If you’ve followed me for any length of time (especially on Instagram), it’s pretty apparent that I’m a huge fan of local breweries. What’s funny is that aside from sours, I really don’t like beer …
So what’s up with that?
I’m sharing my top 5 reasons as to why I love local breweries and see if I can’t convince the other non-beer lovers out there to check them out too:
- The food. In general, I’ve found the food at local breweries to be top-notch. Many of them have the same philosophy with food as they do with beer – keep it local when possible and make it tasty. When the brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, they often offer food trucks, and who doesn’t enjoy a good food truck?
- The atmosphere. Comfortable seating, friendly bartenders and servers, plenty of board games to play. A few of my favorites even offer outdoor games like cornhole or comfy sofa areas when you just want to enjoy a drink and relax. If you are lucky, they brew the beer on site and you might get a chance to check out the process or learn a bit about their philosophy.
- The fun. It seems like there is something going on most nights. Trivia, Bingo, Open Mic nights, even craft nights – we’ve enjoyed all of these at several of our local breweries. I’m a fan of not just going out to dinner but doing dinner WITH entertainment. A local brewery will have that covered.
- The drinks. I’ve only been to one local brewery that didn’t offer something for the non-beer drinker. Many times I’ll find a guest cider on tap, local spirits or even a few wine selections. A few we’ve visited even brewed their own root beer. Talk about delicious – a few of those may have come home with us in growlers!
- They are local. It’s fun to support local businesses. You know that when you do, you are helping people that live in the area, the money they make often goes right back into the town and it continues to perpetuate. Local businesses also add character to a town and make it unique.
I hope I’ve convinced you to give your local brewery a try. If you have a favorite, please leave it in the comments – we love to check them out when we travel for all the reasons I’ve listed above.
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Ah, interesting. I’ve never had the desire to go to a brewery because I don’t drink alcohol. Good to know there are lots of other options for me. 🙂
I didn’t want to go for a long time for the same reason, but I’ve found that they can be a lot of fun even if you don’t drink beer!
I don’t drink, but I must say, you give some compelling reasons to visit. And I used to love the sandwiches at a local place called the Pub, so there’s that.
Yes, even for non-drinkers they can be a lot of fun.
We are just getting into them. I am not a beer drinker but beer is changing and I like it a lot more!
I’ve never been a beer drinker either, but you are right it is changing and I’ve found a few I actually enjoy.
I don’t drink but the food is what would keep me coming back! Some breweries have amazing food!
So true – a lot of them follow the eat local philosophy too which I love.
Looks like a lot to do there and tons of fun.
I agree. Finding local is a great way to understand and explore what is so close to you.
We don’t drink either but we’ve taken visitors to the local ones here in Fort Worth and your right the food and entertainment is awesome!
That’s what I love – we often take the kids and of course, they don’t drink, but they still enjoy the games we play, the food and the live music.
I love it! It looks like so much fun even for those of us who don’t drink alcohol! Would definitely check out some local breweries in my area! 😉
I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food at many of them!
My husband and I LOVE going to local breweries and we are fortunate to have a bunch of good ones near by. We also love to find new ones when we are traveling. Our favorite beer is IPA – the local beers always have the best!
It’s fo fun to find a new one when you travel, isn’t it?
I love that they keep there food local and it is good!
I’m not that much a fan of beer, but I could go for the food and fun. Thanks for sharing!
You have some great reasons! I haven’t been to many local breweries, but I think I need to get out there. I need a date night with my husband!
This would be a perfect date night!
We don’t drink but we sure do love to eat. The food we’ve had at breweries have been pretty good. Those nachos!
We love the Long Trail Brewery Bridgewater, VT and it’s always packed. For all the reasons you noted here. We love the atmosphere.
Sounds like a great one!
I love breweries!!! I have to stay clear for now cuz my diet!! But I’m in Awe!!
I hear you – so tempting!
Drink and eat local! That’s a couple of ways to embrace sustainability and protect our planet…and have fun while doing it!
Well said. You are speaking my language! We love to support local, and breweries are a great way to do that!
I agree – and shops, and wineries, and restaurants! 🙂
Agreed! We love finding local breweries when we travel too, they don’t disappoint!
I agree – it’s so much better than visiting a chain restaurant!