It's time to start planning for the most important part of this weekend's matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks in Superbowl 48 - the pre-game, halftime and post-game food!  I've put together some some truly inspired beer pairings that will boldly represent each team. Now all that is left, is for you to go grocery shopping.  Enjoy! 

Welcome to the Rail Ale Trail! There are some really great beer centered attractions, within easy walking distance along Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, and the map below will help you find my favorites at each stop. 

I have used Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner many times, to get to and from breweries located up and down the Surfliner's route. It is a perfect way to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about driving home. Remember, all the regular Amtrak rules apply so don't get outta control; in other words drink responsibly or you'll find yourself booted off the train or worse...

The map below lists my favorite beer places, within easy walking distance from the Ventura stop. This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but I can personally vouch for all the locations included.  There is plenty to drink along this trail (approximately a 2 mile round trip) but if you have any other beer attraction suggestions, leave them in the comments below.  


Beer isn't the only attraction in downtown Ventura; boutique shops, bakeries, restaurants, surf shops and thrift stores line the streets.  If you're staying in town for a while, then click on over to the Ventura Visitors Bureau where you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.


Other beer trail maps can be found [HERE].

The Pacific Surfliner stop in Ventura is a self-service platform.  You will find a ticketing kiosk, schedule information and an open air waiting area with a convenient drop off lane right next to platform. For current Pacific Surfliner fair and schedule information click [HERE].

Paradise Pantry is primarily a restaurant and artisan wine and cheese shop but you will find plenty of great beer there, as well. Their menu, for dine in or carry out, is killer and has wide a price range to fit your budget or appetite.  

We collaborated on a beer and cheese pairing series in 2012, and it was a blast.  

Ventura's first brew pub is still going strong after 14 years and features tasty beers from brewer, Jason Coudray.  Jason has been brewing at Anacapa Brewing Company, since 2010 and he has brought new life and variety to their beer lineup. I am a big fan of their beers and I have highlighted several of Jason's favorite beer pairings in the past.  

Sans Souci is the classic dive bar (dimly lit, old vinyl bar stools, covered patio, and perfect).  Sans Souci is a great place to get a beer or a cocktail if you are in town for a concert at the Majestic Ventura Theater (located right across the street).

Barrelhouse 101 is my favorite place to get a beer in Ventura, period*. Barrelhouse 101 (BH101) boasts 101 taps that pour only the best craft beer from around the country as well as imports. BH101 is also a full service restaurant that serves gourmet pub fare. 

*BH101 IS a great place, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I co-host a podcast called Happy Hour with Joby and Curtis.  Joby is the owner of BH101.

The Museum of Ventura County specializes in locally themed, roatating exhibits. Anything to do with Ventura County (surf, sand or strawberries, to name a few) is fair game. The semipermanent collection of George Stuart Historical Figures® is must see exhibit.

The San Buenaventura Mission is one of 21 historical missions located along the California coast stretching from San Diego to Sonoma.  For a modest entrance fee you can tour this sanctuary, mission grounds and education center.

The Ventura Pier (boardwalk and beach included) is a great place to enjoy the surf, the sand and the sunsets that make Ventura an iconic surfing town.  There are some eateries and tourist shops at the pier, and a large playground on the beach for the kids.

A few months ago, I was approached by Arcadia Publishing and they asked me if I was interested in reviewing D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. by Robert Musson, MD.  Of course I was flattered, but I was also quite eager to learn about America's oldest brewery - even though I haven't had the pleasure of tasting any of their beer. 

D.G Yuengling & Son, Inc. is America's oldest continually run brewery (family owned and operated since 1829) with an extensive pictorial history that is brilliantly assembled. Munsson's annotations explain just how each photo, print, and even bar clock fit into the global history of the Yuengling brewery. 

The historical timeline of this book starts with an 1828 portrait of David Gottlieb Yuengling, who founded the brewery within a year of immigrating from Germany, and continues through to present day with Yuengling's recent expansions in Pottsville, Pa and Tampa, FL.  The book also hits all the ups (continued growth through the years) and the downs (making ice cream during Prohibition (although, that is also an up because it kept the brewery operation)) through five generations of Yuenglings.

Brewery engineering geeks will enjoy the almost "flip-book animation style" (you know, the kind that you run through the pages real quick and it looks like a character is running across your page) that shows the progression of brewing technology starting nearly 200 years ago to today. Some of my favorite pictures show the new and improved cooling techniques that were installed in 1910 which replaced the old fashioned cave lagering methods.

Breweriana geeks will enjoy the massive collection of Yuengling lithographs, beer trays, posters, signs, etc. in this book.  I really enjoyed the old lithos and watching the progression of logo styling and advertising methods. The saying everything old is new again certainly rings true in advertising as Yuengling is now reusing some of the 180+ year old lithographs on new promotional items.  

The bottom line? This book is a great addition to any beer geek's library.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., $21.99, Arcadia Publishing.  Available at local retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing, www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665