Amtrak's Keystone Line Brewery Crawl

Amtrak's Keystone Line Brewery Crawl

The Line:

Amtrak's Keystone Service from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to the Harrisburg Transportation Center starts and ends in two historic train stations in addition to history that can be seen throughout the line. The route runs along the line of the former Pennsylvania Railroad Main Line. The full route is electrified and consists of unreserved coaches. 

The Breweries:

Nine breweries were chosen for the tour, although it is not necessary to stop at all locations. 

1. Nodding Head Brewery and Restaurant- This little second floor brewery is adorned with many little bobble heads of various personages. They maintain a small rotating tap lists, which features many beers worthy of tasting. Having opened in January 2000 at the location of a former Samuel Adams Brew House, their beers have been earning awards, most recently at the Great American Beer Festival. 
2. Tired Hands Brewing Company - This "brewcafe" just opened in 2012 and has garnered quite the reputation. Their beers are influenced both by the farmhouse brews of France and Belgium along with the American brewer. They have no qualms going off in their own direction, using all types of local and far off ingredients to come up with one of a kind tastes. The beers pair perfectly with their locally produced meats, cheeses, and pickles. They most recently purchased a larger location nearby which will significantly increase their brewing capabilities; follow them on Facebook to keep updated on the continuing renovations!
3. Victory Brewing Company- Opened in 1996, this brewery has made the amazing expansion from just 1,725 barrels in their first year to just over 93,000 in 2012. You will find a large tap list from which to choose at their brewpub
4. Lancaster Brewing Company- Lancaster is a city steeped in brewing history, but until Lancaster Malt Brewing opened its doors in 1995 (bought in 2001 by Lancaster Brewing Company) it had been 39 years since a brewery was in the city. The brewery and restaurant is located in the historic Edwin McGovern Tobacco Warehouse, which allows you to enjoy your brew and your history simultaneously. Brewery tours are 1-2pm Monday to Friday upon request and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. 
5. Taproom Spring House Brewing Company- The actual brewery is located just outside the city in a barn, but here at the Taproom in downtown Lancaster you can find a wide selection of their beer on tap, including such diabolical creations as a peanut butter stout and mango IPA. Fun fact, the barn where the brewery is located is actually the location of a natural spring. 
6. Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant - This brewpub chain is now up to 10 locations, with the first Iron Hill having opened in Newark, Delaware in 1994. Each location has their own brewer who has leave to put their own mark on some of the beers, in addition to their house beers which are available at all locations.  
7. Bube's Brewery- Although the modern incarnation of Bube's Brewery opened in 2001, the brewery was originally started in 1876 by Alois Bube. Over his life he expanded his brewery to include a Victorian hotel, all of which is included in the complex you can see today. In addition to being a brewery and restaurant, Bube's hosts live music, information brewery tours, murder mystery diners, ghost tours (they were featured on the TV show Ghost Hunters), and hostel accommodations. Informal brewery tours are available most Saturdays around 2pm. 
8. Zuckfoltzfus Brewing Company- This is the newest brewery on the list. Their Mount Joy brewery features up to eight beers on tap. 
9. Appalachian Brewing Company- Now with six locations, the Harrisburg brewpub is Appalachian's original location opened in 1997. The brewery is located in an impressive three story building built in 1915 and both flagship and seasonal beers are available. Brewery tours are Saturdays at 1pm. 

The Tour:

1. Start your tour at Nodding Head in downtown Philadelphia at 1516 Sansom Street. 
2. After enjoying a beer, walk to 30th Street Station where you will catch your first train. Take some time to enjoy the impressive station, with its Corinthian columns at the entrance, Art Deco main waiting room, and art pieces throughout the station. 
3. The first journey is a short one and you will quickly find yourself in the suburban town of Ardmore on Philadelhia's Main Line. Tired Hands Brewing (16 Ardmore Ave) is a short walk away where the next beer can be enjoyed. 
4. After getting back on the train in Ardmore, you will next get off the train in Downingtown, where you will have to take a bit of a trek to get to Victory Brewing Company (420 Acorn Lane). 
5. Board Amtrak again and make your way into Lancaster County where you will get off in Lancaster (the city) to make your way in a loop to three separate breweries: Lancaster Brewing Company (302 North Plum St), Taproom Spring House (25 West King St), and Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (781 Harrisburg Ave). The full loop will take some time to complete, but it'll be worth it. 
6. Another short train ride will find you in the small town of Mount Joy where you will get to taste beers from the newest brewery on the tour, Zuckfoltzfus Brewing, and (arguably) one of the most history laden breweries on the tour, Bube's Brewery. Both Zuckfoltzfus (12 South Market St) and Bube's (102 North Market St) are located near the train station, so take your pick on the order. 
7. The last stop on the tour is the Pennsylvania capital of Harrisburg where you will take a short ramble over to Appalachian Brewing Company (50 North Cameron St) for a final beer and self congratulatory pat on the back.  

View Amtrak's Keystone Brewery Train Crawl in a larger map