Valcour Brewing Company

Imagine a place where 19th-century history comes alive and the air is filled with the aromas of freshly brewed malt. Valcour Brewing Company is not just a bar or brewery, but a unique cultural site located in the legendary Old Stone Barracks building in Plattsburgh, USA. Built in 1838 from massive limestone, this building is the last remaining evidence of a grand military project from that era.

Today, under the roof of this two-story historic landmark, a modern craft brewery, a cozy restaurant featuring local cuisine, and even a small inn harmoniously coexist. The interiors of the establishment carefully preserve the spirit of the past: here you can see original wooden floors and antique details, such as a bar counter brought from the Gettysburg battlefields. This place attracts both lovers of quality brews and connoisseurs of architectural heritage.

Located in close proximity to the scenic Lake Champlain, the brewery offers guests not only exceptional beers brewed on its own equipment in the building's basement but also an atmosphere of tranquility and authenticity. Valcour Brewing Company has become a true symbol of Plattsburgh's revival, transforming austere military barracks into a welcoming center for gastronomy and relaxation.

For more details regarding table reservations or hotel bookings, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit Valcour Brewing Company is, of course, the craft beer tasting. There are always about ten different varieties on tap here. Be sure to try the flagship Big Ben Double IPA with its rich flavor or the malty Copper Nails with its characteristic caramel notes. For those who can't decide, "beer flights" are offered—sets of several small pours of different varieties.

In addition to the drinks, the establishment is famous for its cuisine based on local farm products. On the menu, you will find famous award-winning burgers, as well as the signature The Smoking Hog sandwich with tender pulled pork. The atmosphere of the dining room, reminiscent of old-time barracks life, adds a special character to the meal.

History buffs will enjoy taking a short self-guided tour of the building. You can see where the infirmary and kitchen used to be, and examine old photographs and artifacts displayed in the halls. And if you want to extend your stay, you can book one of the seven cozy rooms in the inn on the second floor to wake up in a building with nearly two centuries of history.

Getting to Valcour Brewing Company is quite simple, as it is located at 49 Ohio Ave, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Plattsburgh. If you are traveling by car, the trip south via NY-9 or Ohio Avenue will take about 5–10 minutes. Free parking is available for guests right by the historic building.

For those who prefer public transportation, local CDT Transit buses and Adirondack Transit Lines intercity services stop nearby. If you are arriving in the region via Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), the journey by taxi or rental car will take no more than 15 minutes. The site is also conveniently located relative to I-87 (the Northway), making it accessible for travelers coming from Montreal.

If you are already in the city's historic district or walking along the shores of Lake Champlain, the brewery can be reached on foot or by bicycle—it is located just a couple of hundred meters from the water. This is a great reason to combine a walk in the fresh air with a visit to an iconic landmark.

The building that houses the brewery today is known as the Old Stone Barracks. It was constructed in 1838 to house U.S. Army soldiers. This majestic structure, built of local limestone, is the last surviving element of four planned barracks that were intended to form a self-contained military compound. In its time, this site played a key role in defending the strategically important Lake Champlain corridor.

Interestingly, the future president Ulysses S. Grant, then serving as a lieutenant, once stayed in the nearby officers' quarters. After the military left these walls in the mid-20th century, the building stood vacant for a long time. In 1971, it was rightfully added to the National Register of Historic Places, which helped preserve it from destruction.

A new life for the barracks began in 2014 when two retired U.S. Army colonels, Terry Schmaltz and Mary Theresa Pearl, decided to purchase the property to create a unique brewery. A large-scale restoration began in 2015: builders removed tons of old metal and wood to carefully restore the original maple and Douglas fir floors, while preserving the spirit of the 19th century.

Today, Valcour Brewing Company is more than just a business; it is a true architectural monument where every stone and beam tells a story of the American military past. Visitors can see museum photographs and artifacts found during the restoration, making a visit here an educational journey into the past.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of this place, a typical visitor will need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is quite enough time to sample several types of craft beer, order lunch, and take a leisurely look at the interiors of the historic Old Stone Barracks building.

If you are planning a full dinner with friends or want to study all the museum displays and historical artifacts in detail, it is worth budgeting 3–4 hours for your visit. For those who decide to stay at the local inn, Valcour Brewing Company will serve as an excellent base for evening relaxation after exploring the city.

The brewery operates on the following schedule:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Please note that hours of operation may change depending on the season or private events. It is recommended to check the official website or call ahead for information before visiting.

Exploring the surroundings of Valcour Brewing Company will allow you to dive even deeper into the atmosphere of historic Plattsburgh. Combining a visit to the brewery with a stroll through nearby attractions will make your day rich and diverse.