Of all the things Vermont is famous for - maple syrup, ice cream, and its uncomparable natural landscape - The Green Mountain state also ranks at the top of the list for its beers. Brewers and beer lovers travel from across the globe to sample hops from around the state. And there are plenty of options for sampling: according to the national Brewers Association, Vermont boasts the highest number of craft breweries per capita than anywhere else in the U.S., 

So what’s the best way to get your fill of some of Vermont’s best beers? Vermont’s beer trails.  

These partnerships between local Vermont breweries and area tourism boards are designed to highlight some of the best brewery clusters. But before selecting a beer trail to explore,, download the Vermont Brewers Association app. This free tool will help you figure out where all of the participating breweries are, help you keep track of which ones you’ve visited,  and even what you had to drink. 

Burlington Beer Trail

For an experience that keeps you close to The Essex,, ,check out the Burlington Beer Trail. This trail includes seven different breweries, and most are just a few steps from the stunning Burlington Bay.  You can stop at the Burlington Farmers Market along the way or enjoy some time at one of the many parks that dot the waterfront. The best part about this beer trail: you can start anywhere on the list and be within walking or biking distance of the next brewery, so there’s no need to have a car. 

Greater Burlington Beer Trail

Want to venture out a bit further? The Greater Burlington Beer Trail takes you just outside of town to find breweries that include Frost Beer Works, GoodWater Brewery, and Stone Corral Brewery. Relax, sample a range of blends, and take in the classic Vermont scenery that frames this popular route. These are good options if you plan on enjoying a day of hiking before hitting the bar for a refreshing beer. 

Northeast Kingdom Trail

An hour and a half north of The Essex, near the Canadian border, the Northeast Kingdom Trail features six different breweries, including Hill Farmstead Brewery, Kingdom Brewing, and Whirlgig Brewing, among others.. True craft beer lovers will want to make a day of this trail given of the array of options and brewing styles. 

Tiny Trail

Microbreweries have become a trend in the beer world, and Vermont has quite the list of breweries that operate on a four barrel or less system. In fact, the Tiny Trail has 12 microbreweries on the list, spanning the north and south state lines. Each batch of beer at these microbreweries will have a unique taste because they are not mass produced, which allows the beer masters to experiment with flavors a little bit more.

No matter which of these beer trails you decide to do while visiting The Essex, you’re sure to an authentic part of the Vermont culture.. If you plan on driving, make sure to identify a designated driver or use a rideshare.

Prefer to stay at the resort and enjoy the on-site amenities? You can still experience local brews by way of the spa’s 50 Minute Body Brew treatment. Using a house-made sugar scrub plus signature creams, skin is exfoliated, polished,  and moisturized. After the service wraps, enjoy a beer of your choice. 

For the ultimate beer lovers weekend check out the Essex Bed and Brew Package, which includes the following:
Overnight Accommodations
One Featured Craft Beer per adult served at check-in 
Essex-branded can cooler delivered with four mystery local craft favorites to try
One Craft Beer Flight + an appetizer in The Tavern per adult over 21 
Daily Breakfast per person
Map of Vermont State Breweries for self-guided tour

Cheers to a great weekend exploring all that Vermont, and The Essex have to offer!