East Burke, Vermont is known for its epic trails, gorgeous fall foliage, great skiing and all-around easy access to the great outdoors. When you are extreme athletes like the four of us, it is important to fuel your peak performance by eating well and staying hydrated. After a day of riding, you'll likely find us rehydrating at one of these area breweries:
The NEK Beer Scene will not disappoint.
Where can you find trivia, live music, and great local craft beer? Look no further than Dirt Church Brewing Company! Located just a short drive from The Village Inn, Dirt Church Brewing is the perfect place to indulge in a cold beer after a day of biking or hiking. Small, but mighty, this brewery is cozy, charming and oh so quintessential Vermont (think rustic wood, board games, and outdoor fire pits!). If you are looking for a local’s take on the trails, join Dirt Church for a Sunday group ride and celebrate afterwards with a beer crafted from a 7-barrel system. Not to be missed: Dirt Church’s Tuesday night trivia and Thirsty Thursday $5 drinks!
Location: 6-Miles / 10-Minute Drive
Beautiful views and an array of brews can be found at The Hill Farmstead Brewery. This Brewery can truly be called iconic. Featuring over 20 craft beers, they see beer as a 'vehicle for sharing their values and ideals' and promoting 'Conscious Consumption, Conscious Belonging, and Conscience Commerce.' A reservation is required and a $5 per person deposit is collected at booking which is then donated to their charity of the month. Not only does Hill Farmstead believe in having a positive impact on the environment and the community, but their beer is phenomenal. Hill Farmstead was named "Best Brewery in the World" in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 by RateBeer.
Location: 25-Miles / 40-Minute Drive
Located just across the boarder in our sister-state, New Hampshire, Schilling Beer Co. is definitely at the top of our list of favorite area breweries. With a focus on European inspired beers, Schilling also dabbles with an experimental series and spontaneously fermented wild beers! As If their interesting and eclectic beer list wasn't enough, Schilling Beer Co. is located in a beautifully renovated mill building overlooking the Ammonoosuc River (say that five times fast), and features absolutely amazing flatbread pizzas, pretzels and snacks (get the beer mustard on EVERYTHING), along with charming all-season outdoor space which includes fire pits and outdoor heaters.
Location: 25-Miles / 40-Minute Drive
Where Schilling Beer Co. focuses on all things European, Rek' Lis offers a more traditional American Brewery experience, featuring IPAs, Pale Ales, Stouts, Brown Ales and the occasional Sour. They also feature an extensive pub menu, but the true highlight is Fondue Fridays. Can anyone name a more iconic duo than beer & cheese?
Location: 35-Miles / 45-Minute Drive