The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry. And you can do all of the above at many of the breweries in and around Prince William County. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the beer lover in your life, or perhaps you need a good brew to bring to a holiday party, shop local and sample some of these breweries’ delicious offerings to help you choose your holiday gifts. Here are some great local places to imbibe:

· Tin Cannon Brewing Co. (7679 Limestone Drive #130, Gainesville) – With creative craft beer names like Unkel Dunkel and Honey We’re On a Date, you can be sure you’re in for a good time. You can typically find 6 to 12 beers on tap at a time, with their standard offerings, some seasonal brews and a few they call experimental. Their experimental beers are where they really let their imaginations run wild, like an amber ale with notes of bacon and chipotle peppers, called Breakfast of Champions. Sample beers, enjoy a pint or take home a growler Thursday through Sunday afternoons and evenings.

· Heritage Brewing Company (9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas) – This veteran-owned and operated brewery is committed to quality beer and social consciousness. They use only organic and sustainable ingredients, try to have the smallest carbon footprint possible and give 1% of their profits back to charity. You can choose from their flagship beers, seasonals, limited edition, oak aged or experimental brews. Enjoy beers from their tap room Thursday through Sunday, or take a tour on Saturdays.

· BadWolf Brewing Company (9776 Center Street, Manassas) – This company’s first location offers a cozy setting to sample a few of their staple beers, plus their experimental and pilot test batches. Family-owned and operated, this brewery offers unique beers like a stout called Chocolate Covered Banana or Mango IPA.

· Big BadWolf (8420 Kao Circle, Manassas) – The new second location of BadWolf Brewing offers tons of seating where you can enjoy a wider variety of your BadWolf favorites. Or, you might choose to enjoy a growler or keg at home. BadWolf doesn’t serve food at this location, but they welcome you to bring your own or order delivery.

· Old Bust Head Brewing Company (7134 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill) – Old Bust Head Brewing Company is named for a historic crossroads in Fauquier County. Some say the locals came up with the nickname when a neighbor fell off his horse after overdoing it. Others say the locals who drank liked to fight, or that they fell down and “busted their heads” on the road. No matter where the name came from, this brewery is known for dozens of craft beers on tap and in bottles. The brewery prides itself on investing in sustainability with its “green” building, energy efficient brewhouse and geothermal heating. The brewery also supports farmers and buys ingredients and supplies locally.

In addition to existing breweries, a new brewery is coming to Prince William County. The old Thomasson Barn at Innovation Park will become an $8 million “destination brewery.” Eventually, it will include an onsite brewing and packaging facility, bistro, tasting room, retail store, beer garden, hops fields, walking trails and bocce court.

Jacobson Realty and Home Staging prides itself on being closely connected with the community and up-to-date on not only the real estate market, but the neighborhoods themselves. If you would like more information on this area we call home, contact us. And Happy Holidays!