Genevieve Buck 2/26/25 Genevieve Buck 2/26/25

Our Favorite New England Breweries We Have Stopped at… so far

The best breweries we have visited so far in New England

Tuckerman Brewing Company

Our original brewery. Well, at least in terms of drinking their beer. I’ve been a fan of Tuckerman beer since my college days—way back when dinosaurs roamed the Earth (or at least before cellphones where a thing). They didn’t always have a restaurant, and I’m not exactly sure when they opened their tasting room, but it’s been a few years now.

Located in Conway, NH, Tuckerman has an awesome vibe. They serve a variety of pizzas and, of course, beer. A sampler is always a fun way to go if you like to mix things up. The main indoor space is wide open, featuring beautiful images of Mt. Washington, which is fitting since you might need a beer (or two) after hiking it. They also have a large lawn area, food trucks, and live music on occasion. If you’re in the area, check them out—I know I always do!

Zero Gravity

Located in Burlington, VT, Zero Gravity will forever be on my “must-do” list when we’re back in the area. Their Beer Hall has a cool, cozy vibe, with comfy couches mixed in among the tables and a rich, dark-wood interior. It’s a great spot for the whole family—because yes, even kids appreciate a comfy seat while their parents sip craft beer.

The food here? Absolutely amazing. And for non-beer drinkers like Mike, they even brew their own non-alcoholic beer called Rescue Club—As they state on their website: “The people make the party, not the alcohol”. The menu features unique options like kale salads and rice bowls alongside classic burgers. A win-win!

Stoneface Brewing Co.

This one is a local favorite for us. Their menu constantly evolves, but they keep some delicious staples that never disappoint. Every time we eat here, we leave full and happy, which is really the only acceptable way to leave a brewery.

It’s a great place to meet up with friends, grab a quick bite on your way north, or just sit and enjoy a solid meal with a great beer. Trust me—the food and beer here are worth the stop.

*No pictures! I guess when you go often & you love it so much you don’t take as many pictures! Will update next time we visit though. Just trust us the food and vibes are immaculate.

Whalers Brewing Company

This one was new to us. On a recent trip to Rhode Island, we decided to check out Whalers, but there was one thing we didn’t realize—they serve beer. And only beer. Yep, that’s it.

We went in a bit naïve (okay, maybe just me) because I assumed every brewery would have at least something non-alcoholic. You know, a rogue can of soda hiding in the back. Not here! But what we did learn is that you’re welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks. They even have menus for local takeout spots, or you can bring your own food while you sip their beer.

The space itself is great—various seating options, a couple of pool tables, and cornhole. It’s the perfect spot to hang out with friends, even if you need to BYO-Soda. They are also dog friendly! So you can bring your fur babies here as long as they remain on their leash, so cool!

Maine Beer Company

Maine Beer Co. makes one of my all-time favorite beers—Lunch. (Yes, that’s the name, and yes, it’s absolutely delicious.) I also love Dinner. And yes they do have a Breakfast beer, I haven’t tried it, yet! But I am sure it is amazing!

While driving through Freeport, I discovered they have a tasting room and serve pizza. And let me tell you, the pizza is fantastic. The setup: a host seats you, but you order your beer and food at the bar. The restaurant is bright, open, and airy, with a great view into the brewing area. If you’re anywhere near Freeport, this is a stop worth making!

Schilling Beer Co.

Located in Littleton, NH, Schilling is an absolute gem. The brewery is housed in a rustic old home, perched right on a river next to a covered bridge. It’s basically the most picturesque brewery setting imaginable.

The ambiance is cozy—with exposed beams, rustic wood charm, and that warm, welcoming feeling that makes you want to stay a while. And while their beer is great, let’s talk about the food. The pretzel appetizer? I know you can’t see me, but I’m actually drooling just thinking about it. Their pizza ranks among my all-time favorites.

We love stopping here after a hike or a ski trip up north. And if you’re in Littleton, the whole town is worth a visit—quaint bakeries, fun shops, and of course, Schilling itself.

We have not been to all the breweries this list is our personal favorite places we highly recommend them all! As we discover new spots we will keep updating this list.

Genevieve Buck 2/16/25 Genevieve Buck 2/16/25

How We Plan Our Hikes

How to plan a successful day hiking in New England

If you're planning a trip to New England and want to explore the beautiful outdoors we call home, we're here to help! We don't do anything too fancy when planning our hikes, but a little preparation goes a long way toward having a safe and successful day. Plus, at our age, it's all about staying safe and finding the best food afterward!

Step 1: Decide the Day's Plan

First things first—how much time do we have? Are there any commitments that mean we need to be home by a certain time? If not, we're free to follow where the trails (and the weather) lead us—with the promise of delicious food at the end.

I keep a running list of hikes: some challenging, some moderate, and some easy. My go-to sources for finding new trails have always been books. One of my favorites is Foghorn Outdoors: New England Hiking - The Complete Guide to More Than 380 Hikes by Michael Lanza. This book is over 20 years old, so I double-check things like road closures, but the detailed descriptions and honest ratings make it a gem. Each hike is rated on a scale of 1-10 for views and difficulty—because let's be honest, isn't that why we hike?

Another book I recently picked up is New Hampshire's 52 With a View: A Hiker's Guide. by Ken MacGray It focuses solely on New Hampshire mountains under 4,000 feet. Some trails are still challenging, but all offer incredible views without the grueling climb—a definite win-win.

Step 2: Plan the Post-Hike Meal

Food is a key part of our hiking adventures. We always research dining options before we leave because cell service at the trailhead can be spotty. Where we go depends on what time we finish the hike. If we wrap up early, we're on the hunt for a cozy local coffee shop. If it's closer to lunch or dinner, we love finding a local restaurant for a well-earned meal and a refreshing drink.

Bonus Step: Use the AllTrails App

In addition to books, we rely on the AllTrails app for planning. I love checking recent trail reviews and photos to know what to expect. It's a lifesaver when it comes to gear decisions—because nothing ruins a hike faster than being unprepared. Huge thanks to all the hikers who share their trail updates!

The Night Before: Prep is Everything

A little prep the night before makes for a smoother morning. We pack our gear, lay out our clothes, and make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in advance. That way, in the morning, Mike can toast my bagel (he's the morning person, not me) while I get ready. There's something so peaceful about hitting the trail early, so this routine helps us get out the door without a hitch.

If the weather looks iffy, we throw rain gear in the car—better to have it and not need it than the other way around. We also wear comfy shoes to the trailhead and pack our hiking boots to change into when we arrive. In the summer, we even keep an extra set of clothes in the car just in case we get too sweaty and want to freshen up before heading to eat.

Want more tips and stories? Tune in to our podcast, Around New England, where we share all the details about our hikes and adventures. Let us know what you'd like to hear next—and happy hiking!