THINGS TO DO GulpCoast.com At one time, St. Pete/Clearwater had but a mere drizzle of small-batch beer operations and one bona fide brewpub. That lone wolf, Dunedin Brewery, opened in 1995. First of its kind in Florida, the roadside pub set a standard for hoppy entertainment. Almost two decades later, St. Pete’s Green Bench Brewing updated the template with family-friendly events and accommodations. Today, brewpubs connect us to our community, provide pet-and kid-friendly spaces, grown-up recreation and a bevy of live entertainment. breweries NORTH REGION: TARPON SPRINGS, PALM HARBOR & DUNEDIN Veteran-owned, Five Branches Brewery refers to the branches of the military. Find them at the historic sponge docks district. Or head downtown to the ironically named Unrefined Brewing , a boutique craft establishment set up in a historic house. Silverking Brewing Co. , headquarters in a firehouse building established in 1909. Right off the Pinellas Trail, Brighter Days Brewing spreads out with an expansive outdoor patio, walk-up window and thirst-quenching sessions. Two Frogs Brewing Company charms us with its slogan, “Don’t worry, be hoppy!” and downtown Tarpon location. Rainbow-bright homebrews include Tangerine Vanilla Wheat and the Blackberry Blueberry Lemon Hibiscus Wit. de Bine Brewing Co. , pairs well with the laid-back, Old Florida feels of Palm Harbor’s Alt. US 19 corridor. Expect quality, award-winning brews on tap and food trucks, plus live standup comedy and music. Another spot along the Pinellas Trail, Stilthouse Brewery refreshes and nourishes trekkers with a spectrum of hoppy flavors, and they surprise us with new events and bonus features like wine-vodka Bloody Mary cocktails, games and food trucks. Imagine, if you will, the Beermuda Triangle in downtown Dunedin. Woodwright Brewing occupies a charming, renovated home and woodworking shop. Downstairs, a welcoming porch spills out onto a spacious outdoor area featuring bluegrass jams and the Duneatery food truck. Craving something creamier? Get bonked with the Toasted Coconut Porter at Soggy Bottom Brewing . Caledonia Brewing occupies an old newspaper building and pays homage to the city’s Celtic heritage. Try their QuadDrePhenia, a potent Belgian Quadrupel. Company serves craft beers and cider on tap and relaxes Pinellas Trailblazers in a spacious outdoor patio. CENTRAL REGION: SAFETY HARBOR, CLEARWATER, LARGO & SEMINOLE Named after the shape of the Pinellas peninsula, Crooked Thumb Brewery keeps customers straight in a charming historic neighborhood hub just outside downtown. Crooked Thumb has a tasting room, beer garden, picnic tables, yard games and live music. Safety Harbor is also home to the ironically named Troubled Waters , run by a family in its third generation doing business on Main Street. The creative spot brews in house and prides itself on being different. Fun, laid-back, Southern Lights specializes in handcrafted small-batch ales and lagers while entertaining customers with Monday trivia nights, TWO FROGS BREWING COMPANY Fearlessly experimental, 7venth Sun Brewery serves Florida Weisse, barrel-aged beer, IPAs, Saisons and a sought-after creamsicle wheat. Hitting the Pinellas Trail? Make a pit stop at Cueni Brewing Co. , located right off the 26-mile path. Award-winners include the Monkey Skull Porter, Drunken MONK’E and Belgian 3WAY. HOB Brewing 98 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
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