Great Midwestern Brewery Tour, part 4

Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. Hopefully if you are returning to this, then you are eagerly awaiting my story about the infamous day three. Well wait no more.

The Journey, Day 3:

I decided on my Reagan Bush 84 tank, much to my uncle's chagrin I am sure, and collected my belongings. I had a full day of adventures awaiting me. After driving through Michigan's campus, I headed up 96 to Lansing.

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery (http://www.eaglemonkbrewing.com/)

I was excited to try this brewery with all the buzz I heard from the locals.

Cool looking place

Unfortunately for me, I did not check the hours of operation before heading out: rookie mistake I know. They were closed.

Not to waste any time, I pulled a U turn and headed to campus.

I didn't want to miss an opportunity to find some local brewery. I called my friends who went to MSU... and was told of a place near campus.

Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub (http://www.harpersbrewpub.com/)

I walked in to this college spot unsuspecting of anything. It had a wide open layout. In my mind, "this place could be a ton of fun." Who knows if I am right or not.

It was nice out so I took my spot on the patio.

Selfie

I was a little worried wearing my GOP Jersey in an away setting, if you will. I kept noticing the table next to me turning and looking at me. Well, that is typical... But then the man got up and walked over. He wanted to tell me it is good to see that shirt up there.

Down to business, I ordered their porter. It was a smooth malty flavor. With the nice breeze, it was a great day. Then came my bill, $2. Um, okay.

I enjoyed my last sip and headed out to Neytiri. Onward to Grand Rapids.

Founders Brewing Co (http://foundersbrewing.com/?av-submitted=true)

This was the fourth and final of the Top 25 Breweries for my trip. It had been built up and heralded by all beer mentors I know. I just hoped it wouldn't be a let down.

Parking was a pain. The brewery was doing some construction which limited the available spots. After parking down the street in a public lot, I hoofed up to the front door.

This will be cool when construction is done

Walking in, I was impressed. The quick-acting pourers answered questions with ease, and kept patrons' glasses filled with happiness.

I ordered the Nitro Oatmeal Stout and the Dirty Bastard. Both beers gave reason for all the hype. The nitrogen gave a smoother finish to a normal oatmeal stout. The DB had a delicious malty flavour with just enough hint to the Scottish highlands.

As I purchased my dry goods, I spoke with the cashier about places I should also visit while in Grand Rapids.

***SIDE NOTE***
Earlier in the year, someone had told me that they were taking a vacation to GR. I listened to them tell me all about the awesome trip they had planned, but all I could focus on was the thought "WHAT A LAME TRIP." I can't recall who was telling me this, but I want to apologize. This city is awesome. Touche to you.

Back to the story

HopCat (http://hopcatgr.com/main/About.aspx)

This place is consistently in the top 5 for best beer bar in the country. Yes please!

Walking in, I was greeted with some beautiful tap display.

It was a thing of art for sure. They had seasonals, locals, crafts, bottles, draughts, etc. I can't remember which beer I tried. I know I sampled the DragonMead and had a Virtue Cider, but nothing more.

Speaking with the bartender, I learned some tips for visiting beer bars and brewpubs. I will be writing about this in a future article, so get pumped.

I headed around the corner for more experience.

Grand Rapids Brewing Co (http://www.grbrewingcompany.com/)

Michigan's first certified organic brewery... Since that is what pulls me in.

This place had an impressive layout. I ordered a flight of their dark and malty brews. The couple next to me remarked on my tank, and I struck up a conversation with them. As we talked about journeys and travels, they were the first to encourage me to write this story down. I wish I had gotten their contact info. They were heading out west to Portland. We talked about my trip to Mount Rushmore and my time in the Pacific Northwest. I ordered their pork belly appetizer. It was truly a treat. This place can make some delicious food.

Before I ordered a full meal, the couple advised me to go over to the Grove for dinner. I knew I had to experience this. I fired up Yelp to check the reviews... over 4 stars. Why not?

I made my way across town, to a lovely little outdoor shopping area. As I walked in, I realized that I was a little underdressed. But, I held my head high. "Ahem, sir. Does this place have a dress code?" To which he replied, "Um...." head shaking in disbelief. "Sir, it is a sweet tank, though. Do y'all have a bar or something?" "Yes sir it is actually directly behind you." He begrudgingly informed me.

As I took my spot at the bar, I was greeted with a cold beverage. I chose the North PEak Nomad cider... Nomad, that seems appropriate. This place was great. The menu was one of the Three Courses for $XX. So I had pork three ways, for all three courses. Why, you ask? Well, sir... America.

After a well-recommended and divine meal, I headed out to my next recommendation. It just happened to be on the same street.

Brewery Vivant (http://www.breweryvivant.com/)

To think, I almost skipped this place. Wow. That would have been a miss. The brewery is situated in an old church: stained glass, balcony and all. The inside of the brewpub is absolutely stunning.

The bartender was very helpful. I was not big into Belgian beers at the time. I thank my lucky stars I found this place.

Big Red Coq

I ordered a flight of their yearly beers. They were delicious. The Big Red Coq was my favorite. It had the smooth flavour that was covered with a complexity that I couldn't put my finger on.

Once I had purchased my goodies, I headed out. I figured it was a good time to check in to the hotel.  While sleeping in my car is something I don't mind doing, I had a couple Marriott points left over, so I had booked a night in the penthouse at the JW Marriott. The view of the city was amazing.

Oo a little accidental selfie

And they had a straight shot to the ceiling from dowstairs:

Looking Up                Looking Down

I asked the front desk what the cool things were to do in Grand Rapids. After getting a list I headed up to my room to think about options.

I am going to stop this part of the story here. But I will be posting the rest of the day in a post tonight. This one is just getting long.

TALLY SO FAR:

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