With the temperature dropping, the days becoming shorter, and the air filled with the scent of bonfires, my favorite season is here. Crisp fall mornings and sweater weather evenings are my absolute favorite – there is just something extra special about chunky knit sweaters, boots, and a drink in your hand, am I right?
One of the many, and I mean many, things I love about Frederick is the small-town vibe it maintains while offering a variety of things to do. There are so many local businesses, restaurants, and what seems like a different festival or event to attend on the weekends. Some people have said, and I can see why that this city reminds them of the infamous Stars Hollow.
As I get to know the city more and explore all that Frederick has to offer, I want to share some of my favorite spots in case you ever find yourself driving through this beautiful city.
You may not know this, but there are over 13 breweries, three cideries and one meadery in Frederick County, all within 25 minutes of the city, and although I have not visited them all…I plan to. We all need to set goals for ourselves, right?
So while this list will continue to evolve and hopefully grow, and I would love to share details about each location with you, so I thought I would start with the brewery I have visited the most…Flying Dog.
Flying Dog
Flying Dog has quickly become one of my favorite weekend spots. The patio space is great for all seasons. During the warmer months, you can enjoy a seat outside, stand along the fence and chat, or even enjoy a round or two of cornhole.
More of a Fall/Winter person? The patio has heaters and fire pits that they utilize for those cooler days. This is actually my favorite time to head over and grab a pint. The outdoor space is never crowded and the atmosphere puts me in the holiday mood. They even offer live music some Friday nights.
If you aren’t a have a drink outside kind of person, don’t worry, Flying Dog has an amazing taproom with plenty of seating. The casual atmosphere allows you to enjoy drinks with your friends without that crowded bar feeling. The taproom staff are personable, know their beers, and will make you feel like a regular even if it is your first time visiting. If you are planning a visit, I recommend signing up for a brewery tour. You get to see a behind the scenes look into the brewing process, the brewery itself, and try a few samples along the way.
Now the real reason you visit a brewery, the beer. I cannot even begin to explain how Flying Dog has helped this novice beer drinker explore and expand her taste buds. I used to be the girl who ordered and nursed a bud light until admitting defeat and switching to a gin + tonic. Now I am not only willing to try a new beer, but I genuinely enjoy it and have been able to branch out from hefeweizens and IPAs to stouts and even brews I may not be able to pronounce.
If you are someone who likes to have options and try a variety of different and unique brews, you have to stop by Flying Dog. They have beers on tap that you will not find in stores or restaurants and some of these limited brews have become all-time favorites of mine.
Finally, as an added bonus, Roasthouse Pub has a food truck there with items that will blow your mind and not your budget. My favorites are the sidewinder fries with crab dip (not pictured because I always eat them and forget) and the fried duck bacon and queso empanadas. Yes, you read that correctly FRIED DUCK BACON.
Have a favorite local hot spot? Drop me a comment so I can check it out!
Manda Beth 