Top 3 Reasons to Visit Sloop Brewing Co.

1) You love a juicy, hazy, hoppy, hand-crafted IPA.

2) You want to hit some breweries just outside of Hudson (in which case you should also check out Suarez Family Brewery, which is a 5-minute drive from Sloop).

3) You have little kids and really need a playground where they serve beer and snacks.

Sloop has you covered. This Elizaville brewery's homey tasting room is tucked into a big old barn, alongside a well-stocked farm stand.

They've got local cheese, jam, and jerky, plus some gift items like hand-crafted cheese boards and a $275 chunk of sparkling citrine. If you want some crystals with your beer, you've come to the right place.

They won the favor of my 3-year-old assistant by stocking boxes of chocolate milk in the cheese fridge.

But the real draw for young families is the playground around the back, with some picnic benches and a food truck parked beside it. If you’ve ever been pushing a kid on a swing and found yourself daydreaming of a playground that serves beer and snacks, Sloop has manifested that dream for you.

It's hard to deny the joy of sipping Sloop's fruity, hoppy Juice Bomb IPA under blue skies, right beside a hop field. Sloop specializes in IPAs and hoppy ales, but if that isn't your thing, they've got some other options on tap. I loved their dry and summery Arnie's Orchard Cider.

The current food truck comes from our favorite upstate spot, Gracie's, and I think the truck in itself is destination-worthy. The only struggle you'll face is whether to order the really delicious Gracie Burger or the really spicy Hot Chicken Sandwich. Maybe bring a friend, order both, and split them. You also need an order of their perfectly crisp hand-cut fries and one of those chocolate chunk cookies, too.

And if you like a little live music with your beer, here's another reason to visit: every Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, Sloop Sunday Sessions features a local band in the tasting room.

Sloop Brewing Co. is located at 1065 County Route 19 in Elizaville, NY; open Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 8 pm.