The most scenic Southern breweries worthy of a getaway

Located in a building that has served as a post office, firehouse, and saloon and brothel, Avondale Brewing in Birmingham, Alabama, serves up history through its craft brews. Each beer they produce is designed to tell a different story from long ago— including one about a beer-loving elephant in Avondale, Alabama. Those who visit will find a large brick brewery and an outdoor patio with tables under the shade of umbrellas. Visit on a Thursday or Friday and enjoy a live outdoor concert with a brewskie in hand.

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You’re guaranteed two things at Dirt Farm Brewery: great beer and great views. Located on the first ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont, Virginia, Dirt Farm Brewery is a 400-acre working produce farm-slash-brewery. On the outdoor patio, visitors can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Loudoun Valley. Whether you’re aching for an IPA or pale ale, or something a bit different like a hard seltzer or fruit beer, Dirt Farm Brewery has you covered.

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New Belgium Brewing may have been founded in Colorado, but the brewery's spectacular second location in Asheville, North Carolina is truly something to call home about. The Asheville brewery is set on a massive complex and has a cool and trendy industrial vibe. Enjoy a New Belgium beer on the outdoor patio overlooking the French Broad River.

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Deep in the heart of Georgia, Tucker Brewing Company has done quite a bit to stand out. They’re the only Georgia brewery that focuses on lagers and pilsners of the German variety. Bragging rights for the largest beer garden in Georgia also goes to this brewery. People flock to the 8,500-square-foot outdoor space in Tucker for beers, live music, and cornhole and there's even a play area for the kiddies. 

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Just as the name entails, Swamp Head Brewery is located next to a Florida swamp. Whether you choose a sour ale, IPA, or craft hard seltzer, you can take it past the tasting room and walk under the dangling Spanish moss around the on-site pond before making your way to the covered wooden patio. With so many creative batches of brew, you’re sure to find something you like at this sustainability-conscious, Florida-proud brewery.

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You won’t find that big-city, industrial style at Jocassee Valley Brewing Company. Nestled in the gateway of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Salem, South Carolina, Jocassee mixes Southern hospitality with brewing culture to create some truly cozy vibes. Housed in a barn-like building, it has warm wooden interiors and an outdoor patio shaded by trees. Come as you are to this brewery and sip on an IPA or Heiferwiezen under string lights with live music in the background. 

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The Wedge Brewing Company has two locations in Asheville’s River Arts District, but we’re a bit partial to the one set in a 19th-century warehouse, the Wedge at Wedge Studios. It houses over 20 artist studios, a neat aspect showcased by the outdoor graffiti walls. There’s a touch of punk to this brewery, from the amazing metal art to the food trucks. Grab a beer, stake out a spot on the concrete patio and catch an outdoor concert.

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Grumpy Old Man Brewery isn’t quite as grumpy as the name implies, especially not with specialty beers like the white chocolate wheat beer. This warehouse brewery has great indoor seating and an outdoor patio for guests to chow down on one of Jeff’s Hot Dogs before washing it down with a craft beer. Grumpy Old Man likes to keep it fun with humorous décor and live music, so chill out and lean into the atmosphere.

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You may have never heard of Afton, Virginia, but you’ll want to add it to your road trip list when you get a look at its crowning jewel, Blue Mountain Brewery. The outdoor patio with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains is enough to entice a visit, while the lagers, ales, and specialty pizzas will keep you there for the entire day. Blue Mountain Brewery became so successful that they opened a second location in Arrington. 

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Take the Texas Hill Country roads to Jester King Brewery, which sits on a 165-acre ranch on the outskirts of Austin. Jester King is a brewery, kitchen, and farm all in one, and they utilize their outdoor space completely with spacious patio seating under metal awnings and picnic tables near the tree line. Here you’ll discover 100 percent spontaneously fermented beer which results in unique offerings like a barrel-aged wild ale fermented with Texas peaches.

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Note: The tasting room is temporarily closed, but the brewery is still open for take-out. Check ahead for hours. 

If you want something local and intimate, head to Prestonrose Farm and Brewing Company in Paris, Arkansas. Set on a certified organic farm, Prestonrose is a small batch artisan brewery that offers some great ales off a dirt road in the foothills of Magazine Mountain. Grab a beer and wander the farm or sit on the porch and down a cold one with the locals. You’ll enjoy yourself either way.

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