In celebration of Gene’s Beer Garden’s 80th Birthday, a book about the bar has been released – The Hot Dog Diaries: Stories from Morgantown’s Oldest and Most Beloved Bar.
It has been an eventful month since the book’s release. There was a very successful book release party at Gene’s on June 8th. An unbelievable 106 copies of The Hot Dog Diaries were sold. It was packed house with entertainment by local music favorites Haley Slagle, The Born Again Hindus, and Natural Rat.
The Hot Dog Diaries was an Amazon bestseller, reaching #1 in the Cultural, Ethnic, and Regional category soon after its release.
Gene’s 80th Birthday celebration continued in the parking lot behind Gene’s on June 28th with Al Bonneroo – a music festival that showcased Morgantown’s best bands with local beer from Chestnut Brew Works and food from Madeleine Marie’s.
Early reviews of The Hot Dog Diaries have been very positive:
“… an entertaining ode to the memorable characters, day-to-day hijinks, and special events that have made one Morgantown beer garden a home away for home …”
“… written in a clear, conversational voice, the book is yarn after yarn spun by great storytelling …”
“… anyone who’s enjoyed some time at Gene’s Beer Garden will wolf down The Hot Dog Diaries with great delight, and Morgantown history buffs will also find this book a rich source of local color and cultural information from the past eighty years …”
Independent Book Review – 05/23/2024
“…Gene’s Beer Garden is more than a place to get something to eat, have a beer, or watch a ball game. It’s a place to gather with friends — to see a familiar face, to share a laugh, to be included …”
“… The Hot Dog Diaries is truly a love letter to this wonderful place and the stories and photos shared in the book give it such flavor …”
BookTrib – 06/28/2024
Touching Stories of Friendship and Good Times at Town’s Oldest Bar | BookTrib.
The Hot Dog Diaries can be purchased at the bar or from the websites below:
Welcome – Genes (genesplace.com)
Home – Jim Antonini an award-winning author from WV.
