T.C. Breweries from Stouts with My Spouse: A Podcasting Couple’s Guide to Traverse City Area Breweries
Stouts with My Spouse is a podcast hosted by Kerry Neville & Patrick Palmateer, exploring craft beer throughout Michigan. We enjoy celebrating businesses small and large throughout the mitten state. Our motto is to take in nature & brews with a smile and to giggle with the people we love most.
We took an adventure through the Traverse City area, and found a variety of breweries worth exploring. Craft brewing is alive and well here, and we discovered that while Traverse City beer comes in many styles, they're all worth checking out. Grand Rapids may be Beer City, but with so many great craft breweries in the area, Traverse City is definitely a runner-up.
The Traverse City area, set on picturesque Grand Traverse Bay, is a true paradise for outdoors-lovers filled with hiking trails, biking trails and miles of Lake Michigan beachfront. In the winter, both downhill and crosscountry skiing bring in visitors eager to partake in outdoor adventures.
This growing city, the county seat of Grand Traverse County, is also a paradise for foodies and craft-beef aficionados. You’ll find farmers markets overflowing with fresh produce and other hand-crafted goodies; Old Mission Peninsula’s wineries; top restaurants and a gourmet food truck or two; and a wide selection of spots offering up the latest craft brew.
In fact, there’s a whole sector of the Traverse City tourism scene focusing on beer tours and wine tours (mixed in with boat tours) dedicated to celebrating another one of northern Michigan’s delights.
Whether you’re looking for brew pub or a brewery tour, you’ll find it in Traverse City.
Here's our take on some don't-miss breweries in the Grand Traverse area, and a list of a few more special spots you'll want to check out.
SUTTONS BAY CIDERS
On a winter’s day, we pulled our truck up a winding driveway to Suttons Bay Ciders. We dodged a very confident chicken in the driveway before we parked. We stepped out of the truck to see the glorious view from the hilltop of Suttons Bay. It feels like a magical place, and it’s kid friendly, too.
Walking up the steps, we saw charming outdoor seating areas and headed toward the entrance perched on the top of the hill. We were struck by the huge window behind the barback. The window displays the same beautiful view of the bay. The rest of the decor is subtle, allowing the view to be the space’s showpiece.
We picked up the Smitten, Highlander, Barrel Rider, and I Spy Ginger. The Smitten was a classic cider, a taste semi-sweet that would appeal to most. The Highlander was made with lavender. The lavender-infused cider provides a savory taste to sip and enjoy. The Highlander was our personal favorite. The Barrel Rider would be a great drink for a bourbon lover who may have a streak of cider skepticism.
The bourbon flavor was subtle and tickled the back of the throat on its way down. The I Spy Ginger is another great choice for those looking for a savory flavor. With the ginger-forward taste, the I Spy drinks like a cocktail. The taste of the ginger was reminiscent of a classic G & T or a Moscow Mule.
An added bonus is the Hilltop Maple Syrup. We picked a jar up to take home and poured it on our flapjacks and waffles alike. Between the gorgeous view and the variety of hard cider, Suttons Bay Ciders is a fabulous spot in the Traverse City Area.