It’s the most wonderful time of the year (or so the song goes). Even before Halloween, retailers adorn stores with lavish holiday displays. The National Retail Federation expects sales in November and December to increase to $665.8 billion this year. Since shopping is clearly on many people’s to-do lists during the season, it only makes sense to find a great small and independent craft brewery nearby to strengthen that holiday cheer. Just when you’ve had about all you can take of long lines and bustling crowds, head over to these close-by breweries.
Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub near Mall of America
Minneapolis
You can’t talk about popular American shopping destinations without bringing up the Mall of America. More than 40 million visitors annually come to shop at 520 stores in the facility that could fit nine Yankee Stadiums inside. When you’ve had your fill, head about 6 miles away to Northbound Smokehouse Brewpub. Smoked foods rule this menu (even the beets are smoked for the salad), so play it up with a Smokehouse Porter. Five percent of the base malt is actually smoked in-house for ultimate smoky complexity.
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Conshocken Brewing Company near King of Prussia Mall
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
About 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia is King of Prussia, an East Coast shopping destination with more than 400 stores. After covering the 3 million-square-foot mall, chances are you’re ready for a nearby small batch beer from Conshocken Brewing Company. Their classic English-style Puddlers Row ESB won a silver award at World Beer Cup 2016. If the kiddos are tagging along, head to their Bridgeport brewpub where they also offer a “little pints menu” for them and plenty of hearty food and well-made beer for you.
LauderAle
Aventura, Florida
Travel + Leisure ranked Aventura number two on a list of America’s Most-Visited Shopping Malls (only behind Mall of America). More than 28 million people visit the massive mall yearly with stores including Cartier and Fendi. A short 16-minute drive will get you to LauderAle Brewery & Tap Room, which was constructed using mostly natural and recycled materials. Get a much needed post-shopping boost with their Thrillist Coffee Porter brewed with locally roasted Argyle Coffee.
Barley Forge Brewing Co. near South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa, California
South Coast Plaza has sales exceeding $1.5 billion annually from their 22 million visitors. To make the ultimate shopping experience, the high-end mall offers concierge services, personal shoppers and even foreign language assistance and a currency exchange for visitors. Less than a mile away from this iconic mall you’ll find Barley Forge Brewing Co., the city’s first production brewery. Enjoy their Belgian, West Coast, and German-style beers, such as a Hefeweizen brewed with mango and Don Perfecto, a Belgian-style Witbier brewed with horchata-style spices. Refuel with an eclectic food menu consisting of a variety of sandwiches, included the grilled beer brat, spicy Italian sausage, and a vegetarian banh mi burger topped with a ginger soy sesame dressing.
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Dillon Dam Brewery near the Outlets at Silverthorne
Dillon, Colorado
Anyone traveling to Colorado’s most popular ski destinations is sure to pass the Outlets of Silverthorne (five world-class ski resorts are within 20 minutes). Nestled in the Rockies at over 9,000 feet, this scenic mall has three villages with the Blue River running through them for even more beautiful views. Just a half mile away is the largest brewpub in the Colorado Rockies, Dillon Dam Brewery. Give your wallet a rest by visiting during their happy hour for $3 pints of one of their 17 beers on tap, including Here’s Your Dam IPA or the Irish Stout brewed with caramel and black hops.
Culmination Brewing near Lloyd Center
Portland, Oregon
Lloyd Center is the largest mall in Oregon with more than 150 stores, an indoor ice rink and a 10-screen movie theater. In addition to the well-known national stores, they say they also have a commitment to having local stores. You’ll only need to travel a half mile to enjoy the Breakfast in Paradise Belgium from Culmination Brewery, a double wit aged with pineapples. Their food menu is seasonal and locally sourced, and on Sundays they offer a vegan menu provided by local spot, Of Roots and Blooms.
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