Featuring:
September 2007

Northern Ales Adds a New Dimension to Northport

If you've been in Northport lately, you know that there's a new wind blowing in that town. Formerly a bit of a sleepy berg, at least on the surface, the town has awakened to realize its awesome potential, organizing a town-wide cleanup, sprucing up properties, and revitalizing its commercial district. Adding to that momentum, Steve and Andrea Hedrick have recently opened a microbrewery, Northern Ales, right on the main drag, and are pouring some mighty tasty delights, while serving up a healthy dose of North Columbia culture and cuisine.

Brewer Steve Hedrick first got interested in brewing beer at home, then joined the Brewing Rabble of Stevens County, a group of dedicated home brewers that has produced some amazing talent, and led to Lost Falls Ale in Colville, and now Northern Ales in Northport. Steve brews a variety of ales in 20-gallon batches on the premises, including Smoked Northporter, Smelter Stout, Flagstaff Scotch Ale, and Black Sand Stout. These names and Northern Ale's slogan -- "It's better than the water!" -- all reveal the owners' high spirits and healthy sense of humor about Northport's mining history. Ale is available by the keg, growler and pint, and Steve always has something special brewing to supplement his normal house ales. Northern Ale's customers are entirely satisfied with the product, and keep coming back for more.

The business is not just about good ale, however. Besides the bar, the Hedricks have installed tables and chairs for dining and a small stage for evening events. Right now, Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. (or later), Northern Ales sponsors an Open Mic Night with food catered by the Mustang Grill. Coming soon will be Pizza Night on Fridays and Saturdays. They also carry natural and organic foods, and select, locally made arts and crafts. By adding the arts and entertainment side to the microbrewery, the Hedricks are celebrating the sense of community and culture that characterizes the region.

Canadian is accepted at par, and tours are available of the brewing operation by request.

Northern Ales is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. (or later). The business is located at 118 Center Avenue, in Northport, right on the main drag across from the Mustang Grill. Coming from the south, you can't miss the building, which features Patty Simpson's gorgeous mural of the Columbia River on its south-facing side. Steve and Andrea can be reached at (509) 732-6200 or by email at northernales@hughes.net. Their website is www.northernales.com. Check them out. This family enterprise adds a lot to our community, and deserves our support and encouragement.

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The North Columbia Monthly provides news, views, humor and a calendar of events for an area that stretches from Nelson in British Columbia south to Spokane in Washington State and covers all points in between. A free (and free-thinking, progressive) magazine, The Monthly is available at several hundred spots throughout the region and now is also available on-line at www.ncmonthly.com. Published once a month since 1994, The Monthly is an independent magazine that often challenges contemporary wisdom by encouraging critical thinking about issues and attitudes in the region and beyond.

Featuring our one-of-a-kind "What's Happening" department, The Monthly provides the region's only all-inclusive, free listing of community events and is the first place many people check to find out about area arts, crafts, music, fairs, services and events of all kinds. Our free listing policy for the "What's Happening" department promotes diversity, cultural interaction, and the exchange of ideas and free expression. Also featured in the magazine are people, food, health, humor, and feature articles that keep readers coming back for more each month.

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