Spokane native Shelly Bailey is the owner and operator of a new brewery tour service, Spokane Brewery Tours, which launched here last month. 

Bailey says she previously ran a Seattle-based event planning business but was inspired by the growth of the local brewery scene to start Spokane Brewery Tours. 

“Given the number of breweries here, I figured there should be a service that allows people to see them all and not have to worry about driving,” she says. “I’m a beer fan, so this job seemed like a great fit and a cool new idea.” 

 Bailey, as both owner and sole employee, coordinates tour schedules from her home office, arranging to meet groups of eight to 10 guests at hotels and other downtown meeting spots. 

 “We launched early this month, so we’re still just getting started,” she says. “I’m still developing partnerships with hotels, and eventually, I plan to hire more people and establish an LLC (limited liability company). For now, it’s just me doing guided tours that include pickup and drop-off service.”

Bailey says the company offers three main tours, one in Spokane, one in Spokane Valley, and a walking tour. Private tours and tours for special occasions are also available.

She says tours run Thursday through Monday, and generally last between three and 3.5 hours. While tours are currently limited to noon and 5p.m. only, Bailey says more offerings will be added to the schedule as the business grows. 

“Each tour visits at least three local breweries, and at each stop, we try to make sure the owners are available to talk to tourists about the history of their business,” she says. “Really, it’s about providing safe transportation to beer lovers, so they’re able to visit and get to know others with similar interests.”