There's more to Cape Cod and the Islands than stunning beaches, summer shacks, and heaping plates of fried clams. The area's booming with craft breweries that produce nationally recognized beers, and offer communal spaces to gather over hoppy IPAs, crisp ales and rich porters.

The craft beers at Bad Martha Brewing are brewed right on-site at the Edgartown and East Falmouth breweries, and include such flavors as local honey ale, tropical-inspired IPAs and the crisp, fruity Summer Shandy series. Visitors can manage the munchies with a small menu including artisan pizzas and charcuterie platters. Live music, outdoor games and themed nights on the weekends also liven up the vibe.

With more than a dozen beers on tap, Cape Cod Beer in Hyannis offers a taste for all palates and every season. The brewery welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday, so stop in to sample a summer blonde, locally sourced cranberry ale, or a range of porters and IPAs. There's plenty of indoor seating, and the brewery holds community events ranging from paint night to pet meetups several times a week.

Devil’s Purse Brewing in South Dennis specializes in European influenced beers using local ingredients to produce varieties such as oyster-infused stout, kolsch, and IPAs (to name a few). Tastings and beer flights are available during brewery hours Tuesday through Saturday, and tours run Saturdays on a first-come basis.

Hog Island Beer Company, featuring taps flowing with stouts, wheats and the local-favorite IPA, embraces the Cape Cod ethos of hard work and laid back modesty. The Orleans brewery hosts live music during the high season. In spring and summer, pass an idyllic sunny day outside on the picnic tables, or play a round of cornhole or ping-pong with your new drinking buddies.

Cisco Brewers on Nantucket is open year-round and features an array of brews from light lagers to spiced, pumpkin ale. In the summer join the party. Sample a flight or grab a pint and a bite to eat from one of many food trucks and settle down at one of the outdoor picnic tables alongside live music. In winter months, take a seat at the small bar or bring home a few bottles to enjoy in front of the fireplace.

Naukabout Beer has been brewing small batches of locally-inspired craft beers for last several years. Fans rave about the IPA and pale ale, and go out of their way to hunt down the seasonal Nauktoberfest that hits the shelves when the leaves start changing color. Stay tuned for a retail location and tasting room opening soon in Mashpee, where beer lovers can belly up to the bar and savor the flavors alongside other Naukabout fans.

Also coming soon: Look for Barnstable Brewing, opening Memorial Day Weekend 2017 in Hyannis!