Help Plan My Beercation

While this is true, the HF experience is SO different and so much better than Tree House. You could easily spend a couple of hours sitting around, sipping beers, snacking on food and marveling at the scenery at HF. It really is a beautiful, welcoming spot up there.

 

Except during mud season and blackfly season which, in one of life's most bitter cruelties, overlap.

 

https://www.traillink.com/trail/island-line-rail-trail/

 

Its a perfect overlap, a layer of fresh mud soothes the blackfly itch!

 

I would fly both ways, rent a car here, and do everything on your list. Just ship beers home or pack an extra suitcase.

 

The wife and I go to Europe every year and bring an extra hard sided suitcase. It's filled with beer to drink, sometimes trade, on the way there. On the way home we fill it with beer, wine, olive oils, or anything we can't get in The States.

 

Ehhhhh... Maybe it was just my HF experience, but they weren't all that welcoming. My buddy and I were there at open on a Wednesday (if I recall correctly), and the bar staff weren't really a friendly bunch, and seemed like they wanted to get us the hell out of there and we were causing them great pain by asking to be served. YMMV though...

 

I've been to HF many times and the staff has always been pleasant and helpful.

 

Not just that, but the vibe is usually like they're entertaining in their own home and you've come to play with them. I can totally see them all living in a yurt out back.

 

Sounds like an awesome plan and what I'd probably do in your shoes. I totally understand your desire to avoid too much driving and not having to "rush around". This will avoid that while still letting you catch your two favorite places. If you get in at a non-rush hour time, consider swinging by Trillium in Fort Point as they are super close to the airport when traffic is not an issue.

I know you said you're mostly an IPA/Stout guy, but one small thing I'd add is to look up Von Trapp Brewery/Lodge online. They are very close to the Alchemist, have great traditional beer if you wanted to "explore" a little, have good food, and are in an *extremely* scenic spot with beautiful grounds. You might even consider staying there during the Stowe-ish portion of the trip.

Have a blast whatever you do. It will be tough not to

 

This is a really good itinerary IMO--agree w/other posters that it's very easy to hit Trillium Fort Point from Logan with a car for some to-go beers.

 

I've never had anything but great experiences while at Hill Farmstead. I think the staff are some of the most friendly I have interacted with at a brewery. They also tend to go out of their way to give samples and answer questions to anyone who asks.
Its too bad you did not have a similar experience.

 

Hit Fort Point Market next door too. Great beer selection.

 

Some thoughts for your Beercation while in VT:

Burlington Area:
- Some nice parks in the Burlington Area for walks/views of the lake such as Red Rocks and Oakledge...can't go wrong with exploring the bike path either which is conveniently next to Foam
- Depending on where your hotel is (ie Rt 2 intersecting I89) Centennial Woods area might be worth checking out for a quick hike
- If you head to Shelburne for Fiddlehead you aren't too far from Mt. Philo which also offers short hikes and great views...though if you skip Fiddlehead and just stay in Burlington don't worry as Felino's Pizza now has a second location in Burlington
- Best food (Brunch or Dinner) in the area is definitely is Misery Loves Co. in Winooski which also puts you next to some cools bars around the rotary and just a few minutes from Winooski Beverage Warehouse for bottles/cans
- If you find you want/need a break from beer and also happen to enjoy wine the best spot would be Dedalus...great cheese selection too

Greater VT:
- Von Trapp Family Lodge might be worth your time for a good mix of trails/beer
- I like to pair beer runs with hikes as well and have found the Barr Hill preserve to be perfect when going to HF and Putnam State Forest (try Moss Glen Falls trail from best time/difficulty to views ratio) great for Alchemist
- You'll most likely be looking to try all the heavy hitters in VT (HF, Alchemist, etc.) but some of the "new guys" I'm really enjoying right now that you could possibly work into your trip include: River Roost and Ten Bends

 

While Fort Point is super close, if there is traffic it could be way easier to hit Canton on the way to Tree House. Canton is sooo easy, it's about 45 mins total off your trip to TH (unless there's a special release or you want pours). And parking at Canton is 10000 times easier.

 

Hit up treehouse first. You should be able to walk away with a couple cases each if you wanted. You can go to the Canton location for trillium avoiding the city. No pours st fort point anyway Then head up to Vermont.