Suds a growing tourism trend

The Mat-Su Valley recently saw its fourth craft brewery open when Bearpaw River Brewing Company opened on the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. A fifth, Bleeding Heart Brewery, is slated to open in mid-April. These expansions closely mirror travel trends, as microbreweries are increasing in popularity around the country.

Craft breweries are exploding around the country – in 2015, there were 4,269 craft breweries in the United States, an increase of 15 percent over 2014, and a staggering increase of 1,406 breweries compared to 2013. That trend has made its way to Alaska, as new breweries have opened their doors in every corner of the state.

Craft breweries, along with “farm-to-table” culinary experiences, provide travelers with an “authentic” experience when they visit a destination, and these travelers are seeking local breweries and eateries out in increasing numbers. More than ever, travelers want to feel a connection to the community they are visiting, and experiences such as visiting a local microbrewery or a restaurant that specializes in locally-sourced food fit that demand perfectly. More than a simple picture of a famous landmark or location to commemorate their vacation, travelers are seeking out local experiences.

Locally, Arkose Brewing (Palmer), Denali Brewing Company (Talkeetna) and Last Frontier Brewing Company (Wasilla) join the two newcomers to give the Mat-Su five local breweries. They complement a growing Alaska scene, and one tour operator has already taken notice.

Big Swig Tours, based in Anchorage, is offering a Hops on the Rail trip. Guests depart Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad, bound for Talkeetna. They are then greeted with a tour of Denali Brewing Company, where they learn the ins and outs of brewing in Alaska. From there, after a sack lunch from Talkeetna Roadhouse, they travel to Arkose Brewing for a beer pairing with craft chocolates, before visiting a brewery in Eagle River and Anchorage. It’s a way to give visitors many experiences – the railroad, the town of Talkeetna, local beers and cuisine.

Another new operator, Alaska Farm Tours, is seeking to give visitors a hands-on experience of Palmer’s agricultural scene. In addition to a lunch by Turkey Red (featuring Alaska Grown vegetables), guests will visit several working farms in the area, while learning about agriculture’s importance to the Mat-Su Valley.

These developments – microbreweries, farm tours, locally-sourced foods and more – are signs that Mat-Su and Alaska tourism businesses are taking advantage of national trends. The trends also are good for our local economy – as demand increases and breweries and restaurants open to meet that demand, it creates more jobs, which continues an economic cycle of dollars throughout the community.

If you haven’t tried the products of local breweries, you’ll have an opportunity at the Mat-Su CVB Beer Tasting/Travel Auction fund-raiser on April 29. In addition to great deals on getaways, activities and gift certificates from local merchants, the event is featuring beers poured by Arkose Brewery, Bearpaw River Brewing Company and Denali Brewing Company. Tickets are just $35 each, and are available by calling 746-5000.

Casey Ressler (casey@alaskavisit.com) is the marketing and communications manager at the Mat-Su CVB.