Fall is here, so grin and “BEAR” it
Fall has always been my favorite time of year! Being smack dab in the mid-atlantic states means I get to enjoy everything that each Season has to offer. (If you live in this area, you know that sometimes that could be all in one day LOL)
The crisp air seems to increase the vibrancy of changing leaves, the cycle of nature blazing into dormancy. A deep, cleansing breath fills your lungs with smells of apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, and campfire. Children seem to buzz with excitement of hayrides and Halloween, and a time of festivals and revelry begins. Weekends bring frolic and fun with apple festivals, corn mazes, Oktoberfests, and OktoBEARfest! Yes, that’s right, OktoBEARfest, the annual celebration of autumn at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Now in it’s 8th year, the crowd gets larger each year.
I like craft beer, I like bears, and I LOVE the zoo! So when Tony heard about this amazing trifecta, he surprised me with “Super Sipper” VIP tickets. That meant getting these awesome mason jar mugs to “sample” more than 70 brews instead of the tiny sipping glasses provided for regular admission. All tickets also include admission to the zoo where you can stroll and sip to your hearts content, complete with Keeper Encounters and animal exhibits. A large stage hosts musical entertainment all day and there’s even some pickup cornhole down the hill.
There is a pretty extensive list of autumn brews every year, including our favorites from Brewers Art and Raven Beer. (the taste is Poetic!) Both of these are the best of the best in Baltimore-based craft brew in our opinion. But an event like this allows you not only to learn about, but sample, libations that you might not otherwise know. We quickly gained two new favorites in the cider and mead arenas. Charm City Meadworks wet our whistles with Elderberry and Basil Lemongrass. Although I know that since it’s Fall, Pumpkin Spice should be the star of the show, and don’t get me wrong it’s delicious. But the other brews were so different and light that we sampled them more than once…which is not only allowed, but ENCOURAGED! Our other new favorite comes from Wyndridge Farm, our near neighbors in Dallastown, PA. I was drawn to their booth originally because of the fall garbed fox in the scarf that is their logo…I may have a thing for foxes. But, I kept coming back for their Pineapple Orange Cider, WHAAAT?! Yes sir ree! And I am not a cider gal in general. But Wyndridge Farms made me a believer.
All four of these fantastic and No Roles, Just Biscuits supported craft brew aficionados will be at the zoo again this year on October 19, 2019. The Maryland Zoo is a non-profit organization and all the money raised from OktoBEARfest goes directly to furthering their mission which includes animal care, education programs, and wildlife conservation. Information and tickets are available on the zoo’s website.
Not a beer drinker? Have the kids for the weekend? There really is something for everyone. Discount tickets are available too for non-drinkers, designated drivers, and children over 2 years old. And remember, tickets include admission to the zoo, so it’s a great day for the family too!
This year, Hot Mess and The (amazing) Kilmaine Saints (yes I may be fan-girling a bit!) take the stage. It’s always a good time when those noisy, drunken, b*st**ds are up! Doors open at 12:00 and the rockin’ starts at 12:30. These bands are fun and party from start to finish.
Remember it isn’t October without OktoBEARfest! Maybe we’ll see you around! If you’re there, remember to comment here and tag us on Facebook and Instagram @norolesjustbiscuits so that we can hear all about it! Slainte!
~D