The Boat & the Brew

Visiting Battleship New Jersey is always a fun time. But if you’re into good craft beers, it’s a must-do on Saturday when it plays host to the thirteenth-annual Garden State Beer Festival.

Sixteen Jersey breweries will set up their wares for sampling June 20 on the battleship (and under tents in case of rain or hot weather). Not only will you get to sample the craft microbrews from local companies, but you’ll also get a free sampling glass and tour of the ship.

If you’ve never visited Battleship New Jersey, whose permanent home is along the Delaware River in Camden, it’s worth the visit even without the beer tastings. She was built across the river at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and launched in 1942. The ship served in WW II, Korea, Vietnam, and as part of President Reagan’s naval fleet. She was decommissioned for the last time in 1991 and, in 2001, came to Camden as a floating museum and event space, hosting everything from overnight camps for kids to concerts to a beer show.

Don’t bring the kids on Saturday, though. The beer festival is 21 and up only. For tickets, which are $40, go to battleshipnewjersey.org.

Tags: Camden | Delaware River | Philadelphia | Beer | Battleship New Jersey | Garden State Beer Festival | breweries