Starting out on a slightly rainy spring morning, the drive
up to Merrimack, NH was faster than expected in our trusty Subaru. In just an
hour and fifteen minutes we were pulling into our first destination - Joey's Diner. Serving breakfast all day and with a true '50s décor inside its chrome
exterior, we must have had perfect timing as we were seated in about five
minutes despite the full parking lot. Who would be able to resist ordering the 'Elvis
Presley Breakfast' (Two Eggs Any Style, Corn Beef Hash & Choice of Bacon,
Ham or Sausage and Toast) while sitting in a very comfortable red and silver
upholstered booth. And, since the blueberry filled crepes were described as "homemade",
we had to try those too! They were perfect. Not too sweet and just the right
amount of filling.
Filled to the brim with good coffee and food we headed the last few miles to our primary destination, Anheuser-Busch. Having visited the Hallamore Clydesdales in Lakeville, MA previously, we had been asked many times whether we had visited the Budweiser Clydesdales. So, always taking a good customer suggestion when we hear it, it became high on the list of Long Subaru drives.
The Anheuser-Busch facility is immaculate. Even this early in the year when landscapes have the tendency to look drab, the grounds looked groomed and inviting. A complimentary brewery tour was our first stop and we joined another group already comfortably ensconced in the leather club chairs sipping a complimentary sample of the soon to be released Johnny Appleseed Cider (its national debut was just a few days after our visit). Our tour guide went through several facts about the company and especially focused on the Clydesdales, then after a photo in front of a Clydesdale statue, we took the short walk to the brewery. The tour was quick, approx. 20 minutes, and covered all the brewing processes and Budweiser facts you would expect. The final stop is the hospitality room were each guest is allowed to choose two complimentary samples from the bar, which carries the full range of Anheuser-Busch's product distribution, and after about ten minutes can request a complimentary full size drink. Soda, pretzels, and a warm fire to sit by were also provided. Staff came around with a package of prints of the photo taken earlier available for $20. Soon it was time to be led back down to the lobby and we were given directions to the stable pathway.
The walk to the stables, aka Clydesdale Hamlet, is pleasant
but it is 
also possible to move your car down and park closer if you need to.
Once the stables come into view, one cannot help thinking 'I could live here'. Most
often you will be greeted by one of the two resident Dalmatians, the
traditional Clydesdale companion (not the Golden Retriever puppies from the
commercials). Entering the barn we could enter to win one of the Clydesdale's
used horseshoes (this may just be a 'horse-person's thing' but we thought it
would be a pretty neat thing to have!). As it was the first Saturday of the
month, the Clydesdales were at home and there were several employees setting up
for the photo op. 'Clydesdale Camera Day' is the first Saturday of the month
from 1-3pm. Guests are invited to have their picture taken with the
world-famous horses. We were fortunate enough to be toward the start of the
line, but is still took about 25 minutes for us to have our turn getting our
picture taken with the one Clydesdale brought out from his stall. One thing not
noted online was that they have a photographer there to take the picture and
then you are offered the opportunity to purchase a package of photos for $20.
After a brisk walk back to the main buildings, we visited the well-stocked gift shop and perused the many Budweiser items. Online a 20% off coupon is available and will come in handy. Clydesdale beer glasses, Budweiser barbeque sauce, and a Clydesdale t-shirt were quickly packed away in the back of the Subaru and off we went to our follow-up destination.
Across the street, as the crow flies, are the Merrimack Premium Outlets. Anyone familiar with Wrentham Village will feel right at home here. And while mentally NH seems further away, the lack of traffic make the Merrimack Outlets a very attractive alternative. And, after all, if you can see Clydesdales and have blueberry crepes - why wouldn't you go?
When You Go
Take a good look at Google Earth to determine the Brewery and Outlets locations. GPS can sometimes lead you a bit wrong.
The brewery tour is ADA accessible, just inform your tour guide if you need to use the elevator and avoid the three sets of double staircases.
Things To Know
While the brewery advertises tours daily, the Clydesdales
travel and are not always available for viewing (check their tour schedule online). Likewise, the brewery does not
operate during the weekend so you will miss watching the bottling process which
is quite impressive.
Two types of tours are available. The complimentary Brewery Tour and the BeerMaster Tour ($25/person, reservations suggested).
A booklet of Merrimack Outlet discounts can be requested at the Anheuser-Busch gift shop.
Fun Facts
Merrimack was named the twenty-third best place to live in the United States by CNN Money Magazine in 2013.
The Merrimack Brewery is the smallest of the five Anheuser-Busch U.S. breweries and home to the East Coach Clydesdale Hitch.
Anheuser-Busch recycles over 99% of the solid waste generated by their brewing and packaging processes.
The Budweiser Clydesdales made their first-ever appearance on April 7, 1933. A gift from August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch to their father in celebration of the repeal of Prohibition, the presentation of the original two six-horse hitches of champion Clydesdales moved father, sons and drivers to tears. The phrase "crying in your beer" was officially coined shortly thereafter.
Rock'N Ribfest, held on the Anheuser-Busch grounds in Merrimack, is the official site for the New Hampshire state barbecue championship, where judges taste test the Northeast's best BBQ from more than 30 competitors.
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Contact Sara at sbrunell@longauto.com
