Explore The Best Chowder And Craft Beer In Massachusetts On This Multi-Day Road Trip
×
Jackie Ann
Author
Clam chowder is undoubtedly Massachusetts’ most famous dish, and when you pair that with a delicious craft beer, well you’ve got yourself one of the finest meals in New England. You can find clam chowder on just about every menu across the state, but not all chowdahs are created equal. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it and prepared an epic road trip itinerary that will take you all over the Bay State, sampling the best clam chowder and craft beer in Massachusetts. We wouldn’t want to encourage drinking and driving, so we’ve also marked out some fabulous Best Western hotels to rest your head in between stops. Ideally, the road trip should take about three days if you’re pacing yourself, but feel free to make it longer and really explore all that Massachusetts has to offer!
RiverWalk Brewing Co., 40 Parker St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA
Starting us off in the northeastern corner of the state, RiverWalk Brewing Company has been brewing up delicious craft beer since 2012. It may seem strange to start off the road trip with a brewery, but trust us. They offer 12 rotating taps for flights, and on Sundays, you can pair your flight with donuts! They sell out quickly, so get there early. If you miss out on the donuts don’t worry, they have a hearty menu full of pizza and sandwiches, too.
To ensure an early start, consider renting a room at the Best Western in Haverhill or even the Best Western in Seabrook, although technically in New Hampshire, it’s convenient to the road trip and close to the RiverWalk.
To ensure an early start, consider renting a room at the Best Western in Haverhill or even the Best Western in Seabrook, although technically in New Hampshire, it’s convenient to the road trip and close to the RiverWalk.
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall, 43 Church St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall, 43 Church St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
What began as a wholesale fishing company in 1954 has grown into one of the most beloved seafood restaurants in the Greater Boston Area, and the clam chowder attracts people from all over the country. Thick and creamy, Turner’s clam chowder is often imitated but you can only find the authentic version right here.
With a name like Mighty Squirrel, expect the unexpected. This quirky brewery serves up 10 different craft beers on draft, and you can get most of them in a convenient 4-pack to take home for later. The outdoor courtyard is incredibly spacious and inviting, and especially cozy at night when illuminated by all the fairy lights above.
There are a few locations around Boston, with the Cambridge location being the flagship store, established in 2010. You can’t go wrong with the classic New England clam chowder, but if you want to kick it up a notch, try the Bermuda fish and crab chowder with dark rum. It’s truly one-of-a-kind!
After exploring so many breweries and restaurants in one day, you're probably wicked tired. You can stay the night at the Best Western Plus in Waltham or the Historic Concord Best Western, both conveniently located along the route!
After exploring so many breweries and restaurants in one day, you're probably wicked tired. You can stay the night at the Best Western Plus in Waltham or the Historic Concord Best Western, both conveniently located along the route!
Bright Ideas Brewing, 111 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Our next stop brings us to the heart of the Berkshires where Bright Ideas Brewing is located. This craft brewery opened on the campus of the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in 2016 and has consistently been voted one of the best breweries year after year, so of course we had to include it on this epic road trip. From cream ales to pastry stouts, you’ll be amazed by the flavor profiles of these delicious craft beers.
Related Stories
The Barn Is The Martha's Vineyard Themed Restaurant And Bowling Alley In Massachusetts Is Insanely Fun
It's Worth It To Drive Across Massachusetts Just For The Donuts At Basic Batch Donuts
The Sunday Buffet At Mad Hatter In Massachusetts Is A Delicious Road Trip Destination
Patrick's Pub, 26 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201, USA
Next stop on our tour brings us to Pittsfield, home to Patrick’s Pub, an Irish-style eatery with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Just what you’re looking for while you chow down on delicious chowder, and you’ll love this version. They are known for their Buffalo wings, so be sure to get a plate for the table to munch on before your chowder is served.
Need a place to rest for the night? The Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Inn is just a quick drive away.
Need a place to rest for the night? The Best Western Plus Berkshire Hills Inn is just a quick drive away.
Schermerhorn's Seafood, 224 Westfield Rd, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
As we make our way back to the coast, there are a few more stops we just have to make, and one of them is Schermerhorn’s Seafood in Holyoke. Established in 1912, this iconic eatery is known for Maine Lobsters, but the real hidden gem on the menu is the clam chowder. Topped with oyster crackers, this is one of those meals that just hits the spot.
Vanished Valley Brewing, 782 Center St, Ludlow, MA 01056, USA
With a passion for brewing the highest quality small-batch beer, this hidden gem of a brewery offers more than 10 beers on tap plus a handful of cans to take with you to go, which is great because this is the last brewery on our road trip. Just remember, no drinking and driving, save them for later.
You may want to call it a day after driving through the beautiful mountains and valleys before our final leg of the trip. You can stay the night at theBest Western Plus in Franklin or continue on a little further to the Best Western in Attleboro, both conveniently located along the route. Rest up! We're almost at the end of this road trip and we've saved some of the best for last.
You may want to call it a day after driving through the beautiful mountains and valleys before our final leg of the trip. You can stay the night at the
Chad's Chowder House, 1160 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy, Somerset, MA 02726, USA
With a name like Chad’s Chowder House, you know you’re in for a treat. This casual restaurant in Somerset has been serving up authentic New England dishes for over 30 years, and it’s their dedication to quality ingredients that’s earned them their loyal fanbase for three decades. It's a no-frills, all-flavor type of joint, and you're going to love it.
Our final destination leads us to the Cape, the best place to enjoy authentic New England Clam Chowder. Skipper Chowder House is one of Cape Cod’s oldest waterfront restaurants, and if the views don’t mesmerize you, the chowder sure will. Sit back, relax, and enjoy it!
Now that you’ve driven across the entirety of the Bay State, don’t rush to head home! Rest your head in one of the beautiful rooms at theBest Western in Cape Cod or the Best Western at Cape Point, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Cape before heading home. You might even start mapping out your own chowder and brewery tour!
Now that you’ve driven across the entirety of the Bay State, don’t rush to head home! Rest your head in one of the beautiful rooms at the
If you’re planning to take this road trip, let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget, you can always check to see where the nearest Best Western is to where you’re located. With hundreds of locations across the country, you’re never too far away from a good night’s sleep.