May is National Hamburger Month, a perfect time to visit the birthplace of the hamburger. Come along with me on a visit to Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, and I'll tell you the story of how Louis Lassen made fast food history in 1900. If you decide to head to New Haven for a taste of history, be sure to read my advice, or you might do something silly... like ask for ketchup.

While You're In New Haven...
Explore the Center Church Crypt
Enjoy Vegetarian Fare at Claire's Corner Copia
Shop at Connecticut's Only IKEA Store

Making Hamburgers at Home?
Try this Hamburger Relish Recipe, submitted by Lorraine Mineweaser.

_{Louis' Lunch photo © 2005 Kim Knox Beckius.}

New England was at the forefront of the microbrew revolution, and now that specialty beers are making a comeback, there's no better place than the Northeast to celebrate craft brewing's resurgence this summer. The Brewers Association says America's craft beer makers sold 12 percent more beer in 2007. "Since 2004, dollar sales by craft brewers have increased 58 percent," said Paul Gatza, Director of the Brewers Association, in a release. "The strength of this correlates with the American trend of buying local products and a preference for more flavorful foods and beers," he added.

Find the right craft brew for you at one of these summer beer festivals in New England and neighboring New York State.

More for Beer Lovers:
Tour the Sam Adams Brewery in Boston
An Upstate NY Restaurant with 500 Beers on the Menu
Where to Drink Watermelon Ale
Cook with Beer: Patriot Pork Chops Recipe

_{Beer photo © Kim Knox Beckius.}