From rooftop hangouts to riverside joints, Vermont has a unique selection of breweries, taprooms and beer gardens.
If you’re looking for some great craft brews, this guide is for you.
The Pinery
The Pinery in Burlington isn’t your typical beer garden – it operates out of a renovated 70s-style mobile trailer, slinging local craft beer, signature cocktails, and crisp ciders to patrons from May to September in a private, sunny spot on the Barge Canal. Grab a bite from one of the rotating food trucks and saddle up to one of the shaded picnic tables with an Aperol Spritz or a can of Sip of Sunshine while you admire the view of the Adirondacks in the distance.
Foley Brothers Beer Garden
In Quechee, the Foley Brothers Beer Garden serves craft beer inside a massive red barn with an old-school dining car attached. Grab a pirate-themed IPA like Mutiny or Pieces of Eight, or order a Long Beard oatmeal stout with notes of caramel and chocolate. Sip while you play yard games like cornhole in the outdoor beer garden. Or, schedule an official tasting in the tasting room and sample a variety of beers – try the Fair Maiden with notes of tangerine.
River Garden Marketplace
In the heart of Brattleboro, the River Garden Marketplace offers craft beer, delicious food, and live entertainment, all under a stunning glass ceiling. Check out a rotating selection of beers from regional brewers, like the Little Sip, a fruit-forward IPA with notes of grapefruit and pineapple. Got the munchies? Stop by the craft kitchen for seasonal specials and snacks—the beef tips are famous and served with house-made chipotle. Of course, take time to peruse the market’s booths showcasing the works of local artisans.
Harpoon Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden
It’s all about great beer and good food at Harpoon Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden in Windsor. The love for beer is apparent the moment you step inside, with bookshelves filled with beer bottles from around the world. Order a Juicer Hazy IPA with notes of pineapple and peach, then lounge outside in the beer garden by the fire pit surrounded by colorful flowers. On warm nights, the brewery hosts live music performances. Other events include yoga in the beer garden and trivia nights.
Zero Gravity Brewery
Sustainable beer brewing is the name of the game at Zero Gravity Brewery in Burlington, a self-proclaimed friendly neighborhood beer hall that’s home to a production facility and relaxing outdoor lounge area. Play a round of pool, stop by for the big game, or hang out with friends while sipping brews on draft like the Chocolate Orange Superdream, a rich porter with notes of cacao and orange, or the Green State Lager – a refreshing Pilsner with the flavor of sweet apple. Check out the brewery in the morning for coffee and waffles.
Whetstone Station
Whetstone Station in Brattleboro is one of only two spots in the US where you can sample beer in two states at the same time. For real, the New Hampshire-Vermont state line runs right through part of the building! Relax on the rooftop Biergarten and sample a flight of signature brews like the Borderline, a pale ale with notes of pine, or the Hot Ticket with its tastes of malt and spice. Pair your beer with one of their inventive burgers, like the Spicy Mac with chipotle aioli and admire the sweeping views of the Connecticut River and Brattleboro Bridge.
von Trapp Brewing
The hills are alive with the sound of brewing at von Trapp Brewing in Stowe. Immerse yourself in Austrian pub culture with a tour of the 30,000-square-foot brewery – it’s the largest in Vermont – located on the grounds of the expansive Trapp Family Lodge. After your tour, enjoy a crisp, Austrian-inspired lager in the Bierhall (try the Stowe Style Czech with notes of honey malt) and grab a bite of classic Alpine favorites like schnitzel, bratwurst, and, of course, jumbo pretzels.
The Alchemist
Hip and trippy best describes The Alchemist, a Stowe brewery known for its wild and colorful art adorning the walls of its beer café, brew kettles, bar, and even the beer cans themselves! Take a tour of the brewery and get the inside scoop on the wizardry of beer making (you even get a commemorative tasting glass. Or, relax in the seasonal beer garden with a cold and frothy signature beer like the Skadoosh, an Alora hops with notes of stone fruit.
