Everybody enjoys kicking back, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends. Local breweries have become very popular recently as a place a to hang out. They are laid back, have great beer, and serve as a versatile meet up. You can have a work meeting there to meet with clients, you can meet friends there, or you can simply go to the brewery by yourself and meet new people.
In Harford County, MD, there are many great options with local breweries. Maryland is a big agricultural state and in recent years farm breweries have developed as a way to keep family farms operating. Harford County also has non farm breweries that are great options as well. All of the breweries typically feature local food trucks and bands that rotate on a daily schedule.
In Bel Air, which is centrally located in the county, there are a few different options for breweries. Independent Brewing Company was the first one to open in 2015. It is uniquely positioned near the Ma and Pa trail, allowing you to come off from a walk or run and stop in for a cold one. The best part is, they are dog friendly! So, you can bring your best friend along with you for a walk and stop by IBC afterwards. I personally have been here and can highly recommend the whole experience.
Alecraft Brewery is also located in Bel Air, MD. It is located across from Looney's Pub at 319 South Main Street. Alecraft Brewery started out as a home brew shop on Main Street in Bel Air. In 2017, they moved the business to a new location and added the microbrewery. So, you can visit Alecraft, enjoy one of their fresh made beers. After that, you can purchase some homebrew supplies and take a stab at making your own at home!
Not too far from Bel Air, a new brewery recently opened in Forest Hill. Double Groove Brewing opened their doors in January 2020 when the owners dreams became a reality. The owners and founders of the company love classic rock. Their name plays off the two grooves on an album. Depending on where the stylus drops on the record, a different song will play. Much like how people are, depending on the day of the week, they may drop in to enjoy a different type of beer. I personally have not yet visited Double Groove since they opened, but their Google and Facebook reviews are off the "charts"!
Located in the northern part of Harford County is Falling Branch Brewery. The farm has been in the family for nearly 100 years. The brewery was founded in 2015 and is dedicated to creating Belgian Style beers using ingredients from their own farm as well as local farms. You can sip on one of their crafted beers while taking in the scenic views of the farmland. When you're looking for something to do on a Saturday, keep Falling Branch in mind!
Slate Farm Brewery is another brewery located in the northern part of Harford County. Located in Whiteford, MD, Slate Farm opened its doors in 2017. Since then, they have grown into a popular spot for locals in the area. According to their website, they take pride in creating unique beers across the spectrum. With 21 beers on tap that are constantly rotating, you are sure to find something that you will enjoy. They often have music and even allowed well behaved dogs outside!
Lastly, and the newest addition to Harford County breweries is Hopkins Farm Brewery. Located in Havre de Grace, MD, they offer an option for those that are in the eastern part of the county. With 10 beers on tap that rotate, they offer a top notch product. Located on the Hopkins farm, the setting is beautiful and there is plenty of space to spread outside. Enjoy food from a food truck or bring something of your own to munch on. I talked more about this brewery on my blog post labeled: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Harford County.
Even if you do not like beer, these places offer much more than that. Obviously, that is their main product but it is much more than that. They are places to socialize and relax with friends and family. Harford County has no shortage of them and they are all run very well. Check one out, or if you have already been to one (or all of them), leave your comments below. Happy Sunday!
