the exhibits you wish to see are open.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle

Technically, this famous fairy tale-like fortress is located outside of Munich but it’s not to be missed. Located about 60 miles away in Hohenschwangau, the inspiration for Disneyland’s castle was home to King Ludwig II and opened to the public after his death in 1886.

Up to 6,000 tourists visit Neuschwanstein daily during the summer months, so reservations are highly recommended.

5. The Autobahn

Have a need for speed? The Autobahn is still one of the world’s fastest highways, but it does come with some rules.

If you’re traveling near Munich or other major cities, speed limits do apply. Most city zones allow vehicles to travel between 50 and 80 mph.

Once you get further away from congested areas, the speed limits loosen up. There are many rules about driving on the Autobahn such as the fact that passing is allowed only on the left. You should learn how to drive internationally before pressing your pedal on Germany’s most famous roadway.

6. The Hofbrauhaus Munchen

At the most famous beer hall in the world, every day feels like Oktoberfest. The Hofbrauhaus has been serving up the city’s best brews since the 1500s. Lively entertainment and traditional German food are always on the menu at the 1,300 seat tavern.

Mozart was a regular when he lived around the corner, and credits visits to the Hofbrauhaus with giving him the energy to compose one of his operas. Order a glass of radler, which is a combination of beer and lemonade, along with the Munich veal sausages. It’s one of the best beer and food pairings you need to try.

The beer hall opens at 9 AM daily for those that like to start their fun early.

7. BMW Museum

Love vintage beemers and motorcycles as well as concept cars by your favorite German automobile brand? Then the exhibits at the car company’s headquarters will delight.

Two separate sections in the ultra-modern building highlight BMW’s history and what the future holds for the automaker. Book a premium tour, which gives you access to the BMW Plant, where you can see the cars in various stages of assembly.

8. Christkindlmarkt

You’re bound to find plenty of gifts to bring back home with you at Christkindlmarkt, Munich’s renowned Christmas market. Running from the end of November right through Christmas Eve (for those procrastinators) Christkindlmarkt offers plenty of handmade goods, meandering Santas, and glühwein (German spiced wine.)

A giant Christmas tree illuminated by 2,500 candles will surely keep a case of the humbugs away.

9. Oktoberfest

We can’t end a list of reasons to visit Munich without mentioning the most obvious one: Oktoberfest. This huge revelry party started as an excuse to celebrate a royal wedding back in the 1700s. We like the way the Germans think.

Oktoberfest officially runs from September 21 to October 6 this year. You’ll get to see the official tapping of the festival’s beer barrel by Munich’s mayor at noon on opening day. A traditional costume parade commences the following morning.

Then it’s nonstop beer, food, and music that will leave you uber-satisfied. Don’t forget to sample the most popular German dishes during Oktoberfest.

It’s best to plan your trip early for this one, and get a jump on shopping for traditional Bavarian clothing to bring.

Is Visiting Munich in Your Travel Plans?

Visiting Munich is something that everyone should do at least once during their lifetime. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re into fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, or delicious food and beer!

Here at Beekman Beer Garden, we love traveling the world in search of great beer. We also enjoy bringing you travel and food tips. If you’ve got the travel bug and would like to learn about more great places to visit, check out our world travel posts.

 

There’s a four-letter word shaking up the healthcare industry. No, it isn’t “diet.” Well, not exactly.

It’s “keto.”

Short for ketogenic, this is a regimen based on meals that are high-fat, moderate-protein and low-sugar. 

Heralded for its ability to help your body burn fat as quickly and effectively as possible, the keto diet has taken the world by storm, becoming the go-to plan for Instagram influencers, fitness stars, and your next-door neighbor, alike.

Are you interested in seeing how your body reacts to being in a state of ketosis? If so, read on. Today, we’re sharing five can’t-miss keto dinner ideas to help you get a taste of it!

Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!

Basics of the Keto Diet

In general, your body derives its fuel from one of two sources: glucose (blood sugar) or ketos.

When you limit your carbohydrates and sugars, you’re not giving your body the intake it needs to create the levels of blood sugar required for energy. Instead, it turns to your liver, which provides molecules called “ketones” from fat.

When your body’s fuel supply is derived primarily from fat, your fat stores become more accessible. Thus, the keto diet is popular among those looking to lose weight and stay fit.

Yet, it’s also known to improve mental clarity, reduce energy spikes, and curb hunger. 

While it might not be an ideal fit for everyone depending on your long-term health goals, it’s worth it to give this plan a try. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to prepare keto-friendly food that is both great for you and tasty. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Keto Lamb Chops with Lemon Herb Butter

Starting with room-temperature lamb chops. Next, cut a few slits into the meat to prevent the pieces from curling up when you cook them.

Season each chop generously with salt and pepper.

If you prefer to grill the meat, brush each piece with olive oil before placing it on the grill. If you’re frying it, use a pat of butter and dash of olive oil in the pan. 

The chops should take around three to four minutes to fry up. If yours is a little thick, expect to extend that time slightly. Lamb can be slightly pink in the middle.

Plate the chops with lemon wedges and herb butter, which can be created by mixing together the following:

• 5 ounces of room temperature butter
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

2. Egg Roll in a Bowl

This is one of the most popular keto dinner recipes around. In some circles, it’s also called “Crack Slaw.”

Along with being keto-friendly, this meal is also compatible with the Whole 30 and Paleo diets, as well.

To prepare it, heat up 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Next, add in four cloves of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of fresh, minced ginger (3/4 tablespoon if you’re using ground ginger).

Saute this mixture for about one minute. Then, mix in one pound of ground beef or turkey. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned throughout, for around 7 to 10 minutes. 

Cut your heat to medium and add in a bag of shredded coleslaw mix, along with 1/4 cup of coconut aminos (akin to soy sauce).

Stir everything together to coat it well. Put a cover on the skillet and let everything saute for around 1 minute. Then, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil and 1/4 cup of chives. 

3. Keto Shrimp Scampi

Worried you’ll miss your beloved pasta when following these keto meal ideas? Don’t fret!

The star of this dish is the ever-versatile summer squash, which serves as an excellent stand-in for traditional pasta. 

Using a spiralizer tool, cut two squash into pasta shapes. Spread the shapes in a single layer on a paper towel, and season with salt. Set it to the side for about 20 minutes, then blot the squash to remove excess moisture.

Next, in a frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the chicken broth for white wine.

Once this mixture reaches a light boil, add in 1 pound of deveined shrimp. Return to a simmer. When the shrimp begin to turn slightly pink, reduce the heat to low. 

Season the sauce as you prefer with salt and pepper. Next, add in your squash noodles and toss to coat everything together. 

4. Pesto Chicken and Veggies

One-pan dinners are ideal for busy weeknights. This is why this keto dinner is such a superstar. Plus, chicken is delicious, economical way to get in your lean protein. You can visit this website for another great keto spin on a classic chicken favorite. 

To prepare it, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips.

Sprinkle the thighs with salt, then add in 1/6 cup of drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook everything for about 10 minutes, flipping the chicken every so often to keep it from burning. 

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan, along with the sun-dried tomatoes.

To your pan of oil, add in 1 pound of asparagus, with the ends cut off. If your bunch is large, cut the veggies in half so they’ll cook more evenly. Season with salt, and add in another 1/6 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. 

Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the asparagus is tender. Remove the asparagus and put it on a plate.

Then, put the chicken back in the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of pesto and stir to coat. Remove it from heat once it’s thoroughly rewarmed. 

With the heat off, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes into the chicken mixture. Finally, add this mixture to the asparagus for a bright and colorful meal that’s a feast for both the belly and the eyes. 

5. Hamburger Veggie Soup

Hamburger in a soup? Where do we sign up?

This is one of those easy weeknight dinners you’ll be glad to have in your back pocket when everyone is rushing in a million different directions. 

To prepare it, brown 1 pound of ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Use a stock pot for this, as you’ll be filling it up!

To the pot, add 1.5 ounces diced onion, 1.5 ounces sliced green pepper, 1/2 ounce of diced celery, 32 ounces of chicken stock and 1 can of tomatoes and green chiles (14 ounces).

Simmer everything until the veggies become tender.

Add salt to taste, along with other seasonings including 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 pinch of Stevia powder.  

Then, stir in 5 ounces of cabbage, sliced. 

Simmer for about 20 minutes, until the cabbage becomes tender. Monitor your stock pot to see if you need to add any more water to thin the liquid out. 

Try These Keto Dinner Ideas Tonight

Hungry yet?

If these keto dinner ideas didn’t whet your appetite, you must have read them wrong! These options are packed with flavor and color and reveal that following this new plan doesn’t have to be a bland journey. 

Planning a getaway in the near future? Resist the urge to stray off course! Check out our tips on ways to stay on track with your diet while traveling. 

Each year, around 80 million Americans travel abroad.

With plane fares cheaper than ever before, visiting your dream destination is a possibility. 

But, before you go, why not come up with a moodboard to figure out what you want to do on your trip?

Using a moodboard is the best way to showcase your idea. Here is how to make a moodboard!

1. Where Will You Showcase Your Moodboard?

Before you even set pictures to moodboard, you need to figure out where you will showcase it. 

For example, will you cover your entire refrigerator to keep you on track to save money for this special trip?

Will you create a huge moodboard wall in your study, where you’ll plan the trip? Or, would you prefer to create a moodboard in a bullet journal or notebook?

Make your decision based on which will bring you more joy. Do you want to go big and bold or small, neat and transportable?

2. Find Your Medium

The next step is to gather your inspiration. Are you going to print images off from the internet (in which case Pinterest is a great place to start)? Or, are you going to pick up your pencils and draw?

A common way of creating a moodboard is by gathering many old magazines, newspapers and travel brochures together and cutting out inspiring images. 

If you’re using this method, start with a pair of scissors and begin cutting out every image which inspires you.

When you have all of your creative information in one place, you’ll know exactly what you want from your holiday and will be able to express this to others too. 

3. Stick with a Theme

When creating a travel moodboard, it can be easy to get pulled into the wonderful world of travel inspiration.

But, after you’ve had fun cutting out every single picture you like, it’s time to organize them! During this phase, you need to keep your theme in mind. 

If you’re creating a moodboard about Italy, make sure you don’t slip any Thai temples in there. Although they’re extremely beautiful, you won’t find any in Rome. 

By sticking with a theme, you’ll be able to communicate your vision much more easily with your travel companions.

4. Don’t be Afraid to Incorporate Words

When we think of moodboards, we often think of images. Do something unexpected and communicate with a few words. 

If Italy is your theme, incorporating beautifully written Italian phrases will break up the images and give the eye something else to focus on. 

You may also want to include news clippings if you’ve read something interesting about the country you want to remember. 

How to Make a Moodboard? Just Have Fun!

If you’re still wondering how to make a moodboard, you simply need to start. Stop thinking about it and begin. 

You’ll have a lot of fun in the process and if it’s not perfect, who cares? This is for you to get pumped for your next trip! 

Need some extra help with planning your dream vacation? Check out this blog post! 

If you’re interested in paying for legal advice, continue reading to discover a few handy things to consider before you hire a lawyer.

Things to consider when looking for legal advice:

1. What your budget is 

If you’re looking for legal advice, it pays to figure out a budget for your legal costs. As seeking legal advice will normally cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending of course on how much time you require from your lawyer. As a single consultation will only cost a few hundred dollars, while assigning a lawyer to represent in court, will cost you a far higher sum.

2. Ask for quotes from each law firm that you’re considering hiring 

Before making a final decision and hiring a lawyer, it’s a great idea to find out the consultation fees and legal fees associated with hiring a lawyer for legal advice. In order to ensure that you won’t break the bank, hiring a lawyer.

3. Does the lawyer who you’re interested in hiring have an impressive track record?

If you’re seeking an experienced, qualified lawyer, make sure to check their past record of results, as ideally you should try to get advice from a lawyer who has won the vast majority of their cases. As they’ll be very likely to give you sound advice on your legal issue!

4. Does the lawyer who you plan on speaking to have experience with the area of law that you’re interested in learning about? 

As an example, if you are looking for a lawyer to give you advice on issues which pertain to family law, you’re far better off speaking to a law firm who specializes in family law, rather than talking to a general lawyer. Some law firms such as, Prime Law Firm specialize in more than one area.

While you may have to pay slightly more, to book an appointment with a specialized lawyer, you’ll be far more likely to obtain a favorable outcome for your legal issue. While it’s not a good idea to blow your legal budget, it’s still worth paying a fair amount, in order to hire the services of a talented lawyer. As in the end, hiring an experienced, successful lawyer can save you valuable time, effort and money.

5. Do you stand a fair chance of succeeding 

Before hiring a lawyer’s services, it’s a great idea to do a bit of online research to find out whether you stand a fair chance of being successful with the legal actions which you plan to take. As there’s no point spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on legal advice, if you don’t stand much of a chance of winning your court case.

However, if you believe that you do have a fair chance of winning your legal case, it’s definitely well worth talking to a professional, well established legal office as soon as you can, in order to book your first consultation with a lawyer.

For more articles from the Beekman Beer Garden Blog, click here!

While most of us struggle to get the expensive products we need to thrive, some of us are likely to spend just to keep up with friends. While this is a natural human impulse, it’s also a dangerous way to live. However, if you need to finance a laptop even though you can barely afford it, you have some options.

Here are five ways to find a way to live large with the kinds of gadgets you need and a few that you simply want.

1. Cut The Fat

If you want to ensure that you’re able to afford the exciting things you want to invest in, you need to watch your spending carefully. 

When you’re already broke but working hard as you can, it’s hard to cut out those little things that make you feel good. You’ll have to remind yourself of how good it’ll feel to have that cool gadget you’re looking for.

One of the tricks you can use is to start spending your money on everything via cash instead of cards. It’s easy to get out of hand with your spending when you rely on plastic. Use cash all day every day and even consider keeping a jar in your bedroom where you deposit $5 every day.

You’ll have $1,000 before you know it, with enough money for all the cool gadgets you want.

2. Seek a Finance Plan

You’re not the first person to ever want to get a cool gadget without the money to do it. If you seek out a finance plan, you can get what you’re looking for ASAP while you pay it off slowly. 

However, you need to be aware of the penalties you might face if you don’t pay it off on time or under the right circumstances. If you violate the terms of your financing agreement, you might end up underwater quickly. Another problem is that you could be paying much more for your gadgets in the end if you’re saddled with a high-interest rate.

If you don’t have a lot of money, you might struggle to get a loan from a typical financial institution or a bank. However, lots of companies who sell products offer financing options that can help you to get the products and gadgets you want. Look over their terms before you invest so that you’re able to avoid overspending at the end of the day.

3. Sleep on Features

If you’re thinking that you want to buy a specific product or a piece of technology that has a lot of features, you should check out the options you have.

There are often stripped down versions of these products that don’t cost as much while offering you many of the things that you’re looking for. 

Ask around to people you know who’ve bought these kinds of gadgets before you. There are often lots of products that have features people think they need but really don’t use that often.

If you’re about to buy a product or gadget and feel like you should pay more for a higher resolution or a type of port that other products don’t have, think carefully. There are features that are necessary to prepare for the future and then some features that are going to be quickly deprecated.

4. Think About Refurbished Gadgets

One of the most clever, if underutilized, ways to save money on gadgets and electronics is to buy refurbished products. There are lots of individual electronics companies and third-party sellers that offer discounted items that have been factory refurbished or repaired.

While you might think of refurbished products as the type of product that’s defective or lacking in some way, that’s not the case.

Much to the surprise of many buyers, it turns out that refurbished products are often rigorously tested and put through the wringer. They can be much more dependable than products that are found in stores because every element was double checked before it was released.

On top of that, you’ll be able to save up to 50% off of the sticker price while having an item with a robust warranty.

5. Is It an Investment or an Expenditure?

Before you pursue a new set of gadgets or electronics to play around with, you need to think about whether this is a true investment or not. If you’re going to be using this gadget in your small business, it’s actually going to be a tax-deductible device. This means that you’ll be able to calculate a discount of some of the price in your head as you’re purchasing.

If you’re not going to be using this for more than just a way to relax, be honest with yourself. There’s nothing to be ashamed about in this regard, but knowing that you’re using this item for pleasure and not for work needs to be part of the way you consider it. 

However with some buy now, pay later setups, you can get what you’re looking for without worrying too much about cost.

There are Several Ways To Finance a Laptop

When you’re trying to afford things that you want, even when you don’t need them, you might feel like you should avoid the expenditure altogether. However, in this deeply interconnected era, you need some gadgets just to get by. Choosing to finance a laptop isn’t a bad idea to keep your productivity up.

If you’re worried about money because of a divorce, check out our guide for steps to take to save some money before the process begins.

 

 

Are you planning on traveling through Colorado? Do you like beer? If so, you’re in luck. 

The Centennial State has the third most breweries total and the fourth most breweries per capita in the United States. In other words, it’s one of the true beer heavens of the US. 

Wondering which Colorado breweries are the best? You’re in the right place. These are the 10 best breweries in Colorado in 2019. 

The Best Breweries in Colorado

There are great breweries scattered all throughout Colorado, existing in both big cities and small towns. While all of Colorado’s breweries have their merits, the absolute best Colorado breweries are the ones reviewed below. 

1. 4 Noses Brewing Co.

Located in Broomfield, Colorado, 4 Noses Brewing Co. has quickly shot up the ranks to be one of the top Colorado breweries. Established in 2008 by a family of four, it bases its beers on influences from all over the world. 

Known to experiment with a range of different flavors, this brewery brews everything from stouts to IPAs to pilsners, and much, much more. Want to stop by the 4 Noses taproom? It’s located at 8855 West 116th Circle, Broomfield, Colorado. 

2. Black Shirt Brewing Company 

One of the best Denver breweries, Black Shirt Brewing Company was first established in 1999, and then opened to the public in 2012. Using a wide variety of ingredients, this brewery brews everything from IPAs to double IPAs to milk stouts, and more.

Care to stop by the Black Shirt taproom? It’s located at 3719 Walnut Street, Denver, Colorado. 

Feeling hungry? Their taproom also sports a large food menu, containing everything from pizza to chicken wings to salads to a variety of other foods. 

3. Bierstadt Lagerhaus 

Famous for their Slow Pour Pils, Bierstadt Lagerhaus is one of the most respected breweries in all of Colorado. Located in Denver, this brewery specializes in traditional German beers, foregoing the modern production techniques used by many craft breweries. 

You’re not going to find IPAs and stouts at Bierstadt Lagerhaus. However, you will find some of the best German lagers that will ever grace your taste buds. 

Want to check it out? Stop by their taproom, The Rackhouse Pub, located at 2875 Black Street, Denver, Colorado. 

4. Cannonball Creek Brewing Company 

Founded in 2013, Cannonball Creek Brewing Company is located in Golden, Colorado. Fairly varied in its selection of beers, this company brews not only traditional lagers, but IPAs, stouts, and porters as well. 

Cannonball Creek’s taproom is located at 393 N. Washington Avenue, Golden, Colorado. If you happen to stop by on a nice day, you could even consider bringing your dog onto its dog-friendly patio! 

5. Elevation Beer Co. 

If you’re looking for a great brewery in a rustic setting, you might consider stopping by Elevation Beer Co. in Poncha Springs, Colorado. Featuring a dog-friendly and food truck-laden taproom, it’s located at 115 Pahlone Parkway. 

Elevation brews beers of all kinds, including but not limited to pilsner beers, IPAs, porters, saison beers, and kolsch beers. They also brew a variety of aged beers, doing so in Napa Valley wine barrels. 

6. Broken Compass Brewing Company 

If you happen to be skiing in Breckenridge, Colorado, you might consider stopping by Broken Compass Brewing Company. Broken Compass brews a number of different beers, including pilsners, pale ales, ports, porters, and stouts, to name just a few. 

Located at 68 Continental Ct., B12, this brewery goes out of its way to make guests feel welcome. Not only does it provide shuttles to tourists and locals, but it also holds trivia nights, potlucks, and brewery tours. 

7. Cellar West Artisan Ales 

Located in Lafayette, Colorado, Cellar West Artisan Ales has been given laud reviews by a number of authorities in the beer industry. This brewery brews a variety of beers but specializes primarily in saisons. That being said, their IPAs, pilsners, and porters are exceptional as well. 

This brewery is located at 778-B W. Baseline Road and serves a variety of different snack foods. Some favorites include pretzels and cheese curds. 

8. WeldWorks Brewing 

Offering a huge selection of over 100 beers, WeldWorks Brewing puts a great deal of effort into its brewing. Located in Greeley, Colorado, this brewery loves to experiment with ingredients, offering everything from cinnamon-flavored beers, to chocolate-flavored beers, to citrus-flavored beers, and more. 

Located at 508 8th Avenue, the WeldWorks taproom is family-friendly and welcomes dogs. Often lined with food trucks, it’s a great place to have some brews, grab some food, and enjoy some pleasant atmosphere. 

9. New Belgium Brewing Co. 

One of the most successful breweries in not just Colorado, but the entire country, New Belgium Brewing Company is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast. There are two New Belgium brewery locations in the United States, one in Asheville, North Carolina, and one in Colorado. Fort Collins, to be exact. 

New Belgium serves a variety of different beers, its most famous beer being Fat Tire Ale. However, if you’re into IPAs, you should also think about trying a beer from their Voodoo Ranger series. 

Interested in stopping by? You can find New Belgium’s Fort Collins brewery at 500 Linden Street. 

10. Great Divide Brewing Co. 

Like New Belgium Brewing Co., Great Divide Brewing Co. is a highly respected craft brewery, one which distributes beer all over the country. Established in Denver in 1994, this brewery excels in the production of a variety of different beers. Their beer list includes IPAs, stouts, farmhouse ales, and more. 

There are two places to visit Great Divide Brewing Co., both of which are located in Denver. The first place is their taproom at 2201 Arapahoe Street. The second place is their bar, located at 1812 35th Street. 

Interest in stopping by Great Divide during your trip to Colorado? Learn more here!

Looking for More Breweries?

And there they are, the best breweries in Colorado. Each of these breweries has something special to offer and is definitely worth a visit. Note, though, that these are only 10 of the nearly 400 breweries existing in the state. 

Looking for more breweries throughout the United States? You can find them here at Beekman Beer Garden. Our website has all kinds of information on beer, breweries, drinking culture, and more. 

Check out some of our beer-related articles now! 

Ready for a getaway? Studies have shown that camping can promote better sleep patterns. Spending time enjoying the great outdoors can also reduce stress and lower blood pressure. 

If that’s what you want out of a vacation, grab your backpack, pack up your car, and get ready to commune with nature at one of these unbelievable camping destinations.

Before You Go

An outdoor vacation requires some special preparation. Pack for the weather. Bring sunscreen, and be sure to match your activities to your fitness level.

You’ll also want to make sure you have the right camping gear. Good equipment will ensure that you aren’t suffering while you’re roughing it!

Check out places like this website to get ideas about what you should take with you on your camping trip. 

Ready, Set, Explore

Now that you’re all packed, it’s time to scope out some of the best campgrounds in America. Here are some of our favorites:

Head For the Mountains

Crater Lake, Oregon is home to one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world.

Drive the rim. Take a boat tour to the island. Swim, hike, and check out some amazing waterfalls.

For the best camping, go in the summer, since snow frequently forces road closures in the winter.

The park features two campgrounds, and there are several other campgrounds nearby. You can pitch a tent or take an RV. The park can accommodate either.

Blow Off Some Steam

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The park is situated on a supervolcano, so it is home to some of the country’s most unique geological features.

Predictable geyser eruptions, colorful hot springs, and diverse wildlife are just some of the park’s many attractions. Go rafting, take a hike, or immerse yourself in Native American culture.

Most of the campgrounds are only open in the summer, but a few stay open year-round. There are many camping options, so you’re sure to find one that suits you.

Travel Back In Time

Big Bend National Park in Texas is a world-famous camping destination. Here, you’ll find a Fossil Discovery Center that will take you back 130 million years.

You can see the Rio Grande River, take scenic drives, or take a walk in Santa Elena Canyon. The park provides an unforgettable nature experience.

The park features four campgrounds, and three of them are RV friendly.

Swim With the Fishes

If beaches and coral reefs are your thing, Dry Tortugas National Park is for you. Dry Tortugas is located near Key West, Florida.

Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and paddle boating are just a few things to do in the park. 

Camping in Dry Tortuga is a unique, but primitive, experience. 

You can pitch your tent on the sand next to a palm tree. However, RVs and trailers aren’t allowed. You should be prepared to provide all of your own food, water, and shelter.

Play In the Snow

For nature lovers, Acadia National Park provides some of the best camping in the USA. Located off the coast of Maine, Acadia features winter hikes, skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Of course, there are still plenty of things to do the rest of the year. Campers can go horseback riding, bicycling, or take a walk to look at the fall foliage.

There are many places to camp around Acadia, and most of the campgrounds come with plenty of amenities.

The Ultimate in Camping Destinations

There are few places that rival the Grand Canyon for jaw-dropping scenery. Panoramic views of colorful vistas makes for one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

Explore geological wonders, history, archaeology, and culture all in one place.

Go whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. Hike the South Rim.Experience Native American culture.

And don’t forget your camera.

Campgrounds around the Grand Canyon accommodate tents and RVs, and they’re open all year.

Visit Cliff Dwellings

Abandoned cliff dwellings are one of the main attractions at Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park. Here, you can drive the Mesa Top Loop Road, hike or bike the trails to the overlooks, or explore the cliff dwellings.

There is only one campground at the park, and it is open to tents, trailers, and RVs.

Fall For Waterfalls

The Great Smoky Mountains run along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. You can tour historic cemeteries, admire the fall foliage, or hike popular trails to view numerous waterfalls. 

In addition to traditional camping, this park features horse camps. At these camps, you can hitch your horse to racks located at the site, and there is water available for the horses.

Try Something Different

Up for some adventure? Try camping at Napali Coast State Wilderness Park in Hawaii.

You can take in beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Kalalau Valley waterfalls. Hike along beaches and cliffs. Take a helicopter or boat tour.

To camp, you’ll need a permit. If you want to camp at Miloli’i, you’ll need a boat. There is no way to get there by land.

The Toughest Part? Deciding Where To Go

As you can see, nature enthusiasts have a lot of good camping options. 

You can head south and snorkel at the beach. You can turn north and hike through mountains. You can even hop a plane, take a boat, and pitch a tent in Hawaii.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to explore some of these great camping destinations on your vacation. After a few nights under the stars, you just might sleep a little better.

To read more about topics like this, check out our world travel category.

Did you know the Amazon rainforest stretches over 2.5 million square miles and four different countries? It accounts for 2/3 of the land in Peru and 11% of the land in Ecuador. It also covers a 1/3 of Colombia’s land and nearly all of Brazil.  

Planning a trip to the Amazon is an unforgettable life experience and not one that many people get a chance to do. It doesn’t even need to cost you a fortune when you budget your trip correctly.

Ensure you have a memorable adventure by planning some fun rainforest activities to do in the Amazon before you go.

The 10 Best Rainforest Activities to Do on an Amazon Cruise

If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Amazon rainforest while on a cruise, try one of these 10 awesome rainforest activities.

1. Visit a Local Community

One of the best ways to experience the Amazon is to see how people live there. Hundreds of thousands of people in about 400 distinct groups make up the Amazon’s indigenous population. Many of these cultures have no contact with the outside world and haven’t changed in hundreds of years.

Some of these local groups offer community visits and tours for visitors to the Amazon. You can find cruises that stop by the lands of various tribes, like the Bora Community who maintain most of the original customs and beliefs.

The tribes want to share their culture and inform visitors why they need preserving. Once you’ve seen their ceremonial lodge and witnessed traditional dances, be sure you check out the gorgeous handicrafts and purchase some to support the community.

2. Support National Parks

You can also head to a few of the Amazon’s many national parks and UNESCO world heritage sites. The Peruvian Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve is a popular tourist site carefully maintained to preserve the area’s biodiversity. In Brazil, head to the more than 400 islands making up the Anavihanas Archipelago.

Want to explore an even bigger section of the pristine rainforest? Go to Ecuador and check out the Yasuni National Park. This remote park features about 2.5 million acres of marshlands and rainforest as well as many indigenous Amazonian tribes like the Taegari and Hauronai.

3. Take a Medicinal Plant Tour

About 25% of the pharmaceuticals made in the West were originally derived from natural materials and plants found in the Amazon rainforest. This is especially impressive when you realize researchers have only tested about 1% of all the natural materials found in the Amazon.

Taking a medicinal plant tour is a great opportunity to view these plants in their natural environment. You’ll learn about plants you know, like the Brazilian Ginseng, and those you may not know, like Tawari tree bark. Even those you haven’t heard of before appear in many of the medicines used in the U.S.

4. Check Out the Manatee Rescue Center

If you’re doing an Amazon river cruise in Peru, you’ll probably stop by the Manatee Rescue Center on the outskirts of Iquitos. The center rescues young manatees from pet trafficking and rehabilitates injured or orphaned animals.

Visitors can also interact with monkeys, anteaters, and sloths as well as feeding the baby manatees. If you’re having trouble choosing a cruise, check out this article by Voyagers to help you decide.

5. Explore in a Kayak

Hiring a kayak is an excellent way to see the natural flora and fauna found in the Amazon without scaring animals off in a loud boat.

Hire a tour guide and quietly paddle along the most remote parts of the Amazon River for a unique experience. Choose local tour guides to support the community and expect to paddle for about 2 hours.

6. Try SUP-ing

If you want to get a little workout in as you cruise down the river, try stand-up paddle boarding. This new water sport originated in Hawaii but has become popular around the world.

The calm waters of the Amazon River make it perfect for SUP-ing and allow you to explore parts of the river that you can’t get to by boat.

7. Walk Across a Canopy Bridge

One of the most popular rainforest activities is to walk across a canopy bridge to explore the highest parts of the jungle canopy.

One of the longest canopy bridges is located in Peru in the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. It stands nearly 85 feet above the ground and extends more than 500m between 14 massive trees.

8. Go on a Jungle Walk

The most common rainforest activity once off the river is to walk through the jungle. You will see plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. More than a third of all animal species on Earth call the Amazon jungle home as well as about a fifth of the bird species.

Take a pair of binoculars and stay quiet for the best chance to see some of them. You could be lucky enough to see a three-toed sloth hanging from a tree or witness an anaconda moving through the brush.

9. Eat Local Dishes

Eating local dishes is one of the best things to do in the Amazon Rainforest. Fish plays a major role in most of the cuisine, especially in Ecuador and Peru where you find ceviche served everywhere.

Juanes is another common meal to find in Peru. It’s made of muddled meat, usually chicken or pork, mixed with rice and stuffed into a banana leaf. You can also find many places that sell insects often eaten by locals.

If you visit a local community, you may even get a chance to see traditional hunting and cooking techniques still used by indigenous people today.

10. Go for a Swim (in Designated Areas)

Finally, if you’re feeling brave, you can take a dip in the world’s longest river. Many Amazon cruises allow you to swim in safe, designated areas where you will not disturb the local wildlife or risk encountering piranhas. 

See the Coolest Places Around the World

Describing the awe-inspiring beauty of the Amazon Rainforest and River does not do it justice. Once you arrive in the Amazon, you’ll see why it’s one of the world wonders and how it can produce over 20% of the world’s oxygen.

Interested in checking out more of the coolest places around the world? Head on over to the Beekman Beer Garden blog for tips on how to plan your dream vacation and learn about destinations you may never encounter otherwise.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical that is found in the marijuana plant. But it won’t get you high. Instead, it is used for medicinal purposes.

CBD is used by people who suffer from anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, and many other conditions to control their symptoms. And with the 2018 Farm Bill, industrial hemp growing was legalized on a national scale in the United States, so creating CBD products is now a legal option for people in every state.

That means that there are a lot of people who are experiencing CBD for the first time. If you’re new to CBD products or just hearing about them for the first time, read on to get an idea of what kind the best CBD edibles are now on the market.

1. CBD Mints

CBD mints are one of many CBD products on the market targeting users who want a fast-acting experience. They’re a very discreet way to consume CBD making them an easy tool for people to use who have anxiety.

CBD mints are great for people who are new to CBD and don’t know what their dose should be yet since each mint has a very small amount. They are not the best product for people who have already been using CBD for a while and have developed a tolerance.

2. CBD Gumdrops

If you’re looking for a way to relax on the go, packing wine bottles can be a difficult option. CBD gumdrops offer a similar feeling of relaxation without having to carry along all of that weight or worrying about a bottle breaking.

Lord Jones CBD Gumdrops come in a luxurious and brightly colored packaging that is great for gifting. The brand is made with all clean ingredients and has a dose of CBD that is on the higher side for items on this list at 20 milligrams. 

Hollywood’s elite stars have been eating up this snack since it has such a light and sweet flavor followed by a lovely calming effect. 

3. CBD Bitters

If you use bitters in your cocktails, then you should definitely try to find CBD-infused bitters. Not only does it carry the digestion-boosting properties of bitters, but it also can give you the relaxing effects of CBD.

Makers of the product suggest that you use the tincture before or after meals as a way to alleviate bloating and discomfort. Although little scientific research has been done to back up this claim, so you will have to see for yourself.

4. CBD Not Pot Butter

Pot butter has been a favorite kind of edible for years. But CBD-only versions are relatively new. Many of the products on the market use coconut oil as their base to make for a sweet and nutritious final product. 

Not Pot Butter can also be blended with milk and tea for a more robust drink. It’s a great option to serve at your next tea party. 

5. Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Almonds

Almonds are very healthy for you since they contain protein and are a sustainable source of energy for your body. So why not try a salted caramel version complete with CBD?

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, you should check out Satori brand. These almonds have a creamy chocolate coating and just a touch of THC.

6. Sunday Scaries Gummies

One of the most important ways a CBD company can stand out is by marketing their product for a certain condition. Although all CBD products help with anxiety, Sunday Scaries brand gummies make it known that that’s their purpose. They also come with a nice boost of B12 and D3.

For those who like the product, the company offers a subscription service so that you can make them part of your routine.

7. Dad & Dude’s CBD IPA

Dude & Dad’s Brewery in Aurora, Colorado was one of the first companies to combine beer with CBD. It debuted a brew called George Washington’s Secret Stash IPA about a year ago. 

The IPA is west coast inspired and has a piney and dank aromatic flavor. The beers sell for $7 a pint, and each has 4.20 milligrams in it. 

8. Honey Lavender Gummies

If you like natural tasting products and don’t want an overly sweet CBD gummy, then why not try the Honey Lavender Gummies from Stillwater Brands? This food company makes many different CBD products all cooked up by its full-time food scientist.

These gummies are gentle with only five milligrams of CBD, but they also have a very slight amount of THC, so they may or may not be available in your state.

9. Hemp-Infused Honey

Honey is a great natural sweetener and what could be sweeter than mixing it with 500 milligrams of Colorado-grown hemp extract?

At $28 per six-ounce jar, this product is not cheap. But the amount of time, energy, and effort that goes into making that jar make it worth every penny. Check out some of the delicious recipes you can try.

10. CBD-Infused Seltzer

Dram Apothecary is the crafter of Longtime Salida, a famous brand of bitters. He has launched into a new market with his CBD-infused seltzer waters. Each of these refreshing drinks packs 20 milligrams of hemp-derived CBD.

This gives your body an extra boost for relaxation. You’ll also love the refreshing herbal flavors like Gingergrass, Lemongrass, and Sweetgrass.

Beyond the Best CBD Edibles

The best CBD edibles on this list are some of the best new products coming out of the legalization revolution. You’ll want to stay up to date, new products are being invented all of the time.

In the meantime, for more great food and beer suggestions, check out our other blog posts today.