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Long Trail Brewing Company, Windsor County Travel Guide

4.5 (594)

Vermont's trailblazing craft brewery pours flagship ales and farm-fresh pub fare beside the Ottaquechee River, blending brewing heritage with Green Mountain scenery and lively events.

Nestled along the Ottaquechee River in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, Long Trail Brewing Company is Vermont's iconic craft brewery since 1989. Famous for its flagship Long Trail Ale, this riverside destination offers tours, a lively brewpub with farm-to-table fare, seasonal events like trivia and live music, and over a dozen fresh beers on tap in a scenic Green Mountains setting.

A brief summary to Long Trail Brewing Company

  • 5520 US-4, Bridgewater Corners, Bridgewater Corners, Vermont, 05035, US
  • Click to display
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  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-8 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Long Trail Brewing Company.

  • Reserve ahead for brewpub seating, especially weekends; arrive early for trivia or live music.
  • Sample the flight of 12+ taps including Long Trail Ale and seasonal pilot brews.
  • Pair beers with local pub grub; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options abound.
  • Explore the riverside grounds and hiking trail namesake nearby for a full afternoon.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Boston, 2.5 hours north via I-93 and US-4; free off-street parking on-site, 1.5 hours south of Burlington.

  • Public Transport

    Bus to Rutland or Woodstock then taxi 20-30 min; no direct service, plan $50-80 roundtrip.

  • Walking/Biking

    Scenic riverside paths from nearby trails; bike racks available, 10-min walk from Rte. 4 junction.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

  • Restrooms
  • Food Options
  • Drink Options
  • Seating Areas
  • Sheltered Areas
  • Parking Available

Discover more about Long Trail Brewing Company

History and Heritage

Founded in 1989 by Andy Pherson in the basement of the historic Bridgewater Woolen Mill, Long Trail Brewing Company started as Mountain Brewers, crafting affordable American beers amid pricey imports. Relocating to its current 1995 facility on the Ottaquechee River banks, it renamed to honor Vermont's legendary 273-mile Long Trail hiking path through the Green Mountains. Acquired by Harpoon Brewery in 2022, it remains a craft beer pioneer, producing Vermont's top-selling craft brew, Long Trail Ale, a crisp German-style Altbier.

Brewing Excellence

The campus features state-of-the-art brewing operations, a farmhouse pilot brewery for experimental small-batch beers like Limbo IPA and Brown Bag Series releases such as Maple Maibock and Belgian Smoked Porter. Year-round staples include hefeweizen and Blackbeary Wheat, with seasonal innovations drawing from local ingredients. Distributed across New England and beyond, 45% of its beer stays in Vermont, fueling the local craft scene.

Brewpub Experience

The on-site brewpub serves lunch and dinner with a rotating menu of locally sourced American pub fare, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Savor flights of fresh drafts amid rustic-industrial charm, with indoor and outdoor seating, free parking, and wheelchair access. Private events accommodate groups with customized beer and food pairings in the picturesque riverside setting.

Events and Entertainment

Lively happenings include weekly Friday trivia from 6-8 PM, live music performances, and special releases. The visitor center offers insights into brewing processes, wastewater treatment sustainability, and the brewery's Dirty Jobs TV fame. Ideal for day trips, it's a hub for beer lovers exploring Vermont's outdoor trails and Quechee Gorge nearby.

Visiting Essentials

Open daily from noon, with extended weekend hours till 8 PM. Reservations recommended via OpenTable. Located at the Rte. 4 and 100A junction, it's 2.5 hours from Boston, perfect for hikers, families, and craft enthusiasts seeking authentic Vermont vibes.

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