When we heard there was a new ice cream shop opening in downtown Farmington, we thought, “Cool.”  Then we heard it was some sort of “craft creamery”, and then thought “Oh, that sounds very cool.”  Then we heard they were going to be serving special unique dessert creations.  It kept getting more unique.

Finally we heard they were going to be serving craft cocktails, and craft beer.  Woo-hoo!  The background story was that Brown Dog Creamery in Northville was looking to expand operations and add another location to expand their ice cream production.  They found out about the Farmington site and thought it would be a good location.  Then they heard a liquor license was available and that got them thinking of something new and unique.

We had stopped by a couple times during the afternoon for the ice cream and it was awesome.  On a recent Friday night we decided to check out the “bar” side of things.  There were a lot of folks in there around 10:00 PM as we took a seat at the bar.  The menu had an impressive/tempting array of hot appetizers, but we’d already eaten so we skipped that.  Then, in addition to their array of fresh-made ice creams, they had several delicious-sounding desserts.  We chose one made of cider mill donuts, caramel, and fresh whipped cream.

They didn’t have a massive draft list, but the 8 they had were all good craft- most of them Michigan.  There was a lively feel in the place, and they had good music playing, almost felt like we were in a nightclub- but not in an annoying way.  It was a very refreshing and different place to hang out in the evening.  We’ll be back.

I attended a seminar a few months back, where the owner of Cedar Springs Brewery talked about his path towards opening his own brewery.  It was a very interesting story that involved time working in a brewery in Germany and wanting to bring some of that German beer hall feeling (and beer) to Michigan.  Following that, sampling some of their beers at the 2016 MI Winter Beer Festival for the first time, they were outstanding.  I knew I had to make a visit.

So, on the way out to the west side of the state for some family vacation time, we made a detour north of I-96 and traveled to the small town of Cedar Springs just prior to the 4th of July.  Cedar Springs is a small town, and driving past all the closed stores and quiet main street on Sunday afternoon, I was concerned we’d find the brewery closed.  But not so.

What I did find was the lack of cars on the road was more than made up by the number of bikes on the nearby “rails to trails” bike path that detoured over for some food and drink.  Cedar Springs has a big room in the front of the building with numerous tables and grand open-air windows facing the main street, but also a very nice patio area out back with giant picnic tables with nice big umbrellas to shade you from the sun’s rays.

We sat out back and ordered beers and food as it was an awesome Michigan summer day with lots of blue sky, sun, and temperatures just shy of the point where you really start to sweat.  While sitting there, we saw the constant flow of bike traffic in and out.  It ranged from people in their bike Speedo shorts and “competition” jerseys, to families with tag-along bike attachments for their youngsters, and all ages/sizes in between.  In all seriousness, the bike rack was at capacity, while the parking lot still had tons of open spaces.

The food was very good (particularly the pretzel appetizer and the bread pudding desert), and the beers very good as well.  Their menu is split between American choices (food and beers) and German choices (food and beer).  We opted for the German fare for food and beer.  The beer was really great with a nice malt taste, but very clean and light flavor to go down well.

I must say, this place is awesome.  I was imagining what it must be like for Oktoberfest.  But I also found myself curious about the American side of the beer and food menu.  I definitely think this needs more study…

Last summer we were in Grand Haven and I tried to find Odd Side Ales taproom.  Even with GPS and Google Maps, I couldn’t find it.  I mean I didn’t try my hardest, as I was exploring with my young children, but when I looked down the street where I thought it should be I didn’t see anything.

This year, I was more determined.  I pressed on down the side street even though it didn’t look like anything was there.  As I got halfway down the block, I noticed a non-descript sign above the door into a building and a small outdoor fenced in patio.  I found it.

Inside, there is a very homey, welcoming spot.  Tables of all sorts and sizes, and a giant L-shaped bar.  We made our way in and surveyed the sizable tap menu to make choices.  Although I’d generally consider myself a fan of Odd Side Ales, I can’t really tell you the last time I bought a 6-pack of something of theirs.  But in the taproom I tried a few different things and was impressed.

There was an amazing IPA (which I took notes from the menu on what hops were in it for future recipe creation), and a mediocre lager.  My mom tried the cinnamon cider and it was really nice.  Tasted like drinking apple pie.

Grand Haven as a beach town, and it being summer, there were a lot of families here.  Although the taproom serves no food (minimal snack options), they did have their own root beer on tap.  And the overall feel and atmosphere was very laid back and welcoming.  No one was upset to see a table with a bunch of kids next to them, and kids seemed just content to come in out of the sun and sand and were content even without TVs, video games, or anything obvious to entertain them.

Very cool place and worth it for the atmosphere, and the beers were really good.  Now that I know where to find it, I’ll definitely be back!