Leave the work week behind, and escape to another brewniverse just north of Atlanta in Cobb County, Georgia. Use this weekend beer itinerary to travel up the Cobb Ale Trail to a variety of totally unique breweries. Take in each distinctive vibe while savoring flavor combinations exclusive to Cobb. This self-guided tour is sure to cure what ales you.
*Be sure to check out www.bubblesandbrews.com if you are exploring the Cobb Ale Trail during March. Each visit earns you stamps on your BrewPass that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes.
FRIDAY
Start your tour with dinner and a tall one at Terrapin Taproom, located just outside Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. Gameday parking can be tricky, but when the Braves are away, parking in adjacent decks is free for up to three hours. Enjoy a heaping helping of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q and a tall glass of bubbling brew. “Chopsecutioner” and “Los Bravos” are local specialties, brewed particularly for Atlanta baseball fans.
Travel 15 minutes to Reformation Brewery at Eddy’s Landing. Reformation started in Woodstock, Ga. and has become so popular that the owners opened two satellite locations, including one in Smyrna. Check out their most popular brews like “Cadence,” “Jude,” or “Declaration” while enjoying the view overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
If you’re still in the mood for some fun, try out West Cobb’s first brewery, Skint Chestnut Bewing Company, around 20 minutes away. Located in historic downtown Powder Springs, the inviting atmosphere of this European-inspired brewery is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy new brews, food trucks, and a family and dog-friendly taproom.
SATURDAY
Begin your Saturday explorations by filling your belly with yummy local street food at Glover Park Brewery in Marietta. A different food truck is on site every Saturday around noon. Don’t forget to head through their beer garden into the atmospheric taproom to taste crafty suds and play their huge assortment of games. “Base Camp” and “Some Beach” are two easy-drinking beers that are usually on draft.
Four short miles from Glover Park is Schoolhouse Brewing, a Marietta brewery carefully crafted by two former educators. They are stirring up the brewery scene, offering 20 rotating draft beers (no “core” or “flagship” brews), meaning new brews each time you visit! Ask their sweet team members for a recommendation or for any of the recipes and they’ll hoppily hand it over!
Red Hare Brewing Company is less than one mile from Schoolhouse and offers six year-round beers in addition to seasonals, craft sodas, and hard seltzers. On comfortable afternoons you can expect the doors to be rolled up, with kids and pups playing on the patio. Locals recommend trying something fruity from their popular SPF 50/50 line.
Finally, end the day at Ironmonger Brewing Company, a hidden gem located three quarters of a mile from Red Hare. Step into their renovated taproom and grab a flight of their award-winning beers. For the daredevils at heart, this brewery also offers axe-throwing. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations if you want to rent a lane.
SUNDAY
Sunday Funday begins at Dry County Brewing Company, a rare brewery/distillery combo offering flavorful beer and spirits. Beginning at noon, hang out in their roomy taproom or on the patio sipping their “Kennesaw Bourbon Ale.” This unique strong amber ale has been aged on American oak used in the Dry County Spirits operation, creating a delicious vanilla and oak character.
Travel 1.5 short miles to Horned Owl Brewing, a small 2,600 square foot taproom in the heart of Kennesaw’s downtown entertainment district. With 20 original draft beers on tap, this brewery is quickly becoming a local favorite. It features an outdoor patio, bar games, and music, making it a great place to hang out.
Burnt Hickory Brewery in Kennesaw is less than one mile from Horned Owl and offers an authentic taste of the local beer scene. Created by an Emmy Award-winning TV cameraman turned brewmaster, this eclectic brewery is chock full of punk-rock personality. Try the “Big Shanty” (the original name of Kennesaw), a stout made from real graham crackers!
End your tour of Cobb County’s craft breweries at Red Top Brewhouse, an Acworth brewpub featuring artisan beer and a menu full of your favorite eats. Their state-of-the-art, self-serve beer wall allows you to sample by the ounce. Sharing a pint on their rooftop porch or snuggling up next to their outdoor fire pit is the perfect way to end this weekend on the Cobb Ale Trail.
Looking for more craft beverage facilities to explore? Cobb has you covered. Try some of these wineries, breweries, and distilleries locals love!
