Thomas Jefferson was quoted as saying “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health." Take the words of the former US president—and long-time Virginia resident— to heart on this tour of the area's finest local craft breweries.

After you're picked up from your hotel in Charlottesville, head out into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to what's known as the Brew Ridge Trail. Visit up to 4 craft breweries, popping into the tasting rooms of beloved spots like Three Notch'd Brewery and Random Row and going behind the scenes at one brewery for an inside look at production.

At each location, sample an array of 5–10 crisp and frothy ales. You might sip on the unfiltered Belgian-style Blonde Hunny brewed from locally sourced ingredients at Wild Wolf Brewing Company, the creamy Black Rock milk stout at Devils Backbone, or the citrusy Hopwork Orange IPA at Blue Mountain Barrel House. Once you've sampled your way through Virginia's best porters, pales, and pilsners, hop back in the van for the hassle-free ride back to your hotel.