Driving to Traverse for the long weekend. Trying to see if there's anything awesome on tap at brewery Vivant, founders or Jolly pumpkin, Shorts or Right Brain when I get to Traverse. Bringing two growlers so would love to fill them with anything quality or non-distro. Also would appreciate any info on potential bottles, well aware of bb cherry stout at bells, crossing my fingers it's still there tomorrow. Plan to hit Monks, but there 4 days so open to good craft beer suggestions as we plan to have a good time. And is the drive to jolly pumpkin and shorts worth it? Thanks in advance BA's!
Jolly Pumpkin is pretty far out of your way... It would be like 4+ hours round trip driving off of the direct route you would take from Chicago to Traverse... Less if you were heading to the Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo areas already? The trip north-east to Short's from Traverse is only about an hour each way, totally worth it and the drive is actually decent, depending on which way you go.
Jolly Pumpkin has a TC location too, but it's not as popular as the Ann Arbor location. Still, it's a worthy visit.
I disagree on Jolly Pumpkin Traverse City. The drive to and fro is beautiful, absolutely no question, however the food and beer quality are not impressive at all. VERY touristy, over-priced and not interesting (the grounds surrounding the place are better than what's inside). Short's in Bellaire is great. Super cute small town that reminded me of New England, huge points on that (food and beer were great too). 7 Monk I couldnt endorse enough. Stupid awesome taplist, super friendly staff, one of the best Cheeseburgers I've ever had... and on and on.
I'm on the pro-JP bandwagon. I happen to love the food there (blt w/ truffle fries is a favorite). I agree their JP beers on tap are limited, but the North Peak options are good, and they have all the JP bottles available too. Plus the drive there and back is fantastic. I always suggest making the trip out if it fits your schedule...
I was thinking about the JP in Dexter/Ann Arbor... I have not lived in Michigan for 8 years... Not sure the JP was in Traverse then or not? But it was off my radar when thinking about the route. If it is in or near Traverse, then well worth the time to stop by for a beer or three
Just spend the whole time at shorts. The last time i looked yesterday they had 2 of the imperial beer series on tap and still had bottles of stache bender for sale. And if you have not had stache bender just pick up a case. Best ipa i have had in a while.
On your way up stopping at Local in New Buffalo is a must. If you like awesome foodstuffs, and who doesn't, this place is a wet dream. You can thank me later... http://localnewbuffalo.com/ And don't forget The Livery. If you're going to get a couple growlers filled Hopcat is your best bet. Give Odd Side (http://www.oddsideales.com/) in Grand Haven a look, see if you're interested, I really dig the place. I can't say I have been very happy with Brewery Vivant, although I may be in the minority. In my opinion there seems to be better beer options in Grand Rapids and the food is overpriced. Short's is most certainly worth the drive as others have mentioned and there's also a little smokehouse down the street worth stopping, oddly enough named Bellaire Smokehouse. 7 Monks was mentioned above, I can't recommend that place highly enough. Get you some bacon wrapped dates, they're crack. The menu is all tasty. http://www.7monkstap.com/ Filling Station is also a cool, family run operation in Traverse with both good beer and people. http://thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com/ Deering's Market in Traverse is great as well, an old school smokehouse, liquor stop, corner store. The smoked cherry brats are nuts and the jerkey is no slouch. http://deerings.com/ With all that said, my trips from Chicago to Traverse usually include those stops while skipping Founders. I love their beer but their space is vast and cold. Enjoy the trip and let us know what you liked and didn't. I also dig Right Bain. Good folks.
If you haven't found it, BreweryMap is a great app for road trips and finding what breweries are along your trip. (I have no connection to the developers) GreenBush Bells Ecccentric Cafe Oddside Ales Founders Hopcat GRBC 7 Monks Right Brain Shorts Out of the way but way cool? Legs Inn for authentic polish food in cross village MI. Way north of Traverse City but worth the drive.
Wow - I've made similar trips on 2 occasions and thought I hit most of the breweries. I'm picking up a lot of great new places from everyone here. Looks like Trip #3 is in order!
The Filling Station was no slouch, 7 Monks always a crowd favorite, Deerings had jerky for days and the weather was sick. Pretty sure the sodium consumed this weekend would kill a horse. Thanks for the suggestions all!!
Bumping this thread to see if there is any awesomeness to be had this weekend in TC, or tonight in Grand Rapids. Special beers on tap, etc... Thanks in advance.
