COVID certainly has put a damper on everyone’s fun. From holiday gatherings and live music to more essential issues such as working in an office or attending school in person, COVID’s changed all of our lives globally. On a personal level, breweries were always a favorite weekend destination of mine. Family-friendly breweries or beer gardens are fun for the whole family. Although most breweries are pick-up only, here’s a list of COVID-friendly breweries.
Since the onset of COVID, most of my craft beer experiences have been picking up beer at a brewery or a store. Trying to limit exposure, I haven’t felt comfortable dining inside. At recent visits to these five breweries though, I’ve felt more than safe.
von Trapp Bierhall
In Stowe, Vermont, the von Trapp Bierhall is one of my favorite breweries and restaurants in general. Matching dynamite lagers with authentic Austrian cuisine, I even drove four hours both ways to have lunch here last June. The perfect mix of Vermont and Austria is also the perfect COVID-friendly brewery. Make reservations ahead of time on their website for a table indoors or out. With socially distanced seating and table service, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy a pint with a great meal.
Idletyme Brewing Company
Another one of my Stowe favorites, Idletyme is a superb brewpub located on Mountain Road (Route 108) in the ski-side town. Idletyme’s beer runs the full gamut of beer styles from sours to double IPAs. As good as the beer is, the food is just as good if not better. I’ve already raved about their burgers, but make sure to try the mac and cheese too. Don’t worry–with the rec path located at the back of the restaurant, you can burn off a few calories after the meal. With reservation seating either indoors or out, Idletyme certainly is one of the most COVID-friendly breweries.
Schilling Beer Company
Schilling Beer Company, located in Littleton, New Hampshire, on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River, is quite a spectacle. The complex is large, with the restaurant/brewpub located in a former mill which still has the waterwheel on the riverside. I opted for a flatbread during my visit. Their beers are old-world style; think European recipes from Germany, Scandinavia, and the Czech Republic. They also have a sister brand, Resilience, which brews American ales such as IPAs and an oatmeal stout. Next door to the brewpub is another large building that contains their taproom. With plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, as well as a food truck and standing room area, there are plenty of social distancing options to make Schilling a COVID friendly brewery experience.
Iron Furnace Brewing Company
Just down the road from Schilling in the town of Franconia, New Hampshire, is Iron Furnace Brewing Company. Iron Furnace is a comfortable spot that brews exceptional beer and delivers top-notch food. In a previous visit, I went with the pizza, nachos, and pretzel (to share), but during my last visit, it was a well-crafted sandwich instead. Iron Furnace’s barn has plenty of seating options inside and out. During my visit this summer, my party dined outside. The tables were far apart from each other and the waitstaff was attentive. This made it a highly enjoyable and safe experience.
Mayflower Brewing Company
In my and America’s hometown of Plymouth, Mayflower Brewing Company is always a favorite brewery of mine. Being close to home and brewing fine beers, Mayflower is a winner. Earlier during COVID, Mayflower was offering socially distant seating inside and outside. Currently, though, the taproom is closed but a pickup window is still available to take home fresh beer.
With two breweries in New Hampshire, two in Vermont, and one in Massachusetts, try these five breweries and brewpubs for a COVID-friendly experience. At all these locations, beer can also be brought home too.
