5 scenic Mass. breweries where you can sit outside while it’s still nice out
OK, nobody panic. It's the final weekend of September. This is the best period of weather we're going to get in Massachusetts all year.
The summer heat is fading. The winter chill hasn't set in yet. We're in the perfect level of weather where you can go out in a light hoodie and do something fun on the weekend.
Something fun like celebrating National Drink Beer Day, which is set on Sunday, Sept. 28.
It's the perfect excuse to go out on a little excursion and enjoy a beverage outside. With that in mind, here are five scenic breweries in Massachusetts that offer gorgeous outdoor seating.
The door to the taproom at Stone Cow Brewery in Barre.(Nick O'Malley/MassLive)
1) Stone Cow Brewery, Barre
Stone Cow Brewery is one of the state's most underrated breweries and has one of the most amazing outdoor settings of any taproom in the state.
Stone Cow's tap room is set in a barn that dates back to the early 1800s and is surrounded by lush farmland. You can sit on the back patio with a flight and also grab some food. The Farm Kitchen is open Thursday-Sunday, while the outdoor BBQ pit is open Saturday-Sunday through October.
Beers to try: The Roll in the Hay IPA can go hop-for-hop with any IPA in the state. If it's a little chilly, give the Cows Out Milk Stout a try.
More info: Stone Cow Brewery
The main sign at Tree House Brewing Company in Charlton. Nicole Simmons/MassLive
2) Treehouse Brewing Company, Multiple Locations
Treehouse has built a reputation as one of the best breweries in the state – and the country.
It also has some of the best outdoor brewery settings. Treehouse has five locations across Massachusetts. But if you're looking for the best outdoor brewery experience, I recommend either the Charlton or Deerfield locations.
Beers to try: The Julius IPA is Treehouse's flagship beer and one of the state's must-try brews. If you're looking for something a little heavier, their Haze Double IPA is consistently one of their best beers.
More info: Treehouse Brewing
Trillium Brewing Company opened "The Trillium Garden" on The Greenway in Boston in May 2018. (MassLive Photo)
3) Trillium Brewing, Canton
Trillium is another top-tier brewery with multiple locations across the state. Their Boston spots (in Fenway and the Garden on the Greenway) are great for those in the city.
But for the best experience, check out their flagship location in Canton. It's there that you'll get the best (and freshest) beers along with an awesome food menu.
Beers to try: Trillium's IPAs are the stuff of legend. Their Congress Street IPA is a great starting point. If you want something crisp for late summer, go for their Little Trillium saison.
More info: Trillium Brewing
A beer from Moon Hill Brewing at the Brew Barn at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston.(Nick O'Malley/MassLive)
4) Moon Hill Brewing/Brew Barn at Red Apple Farm, Phillipston
This pick is a little different. It's a taproom that's out of the way for a lot of folks. But if you're willing to make the drive, it's an awesome day trip.
Red Apple Farm is routinely rated as one of the state's best apple orchards. But the farm has way more than that. There's a country store, a cidery, an outdoor pizza oven, ice cream, cider donuts, hay rides and the Brew Barn.
The Brew Barn serves as a taproom for Moon Hill Brewing. At the farm, you can grab a beer, some barbecue, some cider doughnuts and enjoy the beautiful farm setting, which features plenty of animals.
Drinks to try: I'm going to break my own rule here and recommend one beer and one cider. The Moon Hill Puff IPA is fantastic. But I also suggest checking out the cidering by the country store and grabbing either a pear cider or apple pie cider.
More info: The Brew Barn | Moon Hill Brewing | The Cidery at Red Apple Farm
The Biergarten at Notch Brewery & Taproom in Salem.(Nick O'Malley/MassLive)
5) Notch Brewery & Taproom, Salem
Notch has an awesome location that's right on Derby Wharf in Salem. It's right in the middle of the action in Salem – but offers a cozy refuge from the crowds.
Their taplist leans more toward classic European styles. The smart move here is to get away from the conventional American IPAs and stouts and grab a classic.
Beers to try: Get the Festbier, a less-sweet, breadier version of what most breweries call their Oktoberfest. The Crow corn lager is a bright, crisp delight that's easy to drink.
More info: Notch Brewery & Taproom
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