A Scenic Start in Oglebay Park
Day two of my craft beer journey began just outside Washington, PA, with a refreshing hike along the Driehorst Trail at Oglebay Park, nestled near Wheeling, West Virginia. This picturesque area is a haven for nature lovers and families alike, featuring a variety of trails and educational spots that make for a great outdoor adventure before indulging in some local brews.
Oglebay Park offers a peaceful escape with its lush landscapes and family-friendly atmosphere. After taking in the natural beauty of the Falls Vista trail and exploring the educational center, it was time to kick off the brewery tour portion of my journey.
Discovering Brewkeepers
My first brewery visit of the day was Brewkeepers in Wheeling, WV. Located in a charming area bustling with antique shops, this local gem offers a fantastic community vibe. The bar was lively with sports fans, so I found a cozy corner to enjoy a robust Scut Farkas Rauchbier.
Brewkeepers’ warm atmosphere and well-crafted beers make it a must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast exploring the Wheeling area. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the local scene.
Wheeling Island Adventure
Continuing my journey, I made a quick stop at Wheeling Island, a bustling area reminiscent of Harrisburg’s City Island. The casino here presented an irresistible opportunity for a former table games dealer like me to take a peek inside.
While exploring the casino, I savored a delightful Big Timer IPA. This stop was a unique blend of entertainment and craft beer, adding a bit of excitement to my beer-themed road trip.
Ohio’s Belmont Brewerks
My first foray into Ohio brought me to Belmont Brewerks in Martins Ferry. Known for its delicious food and refreshing beers, this spot impressed with its Belmont Stout paired alongside an Italian Sausage Sandwich, making for a hearty and satisfying combination.
Belmont Brewerks’ reputation for both exceptional brews and savory bites makes it an inviting stop for anyone traveling through the area in search of authentic craft beer and local flavors.
An Ascent to Hightower Brewing Company
My journey continued up winding roads to reach Hightower Brewing Company in Rayland, OH. Renowned for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, this spot was the perfect setting to enjoy a Great Punkin Charlie Brown Ale and Stumpdweller English Brown Ale.
Hightower’s warm hospitality and delightful selection of beers made it a memorable stop, reflective of the vibrant craft beer culture thriving in regional Ohio breweries.
Festive Vibes at Squids Brewery LLC
My next stop took me to the lively Squids Brewery LLC in Toronto, OH. Already on my radar and highly recommended by the folks at Hightower, this brewery was a lively scene with a jamming atmosphere and fraternity-style energy.
Here, I indulged in the Knotty But Nice Stout, which complemented the festive vibes as I prepared to head back into Pennsylvania for the next chapter of my beer adventure.
Coal Tipple Brewing’s Unique Charm
Back in Pennsylvania, I ventured to Coal Tipple Brewing in Burgettstown. Located on Kramer Farms, this brewery, with its rustic charm reminiscent of a roadside greenhouse, offered a standout Peanut Butter Porter that was rich and satisfying.
Coal Tipple’s unique setting and inventive beers make it a delightful find for craft beer lovers seeking out-of-the-ordinary brewery experiences.
The Unexpected Find: Helicon Brewing
En route to the Grist House Command Station, I stumbled upon Helicon Brewing, where the inviting atmosphere drew me in for a chat with locals about sports and a delicious Dunkel Lager.
Helicon’s blend of camaraderie and top-notch brews makes it a rewarding surprise for travelers eager to explore Pittsburgh’s thriving brewery scene.
A Grand Finale at Grist House Brewery – Command Station
My day concluded at the newly minted Grist House Brewery Command Station, previously a missile command site, now transformed into a craft beer haven. The Black IPA, Hops of Darkness, was an explosive flavor experience, perfectly capping off my day’s adventure with its complex taste.
With plans for future expeditions possibly leading me to Lincoln Avenue Brewery and Allusion Brewing Taproom, I’m excited to continue exploring the burgeoning craft beer landscape across the region.
For craft beer aficionados eager to explore the diverse and vibrant brewery scene across the United States, BreweriesNearMe.us serves as an invaluable tool to uncover hidden gems like these and more. Whether embarking on a multi-state trek or discovering the charm of local taprooms near home, there’s always something new brewing to explore.
#CraftBeerJourneys #USBreweries #BeerTours #LocalBrews #BreweryAdventure
