Tag Archives: review

Quick Review: Harpers Ferry Brewing

Harpers Ferry Brewing
Harpers Ferry Brewing

Hands down, Harpers Ferry Brewing is the don’t-miss, “destination brewery” of the area!  Still fresh on the nearby brewery scene, HFB first opened it’s doors in September, 2018, and people have been coming in droves ever since.

A summer evening at Harpers Ferry Brewing
Summer evening at Harpers Ferry Brewing

BREWS WITH VIEWS

The brewery is situated high atop a cliff  known as Loudoun Heights and overlooks the Potomac River with the picturesque little town of Harpers Ferry in the distance.  Gorgeous scenery abounds! The expansive outdoor space features multiple gathering areas, three bars, loads of seating, and absolutely stunning views!

View of the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry Brewing
View of the Potomac River at sunset from Harpers Ferry Brewing
Take in the view at Harpers Ferry Brewing
Take in the view at Harpers Ferry Brewing
A beautiful evening at Harpers Ferry Brewing
A beautiful evening at Harpers Ferry Brewing

THE BEER

HFB’s broad selection of on-tap brews (sometimes up to 20, or even more, different choices!) boasts everything from IPA’s to wheat ales to white stouts as well as hard seltzers.  You’ll find the beer menu to feature a few standards like my go-to, The Needles, a West Coast IPA with notes of citrus and pine.  Plus they also always have quite a few new and seasonal options.  I recently ordered a limited-edition, Whitewater Hard Seltzer with lemon and strawberry.  It was delicious and so refreshing on a hot afternoon!  With so much to choose from there is definitely something for everyone. Get a flight of six pours and give a few different options a try, and don’t forget to pick up a growler to take home!

Harpers Ferry Brewing Growler
Take home a Harpers Ferry Brewing growler!

Harpers Ferry Brewing also offers a lite-fare food menu with items like pizza (we tried it – yum!), soft pretzels, other snack-type goodies, and even ice cream. Outside, at least one food truck is usually on hand with pulled pork, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, etc.  Other food trucks make occasional visits too.  We’ve been trying to catch the lobster roll truck, but keep missing it.  Arrrgh!  Going to keep trying though!!

Picnic dinner with a view at Harpers Ferry Brewing
Picnic dinner with a view at Harpers Ferry Brewing

If you’re visiting on a cold-weather or rainy day, the inside seating area is spacious and decorated in a combination of vintage hunting lodge and modern industrial design. Large, windowed garage doors provide views of both the brewing area on one wall and the beautiful outside view on another. Multiple TV’s for watching the big game and, frequently, live music complete the indoor experience.

The brewing area at Harpers Ferry Brewing
The brewing area at Harpers Ferry Brewing
Warm up by the fire pit on a winter afternoon at Harpers Ferry Brewing.
Warm up by the fire pit on a winter afternoon at Harpers Ferry Brewing.

We’ll see you there!

Quick Review: Captain Bender’s Tavern

Captain Bender's Tavern - Sharpsburg, MD
Captain Bender’s Tavern – Sharpsburg, MD

Captain Bender’s Tavern in Sharpsburg, MD is the closest restaurant to The River Bend Retreat, and is our “go to” whenever we need a night off from making dinner. The relaxed, pub-style atmosphere and great food combine to make Captain Bender’s our number one most visited restaurant. Whether you’re a local or just passing through the area, Captain Bender’s exudes that Cheer’s-like “where-everybody-knows-your-name” kind of feeling. Stop in and we think you’ll see why we always recommend Cap’n Bender’s to our guests.


A little history about Captain Bender’s

C&O Canalboat Skipper Raleigh S. Bender with a model of his barge.

Named after it’s original proprietor, C&O Canalboat Skipper Raleigh S. Bender, the tavern has been in operation since 1936. Captain Bender was born in Sharpsburg in 1873 and worked on the canal for over 36 years before opening the tavern where he is said to have told many stories of his canal days to his patrons. Ahhh, if only walls could talk . . . I sure wish we could hear some of those stories now!


Our Favorite Menu Items

Not sure what was on the menu back in 1936, but now it boasts numerous mouth-watering items from burgers and sandwiches to prime rib and crab cakes. Some of our favorites are:

  • Towpath Nachos with Chili – if you like jalapenos, you’ll like this one
  • Old Bay Wings (dry) – seriously good and Wednesdays are AYCE
  • Crabcakes – they’re up there with the best! (and we used to live down the street from G&M in Linthicum, MD which is world famous for crab cakes)
  • Pickle Fries – The sauce that comes with them is super yum. I actually ask for it when I order another fav . . .
  • their humongous Onion Rings – truly knife and fork sized
  • Hub City salad – Do not miss the house dressing, Honey Lime Pistachio!
  • Pulled Pork Sandwich with Cole Slaw – A personal favorite. I always get some of their homemade hot sauce on the side.
  • Chili – especially nice to warm up with on those brisk fall and winter days
  • And last, but definitely not least, THE BALTIMORE MARTINI – a pint glass rimmed with Old Bay and filled with Natty Boh! 🙂
Captain Bender's Hog Wings
Did we mention the Hog Wings with sweet chili sauce??? They’re another big winner!

So if you’re in the area and looking for a tasty meal in a friendly atmosphere for a reasonable price, Captain Bender’s Tavern is the place to go. We might see you there! 🙂