Birthday Beercation: Recommendations?

I think your initial first choice is a great one. Obviously Russian River makes some excellent beers of all styles, and there are plenty of other top notch beery and non beery destinations between RR and the beautiful bay area.

 

OP- Happy b-day tomorrow! Be sure to tell us where you went and what it was like.

 

My wife and I are booked for a week in San Diego, around the same time in May. She's never stepped foot in the Pacific ocean, and wants to do that. I was stationed there back in the late '70's always loved the whole vibe in SD. Here is a site with all the Breweries: https://www.sandiego.org/articles/breweries/san-diego-breweries.aspx
I know it's late, but Happy Birthday!

 

Let's see, coming from Thailand (steamy/tropical) and normally live in MN, looking for great beer and hiking/outdoors in lower 48. 3 days restricts things a little but I'd recommend:
A Colorado tour (Denver, Boulder, Ft. Collins, Estes Park, Breakenridge0
Asheville, NC
Waterbury/Stowe VT.

Richmond is great for beer, but not much else compared to other destinations.
Charleston is a great weekend getaway town, and beautiful in early May. Food is amazing everywhere as well as the beer scene. Beaches nearby as well (Folly Island, Isle of Palms etc).

 

I love Vermont, but the first week of May is just about the worst time to go.

 

Since your already out of the country, consider going to Bavaria on the way back. 3 days split between Munich and Bamberg. Belgium is another option...
Of the places in the states, Russian River by far....

 

One plus with Charleston is that in May it’s warm enough to enjoy a cold beer putting your toes into the water. Love sitting on a beach with a beer relaxing. Also lots of terrific resturaunts and if you go to Westbrook you can buy some pricy bottles of BA beers , but you have to drink them on site.

 

Someone mentioned Richmond, which I think would be awesome with all of the breweries popping up there. Had the opportunity to hit up Devil's Backbone a few years ago, which is located on the Appalachian Trail.

 

Like the name implies.... Northern California. Can’t go wrong. Russian River, Bear Republic, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Heritic, Knee Deep, Moonraker, Feildworks, Molyans, Anchor Steam,etc.....where does it end? Most of them all within a few hours of each other. Not to forget that red stuff they put in tall bottles that comes out of Napa. Ya got choices.

 

FTFY. Steam is but one brew made by Anchor.

 

I am corrected. Got ahead of myself.

 

Austin is great for lots of reasons. I would add Richmond and Asheville to any list to consider. I loved all three of these cities long before beer was a "thang", but now they're even more special.