Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2026
Cool Cans from Craft Breweries
2025-12-09 06:35:21
With approximately 530 craft breweries pouring across the state, Pennsylvania’s beer scene is nothing short of booming. But before the first sip, it’s often the label that makes the first impression. In today’s crowded market, eye-catching design isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential. To rise above the noise, many Pennsylvania brewers are teaming up with local artists to craft packaging that captures the soul of the beer and the story behind the brewery.
One of the standout talents behind these bold visuals is Jen Borror, owner of the award-winning York-based Hoot Design. “I like to offer a variety of styles in my toolbox and can create custom art specific and unique for a brand,” she says. That versatility makes her a sought-after collaborator for breweries both new and established. For startup brewers without an identity, Borror helps shape the visual foundation from the ground up. “It’s fun to be a part of the identity from the beginning,” she says. For more seasoned brands, she tailors her handcrafted aesthetic to fit the beer’s essence, so “you can look at the label and know what to expect the beer to taste like.”
In a world where shelf appeal can make or break a purchase, Borror approaches each aluminum cylinder like a miniature billboard. “Flavor and the name of the beer can really drive what the art looks like on the label,” she says. “You have to visually give them a taste with artwork and a clean layout… It's all about visual eye-candy.”
That “eye-candy” isn’t just creative flair — it’s strategic. Can dimensions and shelf placement inform every line and layout. “The size of the can and dieline of the packaging is very important to the layout of the label,” Borror explains. “Keeping the laces out,” as she puts it, ensures the most compelling visual elements face the customer — an essential detail in a crowded beer cooler.
From milkshake IPAs to chocolate stouts, Pennsylvania brewers have long pushed flavor boundaries, and now, with the help of local design pros, they’re matching that creativity on the outside, too.
ULTRACUSH: HAZY IPA
Neshaminy Creek Brewing, Croydon
Design by Fried Design Company
POOLSIDE: PINEAPPLE-LEMON SHANDY
Block House Brewing, Creighton
Design by Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
GRAFFITI HIGHWAY: IPA
Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey
Design by Jewels Despines
Hikes & Hops
Pair Scenic Hikes with Nearby Breweries
At Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming, walk along the water's edge of the 1.4-mile Lake Shore Trail, then cool off with a crisp Vienna-style lager at Back Mountain Brewing Company in Dallas.
After taking in views of Lake Wallenpaupack from the 3-mile Shuman Point Hiking Trail loop, reward yourself with a nature-themed brew (think Bald Eagle Blonde Ale) at Hopping Eagle Brewing Company in Hawley.
Keep an eye out for osprey, turtles, and fish on the 1.9-mile Ackerman Trail at Jamestown's Pymatuning State Park, and toast to your wildlife sightings at Mortals Key Brewing Company, just down the road.
Learn about the oil industry’s rich past through educational signage on the 0.5-mile Blood Farm Interpretive Trail at Oil Creek State Park in Oil City, then discuss your learnings over pizza and brews at Trails to Ales Brewery in Franklin.
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