Wednesday was a day to experience events for longer periods than the day before because I really wanted to indulge in a few great parties rather than flit from one to another. Hendricks's House of Wonders at Race + Religion was a marvelous way to begin this journey. The garden party held hidden wonderments in every corner. A tour of the house itself let you wander the rooms to find living plants, a memorial for bygone flavors, and a disco in the attic. I loved the mirror wall where a hand handed you a hand fan.
Yet again, the low and no alcohol options were wonderful. The Pathfinder is hemp-based alcohol-free spirit that is so incredibly rich you absolutely think that you're drinking a musky liqueur. Lyre's had their own space where one could get a no-alcohol cocktail or sip some spirit-free prosecco while making a fresh flower bouquet. The Media Lounge was filled up for a meeting with Weber Ranch. This agave-based vodka is breaking boundaries for its excellent taste and unique style.
Another party that I wanted to spend a very long time at was Guinness big bash at Oceana. Oysters flowed just as much as pints of Guinness draft. While many people sat and listened to the Soul Rebels in the courtyard, I preferred to stay upstairs where the real Irish folk band was playing. Something about this music, the heavy-wood surroundings, cold Guinness on tap, and lots of happy revelers made me feel transported to Dublin.
After lingering here for hours, I got a ride to a special returning event that I just couldn't miss. The upstairs space at Anna's In The Bywater brought in the Halloween season early. The attic was transformed into The Black Lagoon, a spooky black light nightmare where tacos and drinks were the tricks and treats. This is one of the few stops in the country that the Black Lagoon makes, so it was certainly a special treat.
