Be Inspired Six of the best... /
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Michigan
for foodies From refreshing brews to homemade cherry pie, Michigan makes the most of its local produce. Here’s some of the best ways to get a taste of the state, says Jessica Pook
Brews paired Michigan ranks fifth in the U.S. when it comes to breweries, microbreweries and brewpubs open to the public – and beer is just the start with several breweries also offering food pairings. Visit the Tap Room at Short’s Brewing in Elk Rapids to try one of its eclectic beers, like a liquorice lager, and build your own pizza with beer-infused dough. Or pair a beer with a burger and bourbon-baked beans at Mackinaw Brewing Company in Traverse City.
Cherry on top Cherries are a Michigan staple with the state growing 70% of the U.S’s supply of tart cherries. Dubbed ‘America’s superfruit’ due to its high levels of antioxidants, the cherry even has its own annual festival: The National Cherry Festival features pie-eating contests and a Very Cherry Porch Parade. From late June to August families can pick their own cherries at one of the many U-Pick Cherry farms in or near Traverse City.
Detroit delicacies Detroit’s restaurants are famously good, from Greek Town specialities to sushi and steaks. Try a Detroit-style square pizza, which first appeared at Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria in 1946, baked in steel pans borrowed from local automotive plants. Another lauded local recipe is The American Coney Island diner’s hotdogs, served with a secret-recipe chilli sauce, mustard and fresh, chopped sweet onions in a warm, steamed bun.
A vine time There are more than 140 wineries in Michigan. Follow one of the wine trails, like the Petoskey Wine Region’s 14 wineries along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The southwestern part of the state around the Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticultural Areas), produces reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot while the Leelanau Peninsula in northwest Lower Peninsula bottles whites like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling.
Beer City USA Grand Rapids (or ‘Beer City USA’) has 80-plus breweries. Tick them off on a guided tour on a party bike, trolley or tuk, or use the Beer City Ale Trail map to visit craft breweries like Founders Brewing Co., rated one of the top breweries in the world by Ratebeer and among the largest craft breweries in the country. Use the Beer City Brewsader app to check in to any of the eight breweries in or close to Grand Rapids and pick up a Brewsader t-shirt.
Homegrown treats Agriculture is one of Michigan’s leading industries, so visitors can expect fresh produce and farm-to table dining. Farm families take pride in growing high-quality foods and products year-round. Apples are one of the largest fruit crops in Michigan with many used in pies or to make apple sauce, apple cider and apple juice. Peaches, pears and plums are also favourites and asparagus is grown near the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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12/20/21 04:32 PM
