Mountain Escape: Cloudcroft Brewing Company

Sometimes you need a break from the chile-slinging madness. So we packed up and headed for the mountains — just 94 miles east of the Buckhorn Tavern — and landed at Cloudcroft Brewing Company, where the air is cooler and the cider hits just right.

This little brewery sits high up in Cloudcroft, surrounded by tall pines and small-town charm. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and that’s exactly what we were looking for.

We ordered a wood-fired pizza (crispy, hot, and gone too fast), paired it with a blueberry cider that was all summer and no syrup — light, bright, and just the right amount of tart. Whether you're into beer or branching out, this cider is reason enough to make the climb.

Inside, the brewery feels like a warm hug — historic wood beams, long tables, and good people. Outside? A patio made for lingering, complete with live music and mountain air that makes you forget your phone’s in your pocket.

If you’re heading out from San Antonio, point your tires east and give yourself a 94-mile detour.