I am working on planning a beercation to VT (likely staying in Burlington) sometime this fall for my 40th birthday. I'm thinking September or October. Are there any festivals (brewery-specific or industry-wide) worth checking out around that time of year?
Harpoon Octoberfest in Windsor location. Siptemberfest at Mad River Glen. Two very different options but both fun! Siptemberfest is limited and hard to get tickets and locals may be mad that I spread the word, but if its for your birthday visit....
Last year, the downtown Burlington Oktoberfest was held Sept. 21- 23. It's a pretty good time, with local and German beer tents, games, and these amazing giant smoked turkey legs. It's on the waterfront right across from Foam. They haven't announced dates yet and probably won't until summer, but it's worth checking out.
Regardless of what festivals are going on, Vermont in September or October is a pretty special place...
You might also think about going when there isn't a beer festival in the area. So many great places to go and see. Spend time at the great breweries and restaurants without the additional beer crowd. (Of course that time of year will always be busy, but the beer festival might make the "beer spots" busier). Just something to think about. If you do go make sure to get to FOAM Brewers, and go at sunset, sit in the beer garden and watch the sun set over the lake, it doesn't get a lot better than that. Enjoy the trip! Cheers.
If it is a beer specific trip Come in early/mid September. Tends to be a slower time of year with school started and before the fall tourist season
I have been making Vermont beer runs for years. Festival or not it is a beautiful place and a fantastic trip. Lots to do.. Tons of great beer options. Just do your homework to see who has what and when if there is something specific you want. Otherwise it is a great place to visit and hard to beat for beauty and great beer. Nice people too.
Siptemberfest does sound like a lot of fun! Thanks for the heads up! If I were to do a festival, this would definitely be right in my wheelhouse.
I like where your heads at! My group isn't exactly beerfest crowd, so I think this is likely what we'll be doing more of.
If you go to Burlington, I recommend the FARMHOUSE for lunch or dinner. Everything is sourced within 15 miles from the place, and EVERYTHING is amazing. I don't eat burgers when I go out. But the waitress told me that's where she goes and that's what she gets on her days off. Either way, sounds like you are in store for an awesome trip. Can't wait to get back to that area.
I have a random question as I'll be visiting in late June. Does Suarez Family Brewery every show up in Burlington on tap? I'd like to try some of their stuff but it's a long drive from Burlington.
To my knowledge, Suarez isn't available outside of limited distro in New York. And I agree, 4 hours is a long detour.
