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(Asheville, NC – credit: HomeToGo/Getty)
Beer lovers have special needs when it comes to vacations. And HomeToGo, an online site offering vacation rentals, just compiled a list of the best US cities for sipping suds in 2024.
Using extensive data from internal search trends, combined with key factors including local brewery density, average beer prices, and vacation rental affordability, the 2024 Beer Lovers Index offers a fresh take on the best places to enjoy craft beer beyond the usual suspects.
From lesser-known craft breweries to unexpected ale trails, this guide uncovers hidden gems where beer enthusiasts can explore unique flavors and local culture without the crowds.
“With National Beer Lovers Day right around the corner, we are thrilled to launch our annual Beer Lovers Index with a fresh perspective,” said Eleanor Moody, Travel Expert and Spokesperson at HomeToGo.
“As the brewery scene across the U.S. continues to evolve, so do the tastes of travelers. In response to Americans’ heightened interest in hidden gem destinations, we’ve built this list of lesser known, yet quietly iconic, locales where beer lovers can indulge in unique, unforgettable flavors.”
And here’s (Drum roll please) what they came up with…
| Rank | Destination | State | Brewery Score | Beer Price Score | Accommodation Score | Total Score |
| #1 | Asheville | North Carolina | 9.62 | 9.00 | 8.05 | 26.67 |
| #2 | Kalamazoo | Michigan | 6.92 | 9.50 | 10.00 | 26.42 |
| #3 | Portland | Maine | 10.00 | 6.50 | 9.43 | 25.93 |
| #4 | Boise | Idaho | 8.85 | 7.00 | 9.35 | 25.20 |
| #5 | Huntsville | Alabama | 6.15 | 9.00 | 9.56 | 24.71 |
| #6 | Greensboro | North Carolina | 5.38 | 10.00 | 9.00 | 24.38 |
| #7 | Bend | Oregon | 9.23 | 6.50 | 8.42 | 24.15 |
| #8 | Greenville | South Carolina | 6.92 | 7.50 | 9.41 | 23.83 |
| #9 | Frederick | Maryland | 5.77 | 8.00 | 9.95 | 23.72 |
| #10 | Lexington | Kentucky | 6.92 | 8.50 | 8.20 | 23.62 |
Highlights from HomeToGo’s Top 3 Hotspots…
Asheville, North Carolina: As a beer lover’s paradise, Asheville boasts over 30 breweries, including majors like Sierra Nevada and New Belgium and iconic brewer like Highland Brewing and Green Man Brewery. Known for its rich brewing legacy, the city offers a diverse range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to complex sours, all within its easily walkable downtown.
Kalamazoo, Michigan: Anchored by Bell’s Brewery which runs a large production facility just outside Kalamazoo, as well as its original operation downtown, Kalamazoo is one of the best beer cities in the US that doesn’t immediately come to mind.
Portland, Maine: Portland is a top beer destination, thanks to renowned breweries like Allagash, known for its Belgian-style beers, and Rising Tide, a local legend committed to brewing beer using local ingredients. With its coastal charm, vibrant food scene, and numerous breweries, Portland offers a rich and flavorful beer experience.
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(All image credits including landing page: HomeToGo/Getty)
