Active Woman Traveler

Craft beer, shopping, and music: Virginia's craft beer scene continues to provide new opportunities for brewers and drinkers, this time providing an extra excuse to bring the family.

On December 8, 2012, Virginia's largest indoor craft beer festival is coming to Meadow Event Park, home of the State Fair of Virginia. The event will be held from 12-7pm, with 15 Virginia breweries, live music, Virginia food, and shopping, with beer accessories, unique local artisans, and other vendors. 

Two special tappings at the festival are

• At 1pm, the first tapping of the Hardywood Bourbon Barrel Gingerbread Stout (at the Hardywood Park booth, tastings only)
• At 5pm, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout (at, you guessed it, the Goose Island booth, tastings only)

Breweries announced so far are Corcoran, Blue Lab, Hardywood Park, Legend, Center of the Universe, Midnight, and Extra Billy's. Admission is free, and tasting tickets are only $1 each, or $10 for a passport of 12 2-ounce tastings.

For more information, visit the Holiday Cheer & Beer Classic web site and the event's Facebook page.

All ages can attend, though of course only those 21 and older with valid ID will be permitted to drink.

* Designated drivers are encouraged, and crowd control and ID-checkers will be active and alert.

* Parking is free, with plenty of space.