I notice when a number of beer establishments are located in close proximity to each other. Is it just me? It’s as if they are tempting me, you can't do just one. In Frederick along Carrol Creek you can find four within a stones throw: Attaboy, Steinhardt, Idiom, and Smoketown. And in Baltimore’s Pigtown section there are Pickett, Suspended, Wico Street and will soon add Checkerspot.
While working with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, I noticed a number of learning and teaching opportunities about my trade while driving from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge east to the Atlantic Ocean. The idea of a Route 50 Forestry Tour, one taken from your car as you traveled the busy corridor, I thought was interesting. Alas, it was a nice idea never acted upon.
Then the idea reemerged. This time as a brewery tour. As I pondered the idea more, my excitement grew as I came to realize there is a wealth of notable beery diversions not far off US Route 50. If you'd rather sit in a taproom than traffic, then one (or more) of these drive-ersions may be exactly what you need. Let’s go a little journey, shall we?
For the purpose of this “Tour” we will begin on Kent Island at the eastern shore side of the Chesapeake Bay bridge with the final destination of Ocean City, MD. We will call that mile marker 0. Of course, the tour could be reversed for the travel back from the beach.
Bay to Cambridge ( 42 miles)
Cult Classic Brewing
At just 2.9 miles after crossing the bridge, looking to your left you can seen Cult Classic Brewing. The building once housed an Acme grocery store and became a brewery in 2019. Music, food, movies, games, and beer. The brewery takes their name from the cult classic movie genre. It may be easier to catch this brewery on your way back since its an easy exit. A restaurant is on the premises serving pizza, wings, and more.
Cult Classic Brewing
1169 Shopping Center Rd, Stevensville, MD
cultclassicbrewing.com
Big Truck Brewing
This is the Big Truck Queenstown Brewhouse And Farm. Big Truck Brewing originated in Parkton MD, in northern Baltimore County. At the time of this writing (June 2023), this facility doesn't have a taproom, but you are able to take out crowlers. Hours are subject to change, currently open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 12-8pm.
Big Truck Queenstown Brewhouse And Farm
148 Cooper Farm Lane, Queenstown MD 21658
btfbeer.com/queenstown-production-facility
Bull & Goat Brewing
Bull & Goat Brewing is is nestled a tiny corner of Centreville, Maryland. Owned and operated by Jake (Bull) and Jeff (Goat). It also houses the Old Court Distilling, so look for some nice spirits as well. A short 8 mile drive from the Rt. 50 / US 301 split. You can hit Ten Eyck Brewing on you way back to Rt. 50.
Bull and Goat Brewery and Old Courthouse Distilling
204 Banjo Lane - Suite E, Centreville MD
bullandgoatbrewery.com
Ten Eyck Brewing
Ten Eyck is an easy one-minute diversion from Rt 50 at the intersection of Rt 213. Locally owned and operated by women veterans and first responders. Food trucks on the weekend — check for their schedule. Try their great selections of oak foedre-aged beers on tap.
Ten Eyck Brewing
205 Grange Hall Rd Queenstown, MD
teneyckbrewing.com
Cambridge to Salisbury (32 miles)
RAR Brewing
RAR, as it is now more commonly known, started as Real Ale Revival. Chessie Burger restaurant is described as a “nostalgic 80’s baby taproom & kitchen”. Also, check out the “The LabRaRtory” next door for “off-the-wall flavors of our beers in cocktail form”.
504 Poplar St
Cambridge MD 21613
rarbrewing.com /
Burnish Beer Co
Burnish Beer Co. is a short drive (less than one mile) off the Salisbury bypass. Full food menu. pizza, pretzel, salads and more. They are known for their IPAs and fruited sours.
2305 Northwood Dr., Suite E, Salisbury, MD
burnishbeerco.com
Gateway Craft Brewing
Gateway is a small, family owed and operated brewery. No food is available. Gateway is less than a mile from Burnish Beer and quick stop off the Salisbury bypass.
2207 Northwood Drive, Ste 3A Salisbury MD
facebook.com/Gateway-Craft-Brewing
Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public House
Evolution (Evo to friends) is a full food sit down restaurant and a notable craft brewery. Known for pairing their food menu with food-friendly beer. Brewery tours available on the weekends.
201 E Vine St, Salisbury, MD
evolutioncraftbrewing.com
Salisbury to Ocean (32 miles)
Tall Tales Brewing
Tall Tales Taphouse is 0.2 miles off of U.S. 50. They feature a full food menu including brick oven pizza and a taco bar, sandwiches and salads to support their craft beer.
6929 Heron Grove Ct, Parsonsburg, MD
talltalestaphouse.com
Burley Oak Brewing
Burley Oak offers some iconic IPAs and sour beers. Food trucks on site - check their website for schedules. Check out their annual Sour Fest and other festivals. They also have an outdoor music venue.
Burley Oak text
10016 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, MD
The Other One Brewing Co
The Other One Brewing Co. New brewery, opened in 2023. As the only brewery on the island. A laid-back, rustic tap room located on 24th street provided a rotating tap list on our eight taps as well as beer inspired cocktails and snacks. Enjoy the taproom bar or their dog-friendly outdoor courtyard.
2305 Philadelphia Ave Ocean City, MD
theotheronebrewing.com
Sinepuxent Brewing
Sinepuxent is a farm brewery with plenty of outdoor sitting and fire pits to keep you warm during cooler seasons. A great place to hang out for a break from the beach.
8816 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin MD
sinbrewing.com
Other Worthy Diversions
You have to stop somewhere! How far off the main route can you take a Rt 50 Brewery Tour? That depends on how far do you want to go? So here are a few other stops worth considering along the way.
Eastern Shore Brewing
St. Michaels MD is a beautiful small town poised along the St. Michaels River. By itself, the town is worth the diversion. Among its destination worthy stops is Eastern Shore Brewing. This small brewery has graced the Maryland beer scene since 2006. From the same parking place you can also visit Lyons Rum and Windon Distilling (which also produces Gray Wolf Spirits, and St. Michaels Winery tasting room. The town also has many shops and fine dining opportunities.
Patriots Acres Farm Brewery
Patriots Acres Farm Brewing is nestled in Sudlersville MD. It is a farm with a brewery. It is a bit out of your way if traveling along 50, about 27 miles away, taking US 301 North. It could be a great stop for folks with kids since it does host some farm animals. Occasional food trucks are on site.
Berlin Beer Company
As I'm writing this (June 2023), Berlin Beer Co is not yet open. I mention it to make you aware of its coming. First, Berlin is a very walkable town. It already hosts one of Maryland’s most interesting and innovative breweries, Burley Oak. Forgotten 50 Distilling is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023, as well. Stay tuned, I think Berlin Beer Co is going to make some amazing beer!
