Michigan (PRWEB) October 03, 2014
Those who love beer are already familiar with the hottest, big beer destinations in the U.S. including Portland, Seattle, Denver and Austin but for the microbrew lover there are so many other amazing areas for travel as well, all providing their own unique features and attractions. In an effort to keep travelers informed about the world’s best destinations, Island Trader Vacations invites you on a journey to 3 of the fastest growing and lesser known cities to visit for the microbrew aficionado in the U.S. this year.
Bend, Oregon
Just 3 hours south of Portland, Oregon, Bend is one of Central Oregon’s biggest and brightest in terms of the microbrew industry and earned the nickname Beer City, USA. Home to only around 82,000 residents, Bend is fast making a name for itself. Site to the Bend Ale Trail, named the largest beer trails in the West, Bend offers visitors local tours, celebrations and more breweries per capita than any other city in the entire state, which is saying something as Oregon is home to some of the best and most well-known microbreweries in the country. November is Bend’s Ale Trail Month. During this time, giveaways, events and even lodging specials draw thousands to this popular and exciting little mountain town. Some of the favorites include Below Grade, McMenamins and Deschutes, one of the top ten largest craft brewers in the nation.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a southwestern Michigan city which is fast making a name for itself for many reasons. While Michigan was once known primarily only for Detroit, Grand Rapids has been quietly building, expanding and finding its own way in the world of tourism and industry. Today, Grand Rapids has earned the right to be called Beer City USA thanks to its many world-class craft breweries, eateries and its craft beer community. Grand Rapids has also received other accolades in recent years for its great beer and popular festivals including the annual Winter Beer Festival in February and its summer Craft Beer Festival which took place in September. Home to popular microbreweries including Hideout and the Mitten Brewing Co, by far the best known and popular is Founders who also recently announced its expansion at its current Grandville Ave. location.
Boulder, Colorado
Last but not least on the list is Boulder, Colorado. Like other growing microbrew destinations, Boulder has been living in the shadow of larger microbrew cities in its state. While Denver has long been ranked one of the best, Boulder has worked its way up and is now considered a must visit microbrew destination for the aficionado. Home to the first craft brewery in the state of Colorado, it was only in 2014 that Boulder joined other great U.S. cities offering its own craft beer festival. Avery Brewing Co and Boulder Beer were just two of the many participating breweries. These two microbreweries rank as two of the most popular however, Gravity Brewing was rated by visitors this year as the favorite brewery.
Island Trader Vacations reviews news, tips, information and topics about travel to help keep travelers more informed. A members-only travel club, Island Trader Vacations offers its members value members-only benefits on travel.