Brew town, USA— this craft beer central is somewhere you might not expect!
If you like your suds close to nature, West Virginia is where it’s at. The craft beer scene in Thomas and Davis is a hidden gem in the brewing world.
Whether you’ve spent a full day outdoors and are looking to kick back and relax, or you’re on a beer tour of the U.S., don’t miss these 7 flavor-packed stops:
1. Blackwater Brewing Company
Blackwater Brewing Company in Davis specializes in small-batch, European-style session ales and lagers. Owners Lincoln and Amanda Wilkins operate the brewpub based on the idea that “things of quality have no fear of time.” They use traditional recipes as the basis for their beer, and build out the flavor pr0files with locally sourced ingredients and a custom-built brewing system.
2. Mountain State Brewing
This place is “West Virginia Born & Brewed,” with pubs in Thomas and Morgantown. They’re the largest and one of the oldest breweries in West Virginia— something owners Brian Arnett and Wille Lehman laugh at, since the brewery’s not really that old.
Mountain State Brewing’s flagships are smooth, easy-drinking session beers. They’re some of the freshest and cleanest you can get your hands on. They mill their own grains and grow hops on site. Practically everything at Mountain State Brewery (including the chairs) has been crafted DIY-style by the owners. Enjoy the homey space with brews served up in pint-perfect mason jars.
3. Stumptown Ales
Stumptown Ales in Davis was voted the Best New WV Brewery in 2015. Fueled by passion (“I’m not going to put out a beer I don’t like,” said owner and Head Brewer Jon Robeson) and inspired by the timber industry that built Davis, Stumptown brings a hop-forward West-Coast style to the Eastern mountains. Their signature citra hops pack a hearty punch of tropical taste.
4. TipTop
TipTop in Thomas has everything you like, all in one spot. Grab a handcrafted coffee and espresso alongside organic baked goods by morning, and burgers, wine and spirits, and craft beer or cocktails by night.
5. Brew Skies Festival
The Brew Skies Festival at Timberline Four Seasons Resort brings together dozens of the state’s best brews with 20+ high-stompin’ mountain bands, all in a family-friendly environment. (Kids 14 and under get in for free!)
6. The Purple Fiddle
At the Purple Fiddle in Thomas, you don’t have to choose between a good beer and time with your fam. Not only are kids welcome, the entire place is smoke free, and the homemade ice cream is legendary. There’s live music on stage nearly nonstop on the weekends, bringing in some of the best folk, acoustic and mountain sounds on the scene.
There are 2 lodging options in the Purple Fiddle family, so cozy up for a night or a weekend in either the Purple Fiddle Hostel or the Fiddler’s Roost Guesthouse, both overlooking the Blackwater River and serving up all the wonderful southern charm you’d hope for.
7. Hellbender Burritos
At Hellbender Burritos in Davis, try burritos Mountain State style: stuffed as big as a pillow full of chili, veggies, meats and dressings. If you’re not a fan of meat, don’t worry— they’ve got plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too, with hearty seitan, tofu and black beans. Pair ‘em up with something from the huge menu of locally crafted beer.
This post was last updated on March 16, 2022