The Triangle (especially Chapel Hill and Durham) have enjoyed a strong reputation for a foodie culture for some time.

Perhaps I just haven't been paying attention, but it's hard to ignore that the area is building a similar reputation for tasty brews.

We've been fans of Big Boss Brewing in Raleigh for a few years now.  McKinney creatives Brian Murray and Scott Pridgen designed a bunch of award-winning branding work for them. We'd like to think that had something to do with the brand's growth - not to mention the beer is damn good.

Fullsteam Brewery just opened a few weeks ago in downtown Durham and is quickly developing a strong word-of-mouth following.

And Triangle Brewing Company here in Durham is making news by packaging its craft brews not in bottles, but rather cans.

At the same time, some creative, ambitious souls are breathing new life into Durham's indie music scene as well. 

The Pinhook opened a couple of years ago in downtown Durham and seems to have successfully proven that downtown can support an indie music venue.

Or three.

By the end of this Fall, two other downtown music venues should be up and running as well. With the addition of the Casbah and Motorco, Bull City residents may not feel they have to trek to Chapel Hill's Cat's Cradle or Raleigh's Lincoln Theater to catch good, up-and-coming bands.

So, be ready to drink up and listen to some tunes - right here.