The Crafty Traveler

Much like my internal struggle of where to start with my International Itineraries page, the debate was real on where to kick off this Domestic Destinations section. My first domestic trip I can remember was heading to New York City for my 18^th birthday, but that was a hot minute ago and I think dinner at Nobu is a bit different than my current reservation history (so we will revisit NYC later). I could lean on recency bias again (as I type this from a coffee shop from Providence, RI) but that feels lazy this time. The solution? Let’s continue that pull through theme of craft beer. In a world where craft beer seems to be slipping, it is still a comfortable constant anywhere I go. And where is my favorite place to go for this? Vermont. Having been here a few times, the most recent being just this month, let’s get you set up for a weekend in this wonderful place.

As a reminder, this isn’t the page to come to for hike recommendations. Vermont has it all for the outdoor active types with scenery for days. I just happen to prefer enjoying that scenery with a saison in my hand. Unless you are within driving distance, odds are you are kicking things off in Burlington. While this may be the logical (or forced) starting point, it isn’t where I would spend most of my weekend. Saying that, we can get you settled for the night here. Drop your bags off at Hotel Vermont. Not only is this an ideal location, but they also have their food and bev program locked down alongside sleek, modern digs. Head down to the bar at Juniper for a much deserved “I made it” drink. You can throw a dart at the tap list; you’ll get a winner. Kick off your afternoon with a walk at Waterfront Park (don’t worry, it’s right next door and this strategically leads you to a beer). Soak in the sights and then set Foam Brewery as your destination. All beers taste better after a few burned calories. Grab a hazy IPA, enjoy it, and enjoy knowing that there is even better beer still to come. Hike up the hill behind the brewery to explore town a bit more. If you have time, also explore the riverside town of Winooski (don’t miss a lager pour at the cozy Howl Bier while there, think lagerhaus meets coffee shop vibes). To end your night (or begin your night, depending on perspective), take a stroll down Church Street towards your table at Honey Road for a mezze dinner followed by creative cocktails at Devil Takes A Holiday.

The next day, it’s time to explore (yes, you will need a car to do Vermont right). Get something on your stomach early, cause IPAs for brunch are on the menu. Stowe is your first spot. It’s a popular town, and for good reason. Cute community, ski resort nearby, one of those places you think of when you hear the word Vermont. While it isn’t where I would actually stay, it’s worth a stop. Hit up Alchemist Brewery when they open. A bit of a pioneer in the beer game, they now have a beautiful new facility that is worthy of a pour or two (it used to be samples only, Google Heady Topper truck chasing to learn more about the good ole days). Heady Topper is a term that any level of craft beer nerd knows. A perfect blend of haze and bitterness, you can drink it from the can as the instructions state, or on-site you can get a perfectly hand-pumped draft pour that is everything it should be. If that leaves you hungry, hit up Doc Ponds for a laid-back vibe with elevated grub and a tap list to match. Need one more pour? Check out the Von Trapp Brewery (yep, that Von Trapp family) for a truly impressive temple of lager.

Time to head to your home base for the next couple days: Waterbury. You drove through here on your way to Stowe, and you may have missed it if you blinked (you likely didn’t miss Ben and Jerry’s, which is there for you if you need a scoop from the source). For me, it’s the perfect vibe and size with food and bev that outkicks its coverage. While I am typically not a Bed ‘n Breakfast guy, the Old Stagecoach Inn hits just right here. It’s exactly what it looks like online, but with just enough hospitality to make it work and a great location to explore town. Sometimes a shared bathroom is just nerve wrecking enough to make you feel alive. Recharge, and head to one of my favorite breweries in a spot as small as a coffee shop, Freak Folk. A couple’s passion project, this brewery came out the gate strong in the mixed-culture game. Perfectly balanced saisons and wild ales, have transitioned into world class IPAs and more. Settle in and run the board. When you get the itch for a bite, right down the street Blackback Pub is ready for you. A mix of locals and those passing through, it’s comfort food alongside a world class tap list. It just works (and if you need a nightcap, take my pro tip and check out the bourbon selection upstairs…).

Now it’s your last day, and for anyone invested in the beer world, it is essentially Christmas morning. Get some carbs in you for breakfast and enjoy the hour long drive with the windows down to the best brewery in the world, Hill Farmstead. While I could tell you their whole story, it’s best to get it from the horse’s mouth https://hillfarmstead.com/our-story/. A true destination of a place. One would think it hard to survive as a business out here, but it’s a spot that is actually a bucket list item for many. Saisons that make you savor every sip, stouts that have spent years in barrels, mugs of world class lagers that go down way too quickly, in a setting that makes it all taste better. Nobody puts this much detail into what comes out of their tap lines, and it shows. Make claim to an Adirondack chair, order anything that catches your eye, and take your time. It is the kind of place where the world slows down. Soak that in (and if someone else is driving, literally soak it all in). There is a reason many of my overly fancy beer photos are from this brewery. I cannot get enough, and I cannot wait until I get back.

If you’re leaving Hill Farmstead and want more middle of nowhere spots, check out Parkie Pie 20 minutes away for cheese-crusted pies in the back of a general store (with a tap list you wouldn’t expect). Eventually, get yourself back to Waterbury and end your high-level beer day with another high-level dinner at one of two spots. Book a seat at the chef’s counter at Hen of the Wood for an elevated take on regional cuisine. If creekside carbs are more your speed, their sister restaurant Gallus fits the bill. An unbeatable pasta and patio setup awaits. Both epitomize Vermont and are a perfect cap to a perfect weekend (and if you can’t decide, I will never judge anyone for a two dinner evening). Lastly, if at any point you see a beer named Arthur, order it immediately. Thank me later.