Article by: Eric Blumenfeld,
Beerspoke Tours CEO
I say Vermont. You hear beer. And rightfully so. Some of the most well respected breweries (looking at you Hill Farmstead and The Alchemist) and beers (how's it going Heady Topper) live here. According to the Brewer's Association, VT ranks number 1 in gallons of beer produced per 21+ person, and number 3 in economic impact per capita. The state is practically built on beer.
You need to travel here (or trade) to get it. But you've already heard that it's worth it.
If you’re looking for the mainstream experience, Burlington and Stowe are must stops for you. They’re both amazing locales for beer, and for a vacation. A beautiful Summer mountain town, Stowe is an even more incredible place to be in the winter for skiers and riders. And Burlington is a beautiful active college town meets lakeside retreat.
But if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, check out Montpelier. As the capital of Vermont, maybe it's not such a secret, but it happens to be the smallest state capital in the whole country. If you blink while you’re driving you will miss it...small. There are plenty of outdoor activities, museums and restaurants in this small town, and by all means, you should check those out. But we're sending you to Three Penny Taproom. Cozy and welcoming, there is zero pretense in this bar/restaurant -- though, honestly, it would be hard to blame them if they exhibited a touch. What there is, however, is a beer selection that'll make your head spin. 20+ lines of stellar craft brews, mostly local to VT, with a few terrific selections from outside the area. All of which can be paired with options from their small, but locally sourced, food menu. The staff there is knowledgeable and friendly and they all seem to fully appreciate that they work at a veritable paradise for beer geeks and foodies. Definitely pop in during a pass-through. Or stay a bit longer. The town really has a lot of charm, and everything about Three Penny Taproom just fits in perfectly here.
You can't miss this place on a swing through Montpelier, VT. Well, you can, but if you do, you're a schmuck...