Head north of the hub to the Tap Brewpub!

Finally, it looks like summer: time for Bostonians to put away our umbrellas and converge on our favorite watering holes for tasty summer brews.

This weekend if you've got gas money or commuter rail fare, head to Haverhill for Beer Advocate's Gathering at The Tap Brewpub. The gathering begins at 2 p.m. on the Tap's large back deck overlooking the Merrimack River.

On hand for beer enthusiasts, some old favorites and some new brews:
* DIPA brewed specifically for the occasion; 96 ibus and 9% abv w/ Cascade, Galena, and Chinook hops.
* 2008 Triskelion Barleywine
* Leatherlips IPA
* Helles Belles Munich Helles
* Ascension Belgian IPA
* Berliner Weiss
* Homerun American Pale Ale
* Whittier White (my personal favorite, with a lemon, of course!)
* Haverale Cream Ale
* multiple casks

The Tap also serves an array of appetizers, and lunch and dinner dishes including burgers, HaverAle steamed mussels, and tofu stir fry (great with a Whittier White).

Get there early, as the deck is quite popular on sunny days even without the Beer Advocate crew!

After beers, you may want to visit the bocce court below the deck, or grab ice cream across the street.

Happy Friday!