Hop On The Greensboro Craft Brewery Tour This Weekend!

Greensboro is no stranger to innovation and creativity. Step inside the 7,500-square-foot black box theatre at the downtown Greensboro Cultural Center and you'll see firsthand just how deep the artistry lies in the Gate City. You might also get that same impression by visiting the Greensboro History Museum, Multicultural Resource Center, and Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center.

There are professionals all around the city dedicated to preserving its history and celebrating its heritage. There are also many up-and-comers making a name for themselves in industries across town, from custom denim designers to confectioners swirling up sweet macaroons.

What you might not realize is that Greensboro is also quickly transforming into a major player in the craft beer industry. You might grab a pint at Natty Greene's Brewing Company on a Saturday night with friends, but did you know there are tons more suds to be found just down the block?

In fact, the greater Greensboro area is home to more than 12 craft breweries and new openings and expansions are constantly in the works.

This Saturday, November 25, you'll get a chance to explore some of the highlights of this scene. You'll also meet some of the key players and learn how the city's rich history is playing a role in shaping it.

Picture this. It's the weekend after Thanksgiving. You're still stuffed from those sliders you made with leftover turkey and dressing. You shopped till you dropped on Black Friday and now you just really want to chill. With the stress of a major holiday behind you, there's no better time than the present to be chauffeured around on a booze cruise you'll never forget.

The Greensboro Craft Brewery Tour, provided by local premiere bus tour company Tad Hopper Tours, begins at the World of Beer on Westover Terrace (where else?) at 12:30 p.m. It also ends there, making it easy to coordinate with your designated driver. Arrive a little early and take in the atmosphere. There's live music. There's alcohol. There's also a killer tavern menu.

The good news? If you're wearing your Tad Hopper Tours wristband, you'll get 20% off your meal. So, eat up and prepare your gut for some serious beer tasting. It's gonna need it.

From there, you'll hop on the bus, grab a sweet souvenir cup, and head to your first destination: Natty Greene's on Elm Street. You'll taste two to four beers, then select one to try for your "Taster's Choice" option. Be sure to be on the lookout for seasonal flavors, such as the Red Nose Winter Ale. Sure, you can buy a six-pack of it at the local grocery store, but nothing taste better than straight from the tap.

The process will repeat at Joymongers, Fainting Goat Spirits, Preyer Brewing Company, Pig Pounder, and finally, at beerthirty.

A quick note about Preyer: The brewery is known for experimenting with wheat brews and other unique and unexpected flavors. If available, be sure to sip some Peppanero Habanero Pale Ale if you think you can take the heat.

Before leaving each store, be sure to stock up on any essentials you'd like to take home. Remember, the holidays are right around the corner and arguably nothing says "Happy Holidays" more than a 12-pack of hard-to-snag brewskies for your bestie. Tad Hopper Tours will hook you up with all the cold storage you need to keep your growlers and crowlers ice cold for the duration of the trip.

At each stop, you'll talk to the brewmasters, beer associates, and behind-the-scenes folks that make the beer happen. They'll share how they got into the industry, how the product is made, and how Greensboro's unique flair contributes to the craftsmanship.

As you listen, snack on some of the provided finger foods and be sure to drink plenty of water. You'll need your stamina to keep up with your notes!

That's right. Though this is intended to be a lighthearted and laid-back experience, it's not without a little bit of homework. Don't worry, though, this is the fun kind.

When you arrive, you'll get a Beer Tasting Card to keep with you as you tour the breweries. Use it to take notes on which beers you loved, which you're on the fence about, and which ones you're not crazy over. That way, when you get home (or go back the next day), you'll have a clear record of where to look.

Lasting an impressive 3.5 hours, the tour concludes at 4:00.

So grab a few friends, family members, or co-workers and make it a holiday tradition to come. If you can't make it this Saturday, don't sweat it. The tour is available every Saturday from November 5 to December 30.

You know you're already in your stretchy pants from Turkey Day, anyway. Throw on a jacket and grab your wallet and head out there. I'll be the one in the back of the bus, nursing a tryptophan hangover. Be sure to check the News & Record calendar, however, because locations are subject to change.

At $47.50 per person, that's less than $50 for more than three hours of culture, conversation, and killer beer. Whoever said money can't buy happiness might have been correct. But it can buy hoppiness, so let's go check it out together!