CLYDESDALES:
Went with family to see the Budweiser Clydesdales. Last year the Clydesdales paraded around the parking lot briefly but this time around they let guests pet and take pictures with 1 of the 2 Clydesdales. The rest were In their stalls where guests could read a name card with their stats like ages & weights. After reading about what's involved to prep each Clydesdale for the hitch (team), maybe they did this because the size of the crowd was kinda smallish? Who knows.
For each Clydesdale "meet and greet", there was a handler and another team member who took pictures for each group (using your cell phone). The handler was very specific on where was acceptable to pet each Clydesdale. I took this as a good sign of (1) guest safety and (2) care of the Clydesdale. Thumbs up to the staff for the line moving efficiently and taking multiple pictures for each group.
TOUR:
We also took the free self-guided tour of the brewery which takes you through the 7-step brewing process.
Overall, I gained a bit of info about the Budweiser Clydesdales, the Anheuser-Busch family and company as well as the Dalmatians that tag along on the wagon. I'm not really a beer person but it was an interesting read.
With that said, check it out of you're near the airport, zoo or have time before your cruise. The self-guided tour won't take too long - probably up to 30 minutes if you actually read though everything and watch the videos.
PARKING: Free
TIPS:
- Check-in at the Budweiser Clydesdales tent to get your FREE beer - it's a regular size can/bottle (one per person). You must enter your email + birthday at the kiosk otherwise it's $3 per drink (cash only). They offer a selection of different beers to choose from including the reserve and a flavored Lime-A-Rita.
- Hungry? There were 3-4 food trucks next to the Clydesdales during our visit not sure about regular weekends.
- Samples?! I read there's a beer sample at the tour entrance but during our visit the attendant advised us that they were out at the time. As we got into the elevator a replacement keg was being rolled in. Darn, just missed it!
- Drinks are also available for purchase in the tap room during the self-guided tour with plenty of tables/seating and TVs to catch whatever game's going on. There's also a photo opportunity with a beer wagon in this room.
Hours, Location, Tour Info, Gift Shop details are in the link below. Scroll to the gift shop section and there's a coupon for $5, $10 or $15 off a gift shop purchase.
http://www.budweisertours.com/locations/jacksonville-florida.html
Event Calendar including Budweiser Clydesdales:
http://www.budweisertours.com/locations/jacksonville-florida/events-calendar.html#JAX read more