Fall (and Winter!) are perfect for scheduling an extended stay at Wickwood Inn to explore the areas’s distilleries, bars and breweries. There’s so much to explore, sometimes it’s difficult to decide what exactly to focus on. Some of our guests barely leave the inn. These folks simply prefer to luxuriate in the comfort of Wickwood. (We’ll write more about that later this year!) Other guests arrive and want to delve into art galleries, live music, artisanal foods, antiques, theater, hiking, history, hanging out at the beach, getting out on the water … there are so many options in our little slice of paradise. If you want an overview, or are looking for some inspiration, visit 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.
“He was a wise man who invented beer.”
~Plato
Of course, Wickwood’s premier location is perfect for venturing out and exploring all of the fun communities around us. Today, we turn our attention to tasting our way through the exciting craft beverage scene that’s happening in Holland … an easy 10 minute drive away. 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 into a place where you can also grab a great drink.
“Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.”
~Thomas Jefferson
Some of our favorite breweries in Holland, Michigan
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 enjoying their Feeding America Pale Ale and the 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 … we’re glad they did. You definitely don’t want to miss the Beer Barrel Bourbon and the Knickerbocker Gin. We also appreciate all the local farms represented on the pub’s menu.
Big Lake Brewing
The founders of Big Lake Brewing, 3 engineers with YEARS of brewing experience, are committed to perfecting the recipes and production of high-caliber, traditional brews: dark and proud porters, calculated wheat ales, and IPAs extracted from the best hops. And for lovers of the vine, Big Lake creates fruit-infused wines and hard ciders with character. While there’s no kitchen at Big Lake Brewing, we love bringing in sandwiches, salads, or a pizza from our favorite local vendors. This means we can stay even longer and enjoy the casual atmosphere!
Macatawa Ale Company
Just north of downtown, you’ll find a family run microbrewery that was a dream for decades. Macatawa Ale opened in 2014 making it one of the newest breweries in Holland, Michigan, but not one to be overlooked. With a wide range of offerings (everything from a pale ale, to a brown, to an IPA, to a hefeweizen), this friendly brewpub is already making its mark.
Our Brewing
Beginning in 2012, Our Brewing opened as a nano-brewery in the heart of downtown Holland. They craft small batches of complex beer using local ingredients, and you never know exactly what you might find on tap. You can rest assured it will be delicious. Right now, we’re loving the Bearded Lady IPA, the Bombox Wheat, and the Study Buddy Coffee Milk Stout. Who knows what they’ll be serving the day you walk in, but in our experience this little Holland brewery is worth a taste no matter what.
Fireside Brewing
Known as the craft beer and live music hub for Holland’s Southside, Fireside Brewing is an excellent addition to the growing family of Holland breweries. We love the easy parking and the addition to the neighborhood. We like the Day Drinker IPA when we’re in the mood for something lighter, and we also love the New Zeeland Black IPA.
Brewery 4 Two 4
Another new addition to Holland’s Craft Beer Scene is Brewery 4 Two 4 … named after the last 3 digits of Holland’s Northside zip code. Expect to feel like a regular here as soon as you enter—-the friendly atmosphere sets the tone and the 10 tap lines are sure to tickle your taste buds: Pales, IPAs, Saisons, Stouts, Fruit beers, and Barrel-Aged beers. Bring in your own food, stay for your favorite game on one of the 4 screens, and enjoy every sip.
Restaurants and bars in Holland, Michigan to grab a high end beer, wine or cocktail
Hops at 84 East
Hops is another favorite on 8th Street Hops where they serve over 70 craft beers, ciders, meads and wines on tap all day, every day. Much of their impressive selection comes from Michigan, and everything else is carefully selected from the best purveyors around the world. One of the things that makes this one of our favorite bars in Holland is the staff. With this many options, making a decision is no easy task, but the friendly service and knowledgeable staff will put you at ease … and bring you samples! And yes, the thin crust pizzas are as good as they look.
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 on 8th street, 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 also be well taken care of. The exquisite menu offers everything from Pommes Frites, to Pork Skewers, to Campanelle, and the restaurant offers a beautiful variety of seating options. Enjoy!
Brew Merchant
At Brew Merchant, located in Washington Square, beer lovers will be able to enjoy lesser-known and higher-quality brews that are not readily available together in one place. They are constantly changing their 32 taps to bring us the best selection of unique beers from around Michigan, United States, and the world. We appreciate the well curated collection and the contemporary, casual decor.
Don’t forget Holland’s tasting rooms and distilleries!
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.
Coppercraft Distillery
Founded in 2012, Coppercraft Distillery is committed to sourcing Michigan ingredients for their ever-changing seasonal cocktail menu. They are already winning awards for their efforts. Try a flight of their Clear Spirits or their Aged Spirits … or mix things up. Currently, they offer a selection of rum, gin, vodka and citrus vodka. Coppercraft also distills many varieties of whiskey, with a focus and passion for bourbon. We love the addition of their full-service restaurant and especially like the Bacon-Wrapped Chorizo Stuffed Dates, the Lobster Mac N’ Cheese, and the Gin Battered Fish N’ Chips.