California Camp Bug

Since we’ve decided to go to Sinkyone Wilderness State Park in California’s Lost Coast, I’ve compiled a small list of breweries off Highway 101 to possibly check out en route. I wanted to add two more breweries to this road trip list even though they are not off the 101. Plans can change drastically and I want to be ready if we decide to take a different route. Certainly don’t want to miss out on any good beer!

Another way to the Lost Coast is to branch off the 101 at the town of Cloverdale and take Highway 128 through the Anderson Valley. The Anderson Valley is well known for producing great wine, harboring luscious redwood groves, and the rough and ready village of Boonville. I especially like the village of Boonville because it has one great brewery: Anderson Valley Brewing Company.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company: Well known for their legendary beers like Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout and Hop Ottin’ IPA. These big beers are California traditions and not to be missed. I’m excited to go back and see all the changes that have been made since our last visit years ago. They’ve changed locations, added a visitor center and gift shop, and now offer tours of the brewing facilities.

From Boonville, Highway 128 meanders out to the Pacific Coast following the Navarro River. This is where you start to head north on Highway 1 - pass the town of Mendocino to the city of Fort Bragg. Here lies one of my absolute favorite Breweries.

North Coast Brewing Company: This has been deemed as one of the best breweries in the world by the Beverage Testing Institute. I don’t doubt their claims one bit. Here they have a bit of something for everyone - a gift shop (love the beer memorabilia) and a tap room and grill to get your grub on. What more could you need? Great beer, excellent food, and a place to buy your bottle opener and t-shirt souvenirs.

So, my breweries list for this road trip has grown to seven different possible pit stops to enjoy California’s great beer. I’m not entirely sure which highways we will end up taking to get to and from the Lost Coast but at least we can say our beer bases are covered for every possible route.