Arkansas' Other Trails: Fayetteville Ale Trail

Arkansas has lots of "trails" that use the word quite differently from how I typically employ it on this site.  Many of these trails relate to my kind of trails and some don't, at least as far as I can tell.  This post is hopefully just the first of many on Arkansas' Other Trails.

The Fayetteville Ale Trail is a recent invention that highlights the recent boom in micro-breweries in Northwest Arkansas.  In the three short years that I've been here we went from having one or two to seven or eight (depending how you count).  I started with this Other Trail, since it has a great connection to Fayetteville's trail system and the Razorback Greenway.  Several breweries are within a few blocks of the trail and I think that number is sure to grow as both the trails and numbers of breweries continue to expand.

Starting from the south and working north, here is a list of breweries near the trail followed by the rest that are considered part of the Ale Trail.

Tanglewood Branch - Located near 15th and School in Fayetteville, Tanglewood is not far from the southern terminus of the Razorback Greenway.  They have special deals for bicyclists and even have a bike tune-up night.  In fact, they have an event for every night of the week ranging from bacon to trivia.  They have a pool table and tons of old school board games.  They also serve coffee drinks and some food.  One thing I really like about Tanglewood is that even though they brew their own beers, they still serve several other local beers.

West Mountain Brewing Company - Located on the square in downtown Fayetteville, West Mountain is a bit off (and uphill of) the trail, but the fact that it combines two of my favorite things into what is my favorite post-backpack meal makes it worth the effort.  Yes, this brewery is located inside of Tiny Tim's Pizza.  Both the beer and the pizza are delicious.

HogHaus - HogHaus is no longer considered part of the official Ale Trail (I think it has to do with who does their brewing now?) but it is near the trail on Dickson and their beers are tasty, so I've included them here.

Fossil Cove Brewing Co. - This is my personal favorite of the local breweries due to the great atmosphere and incredible brews.  Located just a couple blocks from the trail, they have a very popular trivia night typically accompanied by a food truck. Try the IPA3, Paleo Ale or a seasonal.

Apple Blossom - Located on East Zion Rd. near Lake Fayetteville, less than a block from the trail, this is a great place to stop on your tour to eat, drink, and recharge.

Saddlebock - Saddlebock is a bit out of the way compared to the breweries above, but they have a nice place near the river.  Their offerings and seating have apparently changed quite a bit since I last visited, so check their website for better information.

I haven't been to Core or Ozark yet, so I will wait to write a summary for them.  I have had their beers and enjoyed them.  Core is located just east of Lake Springdale / J.B. Hunt Park and will not be too far from the Razorback Greenway when the trail is completed.


http://fayettevillealetrail.com/
http://tanglewoodbranch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tinytimspizza
http://www.hoghaus.com/new_brews.html
https://www.facebook.com/fossilcovebrewing
http://appleblossombrewing.com/
http://www.saddlebock.com/
https://www.facebook.com/corebrewery
http://www.ozarkbeercompany.com/

View Fayetteville Ale Trail in a larger map