3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Ohio’s Craft Breweries

Positive Things In Ohio

Ohio is home to a thriving craft beer scene with breweries spread across the state. Whether you’re in a major city or a smaller town, Ohio offers plenty of opportunities to sample innovative brews, meet local brewers, and enjoy the vibrant beer culture. This itinerary will take you on a journey through Ohio’s top breweries, from Cleveland to Columbus and Cincinnati, along with some must-try food and local attractions.

Day 1: Cleveland Brewery Tour

Morning: Arrival and First Brewery Visit

• Arrival: Arrive in Cleveland and check into your hotel. Consider staying at The Kimpton Schofield Hotel for its proximity to downtown and local breweries.
• Brewery Visit: Start your brewery tour at Great Lakes Brewing Company.
  • Location: 2516 Market Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
  • Experience: Enjoy their flagship “Dortmunder Gold Lager” and “Christmas Ale” in their spacious brewpub. The brewery is housed in a historic building and offers a cozy atmosphere.
  • Great Lakes Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Head to Slyman’s Tavern for one of Cleveland’s famous corned beef sandwiches. The sandwich pairs perfectly with a refreshing local beer.
  • Location: 3106 St. Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Visit Market Garden Brewery.

  • Location: 1947 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
  • Experience: Try their “Cleveland’s IPA” and “Progress Pilsner” in their lively brewpub.
  • Market Garden Brewery Website

• Brewery Visit: Explore Platform Beer Co., known for its experimental and rotating seasonal brews.

  • Location: 4125 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
  • Experience: Sample some of their small-batch beers in the taproom.
  • Platform Beer Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Entertainment

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Velvet Tango Room, a cocktail lounge with an extensive beer list and a refined atmosphere.

  • Location: 2095 W 10th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
  • The Velvet Tango Room Website

• Entertainment: Explore the nightlife in the Ohio City district, or catch a show at the House of Blues Cleveland.

  • House of Blues Cleveland Website

Day 2: Columbus Brewery Tour

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Cleveland to Columbus (approximately 2 hours).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Columbus Brewing Company.
  • Location: 525 Short St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • Experience: Enjoy their “Hop Zone IPA” and “The Great American Pale Ale” in their beautiful taproom, known for both classic styles and innovative brews.
  • Columbus Brewing Company Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Dine at The Thurman Cafe, one of Columbus’ iconic spots for hearty food and craft beer. Their famous “Thurmanator” burger is a must-try.
  • Location: 183 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Head to BrewDog Ohio for a wide selection of craft beers and a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Location: 96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
  • Experience: Enjoy a variety of bold and experimental beers, including the famous “Elvis Juice” IPA.
  • BrewDog Ohio Website

• Brewery Visit: Visit Hoof Hearted Brewing, known for its hop-forward brews and playful beer names.

  • Location: 1158 Hartford Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
  • Experience: Sample some of their “DIPA” and “Imperial Stout” offerings while enjoying the funky atmosphere.
  • Hoof Hearted Brewing Website

Evening: Dinner and Nightlife

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Pearl, a modern American gastropub known for its food pairings with craft beer.

  • Location: 641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
  • The Pearl Website

• Nightlife: Explore the nightlife in the Short North Arts District, full of bars, restaurants, and local art galleries.

Day 3: Cincinnati Brewery Tour

Morning: Travel and Brewery Visit

• Travel: Drive from Columbus to Cincinnati (approximately 2 hours).
• Brewery Visit: Start your day at Rhinegeist Brewery.
  • Location: 1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Experience: Rhinegeist offers a diverse selection, with their popular “Truth IPA” and “Bubbles” Brut IPA. The taproom features rooftop seating with stunning views of the city.
  • Rhinegeist Brewery Website

Lunch: Local Dining

• Location: Head to Sotto, an Italian restaurant that serves delicious dishes paired with local craft beers.
  • Location: 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Sotto Website

Afternoon: Brewery Visits

• Brewery Visit: Visit MadTree Brewing.

  • Location: 3301 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
  • Experience: Known for its “Lift” IPA and seasonal brews, this brewery has a large taproom with plenty of seating and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • MadTree Brewing Website

• Brewery Visit: Check out Taft’s Brewing Co., located in an old church and known for its historical charm and excellent brews.

  • Location: 1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Experience: Sample their “Rheingeist” and “Stout” beers while enjoying a fun, lively setting.
  • Taft’s Brewing Co. Website

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Pony Keg, a great spot to relax and grab some comfort food with a great craft beer selection.

  • Location: 2410 W 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • The Pony Keg Website

• Relaxation: End your tour with a scenic walk along the Cincinnati Riverwalk or explore the Over-the-Rhine District for its trendy bars and craft beer pubs.

This 3-day itinerary takes you through some of Ohio’s best breweries, with great food and entertainment to complement each stop. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, you’ll discover a rich and diverse craft beer scene that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable experiences. Enjoy your craft beer adventure through Ohio!

Outdoor Activities

1. Hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

• Description: Just outside of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers over 125 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views. It’s the perfect place for hiking, birdwatching, and biking. Don’t miss Brandywine Falls, one of Ohio’s most stunning natural sights.
• Website: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

2. Explore the Hocking Hills State Park

• Description: Known for its picturesque rock formations, waterfalls, and scenic trails, Hocking Hills is a popular spot for hiking, zip-lining, and rock climbing. Take the Old Man’s Cave trail for an unforgettable hiking experience.
• Website: Hocking Hills State Park

3. Kayak or Canoe on Lake Erie

• Description: Head to Put-in-Bay or Cedar Point for an unforgettable day of kayaking, paddleboarding, or enjoying the shoreline views of Lake Erie. The lake also offers great fishing opportunities.
• Website: Lake Erie Travel

4. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

• Description: For music lovers, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is a must-see. With exhibits on legendary artists and the history of rock and roll, it’s an immersive experience that celebrates music and culture.
• Website: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Sports in Ohio

5. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

• Description: The Cleveland Cavaliers are Ohio’s NBA team, and their games at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are a must-see for basketball fans. Whether it’s during the regular season or playoff time, the atmosphere is electric.
• Website: Cleveland Cavaliers

6. Cincinnati Reds (MLB)

• Description: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati is home to the Cincinnati Reds, one of the oldest Major League Baseball teams. Catching a game is a great way to experience Ohio’s love for baseball and enjoy the summer atmosphere.
• Website: Cincinnati Reds

7. Cleveland Indians (MLB)

• Description: Another Ohio baseball experience can be found at Progressive Field in Cleveland, where the Cleveland Indians (soon to be the Guardians) play. It’s a great way to enjoy America’s pastime in the heart of the city.
• Website: Cleveland Indians

8. Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA Football & Basketball)

• Description: Whether you’re in Columbus or not, catching a Ohio State Buckeyes game is a quintessential Ohio experience. The Buckeyes are top contenders in college football and basketball, and their games at Ohio Stadium or Value City Arena are full of energy.
• Website: Ohio State Athletics

9. Cleveland Browns (NFL)

• Description: For football fans, the Cleveland Browns offer an exciting experience at FirstEnergy Stadium. Whether it’s tailgating or cheering them on during the game, it’s an unforgettable sports experience.
• Website: Cleveland Browns

Unique Ohio Sports Experiences

10. Try a Go-Kart Race at K1 Speed in Columbus

• Description: If you’re looking for some adrenaline-fueled fun, head to K1 Speed for an indoor go-kart race. Perfect for friends or family, it offers a competitive and fun atmosphere with high-speed karts.
• Website: K1 Speed Columbus

11. Attend the Cleveland Air Show

• Description: Held annually in Cleveland, this air show is one of the largest and most exciting events in the state. Watch aerial stunts and performances by top pilots and military teams.
• Website: Cleveland Air Show

Culinary Experiences with Sports

12. Enjoy a Craft Beer and Watch a Game

• Activity: Ohio is home to numerous craft breweries, and many of them have great sports bars. Visit places like Ohio City Brewing or Fat Head’s Brewery to enjoy a local brew while watching a Cleveland Browns or Cavaliers game.
• Website: Ohio City Brewing

13. Take a Brewery Tour in Cincinnati

• Activity: Cincinnati is known for its beer culture, with historic breweries and new spots to explore. Check out Rheingeist Brewery, MadTree Brewing, or Taft’s Brewing for a tour and tasting of their unique brews.
• Website: Rheingeist Brewery

Ohio offers a diverse range of fun activities and sports experiences that can complement any trip. Whether you’re hiking through scenic parks, catching an exciting sporting event, or exploring local craft beers, the state has something for everyone. Make sure to balance your craft beer tours with sports events and outdoor adventures for a well-rounded and fun Ohio experience!

Ohio Beers & Breweries- Cityscape

Ohio hosts a variety of fantastic beer festivals throughout the year, celebrating the state’s rich craft beer culture. Here are some of the top beer festivals you can check out in Ohio:

1. Ohio Craft Brewers Association’s (OCBA) Six One Pour

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Date: Typically held in early May
• Description: This annual event celebrates Ohio’s craft beer culture, featuring over 30 local breweries. It’s a great opportunity to sample seasonal, limited-edition, and popular beers from across the state, all in one place.
• Website: Six One Pour

2. Great American Beer Festival (GABF)

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Typically held in October
• Description: The Great American Beer Festival is one of the largest beer festivals in the U.S., and it includes Ohio craft beers along with beers from across the country. This festival is a must-visit for beer lovers looking to sample a wide range of brews.
• Website: GABF

3. Cincinnati Brew HaHa

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Typically held in October
• Description: Brew HaHa is an annual beer festival featuring craft beer, food, and entertainment. With over 150 local beers on tap, it’s a great event for discovering new brews and enjoying live music.
• Website: Cincinnati Brew HaHa

4. Cleveland International Beer Fest

• Location: Cleveland, OH
• Date: Typically held in May
• Description: This festival showcases international and local craft beers. It’s a fantastic way to explore a wide variety of brews and enjoy food pairings from local restaurants.
• Website: Cleveland Beer Fest

5. Lancaster BrewFest

• Location: Lancaster, OH
• Date: Typically held in August
• Description: Lancaster BrewFest is a local favorite, bringing together a selection of craft breweries, food trucks, and live music. The event celebrates local breweries and the vibrant beer scene in Ohio.
• Website: Lancaster BrewFest

6. Hoppin’ On The Hill Beer Festival

• Location: Dayton, OH
• Date: Typically held in late summer
• Description: Hoppin’ On The Hill offers a great opportunity to sample beers from Ohio-based breweries. The festival also features local food vendors and live entertainment.
• Website: Hoppin’ On The Hill

7. Columbus Summer Beerfest

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Date: Typically held in July
• Description: With over 400 beers from more than 150 craft breweries, the Columbus Summer Beerfest is one of the biggest beer festivals in the state. Enjoy the large selection of craft beers, great food, and live entertainment.
• Website: Columbus Summer Beerfest

8. Ohio Craft Beer Week

• Location: Statewide
• Date: Typically held in mid-June
• Description: Ohio Craft Beer Week is a week-long celebration of Ohio’s craft beer scene, with events, tastings, and special releases held at breweries, restaurants, and bars throughout the state.
• Website: Ohio Craft Beer Week

9. Cincy Winter Beerfest

• Location: Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Typically held in early February
• Description: This winter festival offers a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a wide range of craft beers from local and national breweries. It’s the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter months while exploring Ohio’s craft beer offerings.
• Website: Cincy Winter Beerfest

Ohio’s beer festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to taste a wide range of beers, meet local brewers, and enjoy live entertainment, food, and community spirit. Be sure to check the official event websites for the latest details on dates, tickets, and brewery participation!