Grand Rapids Trip

If you are strictly on I-94 and then I-196, the breweries along that route (within 10 miles) are Tapistry, Round Barn Brewery, Winery and Distillery tasting room, Greenbush, The Livery, Cravings Bistro & Pub, Arclight, Saugatuck, New Holland, Our Brewing, Big Lake Brewing, Macatawa Brewing, Tripleroot, Pike 51, and White Flame (pretty much in that order south to north) before you get to Grand Rapids. The should-hits would be Tapistry, Greenbush, The Livery, and New Holland. I have not been to Cravings, Big Lake, Our, Macatawa, or Tripleroot, so I can't say anything about them. Round Barn is not very exciting, and I'm neutral on Arclight, Saugatuck, Pike 51, White Flame.

This site might help your planning: http://www.brewerymap.com/ or check out michiganbeerguide.com which has an online map and directory. You can usually pick up a copy of The Michigan Beer Guide at the Michigan Welcome Center at mile marker 1 as you come into the state.

Be sure to spend plenty of money while you're here; the economy is still rebounding.

 

What Mothergoose03 said with the exception being Saugatuck brewing. It is what it is, but damn they have some good beer. And do pick up the Michigan Beer Guide at the welcome center. It will make your trip a whole lot easier.

 

I thought Our Brewing had really good beer. It's a couple of doors down from New Holland. It would make a nice two-for-one stop in Holland. They didn't have food when I was there in October, so be sure to eat at New Holland.

 

Does New Holland still have the crazy rule that they can't serve beer on Sunday? Sorta remember hearing about this a few years ago. Might be worth some local knowledge or some research.

 

Nope. Zeeland is good to go too

 

Right, Holland and Zeeland can serve beer on Sundays, but Tripel Root and Macatawa Ale Co are both closed that day.

 

skip cravings

 

I met a guy for an ip trade at New Holland a few months ago. I told him to go check out Big Lake next. He was more impressed with Big Lake than New Holland, and as a local, I agree.

 

I have been less than impressed with Hideout the last two times that I had their stuff, plus it's just a pain in the arse during busy traffic periods to get out of that street where they are located. Instead of Hideout, I'll suggest adding Grand Rapids Brewing because I think they have better beers and are only a block from HopCat.

 

I am a witness to this congregation. Mothergoose is spot on.

 

because of smoked chicken and waffles with a bourbon maple sauce, that is why.

 

Don't skip Brewery Vivant!

 

Hmmm, they didn't have that the last time that I was there. A return trip is in the works....soon!

 

it's been a little while since I was there, so maybe it didn't stick around.

 

I like the Mitten. Beers are very good, pizza is good.

 

I will also be in GR in a couple weeks. I will be downtown at the Amway Grand Hotel for business. I won't have a car, unless I want to rent one. Any good public transportation? I see Founders & Hopcat are walking distance. Any good bottle shops around that area?

 

Oops: responding to @4dcyclones

You'll also have Grand Rapids Brewing (very good) just a block north of HopCat, and The BOB (they're never open when I try to go there, so no opinion) just a little farther away. For bottle shops, there is noting close unless you count about a mile as 'close.' Probably equally distant would be Martha's Vineyard (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3166/?view=ratings) or Art of the Table (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/10598/?view=ratings). Martha's Vineyard is pretty good (I'm not a local so I've only been there twice), but I've not been to Art of the Table.

 

I have mixed feelings about Art of the Table. They have a decent selection and the walk-in cooler is kind of cool, but I get the sense that their inventory doesn't turn over very quickly. I wind up there frequently since it's next to Wealthy Street Bakery, but I'm always sure to check the dates before buying anything. On the plus side, everything is priced for singles, so it's easy to mix and match. I agree that MV is pretty good. As you might guess, their strong suit is wine, but their beer selection has been steadily improving over the past couple years.