Currently available must haves...

well surly is mn only and new glarus is wi only so those are out, I dont think FFF is available in mi but she would drive through states that it is available in. You can always check seekabrew.com to check what all mi gets too

 

Where in MI is she going? Like you said, it's a big place. Narrow it down a little and we can probably direct you to several places.

 

Great Lakes Nosferatu - this year's batch is drinking extremely well. May as well look for Founders Breakfast Stout and Harvest Ale (not sure of release date) while she is at it.

 

http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/mini-brewery-tour-planned-around-founders-need-help.43291/

here are some great recommendations for the New Holland and Grand Rapids area.

 

She needs to drive to Grand Haven, go into Odd Side, grab you a growler of Citra, and bring it to you. If she doesn't do this, she isn't your friend.

 

as said, no 3f in michigan. but bells "this one goes to 11" MIGHT be available still (longshot, but grab it for sure if you see it!). Bells "Hell hath no fury" and "expedition stout" are just coming out. All three are great beers!
As far as breweries go, as stated above, Bells is awesome
New Holland Pilgrims Dole and Dragon's Milk
Arcadia is IMHO very under rated around these parts... (I love Loch Down Scottish ale)
Not sure is Brewery Vivant has a seasonal out, but all their beers (cans) are pretty decent for me...

 

if she is hitting hollland from VT stop at kuhnhenn on the way over grab growler of dripa/creme brulee java or michigan mud. P.S any and all shorts

 

Send her with a carload of Heady, pick a parking lot to meet in, and we will just bring her beer to take back to you. You also can't go wrong with having her stop somewhere and pick up anything from Short's. I am not sure of the beer stores to stop at in Holland, but even Meijer's (Michigan supermarket chain) carries a lot of good Michigan beer including Short's Huma, Soft Parade, and other Short's seasonals (Autumn Ale ESB right now). They have good prices and avilability on New Holland Dragon's Milk, Arcadia B-Craft, Brewery Vivant Solitude and Farmhand. This might be a good bet for you since it tends to be difficult to convince someone to run around to a bunch of places. Good luck!

 

Have her try and find some Vivant Escoiffe (New Belgium collab Bretta Ale).

 

Meijer will probably have the freshest flagships and seasonal offerings from Short's, but no specialties.

Repetes in Holland will probably have a decent selection of Short's specialty beers available.

 

Dark Horse Brewery, Marshall, MI has some solid brews including One Reserve, Scottie Karate, crooked tree and Perkulator is fantastic! Hoppin Frog, Akron, OH including Boris or Doris (look for new release Cafe Silk Porter, on my list). Of course FFF and Founders... Just about anything they have is top shelf. I've never had anything good from Arcadia... And I seem to keep going back to try try try again, always end up disappointed. Shorts Brewery is solid. Lots of different, and some are VERY different, IPAs (Freedom 76 I think it was). Bells Brewery is another good one. I consider one of the founders of the craft movement. Expedition Stout is out now. Grab it if you find it! Don't waste your money on North Peak Brewery. Great Lakes, Cleveland, OH has some worthy. The Nosferatu is very good this year. Christmas ale is available in pub, not sure about bottles yet, but good. I could go on all night. Colorado may have a very concentrated amour of breweries, but the Great Lakes have some very incredible breweries ourselves. Especially Michigan! Hail to the Victors! Go Blue!

 

Is said friend from Hope College? Just curious on Holland