Everyone knows that the Richmond area has scenic walking and hiking trails, but there’s another trail that might not be as familiar but is definitely more tasty.

The Richmond beer trail.

The River City and the surrounding area has more than 35 craft breweries, and was even named as the number one craft beer destination in 2018, but with such numerous options, it was only fitting that Richmond Region Tourism put out a map to ensure locals and visitors alike try them all.

Originally created in 2017 to help the tourism organization be more intentional about promoting beer in the area, the first iteration was a paper map with stamps, and breweries would give out prizes based on the number of stamps collected. Today, however, the map is digital to make it easier for patrons to scan a QR code at a participating brewery to officially check in. Naturally, the more places you check off will get you one step closer to a reward, like this Richmond region beer trucker cap or beanie.

Chances are good there is a brewery near you. From Dancing Kilt Brewery in Chester, the Center of the World Brewing Company in Ashland to Hidden Wit Brewery in Moseley, there is a geographic diversity that makes this region more robust. “Many people think that Scott’s Addition is where the breweries live. People would be surprised to know how many breweries there are between Ashland and Colonial Heights. You can go to dozens of places around the region,” says Matt Robinette, vice president of visitor experience at Richmond Region Tourism.

For those who might be skeptical about Richmond’s bona fides as a beer town, Robinette notes that beer remains a popular destination for visitors as well as locals:  “We have a robust offering as good as Portland, Maine and Asheville, North Carolina,” he says.

Another point in our favor: Richmond was also chosen as the location for the inaugural Virginia Brewers Convention in September, where brewers from all over the commonwealth will come together for three days of education, a trade show, and a place to connect. Virginia is home to nearly 350 breweries, the eleventh most in the United States.

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, we know you’re going to be spending more time outside, maybe at a local brewery, so while you’re collecting numbers and Instagram handles of questionable people you’ll probably never go out with, collect some swag that won’t make you reevaluate your dating choices.