Adventurous Axe Throwing Venue Opens In Crofton

CROFTON, MD — If you're looking for an exciting and rugged way to burn off some energy or reduce stress levels, check out one of Crofton's newest businesses, Chill Axes. This recreational ax-throwing business opened Feb. 18 and is set up for social distancing during the pandemic. Owned by Stacy Berver and Russell Smith, the Annapolis natives selected Crofton for the location of their new endeavor because it has the "perfect demographics."

"We loved our space from the moment we first visited and that it was a fresh slate that we could build out as we wished," Berver told Patch. "Ax throwing is a fun, socially distanced way to alleviate stress, spend a few hours with friends or go on a date night."

Smith, who lives in Davidsonville with his fiancee and their newborn daughter, and Berver, who lives in Annapolis with her husband while one son is off at college and the other living in Ireland, were a bit apprehensive about opening a new business during a pandemic. But they believe it will pay off in the end.

"Opening during a pandemic has been interesting. We started in March of 2020 by writing a business plan, doing competitive research and settling on what each of us would do for the business. We’ve decided we’re either incredibly smart or very dumb for taking this plunge at this point in time. We’re hoping and really believe it is a smart decision," Berver said.

Throwing axes is perfect for people ages 12 and older. Guests 12 to 15 years old must have a parent with them, while teens age 15 to 17 need to have a parent-signed waiver.

"Everyone visiting the venue must sign a waiver, whether they are throwing axes or not. We take ax throwing very seriously and have a firm set of rules, a 15-minute training session prior to your reservation beginning and an expert available to you at all times. As well, all of our employees are first aid certified," Berver said.

To accommodate for social distancing requirements, eight lanes will be open accommodating a maximum of 48 throwers at one time in their 4,000-square-foot space. Slots of one and two hours can be booked Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Chill Axes hosts fundraisers to benefit local groups. They also welcome private events and parties.

"If you book our VIP lanes, soda, water and snacks come with the package. Otherwise, guests are welcome to bring drinks, snacks and BYOB. We are opening BYOB and will eventually get our liquor license and offer beer and wine for sale," Berver said.

While throwing an ax may seem intimidating at first, it's an amazing experience, she said.

"You can’t imagine the excitement of hitting a bullseye until it happens — ax throwing is incredibly fun and satisfying. We like to say that anyone can learn to throw an ax in just a few minutes and our end-grain boards coupled with our projection target system make it more fun than any other ax throwing venue around. You can throw at a regular bullseye, play tic-tac-toe or throw at zombies," Berver said.

Current COVID-19 precautions include taking the temperature of all guests upon arrival who will remain in the lane assigned to them, which allows for up to five throwers per lane. Between reservations, employees will clean axs, targets and seating areas. Masks are required unless a guest is eating or drinking.

Reservations can be made online at www.chillaxes.com or by phone at 443-788-2088. Pricing is $24.99 for one hour and $39.99 for two hours. Promo code SAVE21 is active until the end of February. Chill Axes is at 2101 Concord Blvd., Suite G.