Washington, D.C. - February 24, 2006

Strange Brew

Blob’s Park Beer Garden

You’ve heard tell of it: set in a clearing in the woods, off a highway in Maryland. As you approach, you see a rundown, Tudor-style manse.

And then you hear the strange, shrill sounds.

Screams? No. Accordions.

Blob’s Park Bavarian Biergarten, off the BW Parkway, is open Friday through Sunday evenings and offers as much beer as you can drink — and as much polka as you can stand. Choose a German brew from the list of 70 beers and lots of traditional eats: bratwurst, Wiener schnitzel, dumplings. (Light fare? Ach nein!)

Once you’ve drained a stein (or three), hit the dance floor. The house band, The Rheinlanders, plays everything from waltzes to Elvira (a crowd favorite).

Want a souvenir of your brave foray off the beaten track? Pick up a commemorative glass, complete with a “made in West Germany” sticker, or one of the many Hummel figurines for sale.

That ought to scare people plenty.

Blob’s Park, 8024 Max Blob’s Park Road, Jessup (410-799-0155 or blobspark.com).

  Boozehound