Photo: Thomas Barwick (Getty Images)
When the weather finally turns sunny and warm, it’s the right time to hop in your car and take a road trip . This year, you should finally see the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, and Niagara Falls, but don’t forget to stop at some breweries along the way.
This U.S. boasts abundant breweries and they’re often more than just a tasting room. From Delaware to San Diego, these are the best breweries to visit this summer .
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Beer Road Trips
Russian River Brewing (Santa Rosa, California)
If you’re planning a trip to Northern California and you enjoy beer, you probably already have Russian River cemented into your itinerary. If not, add it now. Makers of some of the most sought-after beers in the country (Pliny the Elder and others), Russian River gets visitors from all over the world for a reason. Also, if you’re in Northern California for wine, make sure you sample a bunch of the brewery’s sour beers like Consecration and Supplication.
Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)
Dogfish Head (Milton, Delaware)
If you’re already planning a trip to Rehoboth Beach this summer, make sure you stop by the Dogfish Head Brewery on the way home. The whimsical, trail-blazing brewery is home to some of our favorite craft brews ever made, including 120 Minute IPA and the semi-recent SeaQuench Ale. The best part is you can stay at the Dogfish Inn and stop into the brewery throughout your trip. Plus, there’s a wacky tree house outside.
Photo: Loop Images (Getty Images)
Founders Brewing (Grand Rapid, Michigan)
There’s a reason Tim Allen narrates commercials about all the summer fun you’ll have if you visit Michigan. It’s a lake-lover’s paradise. But, if you’re already taking a summer trip to Michigan, make sure to make a stop into beer haven Grand Rapids. This is also where Founders’ Brewery lies with its giant tap room where you can enjoy hard-to-find barrel-aged brews on top and delicious, humorously named sandwiches and other fare.
Photo: Founders Brewing
Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, New York)
If you’re already taking a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame in cozy Cooperstown, don’t forget to stop in to Brewery Ommegang. The coolest thing about this New York brewery is the fact that from the moment you see it until the moment you leave, you’ll be transported to an idyllic Belgian brewery. Plus, the beer is amazing and they make Game of Thrones -themed beer for you to drink while you re-watch the whole series this summer.
Photo: Brewery Ommegang
New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Colorado is a great summer vacation state with its limitless outdoor activities including hiking, climbing, and mountain biking. But, while you’re there, don’t forget to stop into New Belgium. Take a tour of one of the largest breweries in the country and sample some limited-edition, experimental, and downright amazing beers while you’re there. Plus, they even have events where you can bike in and grab a beer.
Photo: New Belgium Brewing Company
Stone Brewing (Escondido, California)
Stone Brewing, on top of making amazing beer, is like an amusement park for beer aficionados. Take a tour or stop by the breathtaking Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens for a meal and a pint (or a whole flight). The best part is that if you visit the brewery, you’ll get a chance to try limited-edition and special releases that the general public will never have a chance to try.
Photo: Stone Brewing