Grove Roots Brewing Co.

Bhavna and I search for the nearest craft brewery when we travel. If we can, we prefer to visit the local craft ale breweries, meet the brewer if possible, and try out a flight of beers. Winter Haven does not have a lot of breweries, but from our experience, Grove Roots Brewing in downtown Winter Haven is an excellent choice.

Name: Grove Roots Brewing Co.
Location: Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida
Beer to try: Tropical Dilemma, a 4.4% crisp, refreshing sour with strawberry.
Notes: Huge tasting room provides flights, pints, growler fills and cans, and individual release bottles to go. Bocce ball and corn hole in the yard. Kid and dog-friendly.

We ordered a flight, a mixture of sours and IPAs, and sat at the large bar in the spacious taproom. Behind us, some kids were playing with their chocolate labrador retriever. Outside, under their parent’s watchful eye, some more kids were playing corn hole and splashing about in the bocce ball court, which was filled with water from the early morning rain.

My brother called just as I completed my flight. HE HESITATED when I told him where we were and invited him to join us. He had never been to a brewery and was under the impression it was like a sports bar. He was concerned that the kids would be unwelcome. But Grove Roots Brewing is across the street from one of his favourite breakfast restaurants, Egg Haven. He arrived, perused the menu; my niece and nephew ordered ice cream and soda pop while my sister-in-law relaxed. We went outside to capture some family photos a few hours later before heading off to Circle B Bar Preserve.