Michigan Trip

There are a few in Houghton, Keweenaw and the Library. If you go up towards Copper Harbor. Stop in Eagle River st the Fitz for Dinner. Great food and beer, fantastic view.

 

most breweries will be fine with that. a few of them(Shorts, Stormcloud, 7 Monks) do crowlers now as well which is usually a pretty good value.

 

It really varies from brewery to brewery, but most will fill others growlers/howlers.

 

Bell's is a definite exception to the "most will do it" replies above. Bell's will fill only their growler which is pricey empty then you have the cost of the beer. Plus there are only three taps available in the General Store so you don't have the pick of what you might want to take home.

Most other breweries will fill any growler, although there are a few exceptions that I've read about in older threads (although I don't recall which breweries) and they may want to put their logo sticker on your growler.

 

Try and get a stainless steel one, or a plastic bullet, as aluminum can give an off taste (unless it is lined).

 

That is because they have a fancy counter pressure filling rig that uses their special growlers.

 

Shorts in Bellaire is a must stop on your route. The ride down 31 from the bridge is a good one, especially on a bike. Petoskey and Torch Lake are beautiful.

In TC I highly recommend the Filling Station, get a pizza and one of their salads and it's the perfect amount of food for two. They had over a dozen beers on tap (all their own) I tried 3 and all were good. If you want a bigger dinner and plan on staying in TC overnight, Jolly Pumpkin and North Peak have basically the same menu, JP is up Old Mission peninsula which is a 20-30 minute drive but again beautiful. North Peak is in an old candy factory located downtown TC so it may depend on what you want for ambience. The beer is meh but it is downtown near shopping and the bay. JP is more secluded.

If you or your companion are into wine, I'd suggest heading up the Leelanau peninsula for some great wineries and views. Old Mission has wineries as well but I prefer the Leelanau tour.

 

I saw that you mentioned visiting Pictured Rocks. It's probably already on your radar, but I'd be remissed if I didn't mention how great a bike ride county highway H-58, running from Munising to Grand Marais, is. Easily the best bike ride in Michigan. Just tons of big curves, great road surface, and some stunning views of Lake Superior. There is also a small brewery in Grand Marais if you are thirsty when you get there.

 

Hey @BobsMn we need a trip report!!!