When you take a trip to a brewery, your eyes are usually firmly focused on the prize: a day at a brewery, surrounded by like-minded and friendly people who share one of your favourite interests. With wineries, a lot of the focus is on the physical landscape around you – the vineyards and the beautiful views – but beer enthusiasts are often not met with the same kind of ready-packaged view. However, the truth is that breweries are full of interesting, artistic, passionate people, and the areas around them are probably full of like-minded souls who you might just get along with. So next time you take a trip to a brewery, why not try out the following ideas so that you can enjoy more than the beer?
Go On A Local Tour
First of all, take a local tour. The brewery itself will probably be able to offer suggestions as to what companies are good and where you might want to go. If you’re only there for a weekend then you may not have much time to explore, so going on a guided tour or even a walking tour with a guide book is the best way to get to know the town or city that you’re visiting, because you’ll be able to take in all the local landmarks. It’s also great to support local businesses, so ask the brewery if it can recommend a local tour guide. Not only will they be super enthusiastic about the city and excited to show you around, but they’ll also know all the interesting secrets that you might not otherwise find out. They also might just be able to recommend any local pubs, bars and taverns where you may be able to spend a fun evening.
Take A Hike
A lot of breweries are surrounded by stupendously beautiful natural scenery, so it would be foolish not to experience it, at least a little. Make sure that you do your research before you strike out on a hike – ask local walkers about trails they recommend, and don’t think that you’re going to be the world’s best hiker if it isn’t something that you’re used to doing. Make sure that you take a waterproof pack with you, with some essentials in there (no beer, unless it’s a really short hike!). You should take a first aid kit with allergy medication, bandages and antiseptic wipes in there, a reusable water bottle with plenty of water within, water purification tablets, and a water bladder that you can roll up and fill if you need to. It may seem like overkill but you never know what’s going to happen on a hike so you should take a compass in case your phone runs out of juice and you no longer have a GPS. In addition, take snacks that are small and light but dense in carbohydrates, fats and proteins, so that they give you a long lasting energy boost. Finally, take supplies that you can light a fire with if you need to – you can use a fire to signal for help if you get lost – such as firelighters, waterproof matches, or a ferro rod. A space blanket is a great idea and so is a lightweight waterproof jacket. Other than the essentials, remember a camera so you can take photos to show off at home!
Check Out Local Fine Dining
There is little that feels better after a long day at a brewery than a great meal. Like the local tours, it’s a great idea to ask the brewery for any restaurant recommendations. In most places, there will likely be a great selection of places to go to, from steakhouses to seafood to vegan cuisine, so why not pick a place that isn’t a chain and that local people love? Checking out local food is one of the best things about visiting a new place. A lot of the time, places like breweries will do deals with local restaurants that will give you a discount if you were at the brewery during the day, so ask if there are any possibilities of that.
Investigate The Arts Scene
There is nothing better on a trip than doing something a little out of your comfort zone, so why not check out the local arts scene? A lot of people who are interested in beer are arty, creative people, and they might be able to recommend a local open mic night or a bar where a great band plays every Saturday evening. Alternatively, why not take in some local history with the town museum? Most places have one, and it’s a lot of fun to find out about a whole new place.
Remember that your trip doesn’t have to be just about the brewery – take in some complementary activities to make your weekend even better. We at Great Beer Now incorporate local attractions and culture into all of our beer excursions and we recommend that you do the same.
Ooh, I’ve never been to a brewery before, but it looks so much fun! Thanks for the tips!
Love it! Breweries are usually tucked into really cool parts of town where there’s lots to do. In my little area of Mount Holly, New Jersey, there are two awesome breweries – Spellbound and Village Idiot – tucked between shops, galleries, and restaurants. So much to do. Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, PA used to be my go-to quizzo and nerd fun place! Can’t wait to check out more as I travel.