Charleston had its first major beer festival recently (ahem, Morgantown). Foam at the Dome was held at Laidley Field under stormy skies (only raining a bit, though!), with hundreds turning out for a cold one. Or two.

There were definitely some organizational hiccups - like waiting in line for 30 minutes before we even got into the event. But, it's great to see a huge turnout (smart hosting it the same day as the East End Yard Sale). They had more than 40 breweries, 150 beers, 10 restaurant vendors and 20 artisans.

Those breweries included: Country Boy Brewing, Charleston Brewing Company, Berkeley Springs Brewing Company, Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Screech Owl Brewing, Saranac, Morgantown Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing, Bridge Brew Works, Chestnut Brew Works, Terrapin Beer Company, Big Timber Brewing Company, Blue Mountain Brewery, Dobra Zupas, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Breckenridge Brewery, Flying Dog Brewery, Mountain State Brewing Company, Duvel Moortgat Brewery, Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada, Shipyard Brewing Company, Green Flash Brewing Company, Rogue Ales & Spirits, Harpoon Brewery, Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Sunken City Brewing Company, Ommegang Brewery, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company, Sea Dog Brewing Company, DuClaw Brewing Company, Finch’s Beer Company, Goose Island Beer Company, Kona Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewery, Redhook Brewery, Southern Tier Brewing Company, Widmer Brothers, Yuengling, Lost River Brewing Company, Magic Hat Brewing Company, and Weihenstephan.

Restaurants included Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill, Bricks & Barrels, Mi Cocina de Amor, Paterno’s at the Park, Sugar & Spice Pastry Shop, Ms. Groovy’s Kitchen, Cheerful Heart Catering, Buffalo Creek & Gauley Grill Co., Black Sheep Burrito & Brews, B&D Gastropub, CBJB Enterprises, and Bridge Road Bistro.

I tried to hit up most of the West Virginia breweries and got some favorites like the Raj, Long Point Lager and  Big Timber Blonde. I also tried the pear lager from Devils Backbone, which as super good. Also loved listening to The Company Stores while sipping. Good times with good friends - what could be better?