Every year, we’re always asked what our favorite brewery was and we never have a great answer. So here is Part 2 of our Best of 2025 series. Please visit Part 1 and Part 3 here for the rest of the awards!
Brew With a View – Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery (Afton, VA)
Hazy Mountain feels more like a destination than a stop. Perched on a mountain with sweeping views, multiple dining spaces, and event-ready patios, it’s as impressive visually as it is spacious. The hefeweizen was crisp, classic, and the perfect pairing for the scenery.
The Wildest Experience – Rising River Brewing (Macungie, PA)
Rising River is organized chaos in the best possible way. Creekside seating, a tiki bar, cocktails, beer, kids playing, and packed crowds—it’s not just a brewery, it’s an ecosystem. The stouts and porters surprised us in the best way and held their own amid the madness. It’s difficult to describe the place, it really is just one of those experiences you need to live to understand.
The Unexpected Vibe – Golden Cactus Brewing (Roanoke, VA)
Golden Cactus blends plants, games, and beer into a lively, social taproom that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Between console game night and a rock-solid rye beer, it delivered way more personality than expected. The whole brewery just felt so perfect and was an unexpected favorite of our 2025 visits.
For the Nostalgia – YAH Brew (Hershey, PA)
Neon lights, roller-rink energy, and wildly creative sours define YAH. From dessert-like fruited beers to throwback vibes, it’s pure fun done well.
When Seclusion Is Essential – Plan Bee Farm Brewery (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Remote, rustic, and beautifully funky, Plan Bee rewards those willing to venture off the beaten path. Farm-driven spontaneous beers and peaceful surroundings make this a slow-down-and-stay-awhile kind of stop.
