Are we there yet? Here's how long it takes to drive to 39 of our favorite breweries

Norman Miller and Nancy Olesin
·11 min read

Sometimes you just want to stop in at your favorite local brewery for a quick beer, but other days a road trip to a "destination brewery" might be in order.

But how long will it take to get there? We used Google Maps to estimate how long it will take to drive from Shoppers World in Framingham — a place that holds many fond memories for many folks in the area — to our favorite craft breweries in MetroWest, Greater Milford, Worcester and beyond. And yes, we know the old Shoppers World was better and it just isn't the same anymore but being on Route 9 it still just seems like a good starting point.

So grab yourself a designated driver and get ready to enjoy some frothy brews that are made with care. There are so many choices we stuck with the ones that are in our readership area and those of our sister newspaper the Telegram & Gazette.

Without further ado, here's how long it takes to get to 39 Massachusetts craft breweries:

Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, 100 Clinton St., Framingham, 508-872-0900. Jack's Abby brews almost exclusively lagers, but experiments with other styles under its Springdale line of beers at its beer hall with a full kitchen.
Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, 100 Clinton St., Framingham, 508-872-0900. Jack's Abby brews almost exclusively lagers, but experiments with other styles under its Springdale line of beers at its beer hall with a full kitchen.

7 Minutes: Jack's Abby, Framingham 

100 Clinton St., Framingham, 508-872-0900; www.jacksabby.com. Along with a full kitchen, Jack's Abby's beer hall offers a wide range of beers, from exclusive lagers and more experimental beers from its Springdale line of beers.

Birthday beer: Starting from scratch in Framingham, Jack's Abby marks its 10th year

9 Minutes: Exhibit 'A' Brewing Co., Framingham 

81 Morton St., Framingham, 508-202-9297; www.exhibit-a-brewing.com. With such beers as Briefcase Porter and Cat's Meow IPA, there is a full range of beers for everyone's taste at the Framingham taproom.

Still hoppin: Local brewery celebrates five years in business

The Lookout, an outdoor dining section at Lookout Farm in Natick, pictured in the summer of 2021.
The Lookout, an outdoor dining section at Lookout Farm in Natick, pictured in the summer of 2021.

14 Minutes: Lookout Farm Brewing & Cider Co., Natick 

89 Pleasant St., Natick, 508-475-3697; www.lookoutfarm.com/brewing-cider-co. After a day of apple picking at Belkin Family Lookout Farm, stop in at the taproom to grab an IPA or a cider brewed with apples grown on site.

Five things to know: About Lookout Farm, featured on 'Married at First Sight'

15 Minutes or 20 Minutes: Owen O'Leary's, Southborough and Westborough 

50 Turnpike Road, Southborough and 17 Connector Road, Westborough, 508-481-1714 (S); 508-366-9262 (W); www.owenolearys.com. Old-school brewpub with typical bar fare, the local game on the TVs and a mix of house-brewed beers and guest taps.

Steve Hamman, left, of Marlborough, and Marc Puleo, of Hudson, enjoy beer and conversation on the first day of business Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, for Flying Dreams Brewing in Marlborough.
Steve Hamman, left, of Marlborough, and Marc Puleo, of Hudson, enjoy beer and conversation on the first day of business Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, for Flying Dreams Brewing in Marlborough.

21 Minutes: Flying Dreams Brewing, Marlborough 

277 Main St., Marlborough, 508-251-0484; www.flyingdreamsbrewing.com. Originally located in Worcester, they are now in Marlborough with its downtown taproom where fans can enjoy a pint of Fuel American Coffee Stout or Pond Jumper IPA.

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co. owners Melynda and JP Gallagher in their Marlborough establishment, Feb. 15, 2022.
Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co. owners Melynda and JP Gallagher in their Marlborough establishment, Feb. 15, 2022.

21 Minutes: Lost Shoe Brewery & Coffee, Marlborough 

19 Weed St., Marlborough, 508-251-977; www.lostshoesbrews.com. Coffee and beer share the spotlight. Coffee and pastry is available at 7 a.m. and beer starting at 11 a.m.

Bartender Chris Barber serves a cold one Tackle Box Brewing Company in Marlborough, August 27, 2021.
Bartender Chris Barber serves a cold one Tackle Box Brewing Company in Marlborough, August 27, 2021.

22 Minutes: Tackle Box Brewing Co., Marlborough 

416 Boston Post Road East, Marlborough, 508-321-3292; www.tackleboxbrewing.com. Located in a former laser tag facility, Tackle Box has a large space to serve its cold beers, such as Money Lure Blueberry Ale and Colorado Fisherman, as well as their full line of Catch & Release hard seltzers.

The Next Draft: Flying Dreams brewing in Marlborough, leaves Worcester spot

22 Minutes: Cold Harbor Brewing, Westborough

108 Milk St., Westborough, 508-871-0919; coldharborbrewing.com. Cold Harbor offers full, half or sample pours in their taproom. They also offer 32- and 64-ounce refillable growlers for the man cave.

More: Three local breweries where you can celebrate National American Beer Day

24 Minutes: Amory's Tomb Brewing Co., Maynard 

76 Main St., Maynard; 978-243-087; www.amorystomb.com. Founded by brothers-in-law Allen Quinn and Richard Barron, Amory's Tomb is known for an eclectic mix of beer-styles from Belgian-influenced ales to IPAs.

Taproom Supervisor Liz Boutwell pours a glass of ale in the new Taproom at Bull Spit Brewing Company in Maynard, Feb. 8, 2022.
Taproom Supervisor Liz Boutwell pours a glass of ale in the new Taproom at Bull Spit Brewing Company in Maynard, Feb. 8, 2022.

24 Minutes: Bull Spit Brewing Co., Maynard

20 Sudbury St., Maynard; 978-706-1479; www.bullspitbrewing.com. Recently announced they were moving their taproom to Maynard, expected to open in the next few months.

New brews: Bull Spit Brewery plans 2022 opening in Maynard, at former spot of Battle Road Brewery

Mike Rushford, head brewer at Rushford & Sons Brewery in Upton, with cans of Rushand & Sons beer.
Mike Rushford, head brewer at Rushford & Sons Brewery in Upton, with cans of Rushand & Sons beer.

25 Minutes: Rushford & Son's Brewhouse, Upton 

8 Grove St., Upton, 508-603-1380; www.rasbrewhouse.com. A nano-brewery founded by three friends, they offer a family-friendly environment with traditional styles such as Ol' Blighty extra special bitter and Grizzly Bear brown ale.

Friendly find: First microbrewery, taproom to open in downtown Upton

Start Line Brewing Co. founder Ted Twinney, left, and David Hughes, owner of Strong Side Brewing, a collaboration with Start Line Brewing, at the release party at Start Line Brewing Co. in Hopkinton, Jan. 27, 2022.
Start Line Brewing Co. founder Ted Twinney, left, and David Hughes, owner of Strong Side Brewing, a collaboration with Start Line Brewing, at the release party at Start Line Brewing Co. in Hopkinton, Jan. 27, 2022.

26 Minutes: Start Line Brewing Co., Hopkinton 

151R Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton, 508-258-7200; www.startlinebrewingcompany.com. Not far from the start line of the historic Boston Marathon, the brewery features large indoor and outdoor dining areas. Along with its own beers, it contract brews beers for Strong Side Brewing Company.

Maureen Fabry is co-owner of CraftRoots Brewing in Milford.
Maureen Fabry is co-owner of CraftRoots Brewing in Milford.

26 Minutes: CraftRoots Brewing, Milford 

4 Industrial Road, Milford, 508-381-1920; craftrootsbrewing.com. Their ingredients are grown on small farms in New England. In the taproom it's bring your own food, but order from their beer menus such as a blonde ale or an Irish dry stout.

Waitress Kim Boya (right) waits on Carla and Brian Gilmartin of Auburn during the grand opening of the Medusa Brewing Company at the Landing at Hudson Mills, Nov. 14, 2020.
Waitress Kim Boya (right) waits on Carla and Brian Gilmartin of Auburn during the grand opening of the Medusa Brewing Company at the Landing at Hudson Mills, Nov. 14, 2020.

27 Minutes: Medusa Brewing Co., Hudson 

111 Main St., Hudson, 978-310-1933; medusabrewing.com. Medusa Brewing brews ales and lagers and opened up a sister location, Wild Hare, 43 Broad St., Hudson, that will have a full menu, gourmet coffee and its own line of beers.

You can brew your own beer or wine at Deja Brew in Shrewsbury.
You can brew your own beer or wine at Deja Brew in Shrewsbury.

28 Minutes: Deja Brew, Shrewsbury 

510 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury; 508-842-8991; dejabrew-ybfy.com. Brew your own beer or wine at Deja Brew.

30 Minutes: Bolton Beer Works, Bolton 

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, 978-779-5521; nashobawinery.com. The brewery is on the Nashoba Valley Winery property which also has two restaurants, pick-your-own in season, a wine shop, distillery, and accommodations for weddings and functions. Reservations strongly suggested. For brews, there's June Bird Blackberry Saison, Bolt 117 Lager, Mother Apple IPA, Pumpkin Ale, Barleywine and more.

67 Degrees Brewing is located at 158 Grove St., Franklin.
67 Degrees Brewing is located at 158 Grove St., Franklin.

30 Minutes: 67 Degrees Brewing, Franklin 

158 Grove St., Franklin, 508-507-7376; 67degreesbrewing.com. Whether a fan of fruited sours, classic styles such as Scotch ales or IPAs, this Franklin taproom as it all.

30 Minutes: Penny Pinchers Brewing Company, Millbury 

75 Elm St., Millbury, 774-696-7855; www.pennypinchersbrewing.com. Penny Pinchers specializes in unique takes on traditional styles, such as Vacation Fund, a pilsner brewed with New Zealand hops, and Potty Mouth Jar, a stout that looks like a golden ale. Bringing your own food is allowed here.

True West Brewing Co. in Acton has a scratch-kitchen restaurant and solar-powered brewing.
True West Brewing Co. in Acton has a scratch-kitchen restaurant and solar-powered brewing.

32 Minutes: True West Brewing Co., Acton 

525 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, 978-206-1600; brewtruewest.com. Their beer flows right from the brewery behind the bar to your pint. Scratch-kitchen restaurant and solar-powered brewing.

Wormtown Brewery on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester.
Wormtown Brewery on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester.

32 Minutes: Wormtown Brewing Co., Worcester 

72 Shrewsbury St., No. 4, Worcester, 774-239-1555; wormtownbrewery.com. Favorites here are Be Hoppy, Bottle Rocket, and A Mass Hole. Certain times of year they serve "Norm," a delicious coconut stout named after Daily News public safety reporter Norm Miller, who's also an author of books on beer and wrote a popular beer column called "The Beer Nut" for many years. For fall they have Fresh Patch Pumpkin Ale and Table Talk Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Ale. Wormtown also has refreshing hard seltzers. There's seating indoors and outside on the patio. Wormtown also has a location at Patriots Place near Gillette Stadium (43 minutes).

Try Becky Likes the Smell, Sinshine or Hoppy Dreams at Bay State Brewery & Tap Room in Worcester.
Try Becky Likes the Smell, Sinshine or Hoppy Dreams at Bay State Brewery & Tap Room in Worcester.

33 Minutes: Bay State Brewery & Tap Room , Worcester

112 Harding St., 774-420-2233; baystatebrewing.com. Bay State's 6,000-square-foot brewery and kitchen is now open in the Worcester Ice Center. Stop by and sip a Becky Likes the Smell, Sinshine or Hoppy Dreams.

Redemption Rock Brewing Co. 333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester redemptionrock.beer Redemption Rock has beer for everyone: casual fans, traditionalists and experimentalists.
Redemption Rock Brewing Co. 333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester redemptionrock.beer Redemption Rock has beer for everyone: casual fans, traditionalists and experimentalists.

34 Minutes: Redemption Rock Brewing Co., Worcester 

333 Shrewsbury St., Worcester redemptionrock.beer. Redemption Rock has beer for everyone: casual fans, traditionalists and experimentalists. For fall they have Thackery, an Oktoberfest lager and a sour cherry ale called Zoots? And Blackstone, an Irish Dry Stout, is named for Worcester's bygone canal.

Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company owner Paul Wengender in his Worcester brewery and taproom. [T&G File Photo]
Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company owner Paul Wengender in his Worcester brewery and taproom. [T&G File Photo]

36 Minutes: Greater Good Imperial Brew Co., Worcester 

55 Millbrook St., Worcester, 508-926-8736; Greatergoodimperials.com. The beer flows here. Try the Evana Russian Imperial Stout, or the Greylock 12-percent New England IPA. Hungry? There are hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and more. Live events, too.

Purgatory Beer Company in Whitinsville offers Swiss Miss Porter, Townline Farm Milk Stout, and Blackstone River BIPA.
Purgatory Beer Company in Whitinsville offers Swiss Miss Porter, Townline Farm Milk Stout, and Blackstone River BIPA.

36 Minutes: Purgatory Beer Co., Whitinsville 

670 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, 508-596-2194, purgatorybeer.com. Stop in, have a pint, hang out. Try a Swiss Miss Porter, Townline Farm Milk Stout, or a Blackstone River BIPA.

Double Down Brewing Company on Park Avenue in Worcester is adjacent to Peppercorn's Grille & Tavern.
Double Down Brewing Company on Park Avenue in Worcester is adjacent to Peppercorn's Grille & Tavern.

37 Minutes: Double Down Brewing Company, Worcester 

455B Park Ave., Worcester, 508-313-6791; www.doubledownbeer.com. Located adjacent to Peppercorn's Grille & Tavern, visitors can grab a freshly brewed Druid's Red or Atomic Man with their dinner.

Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton is led by co-owners, business partners and longtime friends Jesse Tarbell (left) and Brian Mason.
Sterling Street Brewery in Clinton is led by co-owners, business partners and longtime friends Jesse Tarbell (left) and Brian Mason.

37 Minutes: Sterling Street Brewery, Clinton 

175 Sterling St.; www.sterlingstreetbrewing.com. Food trucks on the weekend paired with live music and beers such as Hello Clinton and Street Dreams make for an enjoyable day.

Sterling Street Brewery: Craft brewers ready to call Clinton home

Non-beer drinkers love Altruist Brewing Co.'s sour ale Pucker Face. Altruist has brewed about seven different versions, including this riff with mango and dragonfruit.
Non-beer drinkers love Altruist Brewing Co.'s sour ale Pucker Face. Altruist has brewed about seven different versions, including this riff with mango and dragonfruit.

44 Minutes: Altruist Brewing Company, Sturbridge 

559 Main St., Sturbridge, 774-241-8022; altruistbrewing.com. Bob and Nancy Bixby started home brewing in their garage. Once folks started raving about the beer, it turned into something more. Enjoy hand-crafted recipes in an old mill building.

Rapscallion Brewery on Arnold Road in Sturbridge has made few changes to the decades-old building.
Rapscallion Brewery on Arnold Road in Sturbridge has made few changes to the decades-old building.

46 Minutes: Rapscallion Brewery & Tap Room, Sturbridge 

195 Arnold Road, Sturbridge, 508-347-7500; drinkrapscallion.co. Whether your poison is a mainstay, such as Session IPA, Blonde or Lager, or you're into seasonals, like Glacier IPA, Kolsch or Munich Dark, you'll want to visit.

Seven Saws in Holden came from the efforts of four friends who had a simple goal: create great beer.
Seven Saws in Holden came from the efforts of four friends who had a simple goal: create great beer.

46 Minutes: Seven Saws, Holden 

1148 Main St., Holden, 774- 345-4799; sevensawsbrewing.com. The name comes from the historic mills and villages that make up the town. The brewery came from the efforts of four friends who had a simple goal: create great beer.

The patio view of Tree House Brewing in Charlton. [T&G File Photo/Christine Peterson]
The patio view of Tree House Brewing in Charlton. [T&G File Photo/Christine Peterson]

46 Minutes: Tree House Brewing Company, Charlton 

129 Sturbridge Road, Charlton, 413-523-2367; treehousebrew.com. Current offerings include The Greenest Green, Big One, Quadruple Cinnamon Shot Cookie Marshmallow and King JJJuliusss. Tree House also has locations in Deerfield (1 hour, 33 minutes), Sandwich (1 hour, 26 minutes), and Woodstock, Connecticut (1 hour, 4 minutes).

Andrew Woodward, head brewer and co-founder of Oakholm Brewing Co. in Brookfield, stands in his taproom, transformed from a dusty 90-year-old barn.
Andrew Woodward, head brewer and co-founder of Oakholm Brewing Co. in Brookfield, stands in his taproom, transformed from a dusty 90-year-old barn.

50 Minutes: Oakholm Brewing Co., Brookfield 

80 Lake Road, Brookfield, 239-398-3228; www.oakholmbrewing.com. Their 10-barrel brewhouse is set by the picturesque pastures of Oakholm Farm Estate. Current brews include Tractor Bier American lager, a Mexican lager called Farmveza, a sour Berliner Weisse called Raspberry Farm Cooler and Pole 63, a hazy New England pale ale.

Co-founder and head brewer Bill diMario spent over 30 years as an engineer before opening Thirsty Robot. Images of robots aboud inside his garage taproom.
Co-founder and head brewer Bill diMario spent over 30 years as an engineer before opening Thirsty Robot. Images of robots aboud inside his garage taproom.

52 Minutes: Thirsty Robot Brewing Company, Fitchburg 

265 Summer St., Fitchburg (rear of building), 978-895-5931; www.thirstyrobotbrewing.com. A mix of lagers and IPAs and a few other styles greet people at this taproom near John Fitch Highway.

Alta Vista Farm and Milk Room Brewing Company co-owner Kevin Jarvi in the tap room of the Rutland business.
Alta Vista Farm and Milk Room Brewing Company co-owner Kevin Jarvi in the tap room of the Rutland business.

53 Minutes: Milk Room Brewing, Rutland 

80 Hillside Road, Rutland, 508-886-6616; milkroombrewing.com. Owner Kevin Jarvi built the taproom inside a former milking room at Alta Vista Farm. Enjoy a pint and watch the bison graze the farm's pasture. Weekend events and food truck enhance the outdoor experience.

Timberyard Brewing Company in East Brookfield features brews called Practice What You Peach and Rosie Porter.
Timberyard Brewing Company in East Brookfield features brews called Practice What You Peach and Rosie Porter.

53 minutes: Timberyard Brewing Company, East Brookfield 

555 East Main St., East Brookfield, 774-745-8192; timberyardbrewing.com. Stop by and have a pint of Practice What You Peach, or grab a four-pack of Rosie Porter to go. Trivia on Wednesdays and live music on weekends.

Ned LaFortune is CEO of Wachusett Brewery in Westminster. It also has a location inside the Worcester Public Market.
Ned LaFortune is CEO of Wachusett Brewery in Westminster. It also has a location inside the Worcester Public Market.

55 Minutes: Wachusett Brewing Company, Westminster 

175 State Road East, Westminster; 978-874-9965; wachusettbrewingcompany.com. Check out the Country Pale Ale, Brewin or Larry Double IPA. Or, you can toss back a Wachusett Blueberry. Or, how about a New England Lager? Live music, a fire pit, and a bar made from an Airstream trailer make this place popular on weekends. Wachusett also has a location inside the Worcester Public Market, 152 Green St. (29 minutes).

River Styx Brewing's taproom.
River Styx Brewing's taproom.

58 Minutes: River Styx Brewing, Fitchburg 

166 Boulder Drive, Fitchburg, 508-335-6460; Riverstyxbrewing.com. A family and dog-friendly taproom with beers named after gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.

Down to the River: Drinking from the River Styx Brewing Company

Gardner Ale House owner Rick Walton and assistant brewer Nick Carbone with their newest fermenter on Jan. 21, 2022.
Gardner Ale House owner Rick Walton and assistant brewer Nick Carbone with their newest fermenter on Jan. 21, 2022.

59 Minutes: Gardner Ale House, Gardner 

74 Parker St., Gardner 978-669-0122 gardnerale.com It's a full-service restaurant, so eat up. While you're there, enjoy a Thunder Buddy or Facelift IPA.

In a reprisal of the famous painting American Gothic, Molly Stevens Dubois and her father Phil Stevens put their own spin on the American classic at Stone Cow Brewery Tuesday, June 15, 2021.
In a reprisal of the famous painting American Gothic, Molly Stevens Dubois and her father Phil Stevens put their own spin on the American classic at Stone Cow Brewery Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

1 Hour, 6 Minutes: Stone Cow Brewery, Barre

500 West St., Barre, 978-257-8600; stonecowbrewery.com. Located at the 1,000-acre Carter & Stevens Farm, a passion project born of a love for craft beer, the brewery is an effort to sustain the farm for many generations to come.

Lost Towns Brewing in Gilbertville is affiliated with Still Life Farm in Hardwick, using local produce in the beers they brew .
Lost Towns Brewing in Gilbertville is affiliated with Still Life Farm in Hardwick, using local produce in the beers they brew .

1 Hour, 9 Minutes: Lost Towns Brewing, Gilbertville

483 Main St., Gilbertville, 413-277-0818; ltbrew.com. Still Life Farm in Hardwick is the backbone of the brewery, which uses local produce in the beers they brew - summer fruits like apricots and cherries, fall produce like apples and pumpkins, and aromatic fresh herbs like lemongrass and basil.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Massachusetts craft breweries: how long does it take to drive there?