Breweries

Craft Beer for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Soak up the sunshine and support the best in local beer

BY LARA TUMER COOL OFF WITH A LOCAL BREW.

When summer brews up in Lake Norman, it’s a favorite time of year to enjoy the warm weather, lake water, luscious green parks, and time outside with family and friends. Enjoying a cold craft beer is a great way to cool off, relax, and unwind between activities. Not sure where to start? Check out this sample itinerary, which allows you to spend the day soaking up the sunshine with a few stops along the way supporting the Lake’s best local beer serving businesses.

Early Risers - Paddleboard Session

Start the day on the lake, arguably the best time to get on the water. The current is calm, and you won’t be fighting speed boaters and jet skiers for space. Paddle boarding isn’t only fun, but it’s a great way to sneak in some exercise. Take your paddleboard out on the lake for a fun way to sneak in some exercise. If you don’t have one, check the Lake Norman Chamber Memership Directory at the back of this guide for ideas on where you can rent one for a few hours.

Fuel Up - Park Picnic & Growlers To-go

After an hour or two on paddle boarding around the lake, head to Eleven Lakes Brewery located at 10228 Bailey Road in Cornelius. Weekend hours begin and noon on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Grab any of their noteworthy small batch beers like Sandbar Blonde or River Otter Red. Make sure to pack some sandwiches, snacks, and a picnic blanket so you can head around the corner to Bailey Road Park for a mid-day picnic. Or, plan on visiting when one of the area’s tasty food trucks will be on site.

Prep for Happy Hour

You can’t miss D9 Brewing Company. Their website makes it easy and seamless to order 4-pack cans in over a dozen selections with seasonal limited releases and standing favorites both in the mix. Simply pull up and pop your drunk for curbside pickup. Throw a cooler in your car to chill your beer while you tackle the afternoon’s outdoor activities and don’t forget to stock up on a few extra cans to have at home.

Get Moving – Mid Day Hike & Afternoon Swim

Mostly shaded, Jetton Park is the perfect place to escape the sun and enjoy an afternoon hike or bike ride, depending on your preference. The loop is an approachable 1.4 miles in total and can easily be completed by the whole family with a paved path that’s easy to navigate and stroller friendly. You can pop off at one of the park’s picnic tables and crack open your beer if you simply can’t wait. Perhaps you’ve worked up a sweat. Take the 2-3 minute drive around the corner to Ramsey Creek park to take a dip in the lake.

If you’re looking to create your own beer tour, head to visitlakenorman.org, with a full and comprehensive beer and wine trail map, organized by neighborhood.