Beers Across New York

Though the wasteline prefers the vino, nothing slips into the hand like a cool, soothing pint glass, or a cozy longneck.

Finger Lakes and Long Island wine tourism aside, the wise folks in New York State have figured that for many, the beer's the thing. The proliferation of boutique breweries and craft brewers across the NY has freed quaffers from the Coors/Bud confines, and created a connoiesseur class among sudlovers -- a fact not lost on Albany politicos, who've bandied together to create the Empire State Brewery Trail, the first state brew trail in the country.

On September 8, they'll be toasting the trail at the I Love New York Beer Festival, a celebration and samping at Piers 16 and 17 at South Street Seaport. More than 50 NY breweries will be pouring their wares, with accompanying food, tunes and views.

If you can't make the fest, worry not. Plenty more foamy fun to be had at New York breweries statewide.