Along the Road of Suds, part 1
Maybe it’s like this all over, but certainly in our fair Valley, it seems that microbreweries and similar concerns like distilling and winemaking have popped up like mad. We’d be remiss in not helping you find a few of these great destinations that offer local flavor in particularly potent forms.
There are so many now, in fact, we’ll warn you up front this is a multi-part undertaking. There is no official “Valley Beer Trail” or similar; consider this a step toward rectifying that.
We’ll start with beer in Easthampton and Northampton. If you’ve spent time in Easthampton much in recent years, you probably know there’s a positive hive of interesting activity and businesses in the old textile mill buildings along Pleasant Street. Among them, you’ll find two breweries. New City Brewery, at 180 Pleasant, offers a calendar of musical events, and its unusual focus is itself enough to make it worth a visit: New City makes other styles, but its prime product is alcoholic ginger beer.
To get to Abandoned Building Brewery, you have to find your way to the back side of those mill buildings, where there’s a scene that’s thriving, just not as easily spotted from the main road. Abandoned Building really did make its home in a disused industrial space, but these days, it’s got plenty of well-crafted beer, plus regular nights featuring outdoor food trucks and musical acts.
Up the road in Northampton, there’s plenty brewing. One of the oldest microbrew efforts in the region is Northampton Brewery, a popular restaurant with its own beers and a rooftop deck that’s generally packed in the warm months. Well worth a lengthy stop.
Also in downtown Northampton, another newer brewer can be found on Pearl Street, just across from the old Pearl Street music venue. Progression Brewing Company is large, airy place, with plentiful pub food and a solid beer menu. It’s got seasonal outdoor seating, and often hosts musicians. You’ll also find things like trivia on the menu regularly.
Nearby Florence is home to Drawing Board Brewing, which began in 2021. It’s also got plenty on offer in its taproom, and a growing roster of musical offerings. Whatever your favorite pint, you’ll find it in Western Mass!
