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\nWhen you\u2019re looking to experience the flavor of a new place, you\u2019re certainly going to need to do a little taste testing. After all, isn\u2019t the saying, \u201cdo as the locals do?\u201d In our experience, that means not only eating like a local, but sipping like one, too! And as the craft spirits industry keeps booming \u2014 with more than 1,000 craft distillers in the U.S. and growing \u2014 it\u2019s obvious that travelers are seeking out handcrafted, locally-sourced moments more and more.<\/p>\n\n
Unlike wineries, however, great distilleries aren\u2019t geographically limited, you\u2019ll find them all over<\/a>! Before you become overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options, take a look at our guide for helping you narrow down a great destination for your craft spirits inspired escape. Check out our picks for the top 10 small metro escapes to shop, sip and buy craft spirits, a little off the beaten path, but worth the detour!<\/p>\n Halfway between L.A. and San Francisco sits California\u2019s San Luis Obispo, a relaxing metro on the Central Coast that seems like it was made for relaxing with your favorite adult beverage. Fine wine isn\u2019t the only thing you\u2019ll find in Cali \u2014 or at Autry Cellars<\/a> \u2014 where barrel finished brandy is as popular as its vino. Want a variety of distillery options? The rolling hills of Paso Robles is a hotbed for them, with options like Krobar Craft Distillery<\/a>, Re:Find Distillery<\/a>, Red Soles Stillhouse<\/a>, and Wine Shine<\/a> all waiting to quench your thirst for local artisan refreshments.<\/p>\n Sure, the Santa Rosa metro area and its surrounding cities, like Sonoma<\/a>, might be synonymous with Wine Country. But, don\u2019t discount its ability to wow visitors with premium craft spirits, too. Get in on the grain to glass movement at Spirit Works Distillery<\/a>, whose dedication to milling, mashing, fermenting and distilling whole grains on site is made obvious in the quality of its finished product. Petaluma\u2019s Griffo Distillery<\/a> offers a comfortable escape that feels like home, as husband and wife duo Michael and Jenny welcome you to their family-run business. While you\u2019re there don\u2019t forget to meet \u201cBetty,\u201d the distillery\u2019s true star (a 250-galllon copper pot still!)<\/p>\n Colorado is like paradise for craft spirits lovers, with more than 50 local distillers across the state. Catch a flight to Denver<\/a>, then head to Boulder\u2019s Vapor Distillery<\/a>. Here you’ll experience the fine art of small batch craft distilling that is so local, even the water used during its making is straight from the Colorado Rocky Mountains. And they\u2019ve made a name for themselves as award winners for their new and innovative creations. Try the Pumpkin King cordial for an intriguing blend of hand-roasted baby pumpkins, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla beans and their original gin. Yum!<\/p>\n The city of Fort Collins<\/a>, and its surrounding metro, has long been known for its excellent craft brewing heritage, so craft distilling also finds a natural home here. Discover inspired spirits at CopperMuse\u00ae,<\/a> where only the best ingredients are used to ensure top-shelf quality no matter when you sip. Sometimes there’s nothing like the original, as Feisty Spirits Distillery<\/a> boasts with its claim as Fort Collins\u2019 first distillery with a passion for great whiskey. And for a local twist you might not expect, check out the newest venture from a local pastor with a sense of humor, Big Fat Pastor Spirits<\/a>. With bottles of liquor featuring the chuckling pastor himself, it\u2019s the perfect \u201csouvenir\u201d to bring home to your friends \u2014 or save for yourself!<\/p>\n Heading upstate? Escape the bustle of the city and drive north to the Kingston metro area, a cozy destination that seems worlds away but is only a short 2-hour jaunt from New York City<\/a>. Go ahead, rent a car<\/a> for the weekend and make the trek to distilleries like Springbrook Hollow Farm<\/a>, tucked away in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains or Lake George Distilling Company<\/a> \u2026 featuring its can\u2019t miss \u201c32 Mile Moonshine\u201d named for the length of Lake George.<\/p>\n Even further upstate you\u2019ll find Glens Falls, with distillery experiences paying homage to its industrial roots. Visit Coppersea Distillery<\/a> in West Park to discover the difference in quality vs. quantity. The craft distillery focuses on traditional techniques such as floor malting their locally-sourced Hudson Valley grain and using direct fire for producing their spirits for handcrafted perfection in each and every batch. Or explore the options that the farming town of Gardiner has to offer, with delicious libations at both Gardiner Liquid Mercantile<\/a> and Tuthilltown Spirits<\/a>.<\/p>\n The picturesque mountain town of Bend<\/a> is another inviting setting to inspire your tastebuds with local spirits. And the beautiful scenery and great weather make the experience all the better. Spend the afternoon hiking, biking or skiing, then relax at your choice of craft distilleries, including Oregon Spirit Distillers<\/a>, featuring tours 7 days a week at 5 p.m., or Crater Lake Spirits<\/a> by Bendistillery, where even spirit connoisseurs will be impressed by their award-winning selection.<\/p>\n Just 1.5 hours south of Portland, is the metro area of Corvallis<\/a>, where small batch fine spirits reign. Pull up a barstool and relax in this comfortable getaway that\u2019s made a name for itself in the craft spirits arena. Stop into Spiritopia Craft Spirits<\/a> for \u201cThe World\u2019s Finest Sipping Ginger,\u201d and head to Vivacity Spirits<\/a> for everything from Turkish coffee liqueur to traditional rum. Or check out Hard Times Distillery<\/a> for their original Sweet Baby Vodka made from molasses.<\/p>\n Want to sip your spirits with a view? You can\u2019t lose in the Wenatchee metro area, where beautiful scenery pairs perfectly with your favorite liquor. Check out It\u2019s 5 Artisan Distillery<\/a> for products made from fruits and grains grown in Washington State \u2014 and bottles so artistic, you\u2019ll want to gift one to all your friends! Or get close to nature at Blue Spirits Distilling<\/a>, where its drinks are inspired by the pristine Lake Chelan nearby.<\/p>\n You know what pairs perfectly with craft spirits? Breathtaking scenery. And the Pacific Northwest is the place to find it! Located in between Seattle<\/a> and Vancouver<\/a>, the metro area of Mount Vernon and Anacortes is rich with natural beauty. Go ahead and savor its beauty as you sip drinks at Valley Shine Distillery<\/a>, home of the All-American Benjamin\u2019s Bourbon, Bonfire Toffee liqueur and the summer favorite, Limoncello liqueur, to name a few. Moonshine fans will appreciate Deception Distilling<\/a>, offering clear corn whiskey made from Washington State barley.<\/p>\nCALIFORNIA<\/strong><\/h2>\n
San Luis Obispo, CA Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/WhiskeyIce.jpg\")
\nSanta Rosa\/Petaluma, CA Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
COLORADO<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Boulder, CO Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CognacBottles.jpg\")
\nFt. Collins, CO Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
NEW YORK<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Kingston, NY Metro <\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/DistilleryWorkers.jpg\")
\nGlens Falls, NY Metro <\/strong> <\/strong><\/h3>\n
OREGON<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Bend, OR Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/CopperSills.jpg\")
\nCorvallis, OR Metro <\/strong><\/h3>\n
WASHINGTON<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Wenatchee, WA Metro<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Bartender.jpg\")
\nMt. Vernon\/Anacortes, WA Metro <\/strong><\/h3>\n