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Best Breweries Near Boston

Beer fans in Boston know all about the great breweries this city has to offer. Harpoon and Sam Adams are among the city's best beer appreciation activities. However, the breweries outside of the city are cranking out some good beer too. These breweries tend to have more of the local feel than bigger breweries, so take a short drive and get to know some of what is brewing outside of Boston. Better yet, get a ride and really enjoy the visit.

Mayflower Brewing
(Photo Credit: Mayflower Brewing Company)

Mayflower Brewing Company
12 Resnik Rd. # 3
Plymouth, MA 02360
(508) 746-2674
www.mayflowerbrewing.com

The Mayflower Brewing Company is named for the ship that brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth hundreds of years ago. It produces a small variety of pale ales, as well as a hearty porter and several seasonal brews. Anyone hoping to learn more about the beers can read every brew's profile on the company's website. Come in for a tour or a tasting when an immersive experience is desired.

Related: Boston's Best Brewery Tours

Cape Ann Brewery
(Photo Credit: Cape Ann Brewery)

Cape Ann Brewing Company
11 Rogers St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 282-7399
www.capeannbrewing.com

Located in what may just be the most stalwart town in Massachusetts, the Cape Ann Brewing Company provides it with a comfortable drinking atmosphere. There is a pub attached to the brewery that has everything a typical bar would have, including trivia nights and good food. There is seating right on the waterfront, so this may be the best way to experience the brewery's craft beers. If  a tour is preferable, guests are welcome to come in and see what's happening behind the scenes.

Far From The Tree
(Photo Credit: Far From The Tree)

Far From The Tree Cider
Salem, MA 01970
(617) 877-0865
www.farfromthetreecider.com

Cider fans are going to have to hang tight for tours of this brewery. Announcement that this brewery is open for tours is forthcoming. In the meantime, the company's brews are available all over the place. Towns like Salem and Jamaica Plain carry them in select liquor stores. Even local bars have a selection of Far From The Tree Cider. For a complete list of vendors, see the "Locations" tab on the brewery website.

Wormtown Brewery
(Photo Credit: Wormtown Brewery)

Wormtown Brewery
72 Shrewsbury St. #4
Worcester, MA 01604
(774) 239-1555
www.wormtownbrewery.com

Wormtown is an award-winning brewery in Worcester. It was opened by a native and remains true to its hometown, with the nickname for which it is named. Pilsner, pale ale and much more round out this brewery's list of beer achievements. Visit the taproom to give them a taste or check out the website to find out where it is available locally. Many local ingredients are used, so beer drinkers can check out the farms that provide the ingredients and perhaps grab some of their own.

Related: Best Breweries In The USA

Cape Cod Beer
(Photo Credit: Cape Cod Beer)

Cape Cod Beer
1336 Phinneys Ln.
Hyannis, MA 02601
(508) 790-4200
www.capecodbeer.com

With a tagline like "A Vacation in Every Pint," it is hard not to want to give this company's beer a try. Its location in one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country should be enough to come visit Cape Cod Beer. If not, how about the fact that this creative brewery has such flavors as Peanut Brittle on its menu? Just stop in for a visit or check out the company's schedule for upcoming beer events. It is common to find the staff raising awareness for a local charity or joining the community in celebration.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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