The History of Mayo

Let’s face it — true craft beer drinkers will travel for good beer, whether it’s visiting their favorite breweries or attending top beer festivals. Why should this summer be any different? If you’re headed out for a road trip, BOB has a few destinations worth the detour.

Founder’s Brewing | Grand Rapids, MI

The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids was named “Beer Town USA” by USA Today in 2015 and is home to Founder’s Brewing. Ranked among the top breweries in the world by RateBeer.com, Founder’s has earned six World Beer Cup medals and three Great American Beer Festival medals. Stop by the Tap Room for live music and small-batch beers you can’t find anywhere else — like their signature brew, All Day IPA. Naturally brewed with a complex mix of malts, grains, and hops, it delivers balanced aromatics and a clean finish.

O’Fallon Brewery | Maryland Heights, MO

Located in the west-central suburb of St. Louis, O’Fallon Brewery is one of the region’s largest and oldest craft breweries. With 20 beers on tap, O’Fallon serves a mix of everyday favorites and rotating seasonals. While their Pumpkin beer gets the most attention, the 5-Day IPA, STL Red, and Wheach are all must-tries. Be sure to visit the O’Bar, a full-service restaurant and taproom offering original dishes designed to pair with O’Fallon’s brews.

Mother Earth Brewing | Kinston, NC

In downtown Kinston, North Carolina, Mother Earth Brewing spans five rustic buildings and offers a community-focused taproom experience. Known for their Weeping Willow Belgian-Style Wit and Endless River Kölsch, the brewery’s recent standout is their Oatmeal IPA — a juicy, low-bitterness beer with a softer mouthfeel from flaked oats.

“We’re proud of the focus on classic beer styles at Mother Earth Brewing,” said Travis Quinn, Director of Sales. “If a beer style has been around for over 400 years, there’s a reason it endures. We honor tradition while experimenting with unique ingredients like fruits and spices. Mother Earth isn’t just a name — it’s our way of life.”

Hi-Wire Brewing | Asheville, NC

Asheville, known as one of “America’s Best Beer Cities,” has more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. In the heart of the city’s Brew District, Hi-Wire Brewing features 17 rotating taps, including five flagship beers and a mix of seasonal, sour, and experimental styles. Hi-Wire’s brewers take pride in crafting balanced, approachable beers that honor traditional brewing heritage while embracing creativity.

So, if you’re ready to hit the road this summer, consider making one of these breweries your next stop. Whether you’re crossing state lines or exploring your own backyard, there’s always a new craft beer adventure waiting. Just remember — always drink responsibly.

Cheers!
BOB