At the risk of revealing some of the country’s best-kept secrets, here are some off-the-radar breweries that are worth traveling far and wide for.
Blackberry Farm (Walland, Tennessee)
Part hotel, part restaurant, part brewery, and all farm, Blackberry Farm in eastern Tennessee sits in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and serves award-winning saison and other farmhouse-style ales. The beers found at this brewery often use ingredients grown on-site.
Agrarian Ales (Eugene, Oregon)
This Oregon brewery is producing ales from hops and herbs grown on-site at Crossroads Farm and soon will grow its own grains to claim estate-brewery status. Nestled on four acres in the heart of the green Willamette Valley in Eugene, Oregon, this is one destination you don’t want to miss.
Brewers Union Local 180 (Oakridge, Oregon)
Another off-the-radar Oregon destination brewery is located in Oakridge, a tiny mountain-biking town surrounded by the Cascade Range. This public house is as authentic as you can find in the United States—it serves its real ales on cask and its cozy location in the mountains makes you feel as if you’re sitting amid the hills in England.
Scratch Brewing Company (Ava, Illinois)
Located in the forest in Southern Illinois, Scratch is quickly making a name for itself with ingredient-inspired beers that are sourced locally. Even the pizza served in Scratch’s tasting room is made with vegetables and herbs grown on the property. Talking beer with Marika Josephson, Ryan Tockstein, and Aaron Kleidon, the three inspired and knowledgeable owners at Scratch, is worth the trek alone.
North Fork Brewery (Deming, Washington)
Brewery meets pizzeria meets wedding chapel ... and it’s all based in the foothills of Mt. Baker in Washington state. If you’re a beer lover and a snowboarder or skier, this unique concept is not to be missed on adventures in the Northwest.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (Southern California)
The many Figueroa Mountain taprooms in Southern California deliver picturesque beach views and award-winning beers that make for the perfect getaway.
Great Northern Brewing Company (Whitefish, Montana)
Whitefish, Montana, is a destination in itself. Add the Great Northern Brewing Company’s gorgeous facility and a fresh pint to your outdoor adventure.
von Trapp Brewing (Stowe, Vermont)
This Sound of Music-themed, Austrian-style brewery is also a mountain resort. Ski by day and drink Austrian-style lagers by night at the Trapp Family Lodge. The brewery offers an array of year-round and seasonal lagers.