The Hops Museum

I love the Hops Museum! Anybody can join and hold events here. There is always something interesting going on so you never know who you might meet. Their décor is quirky and handmade and so a great space for events. The walls have lots of interesting displays and you can learn all kinds of things about hops and beer making culture.

(Four stars only because they aren’t completely up and running yet.) I walked past here yesterday evening, and was surprised to find it open, as most museums are only open daytime hours. Erin (the very friendly, personable curator) greeted me warmly and gave me a glass of white wine. She explained that they would like people to be able to drop in when visiting the Malt House a few doors down, therefore their hours are currently 4 – 8 pm most days. Makes sense. She also plans on utilizing the earlier daytime closed hours as a mixed use space for other startups and groups to use.
It’s a small space, and has the beginnings of the story of hops and beer making in signage on the walls and a few displays, including one with free samples of hops tea, a relaxing drink for those who don’t drink alcohol. The space even has an indoor ‘little library’. A gift shop with locally produced items will also be added, such as wildcrafted honey and original artwork.
Stop in and check it out, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet Toby as well, a very laid back German Shepherd mix. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes as they develop.