Ben Franklin Would Approve

Published Aug. 27th, 2024

A Slice of Oregon Life at Weekend Brewery in Grants Pass

There’s something special about sitting at a place like Weekend Brewery in Grants Pass. The moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted by an eclectic mix of people—each one carrying their own stories, their own experiences, and their own unique spark. It’s a place where Oregon’s vibrant diversity comes to life, and as I sit here with a cold beer on the table, I can’t help but marvel at the joy that fills the air.

Oregon has a long history of celebrating craft beer. In fact, the state has played a pioneering role in the craft brewing revolution that began in the 1980s. The local emphasis on small-batch brews, innovation, and quality helped to shape the craft beer movement nationwide. With its rich agricultural landscape and dedication to sustainability, Oregon became a breeding ground for brewers who wanted to push the boundaries of what beer could be. It’s no wonder that today, Oregon is home to some of the most renowned breweries in the country, and the culture of craft beer is woven deeply into the fabric of the state’s identity.

I’ve always found people-watching fascinating, and there’s no better place to do it than a local brewery. Oregon, with its mix of cultures, lifestyles, and personalities, offers endless opportunities to observe the beautiful complexity of humanity. At Weekend Brewery, you see it all: the joyful clink of glasses, the laughter that echoes from one table to the next, and the smiles shared between friends new and old. 

For a writer, this is a goldmine. Sitting in a place like this is like having front-row seats to the ongoing theater of life. The stories unfold naturally, without prompts or scripts, and there’s so much to learn by simply listening. The way people talk, their expressions, their interactions—everything is a lesson in character, dialogue, and human nature. This is where inspiration strikes, not in grandiose events, but in the subtleties of real, everyday moments. As I watch and listen, I’m reminded of how much there is to learn about life just by being present in it.

The Eclectic Crowd of Oregon

Oregon is a place where people from all walks of life come together, and nowhere is that more evident than in a place like Weekend Brewery. There’s the group of hikers fresh off the Rogue River trail, still wearing their boots and sun-kissed smiles. At another table, a couple of retired locals, sounding like lifelong Oregonians, sip their craft beers while reminiscing about “the way things used to be.” Then there’s the young group of friends, leaning over a game of cards, their energy and enthusiasm spilling over into the room.

The diversity here is striking. People of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, united by the simple act of enjoying a cold beer on a warm day. Oregon is known for its independence, its spirit of adventure, and its deep sense of community. And that spirit is alive and well in places like Weekend Brewery. People here aren’t just sharing drinks; they’re sharing stories, laughter, and moments of connection.

Stories Full of Fun and Happiness

As I sit here, savoring the moment, Benjamin Franklin’s famous words echo in my mind: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." It’s a sentiment that rings true in places like this, where happiness seems to flow as freely as the beer. Oregon’s craft breweries, like Weekend Brewery, are places where joy is brewed into every pint, and Franklin’s words feel like they were written for these moments of simple pleasure.

I overhear a man at the bar talking about his recent fishing trip, proudly sharing the story of the “one that got away.” His friends listen with knowing smiles, adding their own tales of outdoor adventures. Nearby, a woman animatedly recounts a road trip she took along the Oregon coast, her eyes lighting up as she describes the breathtaking views and unexpected detours. One of the bartenders is all too happy to share photos of whitewater rafting.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this state. Oregon is full of people who are passionate about life—people who find joy in the little things and aren’t afraid to share that joy with others. And in places like this, surrounded by the warmth of community, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of belonging, even if you’re just an observer.

The Simple Joy of Watching Others Be Happy

There’s a quiet satisfaction in sitting back and letting the happiness of others wash over you. Watching people share laughter, enjoy good company, and connect in meaningful ways fills me with a deep sense of contentment. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t always have to come from grand experiences or life-changing moments. Sometimes, it’s found in the small, everyday interactions—the clink of a glass, the sound of shared laughter, the simple pleasure of being in the moment. This is something that my father mastered. When asked what he wanted to do when he was dying, he replied, “I just want to be with my boys.”

At Weekend Brewery, I’m reminded that life is made up of these moments. Moments of connection, of shared stories, of joy found in the company of others. It’s a place where you can see the best of what Oregon has to offer—not just in the beer, but in the people who gather here. The people are the sweet spot. Their stories, their laughter, and their spirit of adventure are what make this state so special.

So, as I sit here, sipping a beer and soaking in the atmosphere, I’m grateful for this small slice of Oregon life. It’s a reminder of the beauty in diversity, the strength in community, and the joy that comes from simply watching others be happy. And in a world that can often feel chaotic and overwhelming, these moments of peace and connection are worth holding onto.

Here’s to the people of Oregon—each one bringing their own light to the world, each one a part of the vibrant tapestry that makes this state so unique. And here’s to places like Weekend Brewery, where those lights can shine a little bit brighter.