Bring Dad to Norfolk for Beer This Father’s Day

Father’s Day and breweries go hand in hand. Pack up the car and head out for a road trip, brewery-laden weekend getaway in Norfolk, Virginia, especially in the walkable Chelsea neighborhood.

Start your brew tour off at The Birch for craft beers from around the world. Being Norfolk’s first craft beer bar, this spot is a beer lover’s dream, with 21 beers and five cider and mead options on draft. The extended list showcases beers from France, Japan, the United States and Belgium. To accompany the beer, opt for a light snack of meats and cheeses or one of the beer-inspired grilled cheeses on the menu.

Next, walk around the corner to Benchtop Craft Brewing Company. A former food scientist who spent years in research, quality control and consumer insights runs the brewery. The head brewer and his wife concocted many unique flavors over the years with ingredients like carrots, beets and grasshoppers. These beers can be enjoyed inside the taproom or at one of the many tables outside.

A few blocks down from Benchtop is Smartmouth Brewing, famed for its Lucky Charms-inspired brew that makes an appearance around St. Patrick’s Day. With fun names like Safety Dance, Game On and Umbrella Head, Dad is sure to have a relaxing time sipping on one of the many beers on draft. Smartmouth regularly has rotating food trucks for guests to enjoy a pint and bite. On Wednesdays, join the brewery in trivia starting at 6 p.m.