Ahh, summer. In Houston it symbolizes the time of year when it’s perfectly acceptable to spend all day doing nothing at all - preferably in front of a fan with a beer in hand. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places outside of Houston to do just that. So kick back, relax, and enjoy some ice cold suds or a chilly glass of refreshing wine at some of our favorite day trip destinations.
Breweries
BAKFISH is Pearland’s first microbrewery and is a popular family-friendly and pet-friendly location where locals and visitors enjoy fresh craft brews and plenty of cool programming. With rotating seasonal beers – summer is the perfect time to stop in and try a taste of the Texas Razzlesnake, the Mooring Line Amber or Cheap Sunglasses.
Bonus: Food trucks are on rotation Thursdays through Sundays, but you should really keep your eyes peeled for the Yoga & Hops specialty nights!
With over 12 different brews on tap every day, there’s always a reason to stop in to Galveston Bay Beer in Bay Area Houston. The taproom is open 7 days a week, but the beer isn’t the only reason why patrons love this stop. The brewery prides itself on promoting the history of brewing in Galveston County through artifacts from the last 120 years.
Bonus: The brewery also offers “Brew U” classes in the fall and winter for those interested in learning more about home brewing and craft beers.
Southern Star Brewing was the first brewery in Texas to can their beer, and they live on as a Texas icon in Conroe. (You might have heard of their most popular beer – the Bombshell Blonde.) The taproom is popular place for beer connoisseurs to sample suds and is open to the public Thursday through Sunday.
Bonus: Brewery tours are available on Saturdays from 2 – 4 p.m.
With more than seven acres of outdoor space and games like ping-pong and horseshoes, B-52 Brewing Company in Conroe is more than just a taproom – it’s a place for good times to happen for families, friends and pets. But the beer is the real star, especially with experimental flavors and unique beers on rotation constantly. Fun fact: some of the beers you try may be limited to a single barrel!
Wineries
Located only blocks from the Kemah Boardwalk in Bay Area Houston, Clear Creek Vineyard boasts over 42 hand crafted award winning wines. (We recommend trying the Double Gold Peach Chardonnay or the full bodied Barrel Aged Cabernet.) While the tasting room is open Tuesday - Sunday at noon, you really want to check out the winery tour, which is available on Fridays at 2 pm and Saturdays at 1 pm.
At this winery in Beaumont you can come enjoy wine by the taste, glass or bottle! With wine crafted on premise, the crisp and refreshing taste of fruity white wines and robust red wines will keep you coming back for more. Relax and stay a while with cheese, specialty plates, appetizers and flatbread pizzas served in the evenings.
Bonus: Enjoy the happy hour special from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday with $5 glasses of wine and wine-a-ritas.
For more food and drink experiences outside of Houston, click here.