Maybe I’m just dreaming of warmer weather, but the idea of sipping a beer in the sunshine sounds pretty excellent right now. With springtime upon us, comes not only the reemergence of flowers but also beer gardens awakening from their tired slumber as well. For this backyard road trip, we’re investigating some of our favorite beer gardens. Mostly sticking local to the Plymouth area and Cape Cod for this piece, it will also showcase a favorite beer garden at an all-time favorite brewery in Vermont!
The Plymouth Three
The Plymouth, Massachusetts, craft libation scene is growing by leaps and bounds, with brewery number seven set to open. For these beer gardens, we’re going to focus on three: Mayflower, Second Wind, and IndieFerm.
Mayflower Brewing Company
Mayflower’s beer garden has found a permanent home in the Pinehills, a massive planned community in Plymouth. On weekends in the warmer months, Mayflower turns the town square into a lively beer garden. A shipping container transforms into a bar. There is plenty of seating at tables, around the fire pit, or in the grass. Live music can often be heard and food trucks and grab a bite to eat from a food truck. Additionally, the town center of the Pinehills offers restaurants such as Mama Mia’s to take out and eat on-site. Although Mayflower is a fixture in the Pinehills, they’ve also had beer gardens at the Hedge House, the Mayflower Society House, and Bramhall’s (all also in Plymouth), so you never know where they’ll pop up next! (and make sure to check out the new bookstore, Book Love also located in the village square)
Second Wind Brewing Company
Located in a small space on Howland Street in downtown Plymouth, Second Wind makes use of its adjacent parking lot, turning it into a beer garden of sorts on event days in Plymouth. They’ve also had beer gardens at Bramhall’s General Store and can be found in pop-up events such as Bark at the Park. Starting in 2023, Second Wind opened up a brand new weekly beer garden to great success at Red Brook, another planned community in the south of Plymouth. The beer garden is the focal point of this community gathering, featuring food, games, fire pits, and more.
Independent Fermentations
IndieFerm, as it’s known, is another Plymouth brewery. Without a weekly beer garden, IndieFerm has been popping up at area events. These include Bark at the Park, running the Haunted Hike to the Horses event at Black Feather Horse Rescue, (pretty cool drinking in the beer amid a working farm), and even taking over the taps at the Spire Center for the Arts. IndieFerm’s owner, Paul, is in the band, the Shady Roosters, who host a monthly Sunday Funday with great tunes.
Two on the Cape
Naukabout Brewing Company
Being the Cape, it should be all about a little leisure time with drinking a brew or two out-of-doors. Naukabout in Mashpee is all about this idea. The brewery itself has a cool terraced outdoor space that feels like a year-round beer garden. In addition to this, in the nearby Mashpee Commons shopping destination is a Naukabout beer garden. Similar to Mayflower, their bar is placed inside a shipping container. It’s located just up the hill from the main shopping area, providing a respite from the busy commercial zone. In the cooler months, look for pop-up Naukabout gardens in other locations in Mashpee Commons.
Tree House Brewing Company
Tree House, which has now expanded to five locations and one more on the way, has an outpost right on the beach in Sandwich. While not a classic beer garden, think of the Sandwich brewery as a yearlong beer garden. There’s nothing better than sipping a Tree House libation while sitting or standing on the outdoor deck overlooking the ocean. Whether it’s July or January, this spot is a perfect getaway.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist Brewery and Visitor Center in Stowe, Vermont, is known for its delectable selections such as Focal Banger and Heady Topper. During the past few years, in addition to the indoor spot, they’ve opened an extensive seasonal beer garden. Try a full selection of their offerings while enjoying cornhole and relaxing outside in the mountain air.
Look for these favorite beer gardens and more as the weather gets warmer this year!
