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.
When we travel, BHavna and I enjoy trying out the locally brewed craft ales. 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.
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 the watchful eye of their parent, 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. When I told him where we were and invited him to join us, he hesitated. 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, got the tour of the menu, my niece and nephew ordered ice cream and soda pop, while my sister-in-law relaxed. A few hours later, we went outside to capture some family photos before heading off to Circle B Bar Preserve.
