For Beer & Cocktail Lovers

Tom Cat Old Fashioned, Image courtesy of Caledonia SpiritsCurated by Three Penny Taproom & Barr Hill

Our itineraries are sponsored by Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. 

Vermont is known worldwide for its exceptional craft beer. Montpelier’s pedestrian-friendly and vibrant downtown offers the beer drinker a taste of Vermont’s finest brews, paired with exceptional eats and fun events. Planning a longer visit to Vermont? Make Montpelier your basecamp with a stay at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Conference Center. Some of the world’s best breweries are within an easy drive.

The opening of the Barr Hill Distillery in Montpelier builds on our reputation as a craft beverage destination. We'll tell you where to head for a drink made with one of Vermont's award-winning local spirits, and where you can buy ingredients to make your own at home.

Where to Eat

Three Penny Taproom
Three Penny has been consistently recognized as one of the best beer bars in the country. The Boston Globe called it a “craft-beer mecca” with a “fresh approach to beer [and] excellent service.” 24 rotating taps offer an award-winning selection of craft beer featuring the freshest and most sought-after offerings from Vermont and around the world. Fresh, fun, and casual food is carefully crafted to pair with the beers. Try a TPT Burger, topped with pickled jalapenos and house-made peanut butter!

The Mad Taco
Offering a small but well-thought-out selection of some of Vermont’s most sought-after craft beers, coupled with creative Mexican cuisine. Top your smoked pork taco with incendiary homemade hot sauces and cool the burn with a Hill Farmstead draft.

Barr Hill
Head down the bike path to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail from Montpelier’s craft spirits distillery. Watch the bartenders juice fresh citrus, make homemade syrups, and even carve crystal clear ice behind a bar made from local granite. Food offerings and bar snacks offered daily.

Where to Shop

Bear Naked Growler
For your to-go draft beer needs, Bear Naked Growler offers 18 taps dedicated to filling growlers and crowlers as well as a wide selection of cans and bottles. Located just outside of downtown, with a beautiful river-front porch for your drinking pleasure.

Uncommon Market
At first glance, this may seem like an ordinary corner store, but upon entering you will find a carefully curated beer and wine selection. Pair your beer with a deli sandwich or a selection of house made meals. You can also build a cheese board from a local selection of artisan meats and cheeses.

Hunger Mountain Coop
Hunger Mountain Coop is a full-service natural foods grocery store and deli that has been owned by our community since 1972. It’s also home to an impressive beer selection from Vermont and beyond. Rated outstanding on BeerAdvocate, make a pilgrimage to the Coop and you may find a rare brew from Lawson’s Finest Liquids or The Alchemist. While picking up beer, consider browsing the amazing selection of local foods, including an outstanding cheese counter.

Yankee Wine and Spirits
Montpelier's only liquor store isn’t lacking in variety of spirits, including a huge Vermont section. The staff is eager to help find the right spirit for you. They also have a shelf that provides cocktail mixing ingredients. 

The Retail Store at the Barr Hill Distillery
Within the distillery space sits an incredible retail store where you’ll find more then just shirts and caps. They provide premium cocktail and mixology tools as well as an abundance of bitters and other cocktail mixing ingredients. Walk away with free cocktail recipes to make your favorite drinks at home. While you’re there, be sure to taste some raw honey, yum! 

Where to Visit

Mountaineers Beer Garden
Nothing screams summer like a Vermont Mountaineers game. Historic Montpelier Recreation Field houses this collegiate summer baseball team, with games in June and July. One in four of these players will go on to play in the Major League. But today, it’s all about ballpark eats, running into neighbors and friends, and bringing your kids for the fun (or feeling like a kid again)! Sip on a local craft beer in the Beer Garden along the left field line while enjoying the game.

Good Measure Brewing
A quick 15-minute scenic jaunt to Northfield will take you to Good Measure Brewing, a small brewery that is always brewing new and exciting ales. Chat with the friendly staff, enjoy a beer, and don’t forget to bring a growler home with you!

Where to Stay

The Capitol Plaza Hotel Montpelier, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is the preferred lodging of Montpelier Alive. Learn about aditional lodging options in Montpelier. 

 

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