The craft beer movement has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years on Delmarva, with more and more local breweries popping up across the Eastern Shore each year. The local economic impact has been significant, not only providing jobs, but also drawing tourists to the region, which is why Shore Craft Beer and Senator Jim Mathias decided to join forces earlier this year to put the region on the map as a craft beer destination. What was born (with the help of the State of Maryland Office of Tourism and the Brewers Association of Maryland) was “Febrewary: Craft Beer Lovers Month in Maryland.”

So what exactly does Febrewary entail? For starters, an entire month dedicated to our local breweries, including specials, events, and exclusive releases. Hotels are jumping on board as well, offering packages and deals for the traveling beer lover. Locally, the Clarion Resort Fontainbleau Hotel, Grand Hotel, Dunes Manor, Fenwick Inn, Park Place Hotel, Boardwalk Hotel Group, The Dogfish Inn, Fager’s Island, Atlantic Hotel, Holiday Inn Oceanfront, Sleep Inn Hotel and Suites, and Ocean 1 Hotel & Suites are offering hotel packages. Shorecraftbeer.com has a full list of pricing and details.

Shore Craft Beer also outlines a full list of Febrewary events for you to check out, but we’ll focus on a few of our favorites:

Brew River Craft Beer Lovers Special

When: All month long

Where: Brew River, Salisbury

What: Brew River is celebrating Craft Beer Lovers Month with a full month special (all day, every day) of $4 craft beers.

Beer Talk & Tasting: Beer and Cheese Pairings

When: February, 3, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Where: Clarion Hotel, OCMD

What: Shore Craft Beer will host a Beer Talk and Tasting at the Clarion, with 10 local breweries set present a beer and a cheese that complement one another. Admission is $5 at the door.

Fager’s Oyster Garden

When: Saturday, February 13, 12pm-4pm

Where: Fager’s Island, OCMD

What: Each year we look forward to the Oyster Garden event at Fager’s Island, which features all you can eat oysters and select craft beers from Evo and Flying Dog, along with BBQ ribs and chicken, and music from Pressing Strings. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.

Shore Craft Beer Fest: Love on Tap at Seacrets

When: Saturday, February 20, 1pm-4pm

Where: Seacrets, OCMD

What: Seacrets and ShoreCraftBeer.com are joining forces once again this year for the Shore Craft Beer Festival in Ocean City, MD. The event features ONLY local craft beer, along with live music and the chance to talk with brewery representatives. Also on tap (quite literally in fact) are a variety of beers made especially for the occasion.

…And there’s plenty more! Get out and tour a local craft brewery this month in celebration of the month of Febrewary. Cheers!