Driving to Ft. Myers from Chicago

Are you planning on taking the most direct route for time concerns or can you explore a bit? More interested in shops or bars, or a good combination of both?

 

Your distribution in Chicago seems to include damn near everything that Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky gets so I am not sure how much luck you would have at stops in any of those states unless you luck into something that sold out quickly in Chicago. Ohio gets some interesting brands like Alesmith, Ithaca, and some good local brands like Brew Kettle but I have found the selection of those (outside of Alesmith at Jungle Jims) is usually pretty hit or miss. I long ago decided that Tennessee was not worth a stop on trips for me. Yazoo in Nashville makes some interesting beers, but that is just about the only bright spot for that state.

Due to the above I would suggest heading a bit out of the way to end up in Asheville. Bruisin' Ales is a good store, but as usual in North Carolina their prices are a bit high. I know a lot of people have told me lately that they prefer Appalachian Vintner over Bruisin' though. NC has so many local breweries that are not available anywhere else, especially in that area of the state. It is worth the detour, IMO.

This would also mean you can hit the Greenville Beer Exchange on your way from Asheville to Atlanta. It is the best beer store I have ever been in personally. You can check out their inventory online at their website for both bottles and growler options.

In Atlanta, it depends on if you prefer boutique stores or not where you would want to go. Personally, I almost always shop at Green's or at Ale Yeah (boutique) when in the city because I like both stores and they are close to the places I always go. Green's will be the cheapest, especially if you are paying in cash. Ale Yeah and Hop City (another larger boutique store) are both a bit more expensive. Regardless, if a brand is in GA that you are interested in, it is almost guaranteed the prices will be better here than in the other southern states.

I do not know the store situation in FL except that the Total Wine and Whole Foods that are right by Cigar City Brewing have a pretty good selection. Between those 3 places, you can find a decent selection of CCB and other beers.

I would use seekabrew.com to see what brands to check out for each state. Hope this helps.

 

And assuming you are taking I75 down through Florida you will probably want to stop off in Tampa. There is a Total Wine and Whole Foods (in the same plaza) off Dale Mabry that has a good selections. Also while you are there Cigar City is right behind the Home Depot in that plaza. They always have bottles for sale, plus growlers to go.

 

Make sure you stock up before you hit FM. There is a decent selection at the Total Wine there but nothing you wouldn't have already seen in Tampa. As far as bars/restaurants, don't expect much. Cooler on the beach and Sammy A at dinner are pretty much your best options.

 

Ft Myers doesnt have too much to offer. There is a Total Wine on the corner of Daniels and 41 that has the best selection in town. There is an ABC Liquors or two that may have something nice. Victory, CCB, Bells, Avery, Rogue, Ballast Point, etc are all very well represented.

You can stop by Swamphead as you pass Gainesville and CCB as you pass Tampa. Im not a huge Swamphead fan, but some people are. CCB is great.

 

Not beer related, but you must go over to Sanibel island and eat at the Bubble Room on Captiva. Been there a dozen times and well worth the trip. Also buy some Sun Harvest juice. Best juice blends anywhere in the world. Have fun