What to Wear Brewery Hopping in the Winter + Best Charlotte Breweries

Brewery hopping on a Saturday is one of my favorite activities. I love trying out different local brews and mingling with friends. And if the breweries in Charlotte on any weekend day are any indictation, so do a lot of y’all! So I wanted to share a simple winter brewery hopping outfit. One that’s easy to put together, cozy, and will keep you looking stylish as you find your new favorite brew!

Winter Brewery Hopping Outfit Idea | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese

anthropologie cozy blanket scarf | anthropologie juliette turtleneck sweater | madewell high rise skinny jeans | c/o neely & chloe mini lady bag | similar scarf | similar suede booties | c/o lisi lerch tassel earrings pearl | david yurman cable classics ring

Just this past Saturday we spent the day at a local brewery. We were celebrating one of our best friend’s birthdays (the big 3-0) were able to enjoy the “outdoor” area – soaking up rays, catching up with friends, and sipping local brews (although I was sick, so it was hot tea for me). The brewery scene in Charlotte is pretty intense. There are over twenty four breweries within Charlotte with new ones popping up constantly! So when someone asks what you want to do on Saturday or Sunday, there’s a good chance one of the brewery names (or multiple) will be mentioned. 

If it’s rainy, you may spend the day at cozied up at a table at one brewery or make your way to a couple different ones. If it’s sunny, you’ll probably brewery hop from one to another. Soaking in the rays on each breweries unique patios/outdoor spaces (each one has such a different atmosphere, I love it). 

With that said, I know Charlotte isn’t the only town booming with breweries. When you visit most towns people will list off a handful breweries as recommendations for places to hang out and/or dine at. Therefore, we’re all picking out what to wear to breweries. Whether it’s to check out one or to visit several, brewery hopping. So today, I’m sharing my go to winter brewery hopping outfit!  

PHOTOS BY DEAANNA KOURTNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

What to Wear to Brewery Hopping in the Winter | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese
What to Wear to Brewery Hopping in the Winter | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese
Winter Brewery Hopping Outfit Idea | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese
What to Wear to Brewery Hopping in the Winter | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese

Five Best Charlotte Breweries 

Suffolk Punch – hands down my favorite brewery in Charlotte. I could not be more obsessed with the atmosphere and overall feel of this brewery/restaurant/coffee shop. Yes, it really does include all of that. Aside from the brews, their food is also amazing. Brunch would be my number one recommendation! 

brew of choice: Backwoods Pale Ale

Legion Brewing – another great spot with an amazing atmosphere. Two actually! Legion Brewing has a location in the Plaza Midwood area as well as the Southpark area. We just visited the Southpark location last week and y’all it is beautiful! Also, you have to try the Amy’s Ice Cream Sandwich (vanilla ice cream sandwiched between peanut butter cookies, dipped in chocolate and drizzled with caramel sauce) it is like WHOA!

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, I would visit the Plaza Midwood location.

brew of choice: Freedom Park Pale Ale

Lenny Boy Brewing Co. – Very open, laid-back atmosphere. Located in the South End area of Charlotte. When Lenny Boy Brewing Co. originally started they only brewed Kombucha. In January of 2013, Lenny Boy became the only Certified Organic kombucha producer in the Southeast – YOU GO LENNY BOY! Therefore, Lenny Boy is my favorite place to go for kombucha aka I’m obsessed with theirs! 

For those of you that choose to skip kombucha, they have great regular brews as well! 

brew of choice: Lavenderade Kombucha 

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery – OMG was one of the first breweries on the seen here in Charlotte. It is also MASSIVE and has the largest outdoor space. Set up very much like a German beer hall. A great spot to go and spend the day – especially if you have kids. There is so much room for them to run and play. Also, do yourself a favor and get a pretzel + beer cheese. Thank me later! 

brew of choice: Captain Jack

Sugar Creek Brewing Company – Sugar Creek stole my hear the second I walked in. Their decor is blue and white and oh so Instagram-worthy. Yep, I just went there. It is on the smaller side, so I highly recommend getting there at a decent time if you’re visiting on the weekend and want a spot to sit. 

Their food is also amazing! Lots of apps, paninis, and salads. 

brew of choice: Sugar Creek White Ale

honorable mention Tripe C Brewing

Winter Brewery Hopping Outfit Idea | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese
What to Wear to Brewery Hopping in the Winter | Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings | Louella Reese
What to Wear to Brewery Hopping in the Winter | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese
Winter Brewery Hopping Outfit Idea | Casual Everyday Style | Louella Reese

anthropologie cozy blanket scarf | anthropologie juliette turtleneck sweater | madewell high rise skinny jeans | c/o neely & chloe mini lady bag | similar scarf | similar suede booties | c/o lisi lerch tassel earrings pearl | david yurman cable classics ring

Go to Winter Brewery Hopping Outfit

So the reason for this post and to finally talk about this look…this combination is my go to when visiting breweries in the winter.

In Charlotte, so many breweries are within walking distance to one another so typically you visit one for a bit then walk over to another. Therefore, being warm and having layers is a must. Inside they’re usually quite warm (from all the people) so I don’t like to bring a coat/jacket. Chances are I’ll leave it on a chair or not have a place to put it and end up holding it the whole time. So I opt for a comfy, cozy sweater and scarf instead. Scarves are easy to tuck inside your bag or wrap around it. 

Jeans are always a go to – comfortable, warm, and just plain ole easy! This past weekend, I went with overalls. I 100% do not recommend that. With drinking, whether it’s water, tea, or beer you obviously have to go to the bathroom a lot and that is zero fun in overalls. Especially when you have a sweater over top. You basically have to get undressed every time you go to the bathroom. No fun!

Also, booties or sneakers every single time. Again, comfortable, warm, and easy. These gals rocking stilettos to the breweries, I will never understand you, never! For brewery hopping, comfort is key! And you can easily look stylish while drinking your beer and being comfortable if you’re rocking your favorite sweater, cozy scarf, go to jeans, and sneakers or booties! 

Five Charlotte Breweries I Want to Visit

Brews at 4001 Yancy

Free Range Brewing 

Resident Culture Brewing Company 

Town Brewing Co.

Bold Missy Brewery 

If you’re local to Charlotte or have visited any of these while in the Charlotte area, which one is your favorite? Comment below and share. Would love to hear and maybe add a few more to my must visit list!

28 Comments

  1. What a neat idea to go brewery hopping in your city! It’s great that they are all within walking distance, too. I adore this scarf so much!

    Amanda || Affordable by Amanda

    Posted 1.29.19
    • Thanks gal! It really is such a fun way to spend a Saturday with friends.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 1.29.19
  2. Morgan wrote:

    Charlotte is one of the best places to brewery hop! We need to go sometime this spring!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Posted 1.30.19
  3. Lisa Autumn wrote:

    Such a beautiful and relaxed look! I love!

    x Lisa | lisaautumn.com

    Posted 1.31.19
  4. I love this look! I like going to breweries, and you need the “right” outfit to be comfortable and ready to go. These places sound great to check out!

    Posted 2.1.19
  5. Danielle wrote:

    Always love your effortless style lady! Send me some of that Charlotte weather, pleaseeee!

    xx, Danielle

    Posted 2.1.19
    • Aw thank you! Girl, it honestly hasn’t been to great. Although tomorrow is suppose to be 60 degrees #praise

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 2.1.19
  6. Kim wrote:

    I love this scarf so much! It looks so warm and cozy. This outfit is perfect for brewery hopping and I am loving your hair cut like this girlfriend!

    xoxo,
    Kim

    Posted 2.1.19
    • It really is! I want it in every color!! Thank you 🙂 it’s been such a fun change!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 2.1.19
  7. Ruthie Ridley wrote:

    Such effortless style!! I love this look head to toe!!

    Posted 2.1.19
  8. What a great post! We have a few breweries on Long Island that are perfect to do some hopping, we went to one last night! I love those shoes!

    Posted 2.2.19
  9. Stephanie wrote:

    There’s an entire section of my city that is completely filled with breweries and it’s totally hipster but totally fun. My husband and I like to go there a lot and get yummy food and then just hop from one place to the next trying new beers. I’m always looking for the right outfit to wear and this is giving me so much inspiration!

    Posted 2.3.19
    • That is so fun! I love it – sounds very similar to our scene. Aw yay!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 2.4.19
  10. ashley hargrove wrote:

    I always love visiting breweries and these sound amazing!! We have a few in Austin that I still need to go to!! I am also in love with this entire outfit! That scarf looks so cozy!

    Posted 2.3.19
    • They’re just so fun, aren’t they? Thank you so much gal! Oh it is 🙂

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 2.4.19
  11. Liz wrote:

    Such a cute outfit! This sounds like so much fun – I definitely need to plan a trip! Also, love your hair cut!!

    Posted 2.4.19
  12. Kelsey wrote:

    You look so perfect and effortless! I love this whole look, you’re right- so perfect for brewery hopping!

    Posted 2.4.19
  13. Love this look! That scarf is amazing!

    Posted 2.4.19
  14. I’m obsessed with your hair and this cozy winter look! So so cute!

    Posted 2.6.19

Comments are closed.