MCM Mama Runs

MCM Mama Runs for Beer and Bling

  • Home
  • About MCM Mama
  • Racing the U.S.A.
  • I Heart Craft Beer
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Disclosure
You are here: Home / beer / Five Northern Virginia Breweries Worth Visiting

Five Northern Virginia Breweries Worth Visiting

January 7, 2016 by MCM Mama 40 Comments

You all know I love beer and that I often choose my restaurants based on the quality of their draft list. But in addition to that, Beer Geek and I love to visit different breweries and check out their setups (and often beers that you can only get there.) Right now, the beer scene in Virginia is exploding. So much so that I need to focus on just one small part of Virginia to stick to 5. (Don’t worry, I’ll work my way around the state.)

Northern Virginia Breweries

  1. Port City Brewing – This Alexandria brewery makes quite a number of good beers, but my favorite is their porter. You can stop by their facility and drink a pint or get a tour and some tastings. While not a restaurant, they do have Food Truck Sundays or you can join them on Monday nights for their popular Joggers and Lagers (aka fun run).
  2. Lost Rhino Brewing – This brewery is farther out in the suburbs in Ashburn, but is well worth the drive from DC. They offer tours on Saturdays, but their tasting room has a small menu and live music on Friday and Saturday nights, so feel free to head out there other days. Their Face Plant IPA won a gold medal in 2015, so it’s a great beer to checkout.
  3. Mad Fox Brewing – Mad Fox combines good beer and good food in a lovely family friendly restaurant in Falls Church, VA. I know putting this on the list comes as no surprise to anyone – a simple search of my blog turns up many posts about events and evenings there. I’ve been following Bill Madden around for years because of my love for Wee Heavy, but I’ve (somewhat) recently fallen in love with another beer – Orange Whip, an IPA made with citra hops. And Mad Fox recently started a run club as well, so yes, it is possible to combine beer and running.
  4. Fair Winds Brewing- Fair Winds is a fairly new to the scene brewery. We got to know the head brewer when he worked at Mad Fox and just recently got the chance to go out and check out his new brewery. It was totally worth the drive! His Ghost of the Mariner Imperial Stout will knock your socks off (both because it’s awesome and because of the high alcohol LOL) and they recently won a gold medal for the Siren’s Lure Saison. I was also pleasantly surprised to love the Howling Gale IPA. (And if you are feeling really wild and crazy, go across the street and check out Forge Brew Works. I haven’t been there yet…)
  5. Caboose Brewing – This brewery has a lot going for it, not the least of which is it’s location steps off of the W&OD trail. Want a beer on your bike ride or after your run? This is your place. Add in some yummy snacks and tasty beer and who wouldn’t want to take a pitstop here?

Besides being great breweries, they are all an awesome part of the brewing community. Twenty area breweries (including all 5 of the above) gathered together and brewed a beer that will be served starting January 29th in all the participating breweries. The beer is a Belgian Pale Ale and it’s called Kerri’s Cure. All proceeds from the beer will be going to pay for medical costs for Kerri Rose, the wife of Forge Brew Work’s brewer, as she battles stomach cancer. 

I feel like I’ve only barely scratched the surface. There are so many more breweries that have just opened or are about to open that I haven’t had a chance to try. I think I need to make it my mission to try them all and report back on which are the best LOL.

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for Friday Five since today’s topic is food and drink. (Was there ever any doubt that this would be beer related?)

Have you ever been to a brewery for a tour? Or visited a brewpub for a beer and a meal? What’s your favorite? (I’m always looking for new places when we travel…)

Follow on Bloglovin follow us in feedly

More from my site

  • Why I’ve been MIAWhy I’ve been MIA
  • You never know until you try…You never know until you try…
  • Mission Accomplished: MCM 2015 finisherMission Accomplished: MCM 2015 finisher
  • Grocery shopping while hungryGrocery shopping while hungry
  • Three Things ThursdayThree Things Thursday

Filed Under: beer, brewery, running

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Coco says

    January 8, 2016 at 6:54 am

    We’ve been to West Ox off the W & OD, but not Caboose – where is it? And I could walk to Port City, although the walk home would be 100% up hill! When they starting sponsoring the GW Parkway Classic beer tent, I was tempted enough to have my first post-race beer and it did not disappoint!
    Coco recently posted…Hemp Heart Bars ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:52 pm

      I think it’s in Vienna? It’s literally steps off the trail.

      Reply
  2. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:08 am

    I have never toured a brewery. However, we have one in town called river house brewery that we would stop at after boating trips. I don’t drink beer so I’ve never tried it there but at least the food was good :).

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:52 pm

      Most brewpubs have at least decent food because not everyone who comes is there for the beer.

      Reply
  3. Marcia says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:30 am

    Growing up, the ONLY vacations we’d take were to Wisconsin breweries. If it was summer, it was a given that we’d be heading up for a tour or 3. There’s a new brewery opening near me!
    Marcia recently posted…Loving/Not Loving: Winter EditionMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      Wisconsin breweries are the best. You should meet me at one this summer. ;o)

      Reply
  4. Amelia says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:46 am

    The Kingstowne Striders of Southern Fairfax County run from Fair Winds during the summer months! 🙂

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:51 pm

      Fun! It’s just a bit too far away for me to get to on a regular basis.

      Reply
  5. Christine @ Two Runners Travel says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:46 am

    When this post popped up in my reader I was all like ohh must read now! I am married to a craft beer geek and he’s gotten me on the bandwagon. I haven’t ever been to any of those breweries in DC and maybe I’ll plan a brewery tour for us. Good tips – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      You should. These 5 are only the tip of the iceberg.

      Reply
  6. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    January 8, 2016 at 7:49 am

    Caboose brewery might be a good one to check out for an MRTT beer run. Fun!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Burpees For Breakfast Boot Camp ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:50 pm

      I’m pretty sure there have been a couple of MRTT runs out of there…

      Reply
  7. Lesley says

    January 8, 2016 at 9:06 am

    I feel like there are more new breweries in the DFW area too. My friends keep talking about more and more popping up. Colorado seems to be the same, and I even found out there’s a running store in Longmont that’s running store in the front, pub in the back, with all kinds of local brews.
    Lesley recently posted…Talk about CitrusMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      Yep, the beer scene is definitely growing.

      Reply
  8. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    January 8, 2016 at 9:39 am

    How fun! My sister just moved down there, so I’ll be passing this post along to her, and keeping it in mind for when I visit!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fabletics December CollectionMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      You should. And definitely hit a few when you visit.

      Reply
  9. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:15 am

    I’ve actually never done a brewery tour. There are two in my city that I’ve been meaning to get to. I’m more of a vineyard fan than brewery overall.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…How I plan to balance marathon & strength trainingMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      The tours are still cool and you never know, you might find a beer you like.

      Reply
  10. courtney @ eat pray run dc says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:24 am

    That’s really cool that they created that beer for Kerri. What an awesome way to come together and help support her!
    courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Five Tips for Meal PlanningMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:48 pm

      Seriously, it is. Brewers are a lot like runners in their awesomeness.

      Reply
  11. Chaitali says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Great list! I haven’t tried any of these places yet so I really need to get to it 🙂
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – 2016 goalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      You should. They are all awesome in their own way.

      Reply
  12. Stephanie says

    January 8, 2016 at 11:39 am

    I love beer too!!! Loved this post so much, wishing I was closer to northern Virginia 🙂

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      You should visit! It’s so close to all the historical stuff in DC.

      Reply
  13. Sarah says

    January 8, 2016 at 12:40 pm

    great suggestions! I’m a huge fan of DC Brau, Evolution (Salisbury, MD), RAR (Cambridge, MD), and the new 7 Locks (Rockville, MD).

    Sarah

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:47 pm

      I haven’t been to 7 locks or RAR yet. I need to…

      Reply
  14. Kim Hatting says

    January 8, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    This is SOOOO interesting! I am a beer idiot (never quite acquired a “taste” for it), though I do like the “hard” apple ciders…are those considered beer? My husband has done some brewing, but it’s been a few years since his last batch. I’m in Iowa, and we have a few breweries cropping up as well. Hmmm….I think I need to give this a whirl (but on a local level);-) Thanks for the info!
    Kim Hatting recently posted…2015-My Year in ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      You should. Craft beer tastes so different from bud/miller/coors. You may even find one you like.

      Reply
  15. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    January 8, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I did a brewery tour when I visited Colorado a couple years ago, and have been to the Sam Adams facility when I lived in Boston. I’d love to visit one in the DC area! meet you there?? 😉
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Why a Detox is Not For MeMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Name the place and time and I’m there.

      Reply
  16. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    January 8, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    Ok, just another reason I need to drag my homebrewer out east for my year of destination races!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Trust and the coachMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      Umm, yes. Tell me when and I’ll meet up with you somewhere – race, brewpub or both.

      Reply
  17. Ivanna says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    My husband would love this, I am not a big beer drinker but these sound good.

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:45 pm

      They are all great places.

      Reply
  18. jill conyers says

    January 9, 2016 at 4:49 am

    Kerri’s Cure is an amazing thing! I bet very few people know about this side of breweries. I know I didn’t.
    jill conyers recently posted…Beginner’s Guide To Menu Planning and Meal PrepMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:44 pm

      The brewing community feels a lot like the running community. They are always so supportive of each other. And I love love love that the two communities overlap.

      Reply
  19. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    January 9, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Mad Fox has such a great beer selection, as well as a great menu. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a couple weekend brunches there.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Things I’ve Learned as a New MotherMy Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      We are there a lot. It’s like my home away from home.

      Reply
  20. Sharita says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Ooh very helpful post! Northern VA has a ton of hidden gems for wine and beer lovers!
    Sharita recently posted…The Eating Plans That Will Kick Start Your Diet!My Profile

    Reply
    • MCM Mama says

      January 13, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      There’ve been a ton of new breweries lately. We still haven’t been to them all.

      Reply
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

Recent Posts

  • Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina
  • Half Marathon #84: Appalachian Series – Georgia
  • Coffee with a side of rain
  • Half Marathon #83:Appalachian Series – Alabama
  • Hotel Coffee is better than no coffee…
  • Training for Back to Back to Back Half Marathons
  • Runfessions of a Really Cold Runner
  • Kicking off the year with coffee!

Archives

A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath. Read More…

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series – South CarolinaMarch 27, 20222:47:45 What I wore: hat, tank top, long sleeve quarter zip, capris, and Altra Rivera Location: Seneca, SC (State #41!) Let’s just start out with the truth – this race was the hardest of the races and pretty much sucked. I chose to do the early start […]

Copyright © 2023 · MCM Mama Runs on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in