What a delight this leg of our journey turned out to be -


May 29, 2022

Progression Brewing Company

https://progressionbrewing.com

9 Pearl St, Northampton, MA 01060

(413) 341-3517



Bob outside Progression Brewery - located near the end of the blocked off street.

From Progression's website -

Our Mission

At Progression everything starts within our taproom walls. This special brewery that we call home is a place for our community to gather, and it is this community that keeps us constantly striving towards progress. This starts with the quality beer we make, but it doesn’t stop there. Our mission is to enjoy the journey of progress in all aspects of what we are involved in; business, family, community and humankind. We believe that by providing our community with creativity, positivity, sustainability and exploration that we will continue to put the progress in Progression. 


Life is a Progression, enjoy the journey!


My thoughts -

The day before Memorial Day - the streets in downtown Northampton were packed with shoppers, tourists, college students, and others all looking to have a good time. You could just feel the good vibes in the air, especially as we rounded Main St. onto Strong Ave.


This photo shows about half the blocked off street. The gazebo at midpoint is where the entertainers set up.

For the second summer, the project called Summer on Strong (which started out as one of the many responses to the pandemic that the city in collaboration with private businesses established to help encourage people to support the community while remaining safe and addressing health concerns) opened for Memorial Day weekend with an enthusiastic crowd. Surrounding restaurants of Strong Ave. again have joined forces to create a beautiful outdoor seating area, which features plenty of dining options and a live music schedule!


Another view of blocked off Strong Ave., Northampton - it stretches about twice as far as you can see.

The entire blocked-off Strong Ave. was buzzing with restaurant and pub patrons enjoying their food and drinks outside while being entertained by a three-piece band set up in the middle of the block. The beautiful tree lined street was embellished with potted plants throughout the seating area. While Kelley ordered our first round of beers, Lisa secured an umbrella table close to the entertainment. Progression Brewery is a participant in the "Summer on Strong" project and their ice cold beer is available from their beer wagon located at one end of their designated seating area.


Progression's beer truck and tap-tender, Liz, was delightful, helpful, was completely in-sync with the vibe on the street.


The vibe on the street and the music by the band came together to create a wondrous environment for sitting back, enjoying the beautiful day, people watching, and forgetting about time and chores. Some people were there with their dogs and even the pets seemed to be unwinding and letting the calm flow through them. Here in the middle of this vibrant small city, no-one appeared to have a care or be in a hurry.


We were there from about 3:45 until a little after 6 p.m. - time flew by - the conversation never lagged - and we were all smiles the whole time. Contributing to the afternoon were the 3 pints of Cape Time - a delicious New England IPA that I had. Kelley had The Adults Are Talking - another NE IPA, and Lisa enjoyed NoHo [ a moniker for Northampton] Kölsch -a style of beer originating in Cologne, Germany.


As usual we enhanced our enjoyment with a takeout order. This time from Local Burger [on the corner of Main & Strong] consisting of  Captain Crunch Chicken Tenders and fries.


Local Burger


The afternoon passed too quickly! To borrow a phrase suggested by my friend Beth - the afternoon and refreshments rated 5 Foamy Stars!


A 5 Foamy Stars Afternoon!


We started to wind down after the live music ended at 6 p.m. On the way back to the parking garage we exited Summer on Strong by the way of Pearl St. where Progression Brewery and Tap Room is located. Reference the first picture. We stopped in to see what the Tap Room looked like.


Progression Brewery Bar

Progression Brewery Lounge area


Overall, a tremendously enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to Lisa and Kelley my birthday celebration continues.


[No, not a nuclear event, nor 4th degree burns - only reflections from the red umbrellas]


CHEERS!!!

Obverse and reverse of Progression Brewery coaster.

See you again soon when the Spirited Tour continues!







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