When you are visiting Skytop Lodge, you are sure to want to explore the region and take in all of the fabulous things to do in the Poconos. Who doesn’t want to check out the finest made craft beers and breweries in the area? This is a fantastic way to explore all that the Poconos has to offer and have a little fun while you do it.
We certainly hope you will check out some of the options on-site, including The Taproom, the perfect place for our own local craft beers where there are some outstanding brews on tap. You will also find a few rare liquors available for those who have a more refined palette.
Must-Try Poconos Breweries and Wineries
For those looking for wineries or a brewery tour in the Poconos, here are our recommendations.
The Pocono Brewing Company
Its name says it all. It is one of the most recognized options out there, and a family-owned one at that. They do a great job of keeping the very best brews available and also have a wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta menu as well.
For those serious about craft beer, The Pocono Brewing Company offers a tour. Plan to schedule your tour at least three days in advance. You’ll be able to walk through the brewery and see all the behind-the-scenes action. The head brewer takes you on that tour. We highly recommend the flights they offer, too.
Barley Creek Brewing Company
The beer at the Barley Creek Brewing Company is made on-site (you may be surprised by how many companies do not do that). This is a microbrewery, and what is available and on tap could change often. However, this microbrewery and distillery is a sound place for those who want some of the best flavors out there.
What’s on tap changes frequently, but the company offers plenty of options, including Antler Brown Ale, Super Hop Triple IPA, Pocono Punch, and much more. Check out the Iron Arm Belgian Style Wheat for something unique. There is a full menu here, and you can also schedule a tour. There are some family-friendly activities to enjoy as well.
Here & Now Brewing Company
Another option is Here & Now Brewing Company. Some come for the brown butter popcorn (and the duck fat popcorn, for that matter). Others come because of the quality of the beer. It is a smaller location, but they have a lot of quality products to enjoy. Keep in mind that this location is seasonal and may not be available during the colder months. The brewery has a lot of beer options to check out, including Bat Patterns, NITRO Bat Patterns, Le Dale, and Dark Secret, among others.
Downriver Brewing Co.
Downriver Brewing Co is the ideal brewery to visit when you want a truly rustic and authentic location. The company itself is exceptional in terms of providing lots of things to do (axe throwing and trivia nights are some of those things). They are also a very positive, upbeat location.
This brewery is great, no matter what type of beer is your favorite. You will find a lot of freshly brewed products to choose from on tap. Don’t forget to check out a flight to try a number of different choices at once. The upbeat feel of this location makes it a must to visit.
Big Creek Vineyard
What if you are looking for some wine instead of just focusing on the beer? One of our favorite locations is Big Creek Vineyard. It has been in operation reliably since 1996 and continues to offer some of the very best wines in the Poconos.
You can set up a tasting with your fellow wine lovers to check out the vineyard and the winery. The location also offers some delicious foods that pair well with the wines they offer. From dry reds to sweet wine, there is something here for just about everyone. You may want to pick up a few bottles (like Moonlight White and Marechal Foch for the weekend).
Wallenpaupack Brewing Company
A much larger organization, Wallenpaupack Brewing Company has a lot to offer. This is a great location to visit when everyone in your party likes something different. The beers here are fantastic, offering their flagship beers such as Hawley Hefeweizen, a German-style wheat beer, Paupack Cream Ale, a cream ale, and Largemouth IPA, the company’s flagship IPA. There are a lot of other options on tap and ready to impress you, too.
There is also a lot to do here. You can make a day with it by enjoying the onsite sports and games. The indoor golf is a good bet when the weather is not working out for you. There is a bistro here, too, with some tasty menu options.
Bright Path Brewery
Located in Jim Thorpe, a popular tourism spot for those who are visiting the Poconos, Bright Path Brewing is a must while you are in town. The location specializes in low ABV and session style ales. They also have some nice lagers here. There are a few things that make this location top-notch. One is the fact that this is a multi-generational company that is locally owned and really working on perfecting the beer-making process in its own way. There is no doubt that these are serious products made by people who are passionate.
The brewery offers a taproom, where it is easy enough to find favorites and local creations. There is also a food truck available. They even do to-go beers and kegs for those planning a celebration.
ShawneeCraft Brewing Company
This is a fantastic place to visit when you want the very best. The company’s brewmasters take their craft seriously, and you can tell by the quality of their product and the attention to detail they follow when creating it.
The ShawneeCraft Taproom offers 14 handmade beers from the company as well as hard seltzers on tap. While you are there, you may want to check out their wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, which could be a fast favorite for those who want authentic goodness. The ShawneeCraft Brewing Company even has a beer garden to explore.
Book Your Stay at Skytop Lodge
With all of the things to do in the Poconos, there is no place better to call home during your stay than Skytop Lodge. We welcome you and hope you’ll enjoy one of our award-winning wines while you celebrate with us. Book your room today and start planning your adventure.