Once the home of Roosevelt Field, the location where Charles Lindbergh embarked on his historic transatlantic flight, Garden City is a great location when considering a New York getaway. The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center features more than 75 aircrafts in eight galleries, making it perfect for anyone curious about the area’s rich aviation history. Travelers interested in shopping or dining will be enamored with the Roosevelt Field Mall (built on the site of the former airfield) which features more than 250 shops and a spectrum of dining options.
The Hops & Props Craft Beer Festival is one of the top winter beer festivals in the region, and it will take place February 10 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center. This year’s event will include more than 25 breweries including Founders Brewing Co., Brooklyn Brewery, Sixpoint Brewery, and more. Each brewery will feature a variety of beers for patrons to sample as they walk among the various exhibits. Attendees will also encounter more than 12 different food vendors that will sell everything from lobster rolls to ice cream. DJ Chef of Food Network fame will be on hand deejaying music while he also holds cooking expositions for the audience. Those in search of an enhanced experience should purchase VIP tickets, which include early entry, access to the Retro Video Game Exhibit, and more. We interviewed Event Coordinator, Jordan Prietti, to learn more about this high flying beer showcase.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
JP: This is one of the more unique festivals in New York -- a large craft beer festival held at a museum dedicated to the history of aviation! You’ll wander around and under giant jets and historic planes on display at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, all while sampling some of the region’s finest craft beers!
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
JP: This event is 21 and up. It’s great for couples, groups of friends, and any beer lover.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
JP: The event will feature over 25 craft breweries and a variety of distinct beers. There will be over a dozen food vendors onsite with foods like lobster rolls, ribs, ice cream, waffles, gourmet grilled cheese, chicken wings, pretzels and much more!
New to this year’s festival is The Food Network’s Cutthroat Champion, DJ Chef, providing music and entertainment as he simultaneously cooks and deejays. VIP ticket holders will have access to the Cradle’s retro video game exhibit and enjoy a complimentary snack from North Fork Potato Chips.
The event runs from 7:00-10:00 pm with an exclusive VIP session starting at 6:00 pm. Tickets are available online on the event website. All ticket holders will receive a souvenir tasting glass and a koozie, compliments of Cassone Containers.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
JP: The area features a variety of great hotels including The Garden City Hotel, Long Island Marriott, Hyatt Place Garden City, Hampton Inn Garden City, Holiday Inn Westbury, Hilton Inn, and more.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
JP: The event brings breweries from all over Long Island and New York state to one place for people to sample their delicious beers.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
JP: Yes, the event helps raise awareness for the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
JP: This event is excellent for a date night, boys night, girls night, or to just get out of the house. It has something for beer lovers, craft beer lovers, New York beer lovers, and people who want to learn about craft beers. It’s also the perfect early Valentine’s Day present!
For more information about the Hops & Props Craft Beer Festival, please visit the event website.