Chapter 3: Our Friendly Neighbor To The North | Where To Grab A Drink In Holland
If you missed either of the first two chapters in this series, you’ll want to check them out. Chapter 1 focuses on the beverage scene in our own backyard, and we must admit, we love it here. Chapter 2 covers how to view art while crawling pubs; yes, this really is possible, and we think you’re going to love the adventure of ArtPrize 2015 in Grand Rapids.
It has become sort of a trend. Our guests are staying with us longer, and we love it! There are many answers to the question, “What do people do when they stay at Wickwood for 4 -5 days?” We have yet to discover an incorrect answer. Some people barely leave the inn because they simply prefer to luxuriate in the comfort of Wickwood … more about that this winter! Other guests focus on art galleries, live music, artisanal foods, antiques, theater, hiking, hanging out at the beach … life in Saugatuck really does sizzle. Not yet convinced? Find some inspiration in our Things To Do In Saugatuck section of the website. Here, you can dive in to our sample itineraries and find out what’s happening by season or by passion.
Another option? Use Wickwood Inn as your home base. Venture out and explore all of the cool communities around us. Today, we turn our attention to our friendly neighbors to the north: Welkom To Holland. For decades now, Holland, Michigan has had a stunning downtown shopping district, and it just keeps getting better. There are still the classic stores such as Reader’s World, Outpost, and The Peanut Store (these 3 stores alone are worth the short drive), but now Holland has grown in to a place where you can also grab a great drink.
Here are some of places you can stop when you’re thirsty:
New Holland Brewing
With a prime location in downtown on 8th Street, New Holland Brewing takes the art of craft beer seriously. Right now, we’re looking forward to their Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, but with everything from Monkey King Farmhouse Ale to Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel Stout, New Holland has what you’re looking for. Even better, after a decade of brewing beer, they decided to balance their offerings by adding their own spirits to the list … and wow, we’re glad they did.
Coppercraft Distillery
Founded in 2012, Coppercraft Distillery is committed to sourcing Michigan ingredients whenever possible, and they are already winning awards for their efforts. Be sure and check out the entire place; tours are available every hour, on the hour. The slate board will show you the cocktail creations of the day, but this set of bartenders are in the know and will craft for you whatever you like.
Big Lake Brewing
After a decade of home brewing, these friends decided to take things to the next level. You can taste their commitment to making the best beer, mead and wine with the best available ingredients. Having recently added their own canning system, we know that Big Lake Brewing is out to make a Big Splash.
Butch’s Dry Dock
Whether you need an ice cold 6 pack of Michigan brews for the cooler, or you want to sit and sip a fine glass of French wine, this is your place. Located just down the street from New Holland, in the center of downtown, Butch’s is only 1 of 10 restaurants in Michigan to hold Wine Spectator’s Best Of | Award Of Excellence. Butch’s Dry Dock stocks over 700 wines from around the globe, and Butch himself will happily tell you a story about any one of them. If it’s a cocktail you’re after, you’ll be well taken care of here.
Our Brewing
Sticking with downtown 8th Street, you won’t want to miss one of the newer additions to the microbrewery scene. Beginning in 2012, Our Brewing started tickling our tastebuds with their ever-rotating beers on tap. You might find their Careless Whisper IPA, Peanut Butter Molasses Porter, or their Cursed Kettle Quadruppel. Who knows what will they’ll be serving the day you walk in, but we think it’s worth a taste no matter what.
Hops at 84 East
Still on 8th Street, you’ll find Hops where they serve over 70 craft beers, ciders, meads and wines on tap all day, every day. Most of their impressive selection comes from Michigan, and with that many options, making a decision is no easy task!
Warner Vineyards Tasting Room
We were excited when one of Michigan’s oldest vineyards opened their tasting room in downtown Holland. Featuring 25 different wines and champagnes, you can customize your tasting experience while their fun and knowledgeable staff guides you throughout the process.
Macatawa Ale Company
Just north of downtown, you’ll find Holland’s newest microbrewery. Family run and a dream for decades, Macatawa Ale opened in 2014, and they couldn’t be more excited! With a wide range of offerings (everything from a pale ale, to a brown, to an IPA, to a hefeweizen), this friendly brewpub is ready to make its mark.
Stay tuned for our 4th and final chapter of our series on Southwest Michigan’s breweries, wineries, vineyards, cideries and distilleries where we take you south of Saugatuck to explore the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.