Best beer destination in the US

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by nheinemans, Jan 1, 2021.

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  1. nheinemans

    nheinemans Initiate (145) Nov 4, 2017 Netherlands
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    Let's pretend Covid is over and the world is back to normal. What would be the best beer destination in the US for someone traveling from Europe? Bonus points when it can be combined with a nice beer festival.

    These come to mind, but would love to hear additions to this list:
    Chicago during Fobab
    Denver during Gabf
    Tampa during Tbbw
     
  2. Shanex

    Shanex Grand Pooh-Bah (4,466) Dec 10, 2015 France
    Regional Mod Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    Portland, OR.
    Denver, CO.
    Probably Michigan as a state too if you dig stouts.

    I don’t know all of the US beer fest beside those hosted by BA.
     
  3. FlaviusG

    FlaviusG Zealot (593) Aug 15, 2009 Illinois
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    San Diego, CA
     
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  4. nheinemans

    nheinemans Initiate (145) Nov 4, 2017 Netherlands
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    Good one! I spent a week in SD when traveling with my family a few years ago. I couldn't really visit the local breweries but promised myself I should go back for that.
     
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  5. YamBag

    YamBag Initiate (0) Feb 2, 2007 Pennsylvania

    Not a festival fan, much prefer to belly up to a bar and drink a full size beer. With that being said, I went to Denver during 2019 GABF and we only hit bars over the course of 3 days and we had an awesome time. Great beer and food scene, plus a very walkable city. I would also add Philly to the list (hometown bias) and San Francisco. Both have a great craft beer history, walkable and great food.
     
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  6. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,181) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I visited Portland, OR in June 2018 as part of attending HomebrewCon. There is no doubt the beer scene there is great. After all of the 'excitement' there in 2020 it will likely be a long time before I visit Portland, OR.

    Permit me to suggest an alternative of Portland. ME. I visited Portland, ME in 2019 and the beer scene there is excellent too.

    Must be something about naming a city "Portland" and craft beer!?!:thinking_face:

    Cheers!
     
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  7. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,282) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
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    Yeah, because of what happened in a 2 block area is perfect reason to discard a whole city.

    Better not visit Philadelphia, the city government there burns down whole blocks of their own city. Oh, wait......
     
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  8. plaid75

    plaid75 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,438) Jan 13, 2005 New York
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  9. BBThunderbolt

    BBThunderbolt Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,282) Sep 24, 2007 Kiribati
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    I always suggest Bend Oregon in these threads. Especially if you like doing outdoors things.

    Fly into PDX, spend a couple days (day trips to Hood River and/or The Coast are easy), a few days in Bend, then back to PDX for a couple more days and your flight home.
     
  10. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,181) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
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    We all get to decide where we want to visit. Even you too.

    And you have sage advice on Philly. I have decided to not visit that city either.
     
  11. Longhorn08

    Longhorn08 Savant (1,085) Feb 4, 2014 Texas
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  12. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,181) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
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  13. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,291) May 30, 2005 Michigan
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    Florida during the winter.
    Colorado during the summer.
     
  14. SLeffler27

    SLeffler27 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,822) Feb 24, 2008 New York
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    Second for Portland, ME. The city is small, quaint, vibrant, and diverse. Lots of great beer, and then you got the Mane Coast and easy access to the interior.

    I’m certain they have some good festivals, though I’ve never checked. Pick late Summer (August / September), for the weather, and hope they are back to up and running after this past year.
     
  15. BMBCLT

    BMBCLT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,403) May 9, 2014 South Carolina
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    North Carolina is a great beer destination.
     
  16. Longhorn08

    Longhorn08 Savant (1,085) Feb 4, 2014 Texas
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    Very vague. At least suggest a city. States are big places.
     
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  17. Longhorn08

    Longhorn08 Savant (1,085) Feb 4, 2014 Texas
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    And let me say, there is a lot about Austin I do not like, but it’s a pretty nice beer scene.
     
  18. JackHorzempa

    JackHorzempa Grand Pooh-Bah (3,181) Dec 15, 2005 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I always had fun on 6th street. :slight_smile:

    Cheers!
     
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  19. Providence

    Providence Pooh-Bah (2,628) Feb 24, 2010 Rhode Island
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    I thought Philly was a hell of a beer city when I visited a few years back.
     
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  20. imtroy703

    imtroy703 Zealot (623) Nov 13, 2009 Virginia
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    Richmond, VA
     
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