Hill Farmstead (2021)

Thanks, Matt. Sorry if my response came off as cold, but besides the Vermont vs Ohio hissy fit, much of the last couple of pages of discussion centered around that article.

Back to beer.

Next week:

 

I can do that!

 

Science and capitalism are on your side. Pretty confident they will be open and you won’t need to quarantine (why would you anyway? The vaccine’s are good for 6+ months). Despite all the histrionics w/the recent interview - I’d be shocked if HF isn’t back open for pours by mid June when new normal starts to accelerate. People need to work and be paid. I’d say book it.

 

I guess you never know, but taking him at his word (from said histrionics-causing article):

SH: I do not envision the taproom reopening in 2021. We will continue with the curbside model throughout the year.

Either way @CityManOli the trip is worth it with or without the ability to have pours on-premise

 

thank you everyone! We are likely going to do it either way. We’ve never been to Vermont and it all looks beautiful! Plus at the end of the day, I’m more than ok with curbside pickup too.

We are doing at least Hill Farmstead, the alchemist, foam and possibly Lawsons. I’d also love to go to Ben and Jerry’s if they reopen! I know it’s not beer, but does anyone have any other recommendations of things to do? Thank you again so much!

 

You should flip flop Lawsons and Alchemist.

 

There are lots of VT idea threads on BA from the past - Waterbury/Burlington etc. Try to spend an afternoon and evening crawling the pubs of Waterbury and book a reservation at Hen of the Wood for dinner. Its an amazing VT culinary experience and they have traditionally been one of the few places (the only?) w/Heady on tap. Cheers and good luck.

 

@CityManOli

Just FWIW, like HF, The Alchemist is basically pick up and go too. It's always been that way. Lawson's actually has a taproom, which might enlighten you on @Vitacca's suggestion.

I think that there's a lot you can do with your time in VT. If you're into the outdoors, there's plenty of opportunities for that. If you're into more city life, Burlington has a lot of cute shops - you can grab some coffee and walk around the city. I think May-Oct, there's a farmer's market on Saturdays in Burlington that's pretty cool. I think BA's have a wide range of interests so it may be helpful to share what you're into besides beer.

 

Just those free pours though, correct? Not that I hate a free few oz of beer mind you! But from the handful of times I went don’t recall it being a place to get a glass and hang out, more sip amongst the merch for sale before grabbing cans and heading out

 

They did offer full pours at times. Pre-pandemic of course.

 

thank you so much! I’ve been googling, but I was wondering if the area of Warren and Stowe are particularly hikeable. I know there is so much skiing, but I can’t imagine there will be snow in September. I was planning on some mild hiking and looking at trees, and supplementing that with beer.

I did know that about Alchemist. I plan on bringing my cooler up in the car too just for that reason.

again thank you all so much for your help! If you’re ever in Chicago or want anything here happy to facilitate.

 

Plenty of trees/hiking to enjoy. I’m a keen runner and cyclist, and loads of great trails to do both of those if that’s your thing too. The other longtime staple when visiting HF is to go to Parker Pie.

https://www.parkerpie.com/

 

Depending on how much time you have I'd recommend the Stowe Pinnacle Overlook for hiking. Then you can get a post hike ice cream, which was always a thing for my family.

 

And I believe the new Burlington Beer taproom will be open this summer. So, you can do a real solid brewery crawl that includes Switchback (old school favorite), Burlington Beer, Zero Gravity, Queen City, Citizen Cider, and Foam. I think it's 2 miles total, with first 5 within a half mile or so of each other. If you do it mid-day, you can even grab a bagel or two at Myers to fuel up (Montreal style, so wood fired and delicious).

And yeah, I'm making my own plans to do this exact thing this summer.

 

In general, VT is very hikeable! As mentioned Stowe Pinnacle is a great moderate hike. Also near Stowe, but easier is Moss Glen Falls. If you're over near HF, you could head towards Lake Willoughby and hike Mt Pisgah or Mt Hor (but Pisgah has better views). For something short with a great view near HF, look for Nichols Ledge in Cabot. In the Warren area there's plenty of small hikes on the Long Trail or off of Lincoln Gap road.

 

I would add Lost Nation to the list of breweries to visit, assuming they reopen by that time. And Von Trapp if you are into lagers.

 

Thank you everyone! You’ve made planning this trip night and day easier.

 

I'll vouch for Parker Pie, Hen of the Wood (their parker house rolls, sweet fancy Jesus...), and Prohibition Pig if you're looking for some great food.

 

Suggest you stay at least one night in The Stagecoach Inn in Waterbury VT. Great spot and better location for great beer. Walking distance to several bars with great tap lists to enjoy at night after a day of brewery hopping and gathering cans, bottles, etc.

My favorite pub in Waterbury is Blackback Pub!!!