In order to increase the page-count for 2016, I probably should do this in multiple posts.
But I'm too lazy to be that inefficient.
(1) Bull City Burgers and Brews. Thanks to fuse & DD for the tips; we ended up here for lunch. Their Burger-O'-The-Day (with a grilled jalapeno pepper and stuffed with pimiento cheese) was fantastic. The Gateway Golden Ale (which Mrs. Tripping ordered) was almost flavorless. The Parrish Street Pale Ale was better. Nothing that really blew me away. In hindsight, I probably should have done their wee heavy Scotch ale offering. My bad.
(2) Fullsteam's Facebook page said they opened at 2:00 p.m. When we showed up at 2:30 p.m., they looked at us as if we had emerged from the Millennium Falcon and told us they weren't open until 4:00 p.m. Oh well.
(3) Toro Pizzeria for dinner. Deep River 16-ounce cans with this meal (although I ordered an apertif, as it were). Mrs. had the Joco white winter ale, which was really, really tasty. A Belgian dubbel style, brewed with which sweet potatoes and roasted marshmallows. A nice hint of winter spice to the Belgian style. I ordered the Ponsysaurus Fig Saison as a starter. Nice depth to this beer, and a nice mahogany color. With dinner (a fantastic pizza with lamb meatballs and crispy kale), I had Deep River's Riverbank Rye-It pale ale. A nice bitterness and pine notes, balanced with citrus. Very tasty.
(4) We visited Haw River Farmhouse Ales in Saxapahaw for the first time on the way home. Great space in an old cotton mill, right by the river. They are doing some really innovative/funky stuff with their beers. Had a four-glass sampler. My favorite was the St. Benedict's breakfast dubbel (wonderful coffee notes), but the Belgian chocolate stout was also good. Definitely need to make a return trip.
Happy 2016 to all.