Vintage Days moved at a fast pace this year, with food vendors, music and packed walkways filling the space. The Vintage Days Beer and Wine Garden stood out by offering a slower, more relaxed atmosphere.

Set slightly apart from the busiest areas, it felt calmer than the rest of the festival. Instead of moving from booth to booth, people stayed a while. Conversations lasted longer, giving the space a more easygoing feel. 

The setup was simple. Tables, shaded areas and live music made it feel more like a casual hangout than a typical campus event. It didn’t try to compete with the rest of Vintage Days, which worked in its favor.

The drink selection was standard, but a few options stood out. The Tioga-Sequoia Ampersand Blueberry Honey Seltzer was one of them. It leaned sweeter than most seltzers, with a strong blueberry flavor and a subtle honey finish. It came across more like a dessert-style drink, with a richness that set it apart from lighter options.

What defined the Beer and Wine Garden most was its atmosphere. The crowd was a mix of students, alumni and community members, giving it a more balanced and relaxed feel. It became less about the drinks and more about having a place to slow down.

As one of the only designated 21-and-over areas, it naturally drew a steady crowd, especially during peak hours. Seating filled up quickly, but that also showed how popular the space was throughout the event.

The Beer and Wine Garden ended up being one of the easier places to step away from everything and just stay for a while.