The popularity of craft beers is on the rise, leading to more and more travel centered on beer lovers. From stouts to pilsners, there is a brew for everyone, so why not incorporate one of these luxury craft beer destinations into your next vacation?
Asheville, NC
They don’t call Asheville “Beer City, USA” for no reason! It’s been named one of Forbes Travel Guide’s 5 Beer Cities To Hit This Summer and CNN’s 8 Best Beer Towns in the USA as well. This North Carolina town boasts 11 different breweries and over 30 beer pubs, with more opening each year, all set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From nanobreweries to large national brands, it’s easy to plan a beer vacation in Asheville. Local hotels like the Hotel Indigo even offer special vacation packages with brewery tours included. To top off your luxury retreat in Asheville, you should also arrange for a tour of the nearby Biltmore House. This modern-day castle is America’s largest private residence and was built by the Vanderbilt family. The Grove Park Inn is another grand luxury hotel nearby worth a visit. Its distinct Arts and Crafts style construction makes it a top attraction in Asheville and a great addition to our list of craft beer destinations.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region of New York has 14 microbreweries with tasting rooms, 10 brewpubs, and 3 distribution-only brewers. This firmly establishes it as the center of the New York’s thriving craft brewery scene. Follow one of the many itineraries on the Finger Lakes Beer Trail to explore the region then return to The Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua. Relax in one of their eight luxurious lakefront jacuzzi suites while sipping on your favorite finds of the day. If visiting in the summer, enjoy the many local lake cruises and beaches. Winter visitors should make time to hit the slopes at the nearby Bristol Mountain Ski Resort.
Nashville, Tennessee
America’s Music City is making a new name for itself as one of the top craft beer destinations in recent years. Now a major “beercation” destination, Nashville offers plenty of local breweries to visit and beers to taste. To make the most of your trip hop on one of the Nashville Brew Bus tours.
Each tour includes a Brewing Basics lesson as well as brewery tours and tastings, and time to relax and grab a pint at every stop. All tours include transportation (coach bus), beer at every stop, water and snacks on the bus, a knowledgeable and fun-loving guide/drinking buddy, and the opportunity to meet the folks behind Nashville’s Craft Beer culture.
After a hard day tasting craft brews, you will want to relax at the centrally located The Hermitage Hotel. This Nashville 5-star hotel has been in operation since 1910.
Denver, Colorado
When discussing craft beer destinations, you can’t leave out The Mile High City where more than 50 breweries call home. This makes Denver the king of craft beers in a state with over 300 small breweries. Most every neighborhood in Denver hosts its own brewery, and it would take months to visit them all. The town offers numerous guided beer tours to help you navigate the extensive beer scene. Some tours even include a visit to the Coors brewery in nearby Golden. Choose from walking tours or opt for a van or bus ride tour to see a larger area of Denver. Base your explorations at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Denver for a stay that guarantees the ultimate in luxury. Be sure to grab a steak at the famous Elway’s on-site at the hotel and relax after all those tastings with a massage at the hotel’s spa.
All across the United States, you’ll find new craft breweries popping up each and every day. So your next vacation should definitely include at least one of these craft beer destinations. For even more beer-centered fun, explore these Craft Beers to Bring Oktoberfest Home.
