TRAVELING BEER

Parks On Tap

Faithful readers of this blog know Team VFH can work up a thirst and that’s why living in the Philadelphia region is convenient for quenching the palate. The beer culture in Philadelphia is strong and dates from the founding of the city. Philadelphia once had 700 active breweries and there is even an aptly named section near the Schuylkill River called Brewerytown, where several breweries used the river as a source for water.

Today the craft brewing industry in Philadelphia is solid. Walk into any modest looking gin mill in and around Philadelphia and the beer lists rival some of the storied Belgium bars your favorite beer lovers have frequented in the past. The people in Philadelphia know and appreciate their beer and the city embraces this culture of imbibing.

PUBLIC DRINKING

This summer the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is staging a traveling beer garden, providing a place to gather in the parks and enjoy beer and food and music. There are 14 destinations in all this summer and because Hurricane Hermine put the kibosh on our Labor Day weekend at the shore we decided to visit this week’s destination, FDR Park. Located in South Philadelphia just across Broad Street from Philadelphia’s sports complex near the tennis courts, The Parks on Tap beer garden was a great way to spend the day. Although blustery at times, there was music and games and plenty of free folding chairs, hammocks and picnic tables. Janet claims the port-a-potty was so clean she did not have to hover. Sadly, the beer list is a bit limited but it is very dog friendly and there were lots of children playing and "dancing" along to the live music that was presented by the Philadelphia Songwriters Project. This family event lent the day a convivial quality that comes when a lot of people are all on the same page enjoying beer.

This week’s destination at FDR is open today (Sunday) until 11 pm and tomorrow (Labor Day) from 12p – 10p.

If you can’t make it this  weekend, there are four more scheduled destinations. Go to PHILADELPHIA PARKS ON TAP to see where you can drink next! There is no cost to enter the beer garden and all beers are $7.00 except Yuengling at $5.00. There is food, mixed drinks and water also available at the beer garden!

Thanks for reading.

Greg