The 20 Best States to Travel for Beer Lovers

Saturday, September 7 is National Beer Lover's Day, 24 hours dedicated to celebrating all of the things we love about beer. Whether you're a passionate craft beer connoisseur or brand new to the scene, you can't go wrong sampling suds in these states.

Beer lovers will be tempted to begin their tasty journey through the Last Frontier in Anchorage, which is home to a handful of excellent breweries-Midnight Sun Brewing Company, 49th State Brewing Company and King Street Brewing Company certainly stand out-and a truly unique beer-centric experience in the Bear Tooth Theatrepub where you can enjoy a microbrew while watching your favorite movie.

California is another massive state with no shortage of awesome beer options. Head to San Francisco to try a refreshing Hell or High Watermelon Wheat beer from 21st Amendment Brewery before visiting Anchor Brewing, a historic option dating all the way back to 1896. San Diego is not to be missed either as Stone Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing Company are among the nation's most popular producers.

Coors isn't the only ticket to Rocky Mountain refreshment. Colorado cleaned up at the Great American Beer Festival last September with a whopping 32 local brews taking home medals, including 17 gold medal winners. The Sawtooth Ale from Lefthand Brewing Company in Longmont and the Sunshine Express Australian-style IPA from Butcherknife Brewing Company in Steamboat Springs were among last year's gold medal winners. The Denver Beer Company and New Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collins are also worthwhile stops for beer lovers in Colorado.

The Sunshine State is certainly more popular for its beautiful beaches and world-class theme parks but it isn't holding back when it comes to producing unique brews. Funky Buddha Brewing outside of Fort Lauderdale is a personal favorite but there are plenty of other places worth mentioning, including Cigar City Brewing Company in Tampa and Wynwood Brewing Company in Miami.

You're guaranteed to find great beer all over Georgia, from Service Brewing Company in charming Savannah to Terrapin Beer Company in Athens. The latter is serving up a slew of creative brews these days, including the Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout checking in with an ABV of 9.4 percent and the popular Hopsecutioner IPA. SweetWater Brewery and Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta offer sensational Georgia craft brews while Reformation Brewery is out to "set beer free" at two locations in Woodstock and Canton.

You can't talk about Illinois beer without mentioning Chicago's Goose Island Beer Company and the award-winning craft brewery's 312 Urban Wheat Ale is undoubtedly among the nation's top beers no matter the season. However, travelers won't be limited to the Windy City when it comes to stumbling onto world-class brews in Illinois. For example, Flossmoor Station Brewing Company is located in a restored train station and features a diverse menu that includes the Gandy Dancer Honey Ale.

Make Portland your first stop for a fantastic beer in Maine. Allagash Brewing Company, Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, Shipyard Brewing Company and Rising Tide Brewing Company are each undeniably great but don't stop there. Venture north to check out Boothbay Craft Brewery and Geaghan's Pub and Craft Brewery in Bangor where you can try everything from a German-style Pilsner to an Oatmeal Stout.

You'll find great beer all across Maryland, from Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick to Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin just outside of Ocean City. The latter is consistently churning out interesting brews that are guaranteed to wow your taste buds. If you find yourself closer to the nation's capital, consider heading to Columbia to experience a handful of stellar breweries all within close proximity, including Black Flag Brewing Company, Hysteria Brewing Company and Reckless Ale Works.

Boston is renowned for its rich beer history so visitors to Massachusetts should be sure to tour the Samuel Adams Boston Brewery and also check out Harpoon Brewery. Afterward, head west to places like Worcester and Westminster to sample Wormtown Brewery and Wachusett Brewing Company, respectively.

Grand Rapids has been dubbed Beer City, USA as it's home to more than 60 local breweries, perhaps none more famous than Founders Brewing Company. Meanwhile, thirsty travelers will also want to explore Kalamazoo where they'll find Bell's Brewery and its beloved Two Hearted Ale IPA named after the river in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Montana is a big state with a long list of awesome breweries, including Flathead Lake Brewing Company in Bigfork. Their Painted Rock Porter is easily one of the best beers in the state and took home the Bronze Medal at the 2006 World Beer Cup. Bozeman Brewing Company, Whitefish's Bonsai Brewing Project and Draught Works in Missoula are also making Montana beer drinkers proud.

Sure, there's plenty of delightful beer to go around in New York City but the Big Apple isn't the only part of the state that's showing off for beer lovers. Long Island's Port Jeff Brewing Company was named the Best Craft Beer Brewery in New York State at the 22nd Annual Tap New York fest this past spring while Southern Tier Brewing Company in Lakewood is a must for fall travelers seeking out one of the nation's best pumpkin beers in the Pumking Imperial Ale.

North Carolina is home to America's Brewery Capital in Asheville. Wicked Weed Brewing and Catawba Brewing Company are among the best spots here, but nearby Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River is also an absolute must-visit for the expansive beer garden alone. Farther east, Mother Earth Brewing in Kinston and Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard are also excellent choices.

Scottish brewery BrewDog has helped to further elevate Ohio's craft beer scene, specifically in Columbus where they boast multiple locations and the world's first craft beer hotel in the Doghouse Hotel and Brewery. If you find yourself in Cleveland though, consider stopping into Great Lakes Brewing Company or nearby Noble Beast Brewing Company for a refreshing Oktoberfest brewed with German grown malted barley. Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati is another Ohio icon featuring plenty of entertainment to pair with your house-brewed beer.

Portland and Bend are undeniably among the nation's top craft beer cities so there's no way Oregon can be left off the list of the best states for beer lovers. Head to the Pacific Northwest to trek the largest beer trail on the West Coast in the Bend Ale Trail. Better yet, ask for a stamp on your beer passport at each of the 18 stops, send it to the local visitor center and receive a commemorative Bend Silipint and a Bend Ale Trail bottle opener.

Victory Brewing Company and Troegs Independent Brewing are among some of the most renowned breweries in Pennsylvania but the Keystone State is loaded with awesome selections, including Grist House Craft Brewery in Pittsburgh. Beer-loving visitors to the Steel City will also want to check out the one-of-a-kind Church Brew Works where they can pair delicious craft beer with pierogi and bratwurst while hanging out inside of a historic church.

Shiner Beer from Spoetzl Brewery is among Texas' most popular beers around the country but Houston's 8th Wonder Brewery and Saint Arnold Brewing Company; the rustic Jester King Brewery in Austin and Fort Worth's Rahr & Sons Brewing are also worth the trip as each boasts their own unique brews and atmosphere.

Vermont is known for its stunning fall foliage but it's also home to some incredible beer. Visitors should be sure to check out Frost Beer Works in Hinesburg for a delicious pale ale. The Alchemist in Stowe is another can't-miss destination for beer lovers touring Vermont. The brewery will celebrate Oktoberfest on September 29 to start making plans now. Long Trail Brewing Company in Bridgewater Corners and Magic Hat Brewing Company in South Burlington are equally worthwhile stops on your New England beer pilgrimage.

When you think awesome beer in Washington State it's hard not to think of Elysian Brewing Company. Autumn visitors to Seattle will be pleased to know that Elysian boasts one of the nation's most impressive lineups of pumpkin beers. Elsewhere in the Emerald City, Georgetown Brewing Company is a standout best known as the crafter of Manny's Pale Ale. And don't forget about Fremont Brewing, which has been cranking out small-batch artisan beers for a decade now.

Sometimes referred to the Beer Capital of the World, Milwaukee is an excellent place to start your beer tour of Wisconsin. The riverfront Lakefront Brewery is a must. Amherst's Central Waters Brewing Company is also a no-brainer for eco-friendly travelers as it prioritizes environmental sustainability by relying on green, recycled sources for bottles and packaging and even uses solar-heated water to brew its tasty beer. If you find yourself in the Waterpark Capital of the World in Wisconsin Dells, head over to Port Huron Brewing Company for a Honey Blonde Ale and find out what all the fuss is about.