4 Oregon & Washington Cities Rank as Top Off-The-Beaten-Path Beer Destinations in the U.S.
Asheville, North Carolina
According to a new study by the world’s largest vacation rentals marketplace, Bend, Oregon, is a top 10 “off-the-beaten path” beer destination. The 2024 Beer Lovers Index is based on HomeToGo search demand based on variables like average beer costs, the number of local breweries and brew pubs, and accommodation prices for nearby vacation rentals.
The Top 10:
#1 Asheville, North Carolina: As a beer lover's paradise, Asheville boasts over 30 breweries, including iconic spots 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.
#2 Kalamazoo, Michigan: Anchored by Bell’s Brewery and its renowned Two-Hearted Ale, a must-try for IPA enthusiasts. With unique spots like the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange and a lively, walkable downtown, the city offers a vibrant beer culture and memorable experiences.
#3 Portland, Maine: Portland is a top beer destination, featuring renowned breweries like Allagash, known for its Belgian-style beers, and Rising Tide, which highlights local ingredients. With its coastal charm, vibrant food scene, and numerous breweries, Portland offers a rich and flavorful beer experience.
#4 Boise, Idaho
#5 Huntsville, Alabama
#6 Greensboro, North Carolina
#7 Bend, Oregon
#8 Greenville, South Carolina
#9 Frederick, Maryland
#10 Lexington, Kentucky
Cheapest Place for a Pint: In Greensboro, North Carolina, pints can be purchased for $3 on average.
Most Affordable Vacation Rentals: Kalamazoo, Michigan, boasts the most affordable vacation rental prices with a median price per night of $155.40.
Bend, Oregon ranks #7
Oregon and Washington place 4 cities in Top 36
Bend, Oregon is the only city in the Pacific Northwest to make the Top 10, coming in at #7.
Eugene, Oregon also earned a top spot, the only other city in Oregon to do so, coming in at #17.
Washington also placed two cities in the top 36. Spokane ranked #19 and Bellingham ranked #31.
Methodology
Like us, you may come to these sorts of rankings with skepticism, and HomeToGo addresses this by sharing their methodology:
Destinations with a population of less than 700,000 and at least five breweries/brewpubs were considered. In order to rank these destinations, three data points were researched: the number breweries and brewpubs in each destination, the cost of beer, and the median nightly price for a vacation rental. After obtaining the raw data, each data point was assigned a representative numerical value between 5 and 10, with 5 representing the lowest data point and 10 representing the highest data point. The hypothetical "perfect score" would be 30 out of 30. The following equation was used in order to calculate this for every factor:
Establishments Score: The number of breweries and brewpubs in each destination was identified using industry sources such as openbrewerydb.org. The destination with the highest number of breweries and brewpubs was awarded a maximum score of 10, and the remaining locations were awarded a score of 5 or higher. Data was collected in August 2024 and is subject to change.
Beer Price Score: The price of 0.5L of domestic beer was recorded for each destination via numbeo.com. The destination with the lowest price was awarded a maximum score of 10, and the remaining locations were awarded a score of 5 or higher. Data was collected in August 2024 and is subject to change.
Vacation Rental Cost Score: Exclusive internal HomeToGo price data was used to find the median nightly price for a vacation rental in each destination. The area with the lowest accommodation cost was awarded a maximum score of 10, and the remaining areas were awarded a score of 5 or higher. Data was collected in August 2024 and is subject to change.
“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,” said Eleanor Moody, Travel Expert and Spokesperson at HomeToGo