The happy hour is one of the key regular experiences of a third place that helps elicit a sense of community, so it may be of interest to understand where one can find the best staples of these social get togethers - beer, based on award-winning brews. This is quite possibly where sociability, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit best mix, at least when in comes to beer and/or happy hours…

Those top states, adjusted for population based on medals per million residents, are:

1. Colorado - 64.4
2. Oregon - 42.5 (Portland apparently has more microbreweries per capita than any U.S. city)
3. Wisconsin - 38.6
4. Washington - 16.2
5. Missouri - 15
6. Pennsylvania - 13.5
7. Massachusetts - 12.6
8. California - 12.8
9. Texas - 5.6
10. New York - 5.1

Notice that most of these states fall near borders, which spurs innovation simply by having access to a greater pool of talent. Of course the one major exception being Colorado, an increasingly popular destination for creatives because of its progressive, adventurous nature.

Click here for a map (above) that you can actually read. Read more at GABF Medals: A Few States and Breweries Are Almost Sure Bets.