Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids, MI.

When we tell people we recently visited this stellar brew pub in a revamped Abbey, they just assume we were recently in Europe. Belgium? France? The Netherlands?

No! Grand Rapids, Michigan! …Seriously.

Brewery Vivant was a wonderful surprise. As soon as you walk in, you are blown away by the large stained glass window towering over the uniquely shaped bar. High wood beams, light stone walls, long wooden tables and friendly Midwest faces make up this space and make it up well!

Craig started with the Vivant Flight ($10) which was delivered in 4 small snifters (Farmhand, Triomphe, Solitude and a choice of his own, North French Ale) in a wood platter. Delicious, delicious, delicious. I went straight for Hubris Belgian Quad and it kicked my butt at 11.55% abv, but was only $6! That's a big deal for a Chicagoan. Hubris was a lot in smell and taste. Thankfully, our bartender correctly instructed me to take my sweet time and savor every full drop. Mmmmmm.

I could go on and on, but instead I'll beg you to visit and make sure to get some grub too! 

Cheers,

Craig & Heather

http://www.breweryvivant.com/

Greenbush, Sawyer, MI.

We had this idea that Craig would illustrate a blog about our beer-scapades, and I would write to you all about the experiences. Hopefully, leading you to visit yourself, or at least find the brews at a local bar or store. I'm now realizing that my love of beer and travel doesn't naturally lend itself to writing a blog. So, I'm going to provide you with the most important information for now, and bit more finesse in the future. 

For now, here are the basics:

• Greenbush Brewery is damn good. 
• We love 1825, a must have, but a dangerous growler.
• Sawyer, MI is small, quaint and full of nice people. 
• The last time we went we met a nice guy name Frank and his two friends. They let us join them at their table when there weren't any open seats. We left that night friends, with an invite to party with him and company at his gorgeous Sawyer cabin (we saw pictures, a wonderful wooded oasis). 
• Grand Mere and Warren Dunes State Parks are oh so close. 
• One is a gorgeous beach with overpowering sand dunes, the other is wooded sand dunes with narrow secluded paths. 
• Sawyer is so close to Chicago!
• Makes for the perfect travel time : time at weekend destination ratio. 

Cheers,
Craig & Heather

www.greenbushbrewing.com/