Food & Drink

A Food and Drink Getaway Through the Best Breweries in Mississippi

Mississippi rarely gets mentioned as a craft beer destination, which is exactly what makes a road trip through its breweries feel like discovering a well-kept secret. Ask most travelers to name a Mississippi brewery, and you’ll likely get a blank stare. But drive south from Vicksburg through Natchez and Hattiesburg to the Gulf Coast, and you’ll find a string of small, determined breweries that have spent two decades building a real food and drink scene without much fanfare. Pair that with the region’s kitchens, wood-fired pizza, Detroit-style pies, and Southern bar food done right, and you have the makings of a proper tasting trip.

Before you head out, you’ll want to spend time doing the best things to do in Vicksburg. The bluffs above the Mississippi River hold some of the most significant Civil War history in the country, and the downtown is full of antique shops, murals, and river views that most visitors miss entirely on their way to New Orleans.

Mapping a Brewery and Food Road Trip Through Mississippi

A brewery road trip through Mississippi works best over two or three days with four solid stops. Take time to sit down and talk with the people pouring your beer.

Start close to home at Key City Brewery, Vicksburg’s only craft brewery, tucked into a rustic industrial space on Washington Street downtown. Their Blonde Ale, Mississippi Queen, sold out its first batch in six days and has stayed on tap ever since. Key City Brewery is known for inventive, small-batch releases, including the Death on Two Legs, an Imperial IPA built with pineapple juice, orange marmalade, and blood orange. The kitchen serves wood-fired pizza, and the patio fills up fast once the sun drops over the river.

About 75 miles south sits Natchez Brewing, pouring beer in a converted downtown space since 2014. Husband and wife owners Patrick and Lisa Miller built the place around Southern hospitality and Detroit-style pizza, and the taps rotate often between hazy IPAs and sours.

From Natchez, the drive to Hattiesburg runs a little over two hours, so plan to arrive hungry. Southern Prohibition has brewed in downtown Hattiesburg since 2013 and built its name on hop-forward IPAs and a rotating lineup of barrel-aged and wild ales. USA Today has ranked it among the top ten brewpubs in the country, and the kitchen serves inventive spins on classic bar food alongside old favorites. Their Crowd Control, a citrus- and pine-forward Imperial IPA, has been a longtime favorite.

Finish near the coast in Kiln at Lazy Magnolia Brewing Company, Mississippi’s oldest packaging brewery, founded in 2005. Their Southern Pecan brown ale is the beer most people associate with Mississippi craft beer, and tasting it fresh on The Porch, their newer taproom, is a different experience entirely from picking up a six-pack at home.

Where to Stay Between Stops on Your Mississippi Road Trip

Vicksburg is the natural starting point for this loop through the breweries in Mississippi, which makes Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast a practical home base as much as a comfortable one. You’re a few minutes from Key City for an easy first night, and close enough to the highway for an early start toward Natchez the next morning.

Oak Hall is a restored 1910 Mission Revival mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with private baths, individually controlled air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a pool to unwind in after a day of tasting flights in the Mississippi heat. It’s a different kind of stay than the chain Hotels in Vicksburg, MS, visitors usually default to, and one built around the same Southern hospitality you’ll find at every stop on this trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for a Mississippi brewery road trip?
Two to three days is enough to comfortably visit four breweries between Vicksburg, Natchez, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast without rushing.

What is the most well-known Mississippi craft beer?
Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan brown ale is widely considered the beer most associated with Mississippi craft beer, having been in production since 2005.

Can you buy beer at Mississippi breweries on Sunday?
Yes. Taproom sales run 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, including Sundays. Sunday restrictions apply to package store sales, not what’s served at the bar.

Where should I stay to start a brewery trip through Mississippi?
Vicksburg is a convenient starting point, positioned close to Key City Brewery and within easy driving distance of Natchez, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast.

Ready to start your own food and drink getaway through the best breweries in Mississippi? Book your stay at Oak Hall Bed and Breakfast and make Vicksburg your home base.

Best Wausau Breweries to Visit Near Downtown Wausau

Exploring Wausau Breweries is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the local culture, craft beverage scene, and welcoming atmosphere of Central Wisconsin. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway focused on outdoor recreation, downtown dining, or simply relaxing with someone special, the area’s breweries provide the perfect addition to your itinerary.

Located throughout downtown Wausau and the surrounding communities, these breweries offer everything from traditional Wisconsin lagers to innovative seasonal releases and small-batch creations. Visitors can enjoy casual taprooms, outdoor beer gardens, live entertainment, and locally inspired food while discovering why Wisconsin breweries continue to attract craft beer enthusiasts from across the Midwest.

Beyond the brewery scene, there are countless things to do in Wausau WI. Spend the day hiking the scenic trails at Rib Mountain State Park, skiing at Granite Peak during the winter months, browsing local shops in downtown Wausau, or attending a performance at the historic Grand Theater. The area’s mix of outdoor recreation and vibrant downtown attractions makes it easy to create a memorable weekend escape.

Stay Near the Best Wausau Breweries

Among the most popular stops is Red Eye Brewing Company, a downtown favorite known for its rotating craft beer selection, wood-fired pizza, and lively beer garden. Visitors can sample a variety of styles while enjoying a welcoming social atmosphere. Bull Falls Brewery, one of the area’s longtime brewing establishments, offers approachable lagers, ales, and porters that showcase traditional Wisconsin brewing.

Just outside the city, Mosinee Brewing Company features creative seasonal beers and small-batch releases served in a taproom built with locally sourced materials. Tribute Brewing Company offers a community-focused experience with a frequently changing tap list that highlights unique local creations.

After a day spent exploring Wausau Breweries and enjoying the best things to do in Wausau WI, Owl Ridge Cabin provides the perfect place to unwind. Located just minutes from downtown Wausau, our private, romantic Wisconsin cabin combines contemporary design, luxury amenities, and peaceful wooded surroundings. Guests can enhance their stay with a wine or beer, cheese, and charcuterie package featuring locally crafted beverages, or reserve a private candlelit culinary experience prepared by a local chef. For couples seeking a memorable Midwest weekend getaway, Owl Ridge Cabin offers an ideal blend of comfort, privacy, and convenient access to the area’s top attractions.

Restaurants in Albuquerque Near Old Town

When visitors begin researching the best restaurants in Albuquerque, Old Town is often where the conversation starts. The city’s food scene combines deep New Mexican culinary traditions with contemporary dining, creating an experience that feels distinctly tied to the Southwest. From historic adobe dining rooms to lively food halls, there is no shortage of memorable places to eat in Albuquerque during a weekend couples’ getaway.

Old Town restaurants reflect the city’s layered history and culture. High Noon Restaurant and Saloon remains one of the most established dining destinations in the district, serving premium steaks, wild game, and classic Southwestern cocktails inside one of the oldest buildings in Albuquerque. Nearby, Seasons Rotisserie and Grill brings a more modern approach with refined seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list, and a rooftop cantina known for live jazz and mountain views on weekend evenings.

For guests celebrating a special occasion, Antiquity Restaurant continues to rank among the best restaurants in Albuquerque for its intimate atmosphere, expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and impressive wine cellar. Those looking for lighter fare often gravitate toward Vinaigrette, where locally sourced ingredients and creative salads highlight the region’s agricultural roots.

No guide to restaurants in Old Town would be complete without authentic New Mexican cuisine. Garduños serves longtime regional favorites including huevos rancheros, tamales, enchiladas, and chile rellenos, giving visitors a true taste of local flavors. Lescombes Winery and Bistro adds another layer to the city’s dining scene with comforting bistro dishes paired alongside New Mexico wines in a welcoming tasting room environment.

Outside of Old Town, Sawmill Market has quickly become one of the most talked-about places to eat in Albuquerque. The large indoor food hall gathers local vendors serving wood-fired pizza, ramen, pastries, coffee, and regional specialties under one roof. Its lively atmosphere makes it especially popular for casual weekend dining.

Stay Near Albuquerque’s Top Dining Spots

After exploring the best restaurants in Albuquerque, retreat to a beautifully restored Bed and Breakfast located in Old Town. Staying within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, and historic landmarks makes it easy to experience the city. Guests can begin each morning with a gourmet breakfast before heading out to discover more of the celebrated dining scene and the best things to do in Albuquerque.

Best Stillwater Restaurants for Couples

The best Stillwater Restaurants set the tone for some of the most memorable romantic getaways in MN. Nestled along the St. Croix River, this historic river town offers an impressive range of restaurants in Stillwater, from refined dining rooms with sweeping water views to lively pubs filled with music and energy. Within a few walkable blocks of downtown, couples can experience a variety of flavors that make food in Stillwater, MN, worth planning a trip around.

For a festive and spirited evening, Charlie’s Restaurant & Irish Pub remains one of the most beloved downtown Stillwater restaurants. Known for its Irish-American menu and welcoming atmosphere, it serves favorites like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and house-made specialties. Live music on weekends adds to the celebratory vibe, making it a lively stop for date nights or holiday celebrations.

For elevated dining, Papa’s Rooftop offers seasonal menus paired with panoramic river views. Located atop a historic hotel, it is one of the most scenic places to eat in Stillwater, MN, during warmer months. Beyond these on-site favorites, Brick & Bourbon delivers shareable plates and craft cocktails, while Domacin Restaurant & Wine Bar pairs global flavors with an extensive wine list ideal for intimate evenings. Feller highlights seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine for couples seeking a refined dining experience.

Romantic Getaways in MN Start Here

After dinner, the evening continues just steps away at a charming waterfront hotel in Stillwater, in the center of downtown. Spacious guest rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the St. Croix River, offer comfort and historic character in equal measure.

Staying within walking distance of downtown Stillwater restaurants means you can leave the car parked and fully enjoy the evening. From lively taverns to sophisticated dining rooms, the variety of places to relax makes this Midwest river town an exceptional choice for couples seeking a romantic escape. Book your lodging in Stillwater today and turn dinner into a full getaway.