When you think of craft beer, many of the larger cities get all the praise – Chicago, Denver, Portland (ME and OR), Boston, etc. You can go to virtually any city nowadays and find a handful of local craft brews. However, one of the most underrated craft beer scenes I like to visit is the Tampa Bay area. The region is already a popular beach destination, so having excellent choices for beer is a must, and they do not disappoint by providing a wide range of quality options.
Cigar City may be the biggest name in the region, however, many smaller breweries make just as good, if not better craft beer. There is a brewery in almost any area you visit, as highlighted in the Craft Beer Trail. In Dunedin you have Dunedin Brewing Company, Woodwright, and 7venth Sun. Near Clearwater is Barley Mow. If you head to St. Petersburg you will find several options to choose from – many are in the Grand Central District of downtown St. Pete: Green Bench, 3 Daughters, Cage Brewing, Cycle Brewing, St. Pete Brewing, etc.. Add that on top of many local establishments that offer a great selection of regional craft beer options, and you will be stumbling through Tampa everyday!
The area has a little something for everyone. Beach bums have plenty of shoreline to lounge and soak up the sun, foodies will find many delicious restaurants (mainly in the St. Pete or downtown Tampa area), and beer enthusiasts will be able to find something that satisfies their palate. For some of the best weather, come here during fall or spring when the temperatures are usually quite comfortable (heck, even winter can be wonderful for someone from the northern states looking for a break from the cold). All of this adds up to a well rounded vacation destination that does not take long to fly to, plus airfare can be fairly reasonable most times of the year. So when you’re trying to find that next getaway, think about putting Tampa on your radar – you won’t be disappointed!
