If you are like me, you despise staying home during the winter. I get why some people do, though. The weather is not inviting, and it is easy to just stay home, throw a beef stew into the slow cooker and make plans about what you are going to do when the weather gets better. I, however, cannot do that. I need to get out and have social interaction, some sunshine, and ~ most importantly ~ my beef stew recipe requires beer.

If you’re a beer-lover, checking out local breweries is always a good option. Here are three local breweries to visit that offer tours, serve incredible beer and have things to do nearby for the other people in your vehicle. Be sure to check their websites for current hours and activities. Cheers!

Treehouse Brewing
160 East Hill Road, Monson
Treehousebrew.com
Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays

I think by now you get the point that this is one of my favorite breweries. Regardless of what is on tap, you should go. Treehouse sells refillable growlers. You fill out an order card ~ kind of like a sushi restaurant ~ and you wait for your growler to be filled. Tours are offered of the brewery, and sometimes there is a food vendor selling groovy grub, or you can just take a walk and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Nearby on Route 20 in Sturbridge is Enrico’s Brick Oven Pizza and BT’s Smokehouse if you are looking for lunch or dinner. Sturbridge Coffee Shop is a great place to grab a coffee and a pastry on your way in. Yankee Candle has an outlet store there, in case your companion likes that sort of thing better than craft beer.

Jack’s Abby
81 Morton St., Framingham
Jacksabbybrewing.com
Open noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays

This is one of the most diverse breweries you will ever encounter. Lagers are what Jack’s is known for, but don’t go in expecting to see boring mass-market offerings. Jack’s has everything from a 4.5% ABV Framinghammer Lager to a 13% ABV lagerwine known as Bridemaker. There are also smoked beers, imperial pale lagers and Baltic porters that include some aged in bourbon barrels and some that use cacao nibs or peanut butter and jelly. Jack’s license allows for 4-ounce samples, as well as full pints, and there are bottles to take home.

On nearby Route 9, there is a plethora of things to do. Shoppers World has just about every store you could imagine. The Natick Mall is also nearby if upscale shopping is your thing. Julio’s Liquors is a must-visit, as it has one of the best selections of craft beer in Massachusetts.

Wachusett Brewing Company
175 State Road, East Westminster
Wachusettbrew.com
Open noon-5 p.m. on Saturdays

One of the pioneers of the local craft beer scene, Wachusett is still going strong after more than 30 years in business. The company has no intention of resting on its laurels and has recently introduced its Milk Stout in a can, as well as being the first in the state to offer 32-ounce cans filled with the fresh beer of your choice at the brewery. These large cans are called crowlers, growlers with a “c” for “can.” The walking tour of the brewery takes almost an entire hour and comes with two 2-ounce samples at the end. Be sure to try Larry or Green Monsta if they are available that day.

Nearby on Route 2A is the 1761 Gift Shop. It kind of reminds me of a Cracker Barrel, but is an individual family business. Great rolls come with the dinner that’s served upstairs. Afterwards, head downstairs to the gift shop for all sorts of things, including old-fashioned penny candy. Wachusett Mountain in nearby Princeton has skiing and snowboarding, as well as other events throughout the year.