A Smooth Landing at the Flight Deck

Microbreweries are becoming more and more common, with Maine hosting an assortment of breweries throughout the state.   In my time here in Maine, I’ve heard people frequently talk about Flight Deck Brewing, so I made my way out to Brunswick to see what the buzz was all about.  Flight Deck Brewing is located in a converted small arms range at the Brunswick Naval Air Station.  Driving through the compound was a pleasant experience, as there wasn’t a lot of traffic, and I drove past a couple of decommissioned planes.  While the brewery is housed in a grey building, there are plenty of signs pointing to Flight Deck.  Furthermore, if you miss the first entrance, don’t despair, a second entrance isn’t much further down the road.

As it was Saturday, Flight Deck was packed by the time I arrived.  Additionally, the brewery was celebrating their two-year anniversary, which definitely brought in the extra clientele.  There are two seating sections within the brewery, with the larger area hosting seats at the bar, high tops, and picnic tables.  The smaller seating area has a couple of leather couches, along with picnic tables and a small counter.  Its in this area where brewing equipment can be viewed, each named after a “Top Gun” characters.  Furthermore, Flight Deck is decorated with model planes, along with flying equipment like helmet and goggles.  Flight Deck even provides a TV tuned to the day’s sporting event.

Flight Deck brews their beer in house, and their passion for their beers is evident.  According to their website, they are closed every Monday to dedicate the day to brewing plenty of beer.  They have an assortment of beers, and each drink is described on their menus.  Like many other drinking establishments, patrons can purchase a flight of beers, or a singular beer in an array of sizes.  Flight Deck has even bottled some of their beer, so folks can bring some beer home with them.

Flight Deck Brewing is a great place to bring you kids, as there are child friendly drinks available as well. If your kids happen to have four legs, a tail, and an affinity for milk bones, you can bring them along too. There are treats at the bar if your dog needs a snack.  The lawn provides a great space for kids, dogs, and grownups to sit and enjoy the day as well.  Picnic tables and benches are scattered around the space, with corn hole available for guests.  There’s even a fire pit that provides warmth during the colder months, and illumination at night

Since I had yet to eat lunch, I made my way to a food truck called Cooks Lobster and Ale House.  With seafood and pub fare, there’s something for everyone.  Both the food truck and Flight Deck accept both cash and plastic, so paying is convenient on all fronts.  Furthermore, one of the decommissioned planes is close by, providing a photo opportunity for guests.  Flight Deck host a whole slew of events as well, which can be found on their website.

As I continue to travel to different microbreweries, I’ve begun to notice to a certain pattern. Each brewery I’ve visited has done something to make it wholly unique.  Flight Deck Brewing works to embrace their roots, in their décor, as well as the “Top Gun” references.  The fire pit and the food truck were nice touches that added to the atmosphere at Flight Deck.  More information about Flight Deck can be found here, while their event schedule can be found here.  As I wrap up this post, the ever-eternal question leaps to mind, where should I go to next?

The Taste of Adventure

Any one who has visited Maine can tell you that the food is incredible.  Not only is the seafood to die for, but, there is so much more available, and Bethel and Newry were no different.  As I researched different restaurants in the area, I found myself blown away by the sheer amount of options available to me.

My first stop was the Mountain View At Trails End.  Located at the foot of the mountain, Mountain View is a haven for skiers, snowboarders, and everyone else enjoying the winter weather.  Seating was ample, providing plenty of options for patrons.  High tops were scattered throughout the restaurant, some of which have ski maps of Sunday River made right into the tables. Seating at the bar, as well as standard tables, couches, and seating by a fire place can all be found as well.  Televisions are also scattered around the restaurant, displaying a wide assortment of programming.

While it was pretty quite at when I was having lunch, it was clear that the Mountain View was so much more than just an eatery.  The bar is well stocked, especially with beers from micro-brewery’s, as well an arcade to entertain guests while they waited for their food.  Events are also held here, with a menu designed to cater to these events.  According to their website, the Mountain View can host a wedding as well!

Matterhorn Ski Bar was my next “dining destination,” and I wasn’t disappointed.  The restaurant was absolutely packed, but with two floors of seating available, a table is bound to open up soon.  There was live music, but it wasn’t overpowering at all.  I had no problem communicating with my server throughout my meal.  Furthermore, their menu was sizable, with plenty of options including; burgers, pizza, and salads.  Their drink menu was equally impressive, as they had an assortment of beers, red and white wines, and cocktails.  If you have kids in tow, don’t despair, as there are kid friendly options available as well.  The decorations were plenty of fun to look at as well, as the walls were adorned with various types of skis from years past.

While I had a pretty good idea where I was going for all my meals, I discovered Sunday River Brewing Company entirely by accident.  Much like the other establishments I visited, Sunday River Brewing Company had high tops, booths, tables, and seats at the bar available for patrons.  The atmosphere was definitely cozy, and the staff was friendly.  The beer is brewed right on the premise, and while guest cannot enter the brewery, windows offer a view into the brewing process.

While Sunday River Brewing Company does carry some well-known beers, I could tell that this brewery has a lot of pride for their own beer.  An entire section of their menu is dedicated to their beer, describing their flavor, the type of beer, color and finally the alcohol by volume. The food is phenomenal as well, with an assortment of pub food and pizza.

Dinner at the Funky Red Barn provided, dare I say it, a funky experience.  While it was quiet when I arrived, it was clear that good times come easy here.  The tables are sizable, providing opportunities for parties of all sizes to find a place to sit.  Old sports equipment, license plates, and album covers adorned the walls, along with a full sized motorcycle hanging from the ceiling.  Two pool tables are situated in the back of the restaurant, along with two dartboards.  Live music and a dance floor are provided as well, if that sounds like your kind of fun

My last night in Bethel was spent at ChoSun, a Japanese and Korean restaurant.  The décor was masterfully done.  Japanese art peppered the walls, while the eatery looked to be a cross between a ski lodge, as well as a Japanese restaurant.  As I had family with me on this particular night, we settled on the ChoSun Sushi Platter, which comes with 50 pieces of sushi, selected by the chef.  It was a phenomenal sight to see, and it was delicious!  While ChoSun is definitely a popular place to eat, it didn’t feel overcrowded or noisy.  It was comfortable, and with the low lighting, a great place to eat.  There’s even a bar where quests can have a drink as well.  The website for ChoSun makes it a point to recommend that guests make a reservation, and after my meal there, I have to agree that is a great idea.

 

Having travelled extensively in Maine, it doesn’t surprise me that Bethel and Newry has some extraordinary places to eat.  What amazes me is that I didn’t scratch the surface of restaurants in the area!  I constantly found myself making note of all the other places to eat in the area.  As always, if you want to know more about where I went, you can find the links here.  For Mountain View at Trails End, the link is here, while Matterhorn Ski Bar can be found here.  Subsequently, Sunday River Brewing Company ishere, while The Funky Red Barn can be found here, and Cho Sun is linked here.  Just like my previous post, this posting is part of a series for my Bethel and Newry trip, so stay tuned, as there is more to come!