Best beer destination in the US

That's a lotta windshield time. Here's an interesting fact - I've had beers from 48 states. The two that are missing? West Virginia ..... and South Dakota - and we lived in Minnesota for 18 years!!! Sound like you had a fantastic trip.

The "mothership" Surly (the huuuuuuuuge beer hall close to the U of M) is a good visit, especially with the food they have, but the "old" Surly (Brooklyn Center) holds a special place in my heart. What a great place that was to visit.

 

I love Denver for so many reasons. Being a local gives me the ability to really deep dive into the scene. Duh. But as far as destinations, Seattle during hop harvest. It's not just ipas either. The helles I had using fresh hops was out of control. The people were nice. The food wasnt the best but I relied on a local mechanic for seafood suggestions. Next time I will bug @sharpski @beertunes and the PNW crew next time for suggestions.

Edit I mean @BBThunderbolt
Dafuq

 

Yep, St Louis is a solid add - Side Project, Perennial, Schlafly. I like your style.

 

I decided to do more digging to support my nomination of the San Diego area. I found some stats from Oct 2019 that noted 161 breweries and 55 additional "satellite" tasting rooms. You could spend a week there and probably not hit half the breweries.

 

Great Beers of North America.
The 2 day beer festival at Split Rock Resort in the Poconos Mountains in Pa.
They also host the International Beer Festival.
They have package deals with rooms right at the resort.
Great beers, great scenery with a water park and all the fun of the mountains.
Best Time Ever!

 

And there's La Jolla Bay where I swam when a young fellow. I thoroughly loved San Diego, but that was long ago. Beer was a second thought.

 

I truly just want to bring my father to Oktoberfest in Munich at some point in his life. It’s the only beer destination I care about to see his face when he sees that Hofbrau tent. He will cry. I hope I can do it one day.

 

I remember 101+ on my trip. Obv picked a few and had good experiences

 

In my general neck of the woods, Fort Collins is outstanding.

 

My wife and I just did a mini beercation in Asheville, NC to celebrate my 60th birthday (12/25). Visited Archetype, Dssolvr, Burial, and Zillicoah and enjoyed each and every one. Looking forward to going back!

 

To the OP from Neatherlands... as you can see there are so many great beer destinations in the US you can’t go wrong for the recommendations, so I would recommended narrowing your list for other travel related interests, budget etc.

 

Nashville has some good brew!

 

Well up until a year ago it was my beer "cellar", but after whittling that down to a select few it has become wherever I happen to place my glass

 

My young Niece, living in Grand Rapids, would swear that Michigan is the best state for beer, but she recently has grown tired of the harsh winters and is looking south to Florida for beer. We do have Cigar City Brewing, at least.

 

I'm surprised she doesn't move to Tennessee....everybody else in Michigan does!

 

Pittsburgh. Lots of centrally located breweries, great bars and easy to navigate. Underrated in my opinion

 

Richmond virginia!

 

Yeah, we've got a surprising beer district in Sioux Falls within crawling distance of a Hilton; five brewery taprooms, two large independent taprooms, and several bars/restaurants that serve craft. Outside the beer district are four other brewery taprooms, four large independent taprooms, four stores with a large craft selection, plus other liquor stores with craft and growler fills. No shortage of craft here.