While heading down to H2Obx, we passed a few places that caught our eye. The Weeping Radish is a favorite of ours because they were kind enough to donate to our Pancreatic Cancer auction a few years back. We always try to stop in to support them while passing through but we never had the chance to do a tour. We noticed that they have added goats to their property and fenced in an area outside, so we stopped for lunch. The owner, Uli, is hilarious. He moved to this country as a farmer, but his brother convinced him to start the brewery in 1985, and it is actually the oldest brewery in North Carolina. It is so old that it was illegal when he first tried to open. Nothing like that had ever been done, and they had to rewrite the laws to continue. They went through the state legislature and, in six months, a foreigner on a Visa changed North Carolina's history. They moved to the current location in 2000. Their entire philosophy emphasizes using less chemicals and eliminating any preservatives to make everything as fresh as possible. Almost everything they use comes from within 200 miles, from the retail store on one side to the brewery and restaurant on the other.
Uli was raised in a culture where beer and family are entwined. OBX attracts a family friendly audience, and the Weeping Radish does too. In 2008, as a response to the need for activities for kids in the middle of financial crisis where less people were traveling, Uli built an ice skating rink on their property. It wasn't cost effective, but it gave the local families something to look forward to for the holiday. Uli said the best part was that the little kids were using kegs to lean on to learn to skate. Stop by and grab lunch and a flight. Sit outside and let your kids play with the goats while you eat. Take them upstairs to the viewing site to get a peak at how the beer is made.
From there, head further down the road to OBX Monster Trucks and Digger's Dungeon. For $10 a person (cash only) you can grab a ride on top of a monster truck. The ride lasts about five minutes, but you can hang out on the property where there is a petting zoo and play area. For $5 a kid, young kids can drive a mini monster truck. Further down is Digger's Dungeon where you'll see the garage for both working and retired trucks plus a large gift shop. Inside the shop is a small race track which kids can play on for free. Ice cream and snacks are for sale in a 50's style themed restaurant.
