The Beeracks

250 Bradley Street, East Haven

Thebeeracks.com

The Beeracks is "Connecticut's first collaborative brewery," including Armada Brewing, Overshores, Erector Brewing Collective, Hull's Brewing Company, Metronome Brewing, New Haven Nighthawks, Hoax Brewing Company, and Front Porch Brewing. With so many breweries to choose from, there's certainly something for everyone. Guests are allowed to bring outside food, and there are sometimes food trucks on site in addition to patio seating.

Hours: Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Can four-packs and growlers are available for take-out from Monday to Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Stony Creek Brewery

5 Indian Neck Avenue, Branford

Stonycreekbeer.com

"Aggressively laid-back beer" is the mantra of Stony Creek Brewery, which is located on the Branford River. With water views, plenty of outdoor seating, and cornhole boards, the brewery is a summer staple. Tours are available on Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m. There is always something going on, whether it be live music, Tuesday Night Trivia, or other fun events.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to

12 a.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Special Events: Movie Nights on Mondays at 7 p.m.; Tuesday Night Trivia at

7 p.m.; live music.

Summer Beer:

"Sun Juice" Lager

"A little hazy, juicy, easy-drinking lager beer. For the sunset or sunrise,

we ain't judging either way."

Thimble Island Brewing Company

16 Business Park Drive, Branford

thimbleislandbrewery.com

Thimble Island Brewing Company, who claims to be "the largest self-distributing micro-brewery in Connecticut"has a tasting room that is open seven days a week with 16 rotating tap lines. In addition to its taproom, the brewery has lots of fun events all year long including Trivia Tuesdays, live music, and craft nights. The beer can be found almost everywhere in the state, and growlers, crowlers, and grab & go variety packs are available for purchase at the brewery.

Hours: Monday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday & Wednesday, 3 to 9 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 9 p.m.; Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

Guided tours are offered on Saturdays at noon, 2, and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. for $5 per person.

Special Events: Thimble Island Trivia Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; live music; Happy Hour Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Summer Beer:

"Beermosa" Super-Dry Brut IPA

"This beer is a refreshing and easy brunch beer coming in at a cool 5.5%," says Gina Gentile, the brewery's events, retail, and tourism manager.

DuVig Brewing Company

59 School Ground Road, Suite 10, Branford

Duvig.com

DuVig Brewing Company recently celebrated its five-year anniversary. The brewery's specialty is session beer, or beer with a lower alcohol percentage, making it easy to drink.

Hours: Thursday and Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m.

Summer Beers:

German Hefeweizen

Berliner Weisse

30 Mile Brewing Co.

39 Ragged Rock Road, Old Saybrook

30milebrewingco.com

30 Mile is a family-friendly brewery that offers a variety of handcrafted beer.

Hours: Thursday & Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Special Events: Live music.

Summer Beer: "Summer Don Na" Pale Ale

Summer Shandy: "For the perfect Summer shandy, take your favorite summer beer and cut it 50/50 with whatever choice of lemonade you prefer. That to us is the perfect shandy."

Little House Brewing Company

16 Main Street, Chester

littlehousebrewing.com

In the heart of Chester in a 19th century building amongst little shops and restaurants is Little House Brewing Company. Its founders, Carlisle Schaeffer and Sam Wagner, met while they were students at Vassar College, whose founder had a successful brewery. One of the best times to go is during Chester's First Friday event when the center of town is especially lively.

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday, 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Special Events: Best Trivia Ever on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Summer Beers:

"The Pillager" Pilsner

'Water Feature" Gose

"Straw Hat" Saison

"Don't Call Us Cute!" New England-Style IPA

Summer Shandy: Pour beer into pint glass, add a cocktail umbrella, and voila.