2013 NHC in Philly! Who's going?

[IslandLizard]

the conference hotel charges 12.95 a day for interwebs....bastards

Yeah, knowing that even a $50 road-side motel gives that for free.

But...we get wireless access for free in the lobby and all conference areas. Just bring your tablet down with you.

The hotel doesn't have a spa either, only a pool, apparently.

For anyone who still needs a room, the Sheraton, ~10 blocks away has all level rooms for $99 a night. + tax of course.

 

[claphamsa]

Yeah, and $45 a day for parking!

I"m bringing my little wifi "hotspot" and hope it works, as I don't have a smartphone like everybody else in America seems to!

If my hotspot works, I'll let you use it for only $9.95 a day/

Or free if you happen to be close by.

which is shocking when street parking is free

 

[Yooper]

Yeah, knowing that even a $50 road-side motel gives that for free.

But...we get wireless access for free in the lobby and all conference areas. Just bring your tablet down with you.

The hotel doesn't have a spa either, only a pool, apparently.

For anyone who still needs a room, the Sheraton, ~10 blocks away has all level rooms for $99 a night. + tax of course.

Oh, I meant to tell you that I followed your lead and made a nametag for myself. The thing is, having a nametag with a dominatrix on it looks pretty slutty, even for me. I may or may not actually wear it!

I have a couple of HBT stickers and I can stick one on my shirt I guess.

 

[IslandLizard]

Oh, I meant to tell you that I followed your lead and made a nametag for myself. The thing is, having a nametag with a dominatrix on it looks pretty slutty, even for me. I may or may not actually wear it!

I have a couple of HBT stickers and I can stick one on my shirt I guess.

It's just a small avatar, you're not printing it shirt size. Whether you wear it or not, you're famous already and better recognized than many a high-office politician, probably more than you would like at times. :respect:

Besides, the whip is needed to keep us patrons here at bay.

 

[Yooper]

One of the things I decided to do was to tour Independence Hall. It's a shame to go to Philadelphia and not do that, but my first reservation was for Wednesday AM. Since I decided to do the DFH tour, I can't make the Wednesday tour.

I decided to ditch the Thursday afternoon seminars, and will be going to the Liberty Bell at 4 PM for the tour. I think I'll follow that up with a bite to eat at Triumph, then hustle back for the opening toast. If anybody else isn't doing Thursday seminars after the final round judging, they are welcome to join me!

 

[Yooper]

It's just a small avatar, you're not printing it shirt size. Whether you wear it or not, you're famous already and better recognized than many a high-office politician, probably more than you would like at times. :respect:

Besides, the whip is needed to keep us patrons here at bay.

You made me do the literally LOL here!

Edit- I laughed and told Bob what you said. He laughed too, and said, "yep, a legend in your own mind".

I reminded him that everybody is famous on the internet and he agreed!

 

[stomatta]

So sorry to hear that Denny. Deepest condolences.

 

[temple240]

I like both of these. It'd be cool to meet other HBT folks, plus since my wife & I don't eat a lot of meat I'd be happy to hear of some non-cheesesteak options. Eating is a key part of our don't-puke-on-strangers-literally-or-verbally game plan...

If you're not much of a meat eater make sure you stop by Hip City Veg for lunch.

 

[Denny]

the conference hotel charges 12.95 a day for interwebs....bastards

The AHA usually has a sponsor for free internet.

 

[dfess1]

Denny, I am sorry for you loss.

Yooper, et al. I would not go out of my way to make it to Trimuph. If you're in the area, ok, but don't make that your destination. You will most likely be a little underwhelmed (and out of breath if hustling back from there while muttering "why did I go all the way there for that?!?").

 

[IslandLizard]

Yooper, et al. I would not go out of my way to make it to Trimuph. If you're in the area, ok, but don't make that your destination. You will most likely be a little underwhelmed (and out of breath if hustling back from there while muttering "why did I go all the way there for that?!?").

6 to 7 years ago I used to frequent the New Hope and Princeton branches of Triumph. Those 2 bars were actually quite alright, entertainment and all. They had only a small selection of beers on tap, maybe 8 or 10 in total, and nothing that really blew my socks off, like hop forward IPAs or stouts that needed to be savored slowly. Many home brewers do better.

I had a hand-pumped Saison there a few times, and again, it was very middle of the road. It felt like they catered to the average taste bud of the masses and didn't want to possibly offend anyone. Perhaps their main outfit has better choice and some more progressive beers. Since that has been some time ago, things could have changed over the years. But I wouldn't bet on it, seeing the general consensus here.

Now Eulogy sounds like a way more interesting place.

 

[sweetcell]

6 to 7 years ago I used to frequent the New Hope and Princeton branches of Triumph. Those 2 bars were actually quite alright, entertainment and all. They had only a small selection of beers on tap, maybe 8 or 10 in total, and nothing that really blew my socks off, like hop forward IPAs or stouts that needed to be savored slowly. Many home brewers do better.

I had a hand-pumped Saison there a few times, and again, it was very middle of the road. It felt like they catered to the average taste bud of the masses and didn't want to possibly offend anyone. Perhaps their main outfit has better choice and some more progressive beers. Since that has been some time ago, things could have changed over the years. But I wouldn't bet on it, seeing the general consensus here.

i haven't been to a Triumph since 2009, but that's my recollection too. they make quality beers but they only rate a "decent" in terms of flavor, innovation, etc. personally i'm in no hurry to rush back there, what with all the other great choices closer by.

but maybe they've changed, along with evolving palettes?

from their website:
WHAT’S ON TAP
Chocolate Milk Stout
Belgian Blond
Amber Ale
Double I.P.A.
Ctrl Alt Delete
Bengal Gold I.P.A.
Abbey Dubbel
Smoked Rye
Ordinary Bitter (hand pump)
http://www.triumphbrewing.com/philadelphia/

 

[dfess1]

I'm not saying they make bad beer, just nothing I'd go out of my way for is all. Eulogy is a good place to hit though (and yes is across the street from Triumph, so you've essentially walked just as far!). The Triumph in New Hope seems to have had better beer recently.

The place Bru, much closer to the hotel, has had some interesting lineups lately. Plus they'll be holding a Stone event there Fri between last seminar and Club Night (Mitch will be there). And Nodding Head isn't too far away from there. Personally, I think they make better beer, albiet with a big English slant, than the Triumph. As has been mentioned already, Varga is a great bar too. Strangelove's is right there in a couple blocks as well. Can't speak for the food, but the lineups they had during Philly Beer Week were pretty damn good.

 

[IslandLizard]

from their website:
WHAT’S ON TAP
Chocolate Milk Stout
Belgian Blond
Amber Ale
Double I.P.A.
Ctrl Alt Delete
Bengal Gold I.P.A.
Abbey Dubbel
Smoked Rye
Ordinary Bitter (hand pump)
http://www.triumphbrewing.com/philadelphia/

Yeah, that looks familiar. The bolded ones I've had and were not impressive at the time. Not sure about the Ctrl Alt Delete.

Does this make you wonder why they don't put a real cask of ESB on the hand pump or a refreshingly crisp Saison? Something you say "ahhhh!" to and go back for another one.

 

[Yooper]

Denny, I am sorry for you loss.

Yooper, et al. I would not go out of my way to make it to Trimuph. If you're in the area, ok, but don't make that your destination. You will most likely be a little underwhelmed (and out of breath if hustling back from there while muttering "why did I go all the way there for that?!?").

Yes, I agree!

That's why I'm planning on changing plans and going on Thursday, because I'm touring Independence Hall at 4 PM and it's close. I love to walk, and am pretty fit- but Yoopers don't like hot humid weather and I might be pretty well baked from the walk!

Let's all plan something for Friday lunch or dinner, or Saturday for those of us not going to the banquet.

Aside from the scheduled DFH tour and the BNA8 party, I really don't have anything really scheduled. I can skip the Independence Hall tour, but I just thought that is something I'd really like to do if I can squeeze it in.

 

[claphamsa]

so its gordon biersh?

 

[claphamsa]

please note GB has its place....

 

[pjj2ba]

Let's all plan something for Friday lunch or dinner, or Saturday for those of us not going to the banquet.

Friday is good for me. My wife has to work until noon on Thurs. so we won't be down until 4 PM or so.

As first timers, we have tickets to the banquet to see what it is all about - and just maybe walk out the door with something.....

 

[dfess1]

Friday is good for me. My wife has to work until noon on Thurs. so we won't be down until 4 PM or so.

As first timers, we have tickets to the banquet to see what it is all about - and just maybe walk out the door with something.....

Friday works for me. I will unfortunately be leaving the area bright and early Sat morning to head to Rochester NY. Have to help get the dock in the water before the big party on the 4th...

That said, whatever the general consensus agrees to is a-ok.

 

[dfess1]

Yes, I agree!

That's why I'm planning on changing plans and going on Thursday, because I'm touring Independence Hall at 4 PM and it's close. I love to walk, and am pretty fit- but Yoopers don't like hot humid weather and I might be pretty well baked from the walk!

Well, you are SOL on the heat and humidity this week. Highs of the mid 90's with 90% humidity all week long.

I would check out this site: http://www.recreation.gov/tourDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=77815&tourId=212619&cat=1

While the tour of Independence Hall is free, you do need a ticket and they do go quickly during the summer months (first come, first served unless using the link above). You can reserve yours at a time you think you'll be down there. It is a very cool tour (having done it multiple times with different family members that come to visit the city, I've yet to see the same lecture twice!). However, if you want to stay cool, I highly recommend the Eastern St Penitentiary tour (not just for yourself, but for anyone who's significant other is coming along). It's pretty interesting, and the place stays relatively cool due to all the cement.

There is the Mutter Museum, if you're into medical oddities. And of course the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Franklin Institute is pretty interesting too. Those are all at least air conditioned.

 

[AnOldUR]

There is the Mutter Museum, if you're into medical oddities.

That's on my wife's list.
Guess that's why she stays with me. :cross:

 

[dfess1]

That's on my wife's list.
Guess that's why she stays with me. :cross:

I've been there three times, and everytime I swear never again! I have no interest in what an infants skull looks like that has been riddled with syphilis.

Anyway, back to the beer stuff! I'm headed out to the garage to finish up some booth stuff. And assemble about 150 bottle openers!

 

[claphamsa]

question, for club night... lots of people are bringing kegs, can I just show up with a cooler full of meade? do I need my own vessel (cooler) do I need my own ice? will they tell me to **** off?

Im glad to know that anoldur is gonna be delivering me a scrapple egg and cheese sandwich every morning!

 

[dfess1]

question, for club night... lots of people are bringing kegs, can I just show up with a cooler full of meade? do I need my own vessel (cooler) do I need my own ice? will they tell me to **** off?

Im glad to know that anoldur is gonna be delivering me a scrapple egg and cheese sandwich every morning!

from what i've read, you need your stuff dropped off by thursday at the latest. It has to have a special tag attached to it. They will provide ice, but it's up to you to have something to cool it down in.

 

[Yooper]

question, for club night... lots of people are bringing kegs, can I just show up with a cooler full of meade? do I need my own vessel (cooler) do I need my own ice? will they tell me to **** off?

Im glad to know that anoldur is gonna be delivering me a scrapple egg and cheese sandwich every morning!

Yeah, they'll to you to f off, IF you just move in. But you bring a cooler of mead, and just bring it in the door or in the hospitality suite (this year called the "liberty well" I believe) and you'll get plenty of new friends to hang with.

I brought leftover kegs and such in there to share, along with a few bottles. Just keep the stuff in your room until you want to share it. Or have a party, and invite us. Either way!

The clubs that are signed up have booths and some of them are quite creative. They are assigned a place with a table, etc, and they turn in their beer by Thursday and it's delivered to the right place at the right time. But still there are others wandering around with their own samples to share at any given moment, even during the seminars.

The elevator at the 2008 NHC had a big sign next to it called "The Vertical Tasting Suite" and often people where in there with a cooler and picnic taps pouring beer samples.

Trust me, there is beer absolutely everywhere, and most of it is pretty good!

 

[mcbaumannerb]

question, for club night... lots of people are bringing kegs, can I just show up with a cooler full of meade? do I need my own vessel (cooler) do I need my own ice? will they tell me to **** off?

Im glad to know that anoldur is gonna be delivering me a scrapple egg and cheese sandwich every morning!

If you are anywhere on the convention center floor then you don't want to try and do too much yourself - the trade unions at the center are very, uh, zealous about protecting their work.

 

[pjj2ba]

I don't know what it is like in downtown Philly, but up here, many of the Asian restaurants, and a few others, often do not have liquor licenses and welcome BYOB. I have a couple beers I'm bringing down (bottles) and lunch at a BYOB place might be a nice time to share them.

Perhaps some of the locals might know of such a place nearby

 

[AnOldUR]

Perhaps some of the locals might know of such a place nearby

Is the Market BYO?

 

[dfess1]

Is the Market BYO?

I don't believe so.

 

[ehope411]

Is the Market BYO?

I can't recommend any by personal experience. However, if you go to visitphilly dot com and search "byob" you'll be able to search by neighborhood. Looks like there's one a block away in Chinatown called Banana Leaf that could be interesting. Rittenhouse Square is a short cab ride away and has a lot more choices. Good luck.