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A neon sign that says BEER is in the background of an underground bar with tables of patrons dining.

Beer + Vacation = Beercation

Explore the hoppy world of Beer in Cayuga County 

For some, a vacation suggests sandy beaches and water while for others, it means exploring history and new destinations. We think the most enjoyable vacations involve not only relaxation but also includes the creation of memorable and enriching experiences. A new trend in vacations is emerging…”beercations”. Beercations involve traveling to small breweries to sample local craft beers and engage with the brewers.

Breweries and pubs serve as excellent places to connect with people, especially the locals. For a conversation starter wear a brewery hat or shirt from your hometown brewery, this often sparks interactions with other fellow enthusiasts. Tips and suggestions from locals often lead to unexpected and exciting adventures. Through these newfound connections, you can gain valuable insights about must-see local attractions that may not be listed in a travel brochure.

Check out these award-winning breweries and plan your next “beercation” getaway in Cayuga County.

Prison City Brewery Prison City Pub & Brewery is a brewpub and a restaurant serving pub food, as well as craft beer made on premise that compliments their menu.  Located in downtown Auburn NY, Prison City is a gathering place for people who enjoy locally made beer and food.  Beers are brewed on premise by a Brewmaster and are paired with elevated pub food with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.  Visit and enjoy a laid back, high quality, industrial/rustic establishment. New at Prison City is The Armory Speakeasy. Step through the jail doors at Prison City Brewing, descend a flight of stairs, and you’ll find yourself in a clandestine speakeasy serving up classic and modern craft cocktails.

A glass of beer rests on a wooden bar at the Prison City Pub & Brewery
brew room

Lunkenheimer Craft Brewing– small batch, hand-crafted brewing company located in the historic Erie Canal village of Weedsport, New York. They have the flexibility to experiment and offer an ever-changing variety of creative and unusual ales. Here the pour is incredibly fresh, the glass is always half full and everyone celebrates by wetting their whistle. Lunkenheimer is Weedsport’s best doggone brew. Did I mention that dogs are welcome, they even have a dedicated web page: The Dogs of Lunkenheimer!

Shep’s Brewing Company– Founded in 2007 and serving Auburn since 2014,  Sheps has the distinction of being Cayuga County’s first brewery since prohibition. This Nano/Microbrewery is located downtown in Auburn, NY, and they specialize in ales, stouts, IPAs, DIPAs, wine and cider, all handmade.  Stop in, order a flight and discover a new favorite.

Aurora BrewingDiscover chaotically creative brews. Micro-brewery focuses on small batches of IPA. Lager, Stouts barrel aged and mixed fermented beers.

Beer + Vacation = "Beercation"
Summerhill Brewing Collection - OUR Cayuga

Owasco Lake Brewing Farm brewery in Moravia NY. Their goal is to bring people together to enjoy a great venue. Serving New York Style IPA’s, Blonde Ales and Sours all made with quality ingredients. Sample Twisted Sail this flagship blackberry kettle sour includes a twist of plum and cinnamon.

Beer + Vacation = "Beercation"
Three glasses of beer

Summerhill Brewing They take pride in brewing with local ingredients and offering a variety of hand-crafted small batch ales.   Summerhill is all about good brews, amazing views, flavorful eats, not to be missed sunsets, and live musical entertainment.  Camping is also available on site at their new 5 Lamps Inn camping site.

After checking out these great places for beer check out the other happenings in the area by visiting our things to do or events page.

Start Planning Your “Beercation” Today…