Did you know that Vermont has more craft breweries per capita than any other state in the country? For many Vermont residents, beer is more than just a delicious beverage – it’s an art. Attention is paid to every detail of the brewing process, from the ingredients to the bottling process. Whether you’re a connoisseur of craft beer or a casual drinker just looking to cool off, you need to visit these incredible breweries in Vermont.
After you’re done checking out our favorite Vermont breweries, head to one of our favorite restaurants! Download our free Vacation Guide for a list of the best places to eat, shop, and explore in the area.
Top 7 Vermont Breweries
Long Trail Brewing Co
Located just fifteen minutes from Killington, VT, Long Trail Brewing Co. is an easy trip for any beer enthusiast staying at a GetAway Vacations rental home. This brewery attracts thousands of visitors each year. You’ll get a great view of the brewing and bottling process from the observation deck while also enjoying some incredible views of the Ottauquechee River.
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery
Zero Gravity Craft Brewery has two locations: Pine Street Brewery and American Flatbread. This brewery offers several ales, porters, and hybrids on tap. You can also try their signature flatbreads that are made with local ingredients and baked in a wood-fired, clay-dome oven.
Citizen Cider
Citizen Cider serves up unique ciders with ingredients sourced directly from farmers. Try the Dirty Mayor, a cider that’s spiced with ginger and pairs well with fried chicken. Or order their classic cider, Wit’s Up.
Woodchuck Cider
If you’re a cider fan, you’ve probably tried one of Woodchuck’s delicious brews before. The folks at Woodchuck Cider are responsible for changing the cider game and bringing it to the masses. So don’t miss your chance to try these delicious drinks at the Woodchuck Cider House in Middlebury, VT!
Harpoon Brewery
The oldest-running and most well-known craft beer brewery on our list, Harpoon Brewery’s Windsor, VT facility offers tours, handmade pretzels, and (of course) delicious beers! It’s a must for any craft beer enthusiast.
Hop’n Moose
Guests can enjoy delicious, locally sourced food paired with hand-crafted ales and lagers at Hop’n Moose in downtown Rutland. This was the first brewpub in the area and features one-of-a-kind brews, amazing wood-fired pizzas, and massive pretzels with an incredible cheese sauce. There is also a kid’s menu available, making Hop’n Moose a great spot for families.
Hill Farmstead Brewery
The brewers at Hill Farmstead Brewery take their jobs very seriously. It’s thanks to this dedication that the brewery was declared Top Brewer in the World by Draft Magazine. Visit the retail shop in Greensboro and you’ll see why they were given that title!
Stay at a GetAway Vacations Rental Home
Let one of our beautiful rental properties be your hub during your day of tasting Vermont beer. Take a look at Cedar Rock Chalet, located in Stockbridge, VT near Killington Ski Resort. This secluded property is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Inside is just as beautiful, with a large stone fireplace and three luxurious bedrooms. The outdoor hot tub is a fantastic new feature that is not to be missed. If you’re visiting during the summer, take a dip in the private river frontage at the bottom of the property’s road. Browse the rest of our stunning vacation rentals and book your stay with us today! We look forward to having you.
Since the first batch of Long Trail Ale came off the line in 1989, Long Trail Brewing Co. in Bridgewater Corners, VT, has blazed the trail for Vermont’s booming craft beer industry. Named after the 272-mile Long Trail hiking route, this state-of-the-art facility features a unique design and comfortable atmosphere that pairs perfectly with their handcrafted beer. And it’s just a 15-minute drive from GetAway Vacations! If you’re in the area, a trip to this award-winning brewery is a must. Here are some of the things you’ll find at Long Trail Brewing in Vermont.
Learn more about Long Trail Brewing Co. in Vermont when you download our free vacation guide! It’s full of recommendations for fun things to do during your stay in Vermont.
Spend an Afternoon at Long Trail Brewing Co. in Vermont
1. Pub & Restaurant
Situated on the banks of the beautiful Ottauquechee River, the brewery’s restaurant and pub offer a rotating menu of delicious eats and freshly-brewed beer. (Be sure to try the sharp cheddar ale soup made with Long Trail Ale and Plymouth Hunter sharp cheese!) They have more than a dozen beers on tap, from year-round staples to limited releases. There’s even exclusive small-batch brews from the Farmhouse Ales series. In the summertime, guests can grab a seat and enjoy relaxing on the spacious deck. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM.
2. Delicious Beer
Dedicated to creating affordable, American-made brews, Long Trail produces a variety of different beers using the finest ingredients available and Vermont’s best water. They are known mostly for their English-style top-fermented ales, however the popular Long Trail Ale is a Düsseldorf-style altbier. Guest favorites also include the deliciously tart Cranberry Gose, refreshing seasonal Summer Ale, and the limited-edition Blackberry Wheat Ale. Check their website for a full list of beers and see what’s on tap!
3. Sustainable Brewing Practices
Long Trail Brewing Co. is one of the state’s most progressive breweries and uses an environmentally-conscious process to create their incredible beers. The brewery gives the spent grain to local farmers to feed their cows, practices water conservation, and even has their own wastewater treatment facility onsite. They also utilize the Central Vermont Public Service electric company, which harnesses methane from cow manure and uses a digester machine to convert it to energy. 25% of Long Trail’s power is produced this way, making it the largest corporation using cow power.
Book Your Stay with GetAway Vacations
Can’t get enough of the Long Trail Brewing Co. in Vermont’s delicious brews? You can purchase their products throughout New England as well as in NJ, NY, PA, DE, MD, and VA! After an awesome trip to the brewery, come home to one of our beautiful Killington vacation rentals and unwind. Our luxurious and comfortable homes are the perfect place to relax, and since they’re just minutes from some of the best breweries in Vermont, you can enjoy a cold one (or two!) whenever your heart desires. We can’t wait to see you in VT!
Looking for more great places to explore?
Read our blog about The Lookout Tavern in Killington!
Vermont is famous for a few things, most of which include snow, the Vermont cheese trail, and maple syrup. But what most people don’t know is that this state also has breathtaking views, beautiful Vermont mountains, friendly, open-minded residents, and a variety of wonderful events throughout the year. If you are looking to experience the best that this state has to offer, attending Vermont festivals might just be perfect for you.
1. Vermont Maple Festival
The Vermont Maple Festival is held annually in St. Albans, Vermont, and is perfect for people who want to learn more about this classic Vermont staple. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including a beverage tasting (featuring drinks made with Vermont Pure Maple Syrup!), carnival, and a parade, as well as street vendors and comedy shows. Experience Vermont’s beautiful and mild spring weather, with a chance for contestants to win prizes during multiple competitions including a sap run, cooking contest, talent show, and woodsman competition. A multitude of events and experiences for everyone make this Vermont festival a must-see.
2. Vermont Brewer’s Festival
For those age 21 and up, this annual celebration of craft beer in Burlington, Vermont shouldn’t be missed. The festival features brews of crazy concoctions from great Vermont breweries all over the state, including Strawberry Rhubarb, Key Lime Pie, and even Mocha Nut Fudge Coffee Stout. Sample these unique flavors along with some good local food, and enjoy the scenic background of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. After spending the day tasting some of the best beers in the world, you’ll be counting down the days until the Brewer’s Festival comes around again next year.
3. Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival
Spectators upwards of 40,000 in 2015 make this event one of the most popular festivals in Vermont. The Strolling of the Heifers—yes, Heifers—features a farmers market, dairy princess pageant, farm tours, and, of course, cows! Guests can sample some of Vermont’s most famous delicacies, including Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and Cabot cheese. If you’re a dairy lover and want to experience a fun day in scenic downtown Brattleboro, the Strolling of the Heifers will be a festival you’ll never forget.
4. Quechee Hot Air Balloon, Craft, and Music Festival
If you enjoy incredible 360-degree views and have a sense of adventure, the Quechee Balloon Festival is for you. There, guests can take a magical ride in a hot air balloon and experience spectacular views of the Quechee countryside and surrounding areas. Those with more adrenaline can get their fix by power gliding, skydiving, or sport parachuting. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, enjoy an eclectic mix of live music, food, and theater entertainment. End the day at dusk watching the balloons twinkle and glow into the night, and you’ll wish this festival never had to end.
5. Vermont Quilt Festival
This esteemed event is New England’s oldest and largest festival and has been around for more than a third of a century. The Quilt Festival exhibits hundreds of beautiful and unique quilts and offers informative classes on quilt making and design. In addition, a contest for best quilt takes submissions from all over the United States, Canada, and abroad. Spectators can spend the day learning about the history and art of quilt making, viewing gorgeous designs, and shopping at more than 80 vendor booths. Learn the tools of the trade and enjoy a wonderful day out with family or friends.
Plan Your Vermont Festivals
Now that you know the top 5 festivals in Vermont, contact GetAway Vacations to plan your next trip! GetAway Vacations has rental homes in Killington, Vermont that are the perfect home-away-from-home while you travel around this picturesque state. Download our free Vacation Guide to learn more about Vermont festivals and to start planning your trip!