An Introductory Toast to Drinking and Dwelling
Cracking open a can of your favorite brew while settling down on your couch is most certainly an enjoyable way to relax. But, have you ever fantasized about being just a few trodden steps away from the brewing barrels amid the aroma of cooking malt? In a place where you can not only relish your beers but also call it home for a couple of unforgettable nights? This is not a far-fetched dream. It’s something that has been made possible, and the term ‘beercation’ says it all!
Experience the ‘Beercation’ Phenomenon
If you’re already a beer enthusiast, you’re likely familiar with a ‘beer trail’, a brewery tour, or even a beer festival. But ‘beercation’ takes the love of beer one step further. It refers to a getaway that combines the elements of a perfect vacation with the joy of exploring different beers, meeting master brewers, and, remarkably, living in or near the brewery itself! So you can savour the golden liquid without worrying about who’s driving back home which in turn amplifies the overall beer experience.
The Concept of Breweries with Accommodation
Gone are the days when breweries were just about manufacturing beer. To cater to the increasing number of beer lovers who also love to travel, many brewers worldwide have included lodging facilities near or within their breweries. You will find a wide variety – from small inns and elegant hotels housed within a historic brewery building to gorgeous campsites overlooking vast hop fields. A brewery vacation often involves being around beer all day, sipping on varied brews in an on-site pub, engaging in beer tasting sessions, and resting your head at night in a room that might even be decorated with beer paraphernalia.
What to Expect
Imagine waking up to the smell of malt and hops, exploring the entire brewing process from grain to glass, taking part in exclusive beer-tasting sessions led by master brewers, and retiring for the day in rooms stocked with your favorite brew. Many such accommodations offer brewery-themed amenities, classes, or experiences – from beer spas and beer-themed breakfast menus to hop-infused toiletries. Not to forget, you often get the privilege to try beers that are not available anywhere else.
Where to Go for a Brew-tiful Stay?
USA
The concept of breweries with accommodation is far from new, especially in the US, where craft beer tours have been a thing for quite some time. The Dogfish Inn in Delaware, owned by the Dogfish Head Brewery, boasts stylishly decorated rooms equipped with barware for beer enthusiasts. Another interesting place is McMenamins’s Kennedy School in Oregon, where an elementary school has been transformed into a hip hotel with a brewery!
Belgium
The Belgians take their beer seriously, and it reflects in their breweries as well. Brasserie de l’Abbaye des Rocs is a brewery located in a scenic countryside farmhouse where you can stay and indulge in various Belgian beers famous for their distinctive flavors.
Germany
The brew-breakfast of Germany is not to be missed if you are a true beer lover. The Maisel’s Beer Adventure World with its 70-room guest house is a paradise with a beer museum, tasting sessions, and a sumptuous beer breakfast.
Wrap Up The Barrels
Just like pairing different kinds of beer with certain foods can enhance their flavor, pairing your love for beer with a stunning travel experience can increase the love and knowledge you have for this cherished beverage. So, when you’re planning your next vacation, why not consider a ‘beercation’ and come back with a head full of beer knowledge, a heart full of unforgettable experiences, and a suitcase full of exclusive brews!
