6 Best Sights in Northern Vermont, Vermont

Alchemist Brewery

Fodor's choice

The brewery that launched a beer revolution in Vermont with its "Heady Topper" now welcomes guests to its shop and tasting room (known here as the Beer Cafe). Intense demand still keeps stocks of beer for sale limited. Tours ($25) of the brewery last about 30 minutes and include a commemorative tasting glass and a can of beer; it's best to reserve in advance. 

Foam Brewers

Fodor's choice

Co-founder and acclaimed brewer Todd Haire spent 13 years at Magic Hat Brewing and another two years at Switchback before opening his own Burlington operation alongside fellow co-founders Bobby Grim, Sam Keane, Jon Farmer, and Dani Casey in 2016. Since then, Foam has gained international praise, including a spot as one of the world's 10 best new breweries—bestowed by BeerAdvocate—the year they opened. Snack boards and food truck pit-stops compliment their sought-after drafts, also available at the attached sister restaurant, Deep City. An outdoor patio faces the stunning views of the Lake Champlain Waterfront.

Hill Farmstead Brewery

Fodor's choice
It is difficult to quantify owner and master brewer Shaun Hill's contribution to the international explosion of craft beer. Hill Farmstead has won Best Brewery in the World six times in the past decade, and it's a key player in Vermont tourism, where beer contributes as much to the state economy as skiing and hiking. Since opening in 2010, Hill's eighth generation family farmstead off a rural mountain pass, miles from cell service, has drawn millions of local and international travelers pilgrimaging for a coveted pint and a growler to-go. A beautiful bar is surrounded by acres of woods and lawnspace, and a small lake sits at the bottom of a sloping field—a nice spot for pondering over a pint.

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Fiddlehead Brewing Company

There isn't much to the tasting room here, but there doesn't need to be: Fiddlehead only occasionally cans its celebrated beer, making this the best place outside of a restaurant to sample it on tap (and for free). Decide which one you like best and buy a growler to go—or, better yet, take it to Folino's Pizza next door, where the pies are mighty fine.

Switchback Brewing Co.

Switchback may not get as much press as other more famous craft Vermont beers, but it's a solid, respected brew that's well worth exploring at the brewery and taproom in Burlington's buzzing South End. In addition to superfresh beer right from the tap and a short but savory menu of bar bites, the space hosts regular events and live music throughout the year.

Zero Gravity Beer Hall

What started as a single bar tap in a pizza restaurant has turned into one of Burlington’s most successful and hippest beers, thanks to frothy gems like Conehead and Green State Lager. Its shiny new brewery in the South End Arts District is always buzzing—and starts that buzz first thing in the morning with coffee and waffles. Tasty complements continue throughout the day with items like bratwurst, crispy cheddar curds, and foodie-friendly bistro bites.