Right then, first stop, Masaryktown Winery. Don’t let the name fool you, this lovely family-friendly spot offers the whole deal. The farm to table meals served on weekends are a great opening for exploring what the rest of the farm has to offer. After brunch, stroll through the produce market or pick a bucket of blueberries or blackberries with the kids. Now having eaten and worked, it’s time for wine tasting – it is the weekend, after all. A selection of homemade desserts for the children gives parents time to enjoy a glass of wine crafted from fruit grown here and on other Florida farms. Wines range from sweeter berry wines to blueberry wine aged on oak. Passionfruit, peaches, and tangerines contribute to a variety of muscadines. And, for the traditionalists, a merlot aged on the skins in toasted French oak plus a selection of European and South American wines that will appeal to most palettes and occasions. Stretch the day long enough to enjoy the Friday night live music.
Remember when you were a kid? There was always one favorite neighborhood house. Marker 48 Brewing is that house. And there’s beer that you don’t have to sneak out of the fridge. The rotating selection is extensive; broken into five categories, there is something for everyone: Hops and more hops; Crisp and yellow; Small batch; Rich and malt; Fruits, spices, and sours. Hairy Pelican, Half Fin, and Oat and About will set you right. Don’t forget the Tasty AF. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks or order out for delivery and there are rotating guest food trucks (you know, the one neighborhood mom that cooked for you – but better because you get to choose what you want). The beer garden offers a shady place to hang out with your friends and pets. Trivia night, karaoke, and live music occur weekly. Even Willy Nelson, the cat employee of the year, rings of familiar, comfortable, and chill.
“Creating community one beer at a time,” Broad Street Brewing Company is making appearances at regional events, including the New Port Ritchey Rotaract’s Craft Beer and Wine Festival on June 4th. The owners, native Floridians, have a background in craft brewing and will contribute traditional style beers and some new twists to old standards. The soon to open taproom will display local art talent in their gallery space, and plans are afoot for game and trivia nights, art classes, and other community-building fun.