Fall into Blue

Blue Heron Brewery opened six years ago as a brewpub.

Since then it has become a destination for family fun, insists Ben Erjavec, executive chef and co-owner. Coming off a busy summer that saw the introduction of its Friday evening concert series, last month Blue Heron opened a nine-hole putt-putt course near its popular outdoor patio.

“It’s already become a good draw,” says Mike Piazza, brewmaster and co-owner. “We’ve got it decorated for the fall going into Halloween. A lot of what we’re seeing is the parents sitting on the patio enjoying a drink while the kids go over to play putt-putt. We see a lot of full families playing together, too.”

A game costs $6 and the course will stay open as long as the weather allows, Ben says.

The new course follows the construction of a new amphitheater that hosted Blue Heron’s summer concerts.

“They were fantastic nights out under the stars, with world-class beer, specialty cocktails and food stations,” says co-owner Bill Rini. “And you could feel comfortable bringing the kids.”

The concert series will return next summer, with plans to schedule 13 shows—up from 11 this year, Ben promises.

“It was a great summer,” he recalls. “The bands were great, we had ample outdoor food options and we had multiple bars set up throughout the concert area. It was almost a mini Blossom [Music Center]. People brought their chairs and we had an average of about 600 people per show.”

Blue Heron’s menu of special events and activities is geared toward creating a fun destination.

“The idea is to provide a destination where people can relax and stick around instead of just having dinner and a beer and going home,” Ben explains.

Sometimes, however, the best destination may be home. Like during the holidays.

But staying at home to enjoy the company of family and friends during the holidays doesn’t necessarily need to create a lot of work. Blue Heron’s Take-and-Bake Thanksgiving and Christmas meals make it easy to host a luscious chef-quality holiday meal without spending the day cooking and cleaning up.

“It’s become a staple and a tradition for a lot of families,” Ben says.

That’s why Blue Heron is continuing the tradition, which started as a stay-at-home holiday feast during the pandemic.

“The fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner includes a whole turkey and all the trimmings,” Ben tempts. “All you have to do is order, pick it up the day before Thanksgiving and warm it all up for everybody to enjoy.”

The dinner includes a whole roasted 18- to 20-pound turkey for 10 guests or a 10- to 12-pound bird for four guests—plus a tableful of trimmings—like Ben’s famous stuffing.

“It all comes in disposable pans,” Ben says. “You can serve the meal on your best china or save yourself the hassle of cleaning up by using our pans and disposable dishes. The main thing is you can enjoy the meal with your family without having to worry about cooking or cleaning up.”

The Christmas version, which will be available for pickup on December 23, includes a 6-ounce filet mignon and Chicken Marsala for each person along with a bountiful array of sides and trimmings, Ben says.

Many craft beer connoisseurs might argue that the holiday season starts when Mike’s Blue Heron Christmas Ale begins to flow—typically around Thanksgiving time. This year, Mike has a “special trick” up his sleeve, he reveals.

“We bought some oak barrels from Woodford Reserve, the bourbon distillery in Kentucky,” Mike says. “We brewed a double Christmas Ale that’s been sitting in the barrels since January. We’re going to package it in 12-ounce cans in four-packs and do a special release in conjunction with our standard Christmas Ale—’Twas the Heron’s First Christmas. It will be a nice addition with its higher gravity and smaller package. It’s something that people can give as gifts and bring to holiday gatherings and events.”

In the meantime, you may want to keep up with Blue Heron’s calendar of special events—like a comedy show in the grand ballroom on Saturday, November 8. You also may want to dance out 2025 at Blue Heron’s New Year’s Eve bash in the ballroom, featuring the local Buck Naked Band.

“The ballroom also is an ideal venue for private parties and business events,” Ben suggests.

And, when the snow begins to fall, Blue Heron’s cozy, heated outdoor igloos make an ideal venue for socializing with up to eight friends over dinner and drinks.



“It’s like sitting in a snow globe,” Ben says.

You can order your Take-and-Bake meals, register for special Blue Heron events and reserve your cozy igloos at BlueHeronMedina.com or by calling 330-870-BLUE. Find the latest updates on parties and entertainment at Facebook: @blueheronmedina. Blue Heron Brewery is located at 3227 Blue Heron Trace, in Medina.