Hoppy Trails

A peak summer experience is outdoor drinking and dining, and there’s no better place to soak in the sun and savor a cold drink than a local beer garden. From rustic hideaways nestled in lush greenery to bustling spots in the center of town, these beer oases are a perfect blend of craft brews, delicious bites, laidback vibes and miles of string lights.

Join us on a boozy tour of a dozen local beer gardens, plus a few pop-ups planned for the summer.

Around Chester County

We start our brew tour in West Chester — a hub of beer in all kinds of locations. In addition to their Carter Street taproom, the Levante Beer Garden returns to Highland Orchards on Saturdays, 11 to 6, and Sundays, 11 to 5. At this kid- and dog-friendly spot, enjoy a wide selection of craft beer from the Levante Tap Trailer, plus a variety of single-can “crack ’ems.” Pair your drink with food from the orchard’s deli, rotating food trucks (including PA Boys BBQ, Turk’s Head Sauce and Philly Hots) or pack a picnic. Special events are scheduled throughout the season, including live music, local vendors and activities. Pick up a four-pack of cans on your way out to keep the party going. 1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Rd., West Chester. LevanteBrewing.com

Enjoy a cold drink and waterfront views at the Brothers on the Brandywine Beer Garden. On Sundays through October, 1 p.m. to dusk, join Brothers Kershner Brewing Co. at Coatesville’s Brandywine Outfitters for craft beer, wine, hard cider and seltzer on the West Branch of the Brandywine. There’s live music and rotating food trucks every week, plus special events — select vendors, music festivals, holiday celebrations and more. BYO chair or, better yet, an inner tube to cool off in the river! 2100 Strasburg Rd., Coatesville. BrothersKershner.com/Beer-Garden

In Exton’s Eagleview Town Center, Suburban Restaurant & Beer Garden promises a farm-focused beer garden experience. Sip craft beer from Suburban Brewing Co. and other local breweries, plus craft cocktails and wine, under umbrellas and string lights — or, when the weather gets cool, around the fire pit. Pair your drink with a delicious meal focused on local, sustainable agriculture, including summer chicken schnitzel, spicy dandan noodles, pulled pork sandwich with guava BBQ sauce and tuna poke bowl. 570 Wellington Sq., Exton. SuburbanBG.com

In nearby Chester Springs, visit The Stables Kitchen & Beer Garden, which Take Flight Restaurant Group (Bloom Southern Kitchen and other ventures) opened last summer in a converted barn. Choose from two indoor dining rooms, two bars or outdoor seating for 450, with designated family-friendly and over-21 areas (thank you!). Sample classic and seasonal pies from their custom-built Napelese pizza oven, plus handhelds and sharables (order their popular truffle fries). Choose from 20 beers on their rotating draft list, plus cans, wine, hard seltzer and kombucha, house cocktails and more. Come for weekly live music, Taco & Trivia Tuesdays, and Thursday keg drops featuring new beers from sought-after breweries. 160 Park Rd., Chester Springs. TheStablesBeerGarden.com

Kennett and Wilmington

Moving south, The Creamery of Kennett Square is a great place to hang all summer long. Head to the rustic, converted 1902 Eastern Condensed Milk Company building for a robust selection of craft beers on tap and in cans, plus wine, cocktails, hard seltzer and kombucha. Hungry? Order from their in-house menu, featuring local, seasonal ingredients, or get something from a visiting food truck. The Creamery is a frequent host to live music and events — including a Plantology on Tap event hosted by Longwood Gardens on July 18 — and an official Pub Partner of the Philadelphia Union, showing all this season’s games, hosting the Union at events and giving away tickets. 401 Birch St., Kennett Square. KennettCreamery.com

While in Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens this summer — you know you’ll go for the fountains and fireworks — leave time for a stop at its beer garden in an idyllic setting. Longwood’s beer garden features local brews, including signature beers developed in partnership with Victory Brewing Company, as well as wine and canned cocktails, plus pizza and sandwiches from the grill. Enjoy live music most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through October, weather permitting, ranging from bluegrass to classic rock to Caribbean steel pan. 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square. LongwoodGardens.org/Dine/Beer-Garden

Make your way to the First State and find yourself at Wilmington’s Constitution Yards. Built from upcycled old rail cars, this seasonal beer garden along the Christina riverfront has a changing selection of craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Nosh on classic American fare at picnic tables on the deck or chill out in Adirondack chairs on the sand. Come for live music on weekends, sports on the big screen, axe-throwing and special events. Dogs are always welcome, and on July 23, Constitution Yards hosts an adoption event for the Humane Animal Partners of Delaware, with $1 from every special Tito’s cocktail sold benefiting the rescue. Come pet a cute pup and drink for a good cause! 308 Justison St., Wilmington. ConstitutionYards.com

Delaware County

Our neighbor to the east has some excellent beer gardens to try this summer. For a European biergarten experience, check out Thornton’s popular Bierhaul Farmhouse. Located in a 17th-century fieldstone house and the adjacent spacious outdoor patio, Bierhaul offers two dozen rotating drafts, with an emphasis on European brews, and plenty more beer in bottles and cans. There’s also wine by the bottle and glass, seltzers and canned cocktails, plus a selection of specialty cocktails. Accompany your drink with their modern American fare — smash burgers, lobster grilled cheese, Rueben cheesesteaks and more. Craving more? Check out Bierhaul Townhouse, their newly opened indoor beer garden in downtown West Chester. 341 Thornton Rd., Thornton. Bierhaul.com

Last summer, the folks at Tired Hands Brewing Company opened not just a beer garden, but a 15-acre hophead heaven. On Route 3 in Newtown Square, Tired Hands Beer Park houses a beer garden adorned with colorful sail shades and picnic tables, a brand-new food trailer, disc golf, kids zone and plenty of trails. There’s also, of course, lots of Tired Hands brews to drink at the park or to-go. Check social media for live music and Makers Market info. 4901 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square. TiredHands.com

Next, head to Everybody’s Hometown for Pinocchio’s Beer Garden To-Go. Media’s oldest restaurant offers a whopping 1,000 specialty beers — 200 from craft and international brewers — with new brews arriving daily. Mix and match six-packs or fill up a growler or crowler from 25 rotating drafts. On summer Wednesday and Friday nights, head out the patio, where friendly faces pour brews from the Pinocchio’s beer truck. 131 E. Baltimore Ave., Media. PinBeer.com

Have some farm-fresh fun at the Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla Orchards. Friday to Sunday, order brews from New Jersey’s Ship Bottom Brewery — including their Linvilla Orchards hard cider — from their groovy beer van while enjoying everything the orchard has to offer. While you’re there, order a wood-fired pizza from the Linvilla Grill and play a round of cornhole or jumbo Connect 4. Later in the season, warm up around the fire pit or patio heaters. Don’t forget some extra canned beers to-go … as a souvenir. 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media. Linvilla.com

One More in Montco

Just across the county line in Montco, Pottstown’s Iron Gate Biergarten is a dog-friendly spot with major industrial vibes. Open from March to November, this open-air beer garden has a fully Pennsylvania-sourced beer and spirits list, including Tröegs, Yuengling and Frecon Ciders. Order free delivery from one of Iron Gate’s rotating partner restaurants and food trucks. Check socials for drink specials, live music, trivia nights and more. 230 E. High St., Pottstown. On Instagram @IronGateBiergarten

Each of these beer gardens provides a unique mix of atmosphere, community and, of course, exceptional brews. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or simply looking for a spot to unwind with friends, these local venues offer something for everyone. So, gather your friends, raise a glass (or can or plastic cup) and toast to sunny afternoons, starry nights and summer memories. Cheers!

Pop-Up Beer Gardens

Thirsty for more? Mark your calendars for these pop-up beer gardens.

Summer Pop-Up Beer Garden Series at Uptown! Kanuer Performing Arts Center: This summer, Uptown hosts vibrant pop-up beer gardens on the front lawn to complement their shows. Enjoy craft beer, live music, food trucks, art and lawn games, plus more drinks inside at Mac’s Foxhole Bar. Be sure to stick around for the show! Join them July 12 at 4:30 p.m. and July 28 at 2 p.m., with more dates in August. Free. 260 N. High St., WestChester. UptownWestChester.org/Summer-Pop-Up-Beer-Garden-Series

Pints on the Preserve at ChesLen Preserve: On July 20, 2 to 8:30 p.m., East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring suds at the Lenfest Center pavilion. Pack a picnic or purchase snacks (cash only), bring chairs to enjoy breathtaking views on the Lenfest Center’s back deck or covered pavilion, or hike the preserve’s nearly 14 miles of trails. Free, registration requested. 1199 Cannery Rd., Coatesville. NatLands.org/PintsOnThePreserve

Third Thursdays at Nemours Estate: Visit the stunning, Versailles-inspired gardens on July 18 and August 15, 4 to 8 p.m., for discounted admission, live music, rotating food trucks and, of course, beer and wine. Picnics and chairs are permitted, but no outside alcohol. Adults, $12. Kids (ages 6–16), $5. Under 6, free. 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington. NemoursEstate.org

Summer Pop-Up Biergarten at Historic Sugartown: BYO chairs and picnic blankets to this dog-friendly event on August 15, 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from Shake Down and drinks from Locust Lane Craft Brewery, Manatawny Still Works and Chaddsford Winery, plus food truck bites. Fun bonus: watch a paper marbling demo by the Sugartown bookbinders. Adults, $10, $15 at the door. Under 18, free. 273 Boot Rd., Malvern. HistoricSugartown.org