Mohegan Sun Brewfest 2013

We all have stress in our lives.  The traffic.  The projects.  The chores.  Never having enough time.  The pressure. Sometimes getting out of town for a few days is the perfect antidote.  So, we did just that at the Mohegan Sun Brewfest 2013.  It's their second time for this event and it was bigger and better than ever. Less than a two hour, easy drive from Boston it was an oasis of fun and relaxation, a perfect weekend escape.  And you don't have to be a gambler to really enjoy it.

Our room was spacious and exceptionally clean with two comfy beds, a large plasma screen and several glossy magazines to lie in bed with one's feet up and read.  We were on the 28th floor with this gorgeous view of the water and autumnal color.

After we settled in we grabbed a quick sandwich at Johnny Rockets then proceeded to the media check-in for the Brewfest event.  There was live music and over 100 brewers there ready to serve you up as many samples as you wanted, all for a mere $25.00. 

We meandered about chatting with people about craft brews and tasting several.  Many of our favorites were represented and there were others we'd never heard of.  City Stream Brewery.  Flying Dog Brewery. Thimble Island Brewing.  There was also plenty of food to taste, provided by restaurants at Mohegan.  The mood was a fun, party atmosphere.

After a long day we turned in but woke up early the next morning in search of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. We had these glazed doughnuts still warm off the conveyor belt and others along with fresh-brewed coffee. Krispy Kreme makes a good, strong coffee, one of our faves.  Don't forget to take home some hats for the kids!

We shopped, roamed about people-watching, tried our hands at roulette and relaxed outdoors at the pool deck in the warm sun.  We stuffed ourselves at Virgil's Real Barbecue, a newer restaurant there (full review to follow). We had chicken, ribs, brisket, fantastic corn bread and macaroni and cheese.  What a feast.

We relaxed in the lobby, watching people arrive and depart and snoozing a bit before we hit up Starbucks for more coffee to keep us going.  We headed outside to get some sunset pics then were off to the Wolf Den for a free concert featuring Manhattan Transfer, one of my all-time favorite jazz quartets.  I had never seen them live before so that was a really special, unexpected treat.

Then, we were off for night two of the Brewfest.  We spent some time in the social media lounge, watching our twitter posts on the big screen and having our red carpet photos taken.  We tried more beers.  There were also lots of interesting new ciders that we could not resist.  The second night of the Brewfest was completely sold out but it was never so crowded that you had to wait for anything.  We even snagged a cool Newcastle Ale cardboard standie to bring back.  Special thanks to Dan Greenwood of Heineken for that! The guys in the office loved that, obviously.

When the event wrapped up at 11:00 p.m. we headed over to Vista Lounge as their guests for the after party.  The location overlooks the Casino and it was the first time I've ever been to a club where you can actually play black jack at the tables inside!  Very cool.  The cocktails and champagne were flowing as the dance floor filled.

On Sunday morning we ordered room service coffee.  It arrived within 5 minutes.  In fact, all of the service at Mohegan is impeccable.  We relaxed in bed, reading the Sunday papers delivered to our room door and watched TV.  We then headed off to the Brewfest Brunch which featured lots of interesting dishes where brews were used as an ingredient.

All in all, it was a very fun, totally relaxing getaway.  No laundry, no cleaning, just what the Doctor ordered! We had plenty to do and see, nothing was rushed or hectic and the people we met were both friendly and fun.  And all that craft brew!  In January Mohegan will be hosting their even more popular Winefest and we look forward to another relaxing winter weekend away.  Book your room and get your tickets now.  See you there!!!