There are three cultural milestones that the 21st Century has brought us: the advent of smartphones, the rise of social media, and the renaissance of craft beer. Microbreweries are popping up all over the country, but which city holds the title of America’s craft beer capital? Here are five cities that every craft beer lover should visit!
5. Houston, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes their brewing scene. Houston was an early adopter of craft beer, with Texas’s first craft brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing, opening up back in 1994. Houston is where you can try the zany craft brew concoctions at B-52 Brewing, play a game of frisbee golf at SpindleTap Brewery, and experience the unique creations at Ingenious Brewing, where you can sample out-of-the-box flavors.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Take a walk down Nashville’s Honkey Tonk Row and you’ll hear live country music playing all around you. Good music isn’t the only thing you’ll find in these bars, though! Our favorite Nashville craft breweries include Southern Grist Brewing, which boasts two locations; Bearded Iris Brewing, home to barrel-aged beers and a speakeasy style bar; and New Heights Brewing, where you can play board games while sipping on a Coffee & Cream Ale.
3. Sonoma County, California
While known as the largest producer of wine in California, Sonoma County is also notable for its love of craft beer. The most renowned brewery in the county is Russian River Brewing in Santa Rosa. With fan favorites like the Blind Pig IPA and Pliny the Younger, it’s no wonder that this brewery is among the most popular on the west coast. Other must-visit breweries include Bear Republic Brewing, Fogbelt Brewing, and Lagunitas Brewing Company.
2. Denver, Colorado
Imagine taking a sip of a cold brew while looking at the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Although most people think of Denver as the home of Coors and Blue Moon, it’s also a gold mine of craft beer. Among the most recognizable brands is New Belgium Brewing, the maker of the famous Fat Tire Amber Ale. Black Project Spontaneous & Wild Ales, Cerebral Brewing, and Great Divide Brewing Co. are other great attractions. Denver also holds the annual Great American Beer Festival, where you can try hundreds of delicious brews!
1. Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Michigan
We know, it’s cheating to place two cities as number one. But you can’t talk about one without the other! Grand Rapids, dubbed Beer City by the locals, is the craft beer capital of the Midwest. Here you’ll find craft beer staples like Founder’s Brewing Co., Harmony Hall, and New Holland Brewing. Just an hour south is the city of Kalamazoo, home of Bell’s Brewery. Every craft beer enthusiast should make a pilgrimage to this brewery, which distributes the seasonal favorite Oberon and the nationally loved Two Hearted Ale, which was voted the best beer in America by the American Homebrewers Association.
Has all this talk of beer made you thirsty? If you want to take a trip to any of these cities but need help with the planning and lodging, feel free to contact Pegasus Travel Advisors at 972-800-2705 or click here to send us a message!
