Positioned about halfway between two of Michigan’s most well known beer-producing regions (Grand Rapids and Traverse City), the city of Ludington is representing the craft beer scene quite well. With breweries, a Michigan-only craft beer bar, and other events, Ludington is becoming a destination for beer in addition to the small-town charm and outdoor-related activities.
Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival
Downtown Ludington, on the west coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula, will host the second annual Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival, Oct. 10-12, with Michigan Craft Beer partner Bell’s Brewery.
The festival, in its second year, includes live music, food, and, of course, craft beer from Bell’s. General admission tickets are $20, VIP tickets are $40, and can be purchased here.
Simplified, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Dutch Henry, and Sophistafunk will provide the live music.
Family-oriented activities are scheduled for early afternoons, and the MittCritt Bike Race and Downtown Chili Walk highlight the festival activities.
Jamesport Brewing Company
Head Brewer Tom Buchanan serves up 10-plus beers on a regular basis. Seasonal selections and specialties rotate throughout the year, including the popular Blueberry Wheat.
A full selection of menu items is available including: lunch, dinner, pub fare, banquet selections, and a kids menu. Reservations are suggested for large groups.
Summer hours are currently in effect. The restaurant is open Sun.-Thur. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m. on Fri.-Sat. (drinks are available until midnight). Call ahead to verify the hours.
Jamesport Brewing Company
410 S. James Street
Ludington, MI 49431
231-845-2522
www.jamesportbrewingcompany.com
The Mitten Bar
The Mitten Bar opened its doors in July 2011, and is focused on promoting Michigan products. The establishment only sells craft beer, wine, and spirits created in Michigan.
Garnering numerous years’ list mentions as a Top 100 Beer Bar in America from publications like Draft magazine and Food & Wine magazine, and Yahoo Travel calling it one of the 8 Great New Year’s Eve Party Bars, The Mitten Bar is doing it right.
The Mitten Bar features live music, and is also home to multiple enthusiast events, a highly sought-after mug club, and series of beer dinners. They are also in the early planning stages for a winter beer festival.
The Mitten Bar
109 W. Ludington Ave.
Ludington, MI 49431
231-843-7616
mittenbar.com
Starving Artist Brewing Co.
Currently in the regulatory and approval process, Starving Artist Brewing Co. should be open by the end of 2014. It will be a production-only nanobrewery, and will distribute its microbrew at Ludington’s Blu Moon Bistro — its unofficial taproom. The Chuck Wagon restaurant has already contracted a cream ale to be served as their house beer, as well.
Sticking with the starving artist theme (the owner paints in oils), the labels will be hand-printed on letterpress by another local artist, creating limited-release labels.
Starving Artist Brewing Co.
www.starvingartistbeer.com/
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