Portland is well known for its love and respect for fine brewing. How well known? As far back as 1887, brewer Henry Weinhard offered to supply the local Skidmore Fountain with free beer instead of water. Today, the Weinhard tradition is carried on in brewers like the McMenamin brothers, Mike and Brian. In 1974 they opened the Produce Row Caf, and in 1985 established the first Oregon brewery since the end of Prohibition.Now, the McMenamins have more than fifty locations across Oregon, and some in Washington, as well. Of those, 24 are breweries, with a menu of over 200 recipes. As brewers, McMenamins is dedicated to the environment, with a strong focus on recycling at each individual pub. The brewing process itself is also environmentally sound, with all of the natural waste products going back into the earth.Visitors to McMenamins have many options. They can simply enjoy the food and drink at one of the many locations, like the historical Barley Mill Pub. McMenamins also has the ongoing Great Northwest Music Tour, in which a different artist plays at its venues each month. For July, it’s the Freak Mountain Ramblers, playing a blend of country and rock ‘n’ roll sure to win over fans.There are, of course, also a variety of beer festivals. The Hillsdale and Olympic Brewfests have already passed, along with the Thompson Barley Cup, but the 9^th Annual Roadhouse Brewfest is coming up on July 17. Celebrating Oregon Craft Beer Month, the festival presents a family-friendly atmosphere and a chance to get to know the men behind the brewing vats. There is plenty of music here as well. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to visit Portland, this summer could be the best one yet.