By now you may have learned one of my favorite perks of living in Philadelphia is quick access to what I call “small-town vibes” — suburban towns with a main tree-lined street dotted with boutiques, coffee shops, neighborhood pubs, and family-run restaurants. The pace is slow, the locals are friendly, and the surroundings are quiet. With summer winding down and the need to squeeze in social distance-friendly outdoor hangs amidst a never-ending global crisis, Bucks County continues to be go-to for redeeming my sanity for weekend getaways excursions.

Thankfully, outdoor eating and drinking is still around for warm-weather months with family-friendly and pet-friendly spots along the Bucks County Ale Trail. This region in the north Philly suburbs (about a 45-minute drive) is where nano and microbreweries have been popping up nearby lush farmland and industrial parks alike, resulting in a unique community of craft brewers. To date, there are more than 20 breweries offering beer lovers a passport to score points, cash in deals and discounts, and taste special release beer collaborations like Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company and Free Will Brewing Company’s “1682 Kölsch" or Vault Brewing Company and Newtown Brewing Company’s “Warm and Fuzzy in Bucks County,” the newest release in the Bucks County Ale Trail collaboration series.

Aside from the good drinks, Bucks County is made up of beautiful waterfront views, acres of greenery, and rich American history that make the Ale Trail one of the best regional travel destinations.

A Field Guide to Bucks County

Outdoor brunch is a must at The Mill Street Cantina, where front-of-house operations are run by another Puerto Rican, Chris Montero, whose background inspired to chef/owner Tim McGinty’s menu. Dishes like empanadas, chicharron, tostones, and pescado are staples in Puerto Rican cuisine. These antojitos coexist with Mexican plates like salty, double-stacked, crackling tortilla chips with spicy salsas and loaded breakfast burritos filled with crispy breakfast potatoes. Brunch prices are less than $15 and bonus: there’s a mini bottle shop inside with local beers available to-go.

Editor’s note: try making Chef McGinty’s breakfast potatoes at home. The secret to preserving the unique potato crunch within the layers of heated burrito fillings is to bake them first with lots of oil and salt.

Beer Gardens & Games

Lawn space and backyard games are all the rage at Moss Mill Brewing Company. Husband and wife team Nick and Evann Rodgers balance family-friendly activities alongside their brew lab. Stop by for a flight (make sure to get the well-rounded American Wheat named after Huntingdon Valley’s own Buck Road) and a round of bean bag toss outside on the lawn. Stay for live music and rotating food truck vendors.

Around the corner is another Buck Road brewery with plentiful back patio seating and doggy playtime: Naked Brewing Company. Here, unexpected flavor combinations result in exciting sips. Take the Black Currant Rising — a vibrant, fruit-forward wheat ale or the Jalapeño Business which starts with a bright tang and zest but then lingers with a peppery bite at the back of your tongue. The Nitro Stout on the other hand has hints of dark berries while the Gentleman is a sweet reminder of apple brandy. Ground Effects Cream Ale is surprisingly light in both texture and taste, though any coffee lover would fall for this pint. Beers change often so you may never end up tasting the same taps twice. Locals flock here celebrating family events with their dogs, too.

No Ale Trail crawl is complete without a few rounds at personal long-time favorite, Neshaminy Creek in Croydon. Immediately stepping into the garage-style game room you know you’re about to have serious fun. Graffiti murals cover the walls, arcade games light up the back, and in The Before Times crowded picnic tables of families and their dogs filled the space with chatter and laughter. Neshaminy has quickly grown since its nano brewery days but remains local and loyal to its core, evident in its line of beers and merchandise. You can stick to the OG beer hits like the J.A.W.N Pale Ale or take a chance on something new. The good news is they haven’t lost their charm. Seating has been extended outside in the parking lot out front where other long-time fans congregate (come here when the Flyers are on the big outdoor screen). Plus, they’ve introduced beer delivery!

Over in Peddler’s Village, outdoor drinking is a no brainer with Free Will Brewing in the center of it all. Beer to go tastes so much better when you can take a stroll while you sip and shop. Fellow Pennsylvanians can also take advantage of Free Will’s statewide shipping.

Homestyle Eating & Drinking

Step back in time at the German-style tavern, Newportville Inn where schnitzel and steins are larger than your head. Their Biergarten is a town favorite, so be sure to arrive early to claim a socially distanced seat. Alternatively, consider ordering takeout (food to go is available until 8:30 pm by calling ahead), get a growler filled with a dark lager to welcome the autumn season, or grab Opa’s Mustard’s to go. Despite the weird times we’re living in, bartenders here show off neighborhood hospitality and regulars aren’t shy about welcoming newbies into their scene. Come hungry.

Nature Breaks

Perhaps your safest bet for a Bucks County getaway is to simply be outside in nature. If your pup loves trails as much as ours does, there’s no shortage of adventures ahead. Hiking, biking, running and walking are all feasible across the region.

Fonthill Castle in Doylestown has welcomed humans and their pets on its 70-acre grounds for years. While touring inside is limited, take advantage of the small trails of Fonthill Castle Park Walk. You can opt to throw a frisbee around, play fetch, enjoy off-leash time, or plan a picnic - there’s plenty of space to call yours here. There’s something special about sharing wide-open space while marveling such a large man-made concrete wonder. Take a lesson in American history with the Mercer Museum, honoring American archeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer, truly the most interesting man in the world.

Nockamixon State Park is an all-day affair with low-effort trails in Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run, and Haycock Run. Each path puts you near the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon which is popular for celebrating birthdays, family reunions, and vacations. The good news is that the park remains open year-round and cabins are available for rent.

Whatever roadside adventure you choose, be a considerate tourist and play it safe. Practicing responsible travel by staying local means we reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the places (and people) we love stick around for the future, for good.