Stratosphere Social: Enter as Guests, Leave as Family

by Michael Vyskocil, photography by Nikola Tzenov

It’s a can’t-stop, won’t-stop place for entertainment in Carroll County. Stratosphere Social is a destination for all ages to build community, share lasting memories and have fun. Inside this 24,000-square-foot facility, you’ll discover dynamic offerings awaiting you at every turn.

Bowl a strike on the Brunswick lanes. Engage in friendly competition in the arcade. Battle zombies in a virtual world, or take a 7-D ride through the Amazon. Experience Maryland’s first interactive ax-throwing targets as you play tic-tac-toe, Connect Four and other games that will test your skills.

“It’s really about creating these spaces for people to socialize,” said Hillary Pennington, director of operations. Along with owner Bryan Zuber, Pennington and the Stratosphere Social team dedicate themselves to delivering a first-rate hub for entertainment in central Maryland.

Do you like connecting with people over live music and trivia? You’re in luck at Stratosphere Social. Dueling Pianos gives you an opportunity to sing along with great performers while you enjoy the company of family and friends. Put your knowledge to the test during Trivia Night each Thursday evening from 7 to 9. Interactive, fun and full of energy, this Trivia Night experience is one you’ll treasure.

And what would all this entertainment be without some food and drink to accompany it? The on-site bar and restaurant at Stratosphere Social offer plenty of delicious bites and sips to satisfy your taste buds.

Hillary Pennington (Director of Hospitality and Operations) & Bryan Zuber (Owner)

Pennington described the Bacon Buffalo Chicken Flatbread on the menu as “pure yumminess in your mouth.” A creamy Buffalo sauce with a layer of mozzarella cheese coats the flatbread. It serves as a succulent base for toppings of seasoned Buffalo chicken, crispy bacon and red onions, and a ranch drizzle. The Bleu Cheese Burger is a sumptuous seasoned beef patty featuring bacon and onion jam, a topping of tomato, red onions and a blue cheese dressing on a grilled garlic bun.

Select from among 20 different craft beers on tap, wine and cocktails like the Sykesburg Punch. This refreshing beverage blends rum, mixed fruit and coconut flavors in a drink that is out of this county with flavor.

Even if you’ve visited Stratosphere Social in the past, 2022 offers a new reason to return. Head to Carroll County’s largest indoor backyard, a 3,500-square-foot turf surface offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation indoors. “We’ll have popular yard games like Connect Four, a giant Jenga board and more. It can be used for private events in addition to being open to the public,” Pennington said. For the Big Game this year, Stratosphere Social aims to broadcast every moment of football action on a 133-inch projection screen.

You’ll also want to mark your 2022 calendars for Brews and Bites. This popular event features four courses of delicious chef-created food paired with your favorite local craft beers.