Stone Cow Brewery in Barre, MA Day Trip
Welcome to Stone Cow Brewery in Barre, Massachusetts
Update: Stone Cow Brewery Summer 2022
On a mild last day of June, we went back to Stone Cow for a relaxed vibe and delicious beer. It was easy on this Thursday evening to grab a table on the patio deck right outside the main beer hall and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The beer lineup includes a variety of IPAs as well as styles like Farmhouse Saisons, Sours and hard seltzer (there a grapefruit slushy on the beverage menu too!). When we visited, the lineup included several brews at around 5% abv including a Saison with lemon zest that was crisp and refreshing.
Their kitchen stays open until one hour before close so check the website for hours. The smoked chicken wings go great with the lighter beers.
Driving through central Massachusetts landscapes between the towns of Barre and Petersham, Stone Cow Brewery is a working dairy farm and destination for craft beer enthusiasts and New England farm scenery. Whether you’re looking for a family outing that both kids and adults will enjoy or a craft beer experience with farm life ambience, Stone Cow is a great day trip.
You’ll enjoy a variety of craft beers plus barbeque and ice cream while experiencing a working farm in a historic, scenic setting. During our fall 2021 visit, the pumpkin ale (Pumpky Brewster) and milk stout (Cows Out) were delicious and crushable in the cooler autumn weather.
How to get to Stone Cow Brewery (Barre, MA) | Location
Stone Cow is on the Route 122 Scenic Byway about a mile west of the Barre town center. Look for the big signpost, and there is ample parking behind the farm stand (what you’ll see first pulling into the farm). Because Stone Cow gets busy on weekend afternoons, it’s best arrive at noon or during the late afternoon.
What to see at Stone Cow Brewery
Pulling into the establishment, you’ll see that you’ve arrived at a large working farm. On the site of the historic Carter & Stevens Farm, Stone Cow is both a dairy farm and craft brewery.
There are a few parking spots for takeout (15-minute limit) in front of the farm stand where you can order ice cream at the window, purchase beef and milk inside and pumpkins (in autumn).
Walk around the grounds to get a sense of the history here and check out all the fun, unique things to see.
Tip: If you have young kids, visit the playground at the back of the barn overlooking the field.
On a clear day, in all seasons, the landscape views are scenic and expansive. You can see fall foliage at the back of the parking area and from the back patio where you can drink your beer while sitting at a picnic table.
To order beer, go to the Stone Cow tap room just left of the barn doors and then bring your pints to seating inside the barn at communal tables or picnic tables outside. Barbeque can be purchased on the weekends through October and though the line gets long (certain items may be out once you order), it does move.
Tip: Sometimes you can see the dairy cows grazing in the field behind the barn. Kids will also enjoy seeing the goat and miniature horse behind the farm stand in the parking area.
During our visits, we enjoy drinking delicious beers (you can also order craft soda) while sitting outside to take in the farm and Central MA landscape views.
Tip: You can can have even more fun by doing a nearby hike in at Quabbin Gate 35 in New Salem, MA. It’s a hidden gem and easy, short hike to the reservoir shore for all skill levels.
Have you visited Stone Cow Brewery? What tips do you have for enjoying your visit?
Leave a comment below.
