5 Best Sights in Washington, USA

This critically acclaimed standout among the state's fast-growing crop of artisan distilleries specializes in spirits crafted from local ingredients, including single-barrel bourbon produced with local corn and rye, and a crisp vodka made from Yakima Valley grapes and infused with rhubarb. Choose from sampler flights or try Distallarium's spirits mixed into a classic cocktail. The kitchen turns out some of the tastiest bar bites around—the lobster puffs and white cheddar nachos are highly addictive. 

This distillery decorated with old tools and other memorabilia from the building's previous life as a hardware store offers informative tastings and, by appointment, entertaining tours. For a small operation, Hardware has developed a big following for its fruit-and-honey Bee's Knees liqueurs (the fig variety is a standout) as well as spicy Cardamom Aquavit and herbal-accented Dutch genever–style small-batch gin. A couple of doors down, the beer garden at Potlach Brewing is a nice place to sample locales ales, including some aged in Hardware Distillery whiskey barrels.

Among the most acclaimed craft spirits producers in the country, Heritage Distilling is based in Gig Harbor, where it operates an inviting tasting room offering tours and a bar serving creative cocktails and a few delicious nibbles. Try a flight of samples—Dual Barrel Orange Bourbon, Elk Rider Gin, and Lavender Vodka are all popular—while taking in the views of Gig Harbor. The company has additional tasting rooms in Rolsyn, Seattle, and Tumwater.

It's not all wine in these parts: this outstanding whiskey maker produces fine spirits from a bourbon recipe that dates back generations. You can tour the beautiful, modern distillery with its towering grain silo and tall windows, sampling the straight bourbon and rye whiskeys that have earned numerous awards. Across the parking lot in the endearingly offbeat Hollywood Tavern, you can sip whiskey cocktails, feast on well-crafted gastropub fare, and—occasionally—listen to live music on the shaded patio.

Informative tours and tastings are offered at this celebrated downtown distillery that's garnered dozens of awards for its botanical-infused gin, sweet whiskey, and Krampus herbal liqueur. The distillery's bi-level Penny Farthing Bar & Restaurant is open from mid-afternoon through dinner and serves well-crafted cocktails and Spanish-inspired tapas.