Beards are all the rage in Austin, Texas. A majority of the guys here have beards and they are really proud of them. It looks like the whole confederate army is here on vacation. Also, when you grow a beard it turns you into the most knowledgable person on any subject. "You can't question me! Have you seen the beard?!?!"
I also got this doosy from a bearded bartender:
Me: nice bar you have here.
Beard: it is not a bar, it is a craft cocktail lounge.
Me: whatever tickles your whiskers.
Beard walks away.