Looking to set up a trip next month with 2-3 buddies to check out some of our favorite breweries next month. What we have in mind so far is either California or Michigan. We are wanting to stay at a semi centralized location that will allow us to check out some of the best breweries within driving distance (no more than 2 hours away). Any suggestions or recommendations? Cheers! Stefan
Stay in downtown San Diego Stay in Grand Rapids Pretty much sums it up. You can get to the best of both states from here. (Minus RR for CA, they are way toooo far away) Cheers!
If you choose California, north San Diego county is a mecca for craft beer lovers. You can stay in north San Diego county. Stone, Green Flash, Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, Coronado, Alesmith, and others are within a 20 minute drive. Alpine isn't much further. Then you can head north and within 1 1/2 hour drive visit The Bruery, Tustin Brewing Co., Bootleggers, Taps, and others. It will be hot. Stay thirsty my friend.
I would take SD or San Fran over Mi any day of the week. I have spent plenty of time in all three. But that's like, my opinion, dude. As the poster above suggested, staying in North SD is convenient to many great breweries and bars. It is also not too far from downtown and all the stuff located there. I generally stay in Carlsbad, stumbling distance to PP Carlsbad and a short coaster trip to PP Solana Beach. I probably wouldn't advocate heading into Orange or LA county, mostly because I hate the traffic. But it's definitely an option.
MI has a lot of good breweries, but I was pretty disappointed by Founders when I finally got to go there after years of loving their beer and wanting to visit. They only had 2 beers on tap that they didn't bottle, and nothing barrel aged or unique. Bell's, on the other hand, was a blast. Kuhnhenn was also awesome, though plan to leave there broke if you intend to buy any of their brewery-only beers or meads.
