Bells/Founders

I had an absolute blast in Grand Rapids for the KBS release. Founders brewery itself was awesome, but there was also a few good bars/breweries we hit up after. Definitely go to Hop Cat, that was a good time.

 

Grand Rapids definitely has more going on overall, which isn't surprising since it's almost 3 times the size of Kalamazoo.

That said, my favorite beer bar in those cities is in Kalamazoo - The Beer Exchange. It's only like a block from Bell's, so I would hit up both spots and then head to Grand Rapids for the night, where you'll have dozens of options (HopCat being the most prominent, and also near Founder's.)

 

Overall stay - GR is bigger and more to offer. Beer within walking downtown - Founders, Hopcat, Grand River Brewing, etc.

Kzoo - You just cannot beat Bells! If you stay at Radisson downtown you can walk to Bells, Tibbs, new Arcadia, Gonzos, Beer Exchange and Central City Taphouse.

 

Oddside, Vivant, Founders, Bells. Thats what I'd suggest. New Holland may be worth throwing in there too.

 

Because of the larger size of GR you'll find a better selection of hotels, museums, etc. for the non-beer part of your trip. The Gerald Ford Library is right downtown along with a couple of great art museums. Frederik Meijer Gardens is way out on the NE side of town, and they have a cool butterfly exhibit underway right now with those critters flying all over the place in the conservatory. It's only a 15 minute drive from downtown and is worth the trip.

For the beer recs, I'll add Perrin to those already listed. It's just north of GR and kind of out of the way, but they do a great job with their beer and food.

 

Grand Rapids for the win. Don't forget Brewery Vivant in GR. My recommendation for lunch/dinner is San Chez.

 

If you're coming from Chicago stop at Greenbush, its in Sawyer, MI. It's right off of I-94.


If you guys like barrel aged beers see if they have any Delusion left for sale (and then drop some off to me!). But seriously, its a damn good beer.

 

I will second Perrin's in north Grand Rapids. Great place and their bourbon barrel aged Malted Milk Ball Porter is outstanding. All the other places mentioned above are great places to visit as well. If you like Belgians, go to Brewery Vivant. If not, stay far away.

A great place to stay in downtown Grand Rapids if you don't mind paying a little extra is the Amway Grand Hotel. Very old school and just a fantastic place to stay. All the places already mentioned in downtown Grand Rapids are located within a ten minute walk from each other. Downtown Grand Rapids is also nice in that you don't have to worry about your safety. I don't ever hear of any trouble down there. Let us know how your visit goes if you end up going.

 

Definitely Grand Rapids on this one for exactly all the reasons that everybody has said. I think you'll appreciate the atmosphere that downtown GR had at night as well. I'll give you my obligatory top 5 as well: Founders, HopCat, Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids Brewing Co, Mitten Brewing. Those are all a maximum drive of 5 minutes from the city center.

 

I also say Grand Rapids..While I love Bells and the Beer Exchange, the Zoo does not compare at all to GR...

 

I live in and LOVE Kzoo. But with that being said, Grand Rapids is great and would recomend staying there if you are going one over the other.

 

In addition to Greenbush as already mentioned, on the way up or back I would also recommend Three Floyds (10 minutes south of 94 on Calumet Avenue, Munster IN) and 18th Street Brewing (10 minutes north of 94 on I 65, Gary IN).

You didn't mention hitting any places around Chicago. If you're not planning to you should. Check the beer guide on this site.

 

GR for sure.

 

Perrin is a MUST!

 

Thank you SoCali for starting the thread! We are taking a road trip up there also! FFF is good also. Have fun! We may even see you there!

 

Perrin has a load of wood aged beers on right now. Probably more than anyone in the GR area. Malted milk ball is still on as well which took silver at fobab.

 

Anyone have any suggestions for the wife and kid to do nearby (in each area) while me and a friend spend a "little bit" of time at Dark Horse and Bell's??!! Appreciate any suggestions!