And it stoned me to my soul...

I like craft beer. It's delicious. Luckily, there are a lot of stellar craft beers being produced right here in San Diego county. One of the most successful operations is Stone Brewery. You've probably heard of them. They are no longer simply a 'local' brewery, but instead a world-wide recognized label.

They're located in San Marcos, which is about 45 minutes from here. I've always wanted to go check out their facility. I've heard nothing but great things about it. Great food, cool grounds, and of course, yummy beers. And lots of them.

So when my girl's softball tournament last weekend was in none other than San Marcos, guess what we made a point to do?

Yep, visit Stone Brewery. We got our selves a reservation because we heard it was a very popular place.

It's actually a bit off-putting when you drive up. It looks like just another squat, industrial-park building. You can't really believe that it can be the place that everyone is raving about. I actually missed the parking lot the first time. What? That's not it! That giant, boxy building with no windows? But it was, we could smell it.

So I turned around, and successfully pulled into the parking lot the second time around. It was big. Big and full. There was not one space available. Not one! Wtf? Our reservations suddenly seemed like a very good thing.  As we went to exit to look for some street parking, the $3 valet sign caught our eyes. $3? That's in the budget.

So, we exited the car right at the yeasty gates, and ventured in. The first thing to catch our attention was a flame atop a big rock stone. It kind-of had the Olympic flame feel. My wee one was entranced. Once we pulled her away from the light we proceeded down the hop(?)-covered walkway.

Gorgeous bamboo lined the sides.

After a few more steps we arrived at the colossal doors,

where a giant rock stone greets you upon entering. My girl tried the backward butt climb. She didn't get very far.

But no matter, we had a whole Stone Brewery store to entertain us while we waited,

in which is located the impressive testing bar.

At the appointed quarter hour, we ventured back to the hostess stand, under this scary dude, to bet let inside the bar/restaurant proper.

Big inside bar

Cool outside bar with water and fire pit.

We were seated right behind this bar. Actually between this bar and the amazing  rest of the grounds that I am about to show you.

Well, with this lovely table between us as well.

Zen-like seating area

large, open rock stone floor area

Tables and chairs for the peeps to relax and drink in.

Cool table and bench, not made out of rock stone.

Climbing rocks stones. Such a cool, high space from which to drink and watch the other drinkers.

Waterfall and Buddha. 

Lovely lily pads

More chairs, across the river, for imbibers to imbibe in.

More rocks stones.

A blurry photo of a bachelor party

My girl hanging off the side of another waterfall. (You'll just have to take my word for it.)

A rock stone table conveniently placed along the path.

What path? You may be asking.

This cool rock stone path

Another cool outside bar area, with upstairs seating.

Eventually our bellies were full and it was time to go, so we gave a reverent goodbye to the rocks stones and took our leave.

We'll miss you Stone Brewery, but are so looking forward to the opening of your new location in San Diego proper!