If you like the idea of a state-wide bar crawl, North Carolina is starting something new just for you.
The N.C. DOT says that NC By Train is now working with the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild on the “N.C. Ale Trail by Rail.” They say that this will make going by train easier while also letting people explore North Carolina’s beer scene.
“Record numbers of people have taken NC By Train for the past two years, and 2024 has been the same,” said Jason Orthner, head of the NCDOT Rail Division. “This partnership is a great way to support local businesses and get riders to see all that North Carolina has to offer, such as the thriving craft brewery market.”
People will be able to take the Piedmont and Carolinian trains to stop in towns and visit the breweries in the area. On the ale trail, you can stop in Charlotte, Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham, Cary, and Raleigh.
Lisa Parker, Executive Director of the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild, said, “We are thrilled to work with NC By Train to bring this new and exciting way for visitors and residents alike to explore the craft breweries of North Carolina.”
“Our North Carolina breweries offer friendly taproom and tasting experiences as places where people come together.”
You can find an interactive map of the brewers that are part of the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild online. They say that because all of the breweries are less than five miles from a train station, it will be easy for people to visit more than one in one day.
In October, the NC by Train will make stops at the N.C. State Fair and the Lexington Barbecue Festive. On the days of Carolina Panthers home games, the train will also make stops in Charlotte earlier in the day.