Plan A Group Tour of Boston’s Craft Beer Scene

Fewer things are as fun as unwinding after a long day with your friends and a good drink in a relaxing environment; at home, at a bar or a restaurant. Boston has an amazing selection of craft beers, especially Samuel Adams, some of which started as small independent breweries and have grown to corner international markets.

Boston has over forty of these microbreweries that are likely to charm you, and rather than use a company and a guided tour, it is a lot more fun to wing it and visit each randomly. When it comes to making sure that everyone gets from one stop to the next safely, look into booking a private Boston charter tour bus rental. That way, everyone can enjoy their brew without having to worry about getting behind the wheel. Here are a few microbreweries you can start with on your sampling tour through Boston:

Cambridge Brewing Company

This is one of the best beer bars in Boston, but it may not feel like it the moment you walk in: it is a bit small – makes you feel like you’re in a hotel lobby rather than a great bar, and the selection of beers is quite limited. However, limited the choices for beer here may be, the available selection of beers is of very high quality, a factor that largely trumps the quantity. Once you ignore the setting and indulge in the great beers and amazing pilsners, you will want to come back for more. You can find this bar at Kendall Square, and if it helps, the food is great too!

Boston Beer Works

This one, located along Brookline Avenue and on Canal Street, is a prime pre-game destination for sports fans in Boston; whether Celtics, Red Sox or Bruins and has two locations in town. The craft beers are fantastic, especially the Back Bay IPA, Bunker Hill Blueberry Ale with actual blueberries and the Buckeye Oatmeal Stout. With these three and a combination of great tasty chicken wings and nachos, you really cannot go wrong.

Trillium Brewing

It is unassuming, quaint and cozy, and though it is centrally located on Fort Point, it is very easy to walk right past this bar. Famous for its great tasting IPAs, this place will most definitely not disappoint you; whether you are a craft beer or a simpleton – they have a wide variety of beers for every kind of taste. The only drawback is that it can get a tad bit crowded, though this fact should tell you how well-liked this place surely is. Make sure to try the double seesaw and the double dry hopped congress street, they both come very highly recommended.

Backlash Beer

For the hardcore beer fans out there, this one is definitely in your wheelhouse: the beers sold here are not for the faint of heart. Some of the names for their brands should definitely clue you into this fact – Death and Hostile Takeover, Russian Imperial Stout (resurrection). That aside, they have great selections for craft beer, that is strong and yet very smooth, that you can enjoy while playing the games they have available – pinball, corn hall, shuffleboard, a few video games. It is also a great space where you can host parties, watch a football game and generally kick back.

Lower Depths

The selection of bars at this place is as varied as the people inside it: they have brews from craft beer breweries all across America, some of which you may not fund in many establishments. It’s a great place to pre-game before heading to Fenway Park or post-game on your way out.

The craft beer scene in Boston is great, and there are a lot of scenes to sample, so you and your buddies are bound to have a great time.

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10 Underrated Travel Destinations to Visit

Huangshan is one of the world's Underrated Travel Destinations
Photo by CC user davelau on Flickr

When I hear somebody doesn’t like traveling, I just refuse to understand it. Some people do it because they long for adventures, or because of their business, or because they want to meet a Russian lady for marriage. Doesn’t matter. What I know for sure, certain gateways are famous while others remain unnoticed by most travelers. Let’s have a look at the top 10 unconventional places to see!

1. Huangshan, China

If you are a hiking- camping-addict or just in love with nature, this place is definitely worth the attention of travelers. A picturesque mountain range is found 300 km away from Shanghai, one of the most populous and lively cities of China so you can kill two birds with one stone.

2. Rumbur Valley, Pakistan

It is the smallest of three valleys populated by Kalash people, one of the ethnic minorities of Pakistan. You should prepare for challenges as this area offers almost no tourist amenities but you will be able to immerse in a unique local culture and marvel at wild landscapes instead.

3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, USA

The Sierra Nevada is a stunningly beautiful mountain range famous for its diverse wildlife. So we’ve got two great recreational areas. I genuinely don’t know any person who wouldn’t be excited about seeing giant sequoias; moreover, there are a great many other tree and animal species.

4. Ulan Bator, Mongolia

The capital city of Mongolia is surely not the world’s most romantic gateway nor is it the center of civilization. But is you want to explore the unknown parts of East Asia, why not take such a trip? This area is rich in ancient relics and architectural monuments and, of course, natural attractions.

5. Scottish Highlands

Braveheart (1995) isn’t historically accurate yet it makes you fall in love with the Highlands. Well, the region is too big to outline anything right now. There are rocks, there are old towns, there are lakes and a plenty of other great things. Choose what you want and move out!

6. Pyongyang, North Korea

North Korea seems to be a less popular destination than the neighboring countries. Its capital city has impressively long and eventful history and rapidly develops nowadays. Traditional buildings meet high-rises, new attractions appear, and more and more small restaurants open.

7. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

Also called the Spice Island, this is the pearl of East Africa. Everything that other beach resorts have can be found here: snow-white sand, palm trees, turquoise ocean water, and lots of the sunlight. In addition, the island offers all possible kinds of amusements even if your budget is pretty low.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is splendid and Reykjavik provides access to major local attractions. It is also the northernmost capital in the world (if we speak about sovereign states). Whether you are attracted to studying cultures, spa resorts, nightlife, or hanging out in the wild, your expectations will be met.

9. Florence, Italy

I have to confess that it’s my favorite Italian city so I judge it to be unfair that tourists often choose more mainstream routes. Florence doesn’t offer any crazy activities – everything is soaked with sophistication here. If you want to take some Renaissance air, this is where I strongly recommend you going.

10. Kiso Valley, Japan

Japan has gone through westernization but there are still areas where its old aura preserved. The Kiso Valley is one of those: visitors just can’t stay indifferent to its lovely towns, hiking trails, sceneries, and excellent food.

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