Plan Your Visit To Maine Now And Join Us For A Local Drink
Recent changes in Maine’s policies now allow for guests from all New England states to visit Maine without any test or quarantine requirements. Guests from any state that have been fully vaccinated or have previously been infected are also exempt from those requirements, effective immediately. Great timing, as we have tours currently available for booking starting next week with many more to come!
In early March, the State of Maine announced the adoption of the Moving Maine Forward plan which made several immediate changes to allow more people to freely travel to and visit Maine.
Allowing people from any New England state to be exempt from test or quarantine requirements is a huge step forward for us as traditionally over 50% of our guests reside in New England.
In addition, people from any U.S. state that have had COVID-19 in the previous 90 days—or are fully vaccinated against COVID-19—are also exempt from testing or quarantine restrictions.
With vaccination levels on the rise, it is important to note what fully vaccinated actually means. You are considered fully vaccinated after at least 14 days following the completion of your COVID-19 vaccination series.
For individuals who receive the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, this starts after the second dose. For individuals receiving the single-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine, this starts after the single dose.
Another piece of great news was that the plan targets March 26 to resume indoor service at bars, distilleries, and tasting rooms.
This access to the inside of alcohol producers has been the primary reason why we have not resumed large-scale bus tours. With this date now known, we can make plans to gradually roll out a schedule of our award-winning bus-based tours and activities.
By May 1, 2021, Maine will shift its COVID-19 travel policy to automatically exempt all states, unless a state is otherwise determined by the Maine CDC as being high risk. If one or more states see a spike in cases of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, Maine will apply its test or quarantine requirement to travelers to and from that state. The Maine CDC will publicly announce any such states when they are identified.
Take a look at our Health and Safety policies that have been updated to reflect these changes. The policies are in place to protect our guests, our staff, and our partners.
It is clear now that it is finally time to plan your long-awaited trip to Maine. We are looking forward to once again enjoying a local drink with you.
Here is a quick look at what tours and activities are available for booking right now, and a taste of what else is to come later this year:
Old Port Walk, Talk, and Taste tours (beginning Saturday, March 13th)
This leisurely walking tour covering 1.5 miles throughout the historic Old Port. It allows you to visit and learn about notable Portland landmarks including numerous former brewery sites, the Workingmen’s Club, Mariners’ Church, the Seamen’s Club.
It’s all focused around the working waterfront that was essential for importing and exporting alcohol, even during times of prohibition.
As part of this historical journey, we will stop at three legendary Portland breweries for included samples. A light snack (featuring beer, of course) is supplied along the way. Learn more…
Bike and Brews tours (beginning Saturday, May 1st)
Our popular and fun Bike and Brews tours return for the season on May 1st!
Our routes feature biking mostly on mixed-use paths where no vehicles are allowed. There is considerable biking along the ocean with scenic views out to many islands in Casco Bay.
Along the way to visit our different stops, we will pause a few times to learn about Portland’s rich history from the Rum Riots to Prohibition.
After biking our way to each of our stops, together we will head back to the starting point with a better understanding of Portland’s thirst for outstanding craft beer and other alcohol.
Bike and Brews tours are available daily (except Sunday) from May through October. Learn more…
Private and Corporate tours
There are still group size and overall capacity restrictions in place that may not allow for as much flexibility with private tours as we would like. But it is expected that these will be changed in time, especially as we look to Memorial Day and beyond.
We are taking inquiries now for private and corporate tours of all sizes. Our team will work with you to determine the best method for you and your group.
Your outing might be by walking, biking, on a bus, or on a boat. We can also arrange and host events at other locations, such as marinas, forts, and islands.
Now is the time to lock in your date for an unbelievable experience with us focused around Maine’s craft alcohol scene!
Visit our Private Tours page or our Corporate Tours page to learn more and to send us the details of what you would like for your outing. Learn more…
Coming Later This Year
As soon as we can, we will release a more comprehensive schedule that will allow us to resume our small group tours on our buses.
This summer and fall we will also be offering more tours and activities on the water.
Our Lobster, Sunset, and Harbor Brews Cruises will return, and we will feature new boat-based outings that couple history and islands with craft alcohol.
We also plan to have new offerings that will explore other parts of Maine’s craft industry.
Stay tuned for more details on these tours and activities as they are announced.
We hope that you will safely be able to join us on a tour very soon. Cheers!
See the current Health and Safety policies for Maine Brew Bus tours here.
Don Littlefield is the General Manager of Brew Bus Tours. He enjoyed a quart of Sebago Lake water while preparing this post. Twitter: @BeerinME