Knowing that lists are popular on this blog and inspired by Client9's take on the Northeast taco scene, I decided to create a list (somewhat) of my own.
While I enjoy a few elements of Winter, I always miss the ability to hang out (comfortably) outside. One of the great Spring/Summertime activities is the outdoor afternoon cocktail. Listed below, in no particular order, are a few of my favorite outdoor cocktail venues.
Apple's Bar and Grill - Sun Valley, ID: Located in Warm Springs Village at the base of Sun Valley's Bald Mountain, the back patio of Apple's is a great place to have a beer and a burger for lunch or kick off apres with a few pitchers. The afternoon sun absolutely drills this place and the goggles without the hat look is very acceptable here. Lots of laughs, locals and lagers. You won't want to leave but when the sun begins to set, you'll know its time to take your positive attitude to a new venue.
Jimmy Buffett Concert - Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI: About 2-3 hours away from Chicago in the middle of a cornfield, the Buffett concert is basically a front to participate in this epic tailgate session. Sunshine, ridiculous Buffett attire and ample Midwestern ale yields nothing but good times for usually 12+ hours. Its real easy to get lost at the tailgate but not to worry, everyone is giving out free food and drink. When people ask you about how the concert was, just say it was "really chill," and that Jimmy was wearing a teal shirt.
Beaver Creek Ritz - Avon, CO: Living beyond your means in college is not advised, which is why we had other people pay for our beers on the patio at the Beav Ritz. When you or members of your party ski down to the patio with a boom box and early 90s "loud" one-piece suits, you are usually rolling the dice at a place like this. Luckily the dice rolled in our favor. The patrons dug it and bought us a few rounds - so did our injured friend who spent the majority of his time there. Thanks Spoon. Solid rays/babe-scoping zone.
Falmouth Sea Grill Patio Bar - Falmouth, ME: Day can quickly turn to night at this neighborhood spot. Located at Handy Boat off of Falmouth Foreside, beautiful ocean views and familiar faces are abound. You'll head down there "for a few" but you're friends will keep showing up and the good times will flow. That, coupled with a friendly bar staff and a steady stream of 80s and reggae beats will have you leaving way later than anticipated. The menu is awesome, too.
Sequoia Outside Bar - Washington, DC: I stumbled upon this K Street establishment while in DC for a younger brother's graduation. It was that "dead time" between the actual graduation and the evening festivities. Fantastic place to sip on a few beers and enjoy the warmth of May in DC while catching up with friends. The close proximity to the Potomac offers great views and ample opportunity to make fun of hideous boat names. A bonus feature is the Swedish Embassy is across the street. Scandi Candi anyone?
There you have it. Please comment with your favorites!
For the full show, click here.
Cleveland, Ohio, you've earned that unfortunate distinction - at least according to Forbes Magazine. Forbes just released their top 20 list of "America's Most Miserable Cities," which should more aptly be titled "Cities in Ohio." Ohio gets blown up with 5 of the 20 most miserable cities and half of the cities on the list are in the Mid-West, mainly the rust belt. Forbes took the following inputs into account to reach their conclusions:
