Every region has its own unique spin on craft beer, and there’s no better way to discover it than with a craft brewery road trip. It’s the perfect way to taste regional specialties while supporting local businesses as you soak in the unique atmosphere of every taproom. With thousands of breweries spread across the country, planning a road trip dedicated to hops, malts, and community is the ultimate way to celebrate craft beer.
Six Steps to the Ultimate Craft Brewery Road Trip
1. Choose Your Route
The first step in planning your craft brewery road trip is deciding where to go. Whether it’s the Pacific Northwest with its hop-forward IPAs, Colorado’s laid-back mountain breweries, or New England’s farmhouse ales, every region has its own character shaped by local ingredients, climate, and community.
Once you’ve chosen your region, it’s time to map out your route. Look for clusters of breweries so you can maximize your tasting time without spending endless hours in the car. Many states even have official brewery trails with maps and suggested itineraries to make it easy. For example, Oregon’s “Ale Trail” in Bend or North Carolina’s “Beer Trail” around Asheville are popular options for beer lovers.
2. Plan Your Stops
One of the best parts of a craft brewery road trip is mixing well-known favorites with smaller, lesser-known stops. Do a little research to figure out your must-visit breweries. Don’t forget to check if any breweries offer tours, food pairings, or special events – you might catch a limited release or seasonal festival along the way. Don’t pack your schedule too full, though. Leaving room for spontaneity could lead you to your new favorite brewery.
3. Pair Beer with Local Flavor
Many craft breweries source ingredients from nearby farms or experiment with flavors inspired by regional cuisine. Sampling local dishes from a taproom kitchen or food trucks parked outside the brewery is part of the tasting experience. Plus, building food stops into your craft brewery road trip ensures you can pace yourself responsibly.
4. Safety First
A great craft brewery road trip is a safe one. Before you leave, decide how your group will handle transportation between breweries. You could designate a driver, arrange for ride-shares, or consider booking a shuttle service specializing in brewery tours. In areas with thriving beer tourism, you can typically find guided beer buses that make it easy to hop from one taproom to another without worry.
5. Pack Like a Pro
Be prepared to bring beer back home. A cooler in the car keeps bottles and cans fresh throughout your craft brewery road trip. Be sure to stock up on water bottles and snacks to stay hydrated and energized between stops. A journal or beer app can help you keep track of your tasting notes. It’s easy to forget the details after a full day of tasting, and these notes will help you remember your favorites long after the trip ends.
6. Enjoy the Journey
Finally, remember that a craft brewery road trip isn’t just about the beer – it’s about the adventure. Take time to explore the towns you stop in, chat with locals in taprooms, and enjoy the scenery outside your window. Yes, each brewery tells a story about beer, but it also tells a story about the community that supports it.
Add The Growler Guys to Your Itinerary
Whether you’re chasing IPAs, seeking out sours, or just enjoying the atmosphere, a craft brewery road trip is guaranteed to quench your thirst for adventure. Keep an eye out for The Growler Guys along your way to sample some of the best regional beers for a truly local experience. And if you can’t get away right now, head to your local Growler Guys. With the best local and global beers on tap, our certified Beer Stewards can take you on a flavorful journey without leaving home. Stop in for a pint, flight, or growler fill today.
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