Chicago to Kalamazoo

After FFF, stop by 18th Street. It's about 15 minutes or so east of FFF off the same expressway.

 

greenbush in sawyer is a good stop about half way, I'd also say founders over new holland, g.r. has vivant nearby and I'd say for food it crushes founders and they have some nice beers too...

 

It's been a couple of years since I made it to FFF. Last time my wife complained about how loud the music was. (But we're old. Hopefully 12 month olds won't mind.

 

I second 18th Street & also Greenbush which is exit 12 on I-94 and super easy to get to. Really good food & beer with lots of options

 

Would say FFF, 18th street, and greenbush for breweries outside of chicago. If you have time in chicago hit revolution, haymarket, and half acre. Also eat at redamaxs tavern in new buffalo michigan. Great burgers.

 

Greenbush would be a decent stop, and it's right off of I-94. Tapistry is another option in that area. It's like 10 min. further on 94. I haven't been, but I've heard good things.

As for NH vs. Founders, it depends on what you're looking for. If it's solely about the beer, I'd recommend Founders and Vivant (if you like Farmhouse/Belgian style beers). I like New Holland and the pub is 10 min from my house, so I go there often, but Founders beats it pretty easily. The major downside is that the drive from South Haven is roughly an hour each way. If you want to walk around, do some shopping, and see some tulips (assuming your trip is relatively soon), go to New Holland. Then, after you're done walking around, stroll down the block to Hops at 84 East and you can sample a bunch of other MI beers.

 

Knowing how my trips with kids go, I'd say you're being optimistic to hit these places! Grand Rapids isn't directly on the way between Chicago and Kalamazoo, as an FYI. I make the drive many times a year on the way back to Detroit and don't ever stop with my kids, but I know Bell's is good with kids. I think Greenbush would be OK, too. 18th Street seemed like more of a bar setup than a restaurant, so it might be weird with kids. FFF is obviously a great beer/food stop, but good luck with the kids and potentially having to wait (not to mention the music)! I have been to Tapistry, too, and that could be a good option even with kids.

 

Greenbush. It's almost exactly half way between Chicago/Kalamazoo, so it would make a good pit stop. Less than a mile off of I-94, in a little town with no traffic, so it's an easy place to get to. They have a pub/restaurant building if you want to stop for a while to get food, and also a separate "annex" for merch/bottles that has a nice patio.

 

Just remembered seeing this earlier in April. Looks like Greenbush is a great choice if you have kids:

 

If you din't catch this it came out on April 1st

 

Sounds like you've got things well in order, and the baby sitters will be great to have! If you're going to Bell's, I think Arcadia is just a bit down the road as well. I've never been there, and don't drink much of their stuff, but if you're in the area and have time, maybe it's worth a stop. Saugatuck Brewing Co. is about 20 minutes north of South Haven, so you could always swing by there, too.

 

depending on how much driving you want to do - odd side ales in Grand Haven is about an hour north of South Haven, I've not been there but I've consumed a few of their products and have been pleased.

 

I can't believe no one has mentioned the Livery, right off 94 on the way to Kalamazoo. Probably has the best tap list too.

http://liverybrew.com/beer/

St. Joseph is nearby on the lake and has a ton of little shops and stuff that you're wife and kids might be into too.

 

Hit up the Liquor Cabinet in St. Joseph

 

Drake party center, and Tiffany's wine and spirits should cover anything you could want in Kalamazoo.

 

Add Mega Bev on West Main to that list, and probably to the top of the list.