Roll Out The Barrels.....Crooked Letter Brewing Company Is Here!!

Yes, it is true....OS has it's very own microbrewery nestled in a small unassuming building at the back of  Broome's parking lot on Government Street.

  It has only been open for a month or so and as residents of Ocean Springs, we (meaning me, my hubbie and daughter)  felt it was our civic and patriotic duty to investigate and partake of this new business.  Tours of the brewery and beer tastings are conducted on Saturdays from 1- 3 p.m.  This is the only brewery in Ocean Springs and one of only two in South Mississippi.  We arrived promptly at 1, began tasting with Wanda, Owner and Beer Temptress followed by a tour with Paul, Owner and Brew Master Rock Star and a final brief tasting to make our decision about our favorite brew. 

There are lots of souvenirs available for purchase including beer glasses, huggies and tshirts....we got distracted.....

Great shirts!  Go buy one and support the cause!

We turned our attention to the beer tasting bar on the opposite side of the room.......

There are 4 beers in currently being produced.  Mystery Romp, Gipsy IPA, Stabello and Crooked Heffy.

Wanda explained the differences.  "Romp" is infused with chocolate and coffee, NO! it is not like Guinness, very light and delicious.  The Gipsy IPA was an American style India Pale Ale.  The Stabello, a lager and Crooked Heffy, an American Hefweizen with banana and clove flavors.  All were very accurately described and quite tasty. 

Each person sampling had to be 21 and received their very own mini sampling glass.

 Moving on to the tour (taking our samples with us, of course) we followed Paul into the brewing area....As always beer begins with the grains that are ground and combined with yeast and water.

Grinding machine on the platform behind Paul is ready for action.

Paul explains the process that goes on within the tanks.  In the event of a hurricane, these tanks can hold 2,000 gallons of water that can be distributed to the community. 

 Leftover grains go to the cows and the beer is ready to be "kegged",cooled and distributed.

Crooked Letter Brewing Company currently produces about 300 kegs per week.  Several bars in town have their beer on tap and they are to begin bottling the beer in mid April.

End of the Beer Line

Shiny kegs awaiting to be filled with beer deliciousness!

Sadly, it was time to leave our new friends and our new favorite beer on the planet!!!  We are anxious to be drinking a Crooked Letter beer on our back porch during the sweltering months of summer just ahead!!

 You..too... can take advantage of this wonderful new opportunity to visit with Paul and Wanda and learn about the ancient process that produces this tasty beverage 

Crooked Letter Brewing Company is located at 1805 Government Street.  Check out their website and facebook page for more information.  Beer cheers!!!

Welcome to....The Art House!

Most of you know where Kwitsky's is on Government Street, but I bet you did not realize that a short walk from Kwitsky's, this brightly colored cottage on Cash Alley in Ocean Springs houses a treasure trove of original and unique art created by local artists.  I stopped by recently and enjoyed a gallery tour and

and the beautiful setting that surrounds the Art House.  Approximately 30 artists display a wide variety of art including paintings, pottery, photography, sculpture, and jewelry.  The Art House opened in April 2000 and is a co-op which is managed by the artists who display there and is a showcase for members of the Oceans Springs Art Association.  The Art House building has a wonderful history which is detailed here.

This lovely lady greets you as you stroll up the walkway to the building

More sculpture in the backyard.....

The inside of the building has 7 different rooms all filled with a variety of reasonably priced  art.

The artists restored this building and created beautiful paintings on the floors to add to the ambience!
If you have been looking for a special Christmas present, that is locally made and one of a kind...take a look below at some of the offerings you will see:

Beautiful handmade jewelry!

Unique note cards to add to someone's stocking...

 Need a new painting for that space over your sofa or maybe in your condo that overlooks the beach....there are lots of choices....water color, acrylic, collage, and oils are available as well as framed and unframed pieces.

The brightly lit gallery walls highlights the bright colors of the paintings and pottery!

Pottery!!!

Perfect ornament for the Christmas tree!

Unframed originals, some priced at around $50.00

Buy Local

 One of a kind jewelry pieces!

 The next time you are on Government Street shopping, take the short walk up Cash Alley, avoid the Christmas rush, relax and purchase a memorable piece of art for your special someone.......

                                  The Art House
                                   921 Cash Alley
                                   Mon. - Sat.   10-4:30p.m.
                                    228-875-9285

pARTake! pARTicipate! pARTy! with Ocean Springs Art Association!

Would you like to browse original artwork created by local Mississippi gulf coast artists?  I know you are in need of a beautiful painting, photograph, or sculpture to enhance your home living space.  Well, stop by and take a look.... The Ocean Springs Art Association is proud to invite you to their 41st Annual Fall Art Show & Sale, being held at the Ocean Springs Community Center on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs.
Take a look behind the scenes as the members set up for the show.....and if you missed it....the opening night reception was a fun event!!!

Approximately 400 members in the 6 coastal counties have the opportunity to exhibit each year and this year almost 300 entries were hung and arranged in the community center with the Walter Anderson murals for a wonderful backdrop.

Sunday is the day artists submit work and it takes 30 to 40 OSAA members to assist with assessing the artwork for correct size, etc...and processing entry fees.

Even though, it is a long day....everyone is excited to see the artwork and visit with each other!

Vicky and Liz are serious about making sure all bases are covered!

It takes a special talent to carefully hanging and placing the artwork.......I love the bunny with hands!!

Beautiful pottery pear!!!

The colors are spectacular!!!

 Wonderful fall watercolor!!!  A winner in the show!!!

I love these seahorses and their big eyes!

The opening on Friday night was festive with flowers and decorations:

Great food.....

A little bubbly and wine to get the guests in the mood to purchase art!!!!

Happy bartenders provided great service to all attendees!!

You can still stop by to view and purchase art:  (You know you need to treat yourself to a special and original Christmas present!)
                                      Ocean Springs Community Center
                                       512 Washington Ave.
                                       Ocean Springs, MS
                                       Saturday Oct. 27 - Sunday Nov. 10
                                        10-4 daily, closed Nov. 5 & 6 for elections

Cruisin' the Coast..Ocean Springs Style!

Whew.....after a dry spell of blogging, I HAVE RETURNED!!!  And yes, as the front page of the local paper states OS was taken over by legions of classic cars and visitors for the 16th Annual Cruising the Coast.  I think all 6,000 cars showed up in Ocean Springs from Thursday through Sunday, judging from the traffic....but lots of interesting things to see and a good time was had by all.

Cars lined the oak shaded streets.

Want to look at an engine? these owners were proud to share!

Wow!!!  Curbside service

 I found the above truck rather interesting....claimed to be a "Rat Mobile" and the owner below is holding a toilet seat....I missed the story on this one, but just one of the unique "vehicles" I saw.

Looking for entertainment?  Afternoon music was provided every afternoon.  We caught "Vince Vance and the Valiants"  singing a song he wrote, "All I want for Christmas is You".......made me wish for cooler weather.....HA!

These ladies had the difficult task of judging the cars, good thing they were dressed to blend in with the crowd!!

There were lots of "celebrities" wandering around....Yes, that is Marilyn Monroe showing off in her famous dress!!  And believe it or not, Elvis made an appearance....

Thank you....Thank you very much!

 

These guys must be related to Guy Fieri.......notice the purple hair.....I guess the Louisiana cousins!!!

You could also purchase your very own T-shirt to verify your participation.......

Hungry?  Food and drinks were everywhere....from the local restaurants, to food booths set up all along the street!!!

Slice of pizza and a beer!

nice selection of treats!

Wow......great bargain!

hmmm.......Margarita or Mojito....no, someone was selling Mimosas...think I will head back there!

A few more specialty cars caught my eye..........

Pretty in Pink

Banana Yellow..........

Ambulance? Hearse?

I wanted this one........only the price tag shown on the car was Yesterday's price, not today's! 

I want to ride in a red wagon, too!

I spoke to this guy briefly about his experience with Cruising the Coast in Ocean Springs.  His response,
"Well, the cars are loud, the chicks are hot, and the beer is cold........as long as I can drag these old bones outta bed and into my car......I WILL BE BACK!!"