It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…with beers of an often stoutier, and porter-ier variety. If you’re traveling for the holidays, consider 3 towns known for 1) imparting the Christmas spirit on even the Grinchiest of characters, and 2) their solid beer scenes. Turns out good beer also seems to do its part in the fight against Scroogeism.
Here are our suggestions for your malt-forward holiday travel plans:
Leavenworth: 2nd only to the North Pole in Christmas Spirit.
1) Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is a stunning mountainside town modeled very much in the Bavarian tradition year round. And, at Christmas, it ups its festivity level to 11, with a massive town-wide Tree-Lighting Festival, a beautiful Bavarian market, sleigh rides, caroling — even a Nutcracker Museum, for St. Nick’s sake! It’s also home to some notable breweries, of which our favorite is Icicle Brewing Company. Located right in the heart of Leavenworth, Icicle has a cozy, rustic ambience, and serves up solid beers spanning a wide range of styles. And, if you’re all in on the distinctly seasonal belief that love, actually is all around, they have a gorgeous patio for you and your loved one to imbibe while taking in the incomparably romantic mountain views. But one brewery does not a beer town make. So, take a short, brisk, winter walk to: a) the also very cozy, dog friendly (and tiny) Doghaus Brewery, b) the pizza-serving, rooftop-viewing Blewett Brewing Co., as well as c) Der Hinterhof and d) Munchen Haus, two craft beer-serving restaurants with stellar food and a full commitment to Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme.
The much beloved, original Thirsty Monk brewpub serves up many beers to warm you up during the holidays.
2) Asheville, NC
We just keep coming back here, don’t we? Asheville — d.b.a. Beertown USA — is another mountain town that Christmases with the best of ‘em. The Biltmore Estate and Omni Grove Park Inn deck their halls — and rooms, and exteriors, and grounds — with spectacular decorations and, against all odds, dramatically up the ante on their already picturesque ambience. The ever-walkable downtown, with its ubiquitous shopping and food & beer options, is also spirited to the hilt. And, when it comes to the beer (the reason you’re here), we’ve checked that box in previous posts, but do make sure you find yourself in South Slope, so you can walk between the double-digits brewery options while taking in all the decorations.
Ever want to ride the Polar Express? Or chop down your own Christmas Tree? Or drink good beer after doing these things?
3) Durango, CO
A spectacular place to explore at any time of year, Durango’s Christmas spirit really comes alive once the holiday season kicks into gear. Ever want to ride the “real” Polar Express? Durango brings the story to life on a can’t-miss steam train event. For another unique train experience, board the Durango & Silverton Christmas Tree Train, where you’ll be transported to the San Juan National Forest and provided with all you need to cut down and take home your own Christmas Tree! Christmas Markets also spring up all around town and Durango takes great care, like so many mountain towns do, to light up and decorate for the season. And beer? Durango has Animas, Carver and Steamworks Brewing Companies within a short walk, serving up solid beers and hearty comfort food, all of which perfectly complement the season’s frosty weather. And a short drive away is the popular Ska Brewing Company, which has been offering up tasty brews (and food) since 1995! Look, we’re talking about a town that has an annual brew train. Rest assured…they know what they’re doing.