“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” — Benjamin Franklin
The Beverage that Keeps Giving Back
Beer & Travel
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to travel to so many amazing cities. What often starts as a tournament, clinic, or pickleball event quickly turns into a chance to dive into what makes each place special. Its food, its beer, and the local tips that actually make the experience come alive. Trust me, ask the locals. They know! Along the way, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the meals each city is famous for and the craft breweries that capture its character. I now proudly consider myself a beer master guru expert. I just made that up, but I feel I have an Associate's Degree in BEER. A cold one after a long day? Instant happiness.
My Favorite Beer List
*Samuel Adams Cold Snap
*Shock Top
*Door County Cherry Wheat
*Third Shot Drop Amber - Pickleball Kingdom
*Dogfish Head Seaquench Ale
The Dinking Dad Craft Beer Visitation Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
Living in the Milwaukee area, I’m constantly reminded why this city has earned its reputation as the beer capital of the U.S. Beer isn’t just something we drink here, it’s part of the culture. There are innovative neighborhood breweries and classic Wisconsin traditional breweries with some history here.
Ope! Brewing and Third Space Brewing, two spots that really represent what modern Milwaukee brewing is all about, are two of my favorites. Ope! brings creativity, personality, and a sense of fun to every pour, while Third Space offers a relaxed atmosphere with consistently solid beers that make it easy to settle in and stay awhile. These are places locals actually go and that’s what makes them special. You feel like family.
Pickleball Kingdom in Menomonee Falls, fits perfectly into the active, community-driven vibe of the area. It’s a great way to stay moving and still stay close to everything that makes this region feel like home. By the way, I work there so let me know if you are on your way!
If I head about 30 minutes north into Ozaukee County, you can find Sahale Ale Works in Grafton, one of my favorite spots to grab a drink, especially when the sun is out. Sitting outside, sipping slowly, and soaking it all in is exactly what Wisconsin afternoons are made for.
Stilt House Gastro Bar in Cedarburg is a must-stop, offering over 50 beers from all across the country and excellent food.
Summer in Milwaukee wouldn’t be complete without a Milwaukee Brewers game. Even if you never make it inside the stadium, the tailgating alone is legendary. Be Wisconsin and grill brats, try cheese curds, and enjoy a cold beer. It’s a true Milwaukee experience.
Kansas City, Missouri
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
A few years ago, I visited Kansas City for PickleCon, an event focused on connecting with pickleball companies. My trip quickly turned into an appreciation for the city itself. Kansas City’s rich baseball history, especially the Negro League legacy, adds a fascinating layer to the city’s story. On the north side, I checked out the first Chicken N' Pickle, a laid-back spot that instantly reminded me of tailgating before a big game. Between life-size Battleship, cornhole, and pickleball courts, there’s no shortage of fun, and the beer and BBQ are top-notch. If you’re in Kansas City, you absolutely must get burnt ends. They are incredible and now my favorite BBQ menu item. Pair them with a Boulevard Beer or a KC Bier for a perfectly balanced experience. For anyone serious about BBQ, Q39 is the place to go—you won’t be disappointed.
Venice, Florida
Milwaukee, Wisconsin & Ozaukee County
Venice, Florida
Venice, Florida has become one of those places that feels like home to me now. I’m lucky enough to have my in-laws living there, which means we get down to Venice often, and every visit reminds me why we absolutely love the area. There’s something about this Gulf side town that blends laid back beach vibes with just enough energy to keep things exciting. A must stop is Sharky’s on the Pier. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and a drink, but be warned, it’s famous for having some of the best sunset views around. Have your camera ready, because when the sun drops into the Gulf, it’s hard to beat.
Venice is growing too, and the new Wellen Park area has quickly become one of my favorite spots to explore. Oak and Stone is my top pick so far. So many beer choices, so little time. You walk right up to the tap wall and pour your own beer, just like getting a soda. Even though it’s technically in a different city, I often grab 3 Daughters beer from the grocery store. They’re light, refreshing, and perfect poolside. But this past year, I discovered Dead Parrot Light Lager from Florida Avenue Brewing, and it’s my new favorite. A little bit of sea salt with hints of lime makes it absolutely perfect for the Florida sun...poolside again. Hey! The kids are at the pool and I am lounging!
Downtown Venice is another spot I love, especially Daiquiri Deck, where ordering seafood or fish tacos just feels right. And of course, I will never forget my pickleball paddle when visiting. You are, after all, in the capital of pickleball when you’re in Florida. If fishing is your thing like it is for me, make sure you get out on the Gulf. The species and diversity are endless, which makes every cast an adventure. The last time I was out, I reeled in a puffer fish and a flounder. You truly never know what you’re going to pull up, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back to Venice again and again and again.
Bend, Oregon
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
Venice, Florida
Bend, Oregon! Wow, this town is a gem. Nestled among stunning scenery and hugged by the Deschutes River, Bend is the ultimate place to soak in the sun, especially if your idea of relaxation involves floating down the river on an inner tube with a cold beer in hand. Honestly, there’s no better way to admire the scenery and let the stress melt away.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up a little souvenir. Yep, you guessed it. A Sasquatch t-shirt proudly declaring “Bend, Oregon.” Why? Because in Bend, Sasquatch is not just a legend…they’re very real. And I am from the Northwest so we believe!
The town itself is eclectic and vibrant; with a craft beer scene that’s nothing short of legendary. If you’re a beer fan like me, you’ll want to make a stop at Bend Brewing Company, Crux Fermentation Project, and 10 Barrel Brewing Company. Grab a cold one in a tall glass, soak up the local vibes, and toast to the town’s unmistakable charm.
For fellow pickleball enthusiasts, Bend won’t disappoint. The town is dotted with courts, so try to squeeze in a game before a brewery tour or after a river float.
Bend is one of those places that makes you want to linger, explore, and come back for more. Between the rivers, the beers, and the Northwest local flavor, it’s easy to see why this town captures the hearts of everyone who visits.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
Gatlinburg, Tennessee has a way of slowing you down the moment the mountains come into view. Tucked into the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, it feels like one of those places where nature is always the main character, no matter how busy the town gets. The beauty of the mountains is impossible to ignore. Layers of blue and green rolling into the distance, mist hanging in the mornings, and trails everywhere you turn inviting you to explore.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was how accessible the hiking is. Laurel Falls is an easy reminder of how rewarding a short hike can be, while Clingmans Dome, just across the border, delivers views that make you stop talking altogether. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot black bears, which never gets old and definitely keeps you humble. Seeing them in their natural habitat adds a sense of respect for the land and a reminder that you’re truly in the mountains, not just visiting a mountain town.
Gatlinburg definitely leans touristy, but not in a way that feels overwhelming or unenjoyable. There’s a laid-back Southern vibe that balances it all out. That includes trying the local moonshine, which feels almost mandatory. Old Smoky, specifically the watermelon moonshine, quickly became my favorite. Smooth, refreshing, and dangerous if you are not careful. Drink slow.
There’s plenty for families too. Ripley’s Aquarium is nearby and an easy win, especially if you want to mix things up and enjoy some time watching sea creatures up close. It’s one of those spots that kids love, but adults end up enjoying because it keeps the kids occupied.
When the sun goes down, Gatlinburg keeps the energy going. Ole Red is the perfect place for a night out. Ice cold beers, live music, and a crowd that’s there to sing along and relax. If you’re looking to add a little speed to the trip, Pigeon Forge is right there and squeezing in a go kart race is an absolute must. It’s pure fun and a great way to channel your inner kid.
To round it all out, Gatlinburg Brewing Company is a solid stop for local beer and a relaxed atmosphere, especially after a long day of hiking or exploring. Gatlinburg has a way of blending mountain beauty, wildlife, Southern charm, and just enough attractions to keep things interesting without losing its soul. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look around, and enjoy every layer of the experience from the mountain views to the last sip of moonshine.
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
Sister Bay, Wisconsin - Door County
There are places you visit that feel like they gently tap you on the shoulder and say, Relax, you’re on our time now. Sister Bay in Door County is exactly that kind of place. Summer moves slower here in the best possible way. The days stretch out, the lake sparkles endlessly, and doing absolutely nothing somehow feels like a major accomplishment. Tucked away along the water, Sister Bay is one of Wisconsin’s true gems, where the biggest decision you’ll make all day is whether your next stop involves coffee, food, or beer—or ideally all three.
Speaking of beer, Sister Bay quietly punches way above its weight. Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery quickly became a favorite, and honestly, it’s hard to beat lounging in the sun with the water in view and zero sense of urgency. This is the kind of place where time disappears in the best way. I found a couple of new favorite beers there, including the Jimmy Cricket Belgian White Ale and the Highway 42 Cherry Sour—both dangerously easy to enjoy while settling into the slower rhythm of Door County life. Just down the way, Stabbur Beer Garden offered another perfect spot to relax, sip a beer, and soak in the sunshine while watching the water drift by.
And then there’s Al Johnson’s Restaurant, where the famous goats casually hang out on the roof like it’s the most normal thing in the world—because in Sister Bay, it kind of is. My wife and I loved how effortlessly laid back everything felt. Mornings started with coffee from Happy Coffee, which quickly became part of our daily routine, followed by wandering around town and letting the day unfold naturally. When it came time to eat, CHOP Restaurant delivered incredible food that somehow felt both elevated and perfectly in tune with the Door County vibe. Sister Bay isn’t about checking boxes or rushing from place to place—it’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and letting summer do what it does best. And honestly, that might be its greatest charm.
Montreat & Asheville, North Carolina
Montreat & Asheville, North Carolina
Montreat & Asheville, North Carolina
I spent time in Montreat, tucked into the Blue Ridge foothills of Western North Carolina on a pickleball coaching trip, and it instantly felt like the kind of place where life slows down. I felt a nice sense of calm. Known for its quiet college town feel, mountain views, and easy access to the outdoors, Montreat has a calm, almost grounding energy. When I was there with Suncoast Pickleball Camps, we used the Montreat College tennis courts for pickleball.
Then there is Asheville, widely known as one of America’s great beer cities. With more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else, Asheville balances craft beer innovation with deep Appalachian roots. One stop that completely blew me away was Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in nearby Mills River. The East Coast campus for Sierra Nevada, a west coast company, is massive, with an expansive taproom, sprawling outdoor spaces, mountain views, and a strong focus on sustainability. It is the kind of place where you stop in for one beer and suddenly realize you have been there for hours and you are perfectly okay with that.
While at Pisgah Brewing Co. bluegrass music was live and filling the room. It gave me a real appreciation for the people and culture of the area. Bluegrass is not just music here. It is part of the region’s identity, rich with history and connection. Had no idea what to expect with this type of music, but afterwards, I just had this new appreciation for a completely different genre of music I knew nothing about, only that it involved a banjo from time to time. Boy, was I wrong!!
Portland, Maine
Montreat & Asheville, North Carolina
Montreat & Asheville, North Carolina
Portland, Maine...the salty air, the working waterfront, the cobblestone streets downtown. It all feels authentic because it 100% is.
One of the highlights of the trip was getting out on a lobster charter. Being on the water gives you a whole new respect for how deeply lobster fishing is woven into the culture of the area. This isn’t just a menu item here, it’s a livelihood, a tradition, and pride. Watching traps come up and hearing stories straight from the source made every lobster roll afterward taste even better.
And yes, lobster was everywhere. Lobster rolls, whole lobsters, lobster at places you wouldn’t expect… if there was lobster on the menu, it was getting ordered. Wandering through downtown between meals was part of the fun, popping into a fresh seafood market, admiring the harbor views, even the old pilings sticking out of the water that once had lived.
When it came to beer, Portland had plenty of great options, but my favorite stop was Oxbow Blending & Bottling. We found a picnic bench and I ate well...too many oysters, but they were fresh, briny, and the perfect end to the day along with a cold one. During lunch hours I found myself consistently ordering the same beer without hesitation: Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat Ale. Light, refreshing, and just sweet enough, it paired perfectly with seafood and somehow became my unofficial drink of the trip.
Come hungry, take your time, and don’t fight the urge to order lobster again…and again.
Mmmmm....Beer.
Bottoms Up! - I've got a bad case of "Wisconsinitis"
CHEERS
Third Space Beer is LEGIT!
*Happy Place IPA
*Pretty Good Amber Ale
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