Craft Brewery Trail

Northern Michigan supports more than 15 craft breweries running from Traverse City through Bellaire to Petoskey. Short's Brewing Company in Bellaire built its regional following on inventive seasonal releases. Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City runs a taproom that captures the city's creative energy. Petoskey Brewing, in the Gaslight District, is a convenient stop for golfers playing the Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands corridor.

The experience

Go self-guided. Pick two or three taprooms based on geography and the day's golf schedule, and build the stops around an afternoon or evening. Flight pours run $5 to $15 per stop, so you can taste across multiple breweries without overcommitting anywhere. For groups who want to skip the designated-driver problem, bookable beer tours through local operators handle transport.

Most taprooms run year-round, generally noon to 9pm. The brewery scene adds a layer of local culture that resort dining alone won't reach. Short's after a round at Shanty Creek (15 minutes away) is the combination that captures Northern Michigan in a single afternoon.

Logistics

The breweries spread across a wide area. Plan stops along the day's driving route rather than attempting a full tour. Right Brain in Traverse City is walking distance from downtown hotels. Designated-driver planning is essential for self-guided visits.