Whether you’re a seasoned beer traveler or planning your first tasting trip, these destinations offer more than just a comfortable bed—they provide the chance to live and breathe a brewery’s world.

Immersive Beer Experiences

Beer tourism is no longer just about ordering a tasting flight or filling a growler. Today’s beer lovers want to slow down, savor their sips, and connect to the place behind the pour. Overnight stays offer that opportunity, creating powerful memories that keep customers coming back. For breweries, lodging isn’t just a revenue stream—it’s a storytelling platform. It’s a chance to reflect their brand’s values through design, hospitality, and an immersive emotional connection.

So, the next time you plan a beercation, skip the chain hotel near the brewery. Book a stay at a place where the beer is brewed just steps away, the team behind it is part of your experience, and your pint comes with a real-life story.

Cabin Culture Meets Craft Beer

Backwoods Brewing Company – Carson, WA

Located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Backwoods Brewing Company has always been a destination worth the drive (one hour from Portland, Ore., and three from Seattle). But when the Waters family looked out the window of their brewpub and saw potential beyond the taproom, the idea for Backwoods Cabins was born. The view of the Columbia River Gorge is magnificent, with forested hills, rugged cliffs, and the sparkling river below.

“People already come out here to slow down—what if they could stay the night too?” says Steve Waters, Backwoods’ CEO. “We’ve always tried to create spaces that feel easy to be in, like you’re welcome to hang out as long as you want. So, we approached the cabins the same way—not just lodging, but part of the full Backwoods experience.”

Each of the eight luxury-leaning cabins has a unique theme—Hiker’s, Kayaker’s, Stargazer’s—designed to reflect the region’s outdoor adventures. The design walks that delightful line between PNW cabin-core and grown-up comfort. Each one-bedroom cabin has a flick-on gas fireplace, a squishy leather armchair that practically insists you stay in for the night, and a kitchenette stocked with a Keurig, microwave, and just enough room to stash your farmers market haul. Outside: private porches with Adirondack chairs and built-in firepits, perfect for s’mores and stargazing. Inside: crisp 600-thread-count sheets, hops-scented spa soap, and a bed so plush you’ll forget you’re just steps from a brewery. There are even snacks waiting when you arrive—and yes, your dog is invited too, in select cabins.

Waters sees beer and hospitality as deeply complementary. “Guests can add beer to their room when they book—usually a mix of what we’re excited about at the moment,” he says. “Some grab a pizza and take it back to their porch, others hang out at the pub for a flight. It’s all about making it easy to enjoy beer in whatever way fits their trip.”

Once you’ve checked in, wander over to the taproom for a look (and taste) around: start with Party Acres Hazy IPA for notes of tropical hops, sip the smooth Ridge Run Oatmeal Stout—with espresso, chocolate, and roasted barley in every pour—and don’t miss the S’mores Golden Stout if you’re in a dessert mood. It’s a laid‑back lineup with enough variety to pair with every cabin-level cozy vibe.

A Lodge with Lager in Its DNA

von Trapp Family Lodge & von Trapp Brewing – Stowe, VT

If the name sounds familiar, it should—the von Trapp Family Lodge was founded by the same family made famous by The Sound of Music. But there’s more than musical history tucked into the hills of Stowe, Vt. There’s also a world-class brewery and a 2,600-acre alpine playground.

“Johannes von Trapp started the brewery because he wanted beers like the ones he’d enjoyed in Europe—crisp, refreshing lagers you can have after a ski or hike,” says Emily Provost, brewery marketing manager at von Trapp Brewing. “He built it right into the property, using natural spring water from the land.”

The resort offers a fully immersive experience, from hearty Austrian-inspired cuisine to guided brewery tastings and snowshoe tours led by a von Trapp family member. In the Bierhall, you’ll find crisp schnitzel, house-made bratwurst with tangy sauerkraut, and warm pretzels served with beer cheese made from the brewery’s own lagers. Save room for classic apple strudel or Linzer torte for dessert. The beers—such as the award-winning Helles, Kölsch-style, and Oktoberfest—mirror the resort’s alpine soul, brewed with precision and a deep respect for European tradition. “Staying here lets you live, eat, and drink like a von Trapp,” says Provost. “It’s about connecting to history, nature, and the land the beer comes from.”

A Finger Lakes Favorite with a Beer-Centric Stay

The Lodge at Grist Iron Brewing – Watkins Glen, NY

While most breweries add lodging after the fact, Grist Iron Brewing did things a little differently. “The lodging came first,” says Emily Knowlden, social media and marketing coordinator. “When the owners were scouting locations, they found a property that already had rooms—it was a perfect fit.”

Now, The Lodge at Grist Iron is a full-fledged destination in the Finger Lakes. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary pint, and they can sip Grist Iron brews just steps from their rooms imbued with rustic-modern design, black-and-white brewing murals, Luxe linens, subway-tiled showers, flat-screen TVs, and mini‑fridges stocked with Grist Iron cans. Select rooms even have gas fireplaces, private balconies or patios, and sweeping lake views. Outside, an open-air common area offers firepits to gather around before grabbing breakfast or tapping a fresh brew. Most importantly, every bathroom comes with a built-in shower ledge made for one thing: a shower beer. It’s a cheeky, perfectly on-brand touch that turns rinsing off into a mini taproom moment. Crack open a cold one, steam rising, beer in hand—now you’re on vacation.

In the taproom, favorites include Lake Life IPA, bursting with mango and grapefruit; the nutty, chocolate-forward MaXXimus Brown Ale; and the crisp Campfire Lite Lager, a sessionable pour that’s all about easy drinking. For seasonal surprises, look out for How Low Can You Mango IPA or the berry-bright That’s My Jam! kettle sour—perfect for pairing with pizza and lakeside views.

New additions like Beer Mountain—a disc golf course and dog park with an on-site “Woof Top” bar—further blur the line between brewery and resort. “Guests immerse themselves in the Grist Iron experience,” Knowlden says. “They linger longer, come back often, and engage deeply with our team.”

More Beer Stays Worth Checking Out

Calistoga Inn & Napa Valley Brewing Co. (CA)

The first commercial brewery in Napa since Prohibition, this inn offers charming lodging with a lush beer garden, wine-country vibes, and house-brewed ales such as the Calistoga Pilsner, a crisp and refreshing patio pour, and the American Wheat Ale, lightly hopped with a soft citrus finish.

McMenamins (OR & WA)

Masters of adaptive reuse, McMenamins transforms historic buildings—former schools, churches, and lodges—into eclectic hotel-brewery hybrids. Expect colorful art, secret speakeasy-style bars tucked behind unmarked doors, and one-of-a-kind brews such as the malty, roasty Ruby Ale (infused with raspberries) or the smooth, toffee-toned Hammerhead Pale Ale.

The Brewhalla Crash Pad (ND)

In Fargo, Drekker Brewing has turned its beer into décor. Each room in this boutique hotel is themed after one of their beers, offering a quirky, hyper-branded stay. Take the Mind Bullets suite. Named after Drekker’s zesty sour IPA, this corner suite reflects the beer’s bold personality with polished concrete floors, exposed industrial ductwork, and a vibrant mural wall that mirrors the can’s psychedelic label—perfect for selfies and storytelling 

More beers to enjoy including the Brain Squeeze smoothie sour series (packed with fruit purée) and the Ectogasm, a juicy, hazy IPA that’s as playful as it sounds.

Commerce Street Brewery Hotel (WI)

Perched above a European-style brewpub in Mineral Point’s historic district, this five-room inn (plus cottages) brings small-town charm to the beer travel scene. Try the Mineral Point Pilsner for a clean, classic lager or the Old Number One, a rich and malty English-style ale brewed on-site.

The post Beer’s Boutique Lodging Destinations appeared first on CraftBeer.com.

Before my daughter was born, beer was … fine. But suddenly, when I couldn’t have it, it became fascinating. I’d ask my husband to order the most intriguing saisons, the juiciest IPAs, just so I could sneak a whiff or savor one tiny sip. When I became a mom, something shifted. Craft beer wasn’t just a drink—it became part of my evolving identity. It was a little rebellion, a little indulgence, and a way to connect with myself in the whirlwind of new parenthood.

That’s the thing about beer, from crafting to enjoying. It’s about more than just a beverage. It’s about belonging. It’s about making time for pleasure in the relentless scramble of new motherhood. And for these moms, it’s about building community and creating meaning.

This article provides a snapshot of three women who’ve carved out their place in the craft beer world while raising children. Whitney Selix of Lua Brewing in Des Moines, Lindsey Mrav of Grain & Grit Beer Co. in Hamilton, Ontario, and Amanda McLamb of Resident Culture Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina, are redefining what it means to be a brewer, a business owner, and a mom.

A Newborn, a Brewery, and a Toddler

For Whitney Selix, co-owner of Lua Brewing, the craft beer industry wasn’t just a career path—it was where she felt at home in the world. She started in craft beer right out of college at the University of Iowa, eventually managing restaurants in her home state, while her husband, Scott, started brewing. Their shared dream became reality in 2019 when they opened Lua Brewing in Des Moines.

“I was nursing during interviews,” Selix recalls, juggling opening a business with parenting a newborn and a toddler. “There were times I’d have my baby in a jumper in the office or asleep on a pillow near the bar while I worked.”

Whitney and Scott made a conscious choice to make Lua a family-friendly place—because, for them, family is at the heart of everything. Their three kids—Kit, 7, Lawson, 5, and Lennon, 3—have grown up alongside the brewery. “Our kids run around like they own the place,” Selix laughs.

Running a brewery and raising kids isn’t easy. The hours are long. There’s no daycare open for a shift that ends at midnight. But Selix sees the value in what her kids are witnessing. “It’s good for them to see us working hard and building something.”

She’s also working toward broader change, advocating for family-friendly policies in the hospitality industry, making sure parents get the leave and hours that make managing work and family doable. “Parenting changes your perspective,” she says. Selix believes being a mom has made her both a better leader and a better person.

When work gets overwhelming, Selix finds that her family grounds her. “Motherhood has given me a deeper well of empathy, patience, and perspective that I never fully appreciated before,” she reflects. “I’ve learned to navigate chaos, pivot when things don’t go as planned, and approach challenges with more grace—all of which have made me a better leader.”

The activities involved with raising young children have also sparked creativity.

“Children’s shows are great inspiration for beer names,” says Selix. “Stay tuned for a beer named Dance Mode to be released inspired by a Bluey episode.” 

The brewery’s piña colada sour was conceived by watching one of her favorite episodes of the show. “Who doesn’t love the whole Dance Mode concept?” she explained. “The idea that you can flip a switch, and someone has to start dancing, is amazing.” Their new beer seeks to channel that same feel-good energy. “Kids are a great inspiration for the light in life, and keeping things happy when adulthood is so heavy,” she says.

The Mom & Pop Brewery

For Lindsey Mrav, co-founder of Grain & Grit Beer Co., the journey started as a hobby. Her husband, Joe, began homebrewing while Lindsey was freelancing as a graphic designer and raising their two young kids, Evan, 11, and Ella, 14, and Joe was working as a mechanical engineer.

In 2017, they transformed an old auto garage in Hamilton, Ontario, into Grain & Grit Beer Co. It took blood, sweat, and tears to transform the rough space into an inviting brewery. “We opened with a four-year-old and a seven-year-old,” Lindsey says. “It was relentless and hard.”

They envisioned Grain & Grit as a true “mom and pop” brewery—and not just because of who owns it. Their taproom isn’t just a place to grab a beer; it’s a space for events such as mom meetups, clothing swaps, vintage markets, and book clubs. (Lindsey pointed out that there are plenty of baby-centric events; she prioritized creating gatherings with moms at the center.)

“Being a mom goes hand in hand with what we do,” Lindsey says. “It’s made me better at planning, at juggling, at building community.”

She’s also focused on making the brewery a better place to work for other parents.  “We’re a small team, but we make sure people can take time off when they need it—whether that’s parental leave, appointments, or just the flexibility to be there for their families.”

Where Your Weird—and Your Family—Is Welcome

“I truly believe this is the best industry in the world,” says Amanda McLamb, co-founder of Resident Culture Brewing in Charlotte, North Carolina. “There’s such a sense of collaboration, kindness, and a rising tides mentality. [It’s] the heartbeat of everything I believe in.”

McLamb’s love for gathering around food and drink runs deep. Growing up in the U.S., many of her memories are centered around big family meals—her grandparents, who immigrated from China, filling the table with food, conversation, and connection. Later, as a young traveler, a visit to the Guinness brewery sparked something bigger. “The process of fermentation, the history—it blew my mind. It brought together everything I loved: nature, agriculture, science, flavor.”

McLamb and her husband, Phillip, started envisioning a life centered around hospitality and community. They moved to Charlotte and found an old warehouse in a neighborhood full of shuttered buildings. They rolled up their sleeves, and together—with Amanda bringing her food writing background and newly minted real estate license, and Phillip bringing his expertise in project management—they transformed that warehouse into Resident Culture Brewing.

When they opened in 2017, their daughter Piper was just five months old. “We were two crazy kids in love with a wild idea,” McLamb laughs. “We opened a business and became parents at the same time. Both were intense identity shifts, full of extraordinary challenges and deep, hard labor, sometimes literally—I broke my tailbone giving birth to Piper.”

Eight years later, Resident Culture is thriving. So is their family, which now includes Isla, age four. Their brewery has become a neighborhood hub, a place where kids are abundant during Friday food truck nights, where regulars gather, and where innovation is baked into the culture. They even host one of the city’s biggest Lunar New Year celebrations—an event McLamb created because she wanted her daughters, and her community, to share in the culture that shaped her.

The brewery’s name itself is a nod to that sense of belonging. In fermentation, “resident culture” refers to the wild yeasts and bacteria that inoculate the sugary wort and turn it into beer. At the brewery, it also refers to the people who shape Resident Culture’s space—employees, customers, family, and friends.

McLamb doesn’t sugarcoat how hard it’s been to juggle motherhood, business ownership, and leadership—especially through challenges such as Covid when they chose to close their taproom days before they were required to. “The heavier responsibility of leadership is extremely hard, and I take it seriously,” she says. “But I love the me that was created out of all these hard times. I wouldn’t hit replay, but I wouldn’t trade who I’ve become.”

At Resident Culture, a sign sums up their ethos: Where Your Weird Is Welcome. It’s not just a slogan, it’s how McLamb shows up—for her team, for her family, and for the community she’s helped build, one beer and one wild, wonderful day at a time.

The post From Bottles to Beer: How Three Mothers Are Shaping Craft Culture appeared first on CraftBeer.com.