The humble beer doesn't own the real estate in most travelers' minds that is occupied by the romantic and glamorous notions of sipping wine or craft cocktails while jet-setting around the world -- maybe under the moonlight in the Med or at a cafe in Paris.
But we're here to stick up for beer, our favorite beverage at home or on our travel adventures.
We've enjoyed tasty and satisfying brews all over the world.
We've slaked Pilsner in Prague.
And Kolsch in Cologne.
Lambic in Belgium. Dunkelweizen in Germany.
And, of course, cold lagers to refresh in hot climates in places like Mexico and Cambodia.
Hunting down the popular local varieties amid the friendly bars, pubs and brew halls is one of our top activities when we visit a new destination. It's a great way to get a true flavor for the community and surrounding region.
There is nothing more immersive than settling in at a pub to try a few pints among residents of the city. We inevitably make new friends, learn about their favorite beers and get some tips on what to see and do that is off the beaten path. That is, we make great discoveries and have more intense travel experiences.
And we owe it all to beer.
Well, April 7 is National Beer Day (yes, every year on this date), and we're going to be celebrating in a different way this year because of the ongoing health crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of traveling around the world, meeting people, making interesting discoveries and creating new memories, we'll be staying home and connecting with friends and family via our Internet connection.
Hey, this is still a great way to have some fun and celebrate everything we have to be thankful for, including our continued health and being able to tip back a few delicious beers among friends.
This "holiday" came about as part of the post-Prohibition Era and the coming ratification of the 21st Amendment. President Franklin Roosevelt signed into law an act that allowed U.S. citizens to brew and distribute beer once again.
The legislation was initiated on April 7, the president stated "I think this would be a great time for a beer," and after 13 years, Americans were able to legally enjoy their favorite beverage once again.
This is the history that inspires National Beer Day, which was established in 2009 by Justin Smith and some of his buddies who were drinking at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Richmond, Virginia. Smith started a Facebook page to recognize the important date for beer drinkers, and the holiday has grown in popularity since.
You can join the celebration on social media by posting using the hashtag #NationalBeerDay, and you can even get a head start on New Beers Eve on April 6.
While we shelter in place, we have been missing our travels, of course, and interaction with our friends and family, most of whom also are big fans of beer.
A night of long-distance games and sipping craft beers will have to do. We're going to put on our comfiest pajamas/yoga pants, crack open some of our recent discoveries -- a cranberry sour, chocolate-cayenne pepper stout, juicy IPA and good old golden ale, for examples -- and play Cards Against Humanity and euchre. All while catching up over a few good laughs.
Cheers to beer, and thanks for reading,
JR