For those cyclists who live or are visiting Florida's Suncoast near Tampa, the
Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is worth a ride in order to visit the many breweries along the trail. The trail measures 38 miles between Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg along abandoned rail lines. And throughout it's length,
theCompass Winery Brewery Distillery app shows several appropriate rest stops.
From the north you will want to start or end your ride in Tarpon Springs with some Belgium styled ales from
Saint Somewhere Brewing which is due west off the Elfers Spur. Closer to the trail in downtown Tarpon Springs the newly opened
Silverking Brewing Company and
Tarpon Springs Castle Winery are waiting. Then head 11 miles south to Dunedin, home to Florida's first craft brewery,
Dunedin Brewery, as well as brett specialists
7venth Sun Brewery. And on Friday evenings,
Cotherman Distilling opens their doors for some spirits tasting. Clearwater is the next major town heading south, but unfortunately any breweries are further east, so continue until you reach Largo and head less than .5 miles east of the trail on West Bay Drive to
Barley Mow Brewing Company. This stop is highly recommended. The trail bottoms out in South Pasadina and Gulf Port where you can take short side trips to the
Florida Orange Groves and Winery on Pasadena Avenue South or
Peg's Cantina and Brewpub on Beach Blvd - the birthplace of
Cycle Brewing.
The trail officially ends in downtown St. Petersburg, although it connects with the Pinellas Community Trail for a few additional miles. Start your St. Petersburg beer tour by heading north on 22nd Street to
3 Daughters Brewing. Continue a couple blocks on 2nd Avenue east, then 1 block north on 2oth Street to the soon to be opened
Pinellas Ale Works. Pick up the trail again at 2nd Avenue and just after Tropicana Field turn left at 11th Street. Two blocks later you will see
Green Bench Brewing Co. on Baum Avenue. Then head east on 1st or Central Avenues until you hit the
St. Pete Brewing Company or
Cycle Brewing - both a block away from each other. Both have ample space to stretch your muscles and relax with a good craft beer. Cheers and safe riding.
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| 7venth Sun Brewery |
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| Beers at Cycle Brewing |
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| St. Pete Brewing Company |
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| Sampler at Barley Mow Brewery |
