Girls Pint Out has chapters throughout the United States. Each chapter is as diverse as the ladies that run it. To celebrate our exceptional chapters and their diversity, Girls Pint Out is posting a series of blog posts that highlight each state’s unique craft beer culture. Michigan is the fourth in this series.
It is highly unlikely that you could have a discussion about the American craft beer scene without Michigan breweries coming up in the conversation. The Mitten State has become a great resource for those looking to quench their taste for craft beer. For example, well known Bell’s Brewery based out of Kalamazoo has certainly put Michigan on the map with its beloved and award winning IPA “Two Hearted Ale”. Not to mention, the fanfare of Bell’s Oberon Release Day has become a holiday of sorts.
The fact is, Michigan boasts many fantastic breweries state-wide, in both the Mitten and the U.P, with many more popping up what seems to be an almost weekly basis. The breweries, along a variety of year-round craft beer festivals, and combined with the fact that you can find Michigan craft beer on tap at just about every bar, restaurant, and public event in the state, makes it a fine place to live for a beer lover and a great destination for a beercation!
Let’s focus on a few favorites in the Grand Rapids area and along the Lakeshore:
Welcome to Beer City, USA! With upwards of 15 breweries and growing, Grand Rapids has definitely become a bonafide beer destination.
You certainly can’t mention craft beer in Grand Rapids without immediately thinking of Founders. Their recently remodeled taproom is fantastic! Enjoy a delicious All Day IPA while sitting by the fire with friends. Founders also hosts Founders Fest, a music and beer festival, typically held the third Saturday in June.
Brewery Vivant – Located in a former funeral chapel, the brews and pub fare are inspired by the Belgian countryside. The Big Red Coq brew is a favorite.
The Mitten Brewing Company – A baseball-themed brewery located in a historic firehouse. Try the Kissing Bandit Blonde along with a gourmet pizza!
Perrin Brewing Company – Located just north of GR in Comstock Park, Perrin Brewing Company is a great spot to enjoy good beer and a good meal. Try the Perrin Black and the BBQ Pulled Egg Plant.
Grand Rapids Brewing Company – A brewery with a long history in Grand Rapids and the first USDA Certified Organic Brewer in Michigan. Enjoy an Empress Bliss or a John Ball Brown.
And your visit to Grand Rapids just wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the awesome beer bar, Hopcat! Here you can find a plethora of Michigan craft beer, along with some favorites from outside of the state. A great, casual, atmosphere to enjoy a cold one. Be sure to try the crack fries, too!
Looking westward, your visit to West Michigan should also include a brew tour along the lakeshore. Lake Michigan is well-known for its beautiful beaches and quaint towns but did you also know you can find a string of awesome breweries as you make your way North up the coast?
Starting in downtown Benton Harbor, check out The Livery Brewery. Tip back a Verchuous Monk Belgian Ale while taking in some great live music.
Heading North, make a stop in charming Saugatuck and enjoy an Oval Beach Blonde at the Saugatuck Brewing Company. There are plenty of shops and galleries around town to explore. Be sure to check out the real Oval Beach, as well.
Next up is Holland, home to the newer Our Brewing Company and Big Lake Brewing. Of course, your visit would not
be complete without stopping by New Holland Brewing. You can’t go wrong with a NH Dragon’s Milk bourbon barrel stout.
Further north on the Lakeshore you will find Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven and Old Boys Brewhouse in Spring Lake. Both are perfect stops in this beautiful beach community. Stay around to enjoy the Musical Fountain on summer evenings in downtown Grand Haven.
Downtown Muskegon has picked up two new breweries in the last couple of years. You can’t go wrong with a Shifting Sands IPA at Pigeon Hill Brewing and then just head up the street where you can stop in at Unruly Brewing Co. and check out the Punk pumpkin ale.
A few miles up the road, make a stop in downtown Whitehall to check out the newly opened Fetch Brewing–A great atmosphere with a small but delicious selection on tap.
Finally, be sure to stop in Ludington and visit Jamesport Brewing for a delicious dinner and a beer selection that will please everyone. Also, not to be missed is The Mitten Bar: A Michigan Ideology, a great bar devoted to all things Michigan Craft Beer!
Wherever you go in Michigan, you are never too far from delicious Michigan craft beer. Michigan Girls Pint Out is growing and has many upcoming outings planned for 2015. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and come out to join us for a pint!
To reach Grand Rapids/Lakeshore Girls Pint Out, find them on Facebook or reach Melissa by email at grand.rapids@girlspintout.org.
