“Beer: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” — Homer Simpson
Greetings and salutations from the Tri-Cities Tap Trail! It is I, BJ, from the past (but also right now), and I have been sent forward in time by way of the usual route to bring you this update on everyone’s favorite beer and cider map of the greater Tri-Cities region. That’s right — this region, the one you’re probably in right now. And you’re also right if you think I’m talking about the Tri-Cities Tap Trail, baby!
Haven’t heard of us? That will not do! Well, as alluded to above, we are a local group of beer lovers that have put together a map of breweries and tap houses in the Tri-Cities. You can get a map at any of our Tap Trail locations, and then get a sticker with your first purchase at each location — whether it be beer, cider, food, or any NA option (like a non-alcoholic T-shirt). Fill the map and turn it in to Visit Tri-Cities for wonderful prizes that make you more attractive to those that you are attracted to, and will make you the envy of the known and unknown universe. Hey, I wouldn’t be able to say it if it wasn’t true.
We started up in July of 2024 with a plucky 20 locations; and now, as we blaze into 2026, we have an astounding 21 spots. Over the course of those 1.5 years, we have given out nearly 10,000 maps and 20,000 stickers, accounting for a total of almost $140,000 in revenue going right back to the local businesses you love. That is (...checks notes…) a lot. And we are so proud. Kind of like when you hit that home run in little league, or hit a home run three-pointer in basketball, or maybe something with hockey.
As mentioned above, you can get a map at any of our locations, which I have kindly listed out here (you can thank me later): Atomic Ale Brewpub and Eatery, Bombing Range Brewing Company, Ice Harbor Brewing Company, Iconic Brewing, Moonshot Brewing, Paper Street Brewing Company, Rattlesnake Mountain Brewing Company, Sage Brewing Company, Wheat Head Brewing Company, White Bluffs Brewing, Blackthorne Neighbourhood Pub, Coppertop Taphouse, Dog Haus Biergarten, Ice Harbor Brewing at the Marina, Lazy River Taphouse, The Medusa, Tap & Barrel, Tapp’d, TC Cider House, Tri City Taps, and Wheat Head on the Water.
Wow, that was quite the list. If you get eight stickers, you will get a TCTT (that’s us!) beer koozie. Hit sixteen spots for a TCTT (still us) pint glass. If you visit all twenty-one locations, you will get both. This year, board President Rob designed our maps (as he has both prior years), and we partnered with local media juggernaut Focal Point Media to provide us with a fantastic logo and design for the prizes. These are not to be missed; I would know, as I already have said prizes (benefits of being on the board and also an enthusiastic drinker).
“But BJ,” you’re probably saying, “you didn't even mention the grand prizes.” Dude, I was getting to that. Once the fully completed maps are turned over, they get entered into a drawing for multiple amazing prizes from our wonderful and gracious Trail locations. But wait, there's more (is it old to remember Ron Popeil?)! The Tri-City Dust Devils have also joined the ranks of prize supporters — a slam dunk partnership, if you ask me. If you want your organization to be a prize supporterer, just CLICK HERE on this piece of paper. Remember, the Tumbleweird, our very first and Tumbleweirdest local partnership, is the only place where you can click links on physical paper. The paper is magic; you should subscribe. Find out more by clicking HERE.
Ahem. Here's a QR code. They are ... kind of magic, I suppose. Just not “tap on paper” kind of magic. — Tumbleweird Editor
Okay, you’re all caught up. Excellent. TCTT set out to be ambassadors to the beer and cider community, to spotlight the offerings of our unique region, and to stimulate economic growth. I’m happy to say we are doing just that. In this world of divisive politics, unsteady futures, and Beanie Babies (that’s still a thing, right? This collection is gonna make me RICH!), it warms my heart to see the people come together for something we all can enjoy — ingesting food and drink to help the local businesses that we know and love.
Now that you know how highly we think of ourselves (...very, if it wasn’t clear; we think very highly of ourselves), maybe you want to know what people are saying about the Tap Trail. Of course you do! You’re still reading this incredibly well written article!*
“I’m so excited to get on the trail!”
“We use it for date night!”
“I’ve lived here for most of my life and didn’t know half of these places existed.”
“I’m texting my friends to do this right now!”
“I just moved here and using the map to find where I can take my dog and have a beer has been great!”
Wait, did someone mention doggies above? Let me check... yup, they sure did. That’s because the map tells you more than just where you can get your favorite bevvies, but also whether kids or dogs are welcome, or if they have food, or outdoor seating, etc. Plus, did I mention side quests, like the Puppy Passport? Well, we have side quests, like the Puppy Passport! That one takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can find out more about us, the side quests, and the wonderful locations on the Trail by checking out our social media links, found where social media is found. I’m very descriptive. You’re welcome. (Don’t worry, our wonderful board VP Kristen handles all that good stuff, so she’ll be much more helpful than I can ever be. But I’ll add links at the bottom of this article, and you can use the QR code to follow us on Instagram!)
Let’s raise a glass to another amazing year! So Skål, Salud, Prost, Sláinte, Na zdraví, Cin Cin, and Cheers (amongst many others) to a delicious and sudsy 2026!
With that, this is your ‘humble’ writer BJ signing off. Those of you that know me from quiz know how I will end this, so say it with me now: “Love is cool here, be chill to each other, violence against one of us is violence against all of us, we all have rights or none of us have rights, and until next time, peace.”
BJ (he/him) is a local REALTOR, quizmaster, beer nerd, pinball player, and business card owner. You can find him on the internet by searching his name and clicking stuff.
LINKS, AS PROMISED:
Instagram: instagram.com/tricitiestaptrail
Facebook: fb.com/p/Tri-Cities-Tap-Trail-61561574288856
* This article was obviously very tongue-in-cheek; however, these testimonials are 100% authentic, for real real.
