EDGE Dallas

Fortunately for those whose budgets and schedules preclude the trip, there is plenty to do - and drink - in the U.S. during the fall beer festival season. Think of it as Oktoberfest in America.

After years of shipping beer farther and farther away, many small brewers are now shrinking distribution to sell beer more profitably at home. The strategy reflects the nation’s growing thirst for boutique beers from independent breweries.

All proceeds (minimum $50,000) will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society. "We hope that Japan and its people will bounce back from the tsunami tragedy stronger than ever!" exclaims Ishii.

Boston-area native Nico Freccia is returning to his home state, and he’s bringing beer. Craft beer in a can, that is. The co-founder of San Francisco’s 21st Amendment Brewery is now setting his sights on Massachusetts craft beer fans, saying of his brewery "We drink what we can; we can what we drink."