Exploring the Craft Beer Scene: Top 4 Breweries to Visit in Susquehanna Valley and Central PA

Visiting breweries is a fun activity that usually includes tasty food, outdoor patios, great friends - and of course good cold beer in more varieties than you can reasonably try. We've found visiting breweries in our area has been a great way to see new parts of the area we live in. It's gets us out of the house on a beautiful evening and having new experiences. No matter if you're a sucker for sours, like Bri, or a NE IPA fan like myself, give these breweries in the Susquehanna River Valley a try next time you have a free evening!

Old Forge Brewery - Danville, PA

As residents of Danville, Old Forge is a staple in our lives since it's conviently located right on Mill Street in Danville. It's a consistently good establishment with a wide list of beers to choose from along with tasty food options. Beers rotate some, but if you have a favorite it'll typically stick around a while. We usually find ourselves ordering the same beer week after week. They usually don't carry a host of IPAs, but have enough to find something you like. The food is always on par for what you'd expect from a brewery, with some fun weekly specials to watch out for. You can find us here most Tuesday nights for trivia with Quizmaster Kate!

Three Beards Brewing - Sunbury, PA

Depending where you're traveling from, the drive to Three Beards can make the most adventurous travelers a little apprehensive! After slipping down a gravel one-lane road, the view opens up into one of the most scenic breweries I've ever been to (and that's a lot). Don't let that scare you from visiting this amazing location, though. The brewery is located just outside of Sunbury and is an easy drive from there. What you're rewarded with is a breathtaking view of rolling hills, farms, and even the brewery itself is everything you want to experience when in the Susquehanna River Valley.

Be sure to take advantage of the outdoor patio and/or the a Adirondack chairs overlooking the valley. They have wonderful beers on tap with quirky names (Kegstands for Grandma, was one that I recall), including some delightful haze IPAs, fruit-forward sours and everything in between. And if you're not feeling beer, you can enjoy a glass of wine from the co-owned winery located at the bottom of the hill from the brewery, Spyglass Winery. Oh, their food is delicious too. Wood fired pizzas, flatbreads, sandwiches and more. We recently enjoyed the Crabby Karen Dip appetizer and an Elote Flatbread. There's too much to good to say about Three Beards. Just go visit and you won't be disappointed.

Turkey Hill Brewing Company - Bloomsburg, PA

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just going out for a casual meal, Turkey Hill Brewing Company never disappoints. The wide selection of beers, including sours, accompanies their delicious food including the best buffalo chicken dip and a wild game menu – all at very reasonable prices.

Once you visit, you’ll understand…and keep going back. If you’re looking for a little fancier meal, they also have a smaller upscale restaurant called The Inn at Turkey Hill behind the brewery that also delivers in every way.

Troegs Independent Brewing Company - Hershey, PA

If you've been in Central PA for any amount of time, you may have heard of Troegs – and for good reason! They're one of the largest independent breweries remaining in the US and is definitely worth a visit. They have a beautiful brewery that's fun for the whole family. Grab lunch from the Snack Bar (with portion sized much larger than a "snack"), grab a pint and explore the bottle shop/gift shop.

If you're planning ahead, Troegs also offers a behind-the-scenes brewery tour that is very worth the $12. Bookings can be found on their website and you'll enjoy a free welcome pour, guided tour of the brew making process, branded pint glass, and beer tasting at the end! I've taken the tour multiple times now and I learn something new each time.

Exploring local breweries is a great way to find new places, spice up your week, and celebrate with friends. There are too many great breweries in Central PA to list here, but we encourage you to try one soon! There is a great resource that connects many of the local breweries here in the Susquehanna Valley call River Rat Brew Trail. Using their list, you can try to visit them all.

Happy exploring!