Food & Beverage

Michigan offers a variety of dining experiences, from the famous Frankenmuth Chicken Dinner at Zehnder’s to the fresh whitefish caught by John Cross Fishery and served at local Lake Charlevoix restaurants daily. Want more than a slice of Michigan’s flavor? Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s has been spicing up taste buds throughout the state for more than 70 years. Maybe you want to have your cake and eat it, too? New Palace Bakery was included on Thrillist’s Top 32 Donut Restaurants in America for its famously delicious Paczki desserts. Or are you looking for the best Mac and Cheese? Clarkston Union made the “perfect mac and cheese” almost 30 years ago and have sold over a million since. So, whether you’re looking for an upscale dinner or just a casual meal with friends, you’re sure to find something to satisfy the whole bunch in Michigan.

With nearly 400 craft breweries across the state — or 5.3 breweries per person — in Michigan, you’re never too far from an artisanal ale. Popular breweries include Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, one of the largest craft breweries in the country, Keweenaw Brewing Company in the Upper Peninsula and Summit Smokehouse & Taproom in Mt. Pleasant. Not to mention Grand Rapids’ official title, “Beer City USA.” With more than 40 craft breweries within a 30-minute drive, the city won that title in a nationwide poll by USA Today.

Contributing $9 billion to the state’s economy, Michigan’s beer industry does more for the state than quench its thirst. From growers to brewers and distributors, Michigan is also home over 37,000 jobs in the beer industry.

Situated halfway between the equator and the North Pole, Michigan is an ideal destination for grape-growing enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. Boasting nearly 4,000 acres of land solely dedicated to cultivating wine grapes, Michigan is proud to produce over 50 varieties of vinifera — old-world grapes, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio — as well as hybrid grapes. Notably, some of these grapes go into making Michigan’s renowned ice wine, a uniquely flavored product exclusive to the state. This exceptional wine is crafted by selectively picking grapes at the precise temperature where the water within them freezes, while the sugar content remains intact.

With an impressive 140 wineries to visit across the state — from Fennville to Cape Mitt, the Old Mission Peninsula to the Leelanau Peninsula, and the Lake Michigan shoreline — Michigan is a paradise for American wine lovers. Traverse City in particular is home to a slew of noteworthy establishments like Bonobo Winery and Chateau Grand Traverse, where each wine delivers a more diverse and captivating profile than the next. And there is no better way to taste them all than on one of the state’s wine trails.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at Michigan’s incredible food and drink festivals. With so many taking place year-round, there’s always something new and exciting to try. For example, check out the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, the National Asparagus Festival in Oceana County or the National Cereal Festival in Battle Creek. And if you’re looking for a global culinary adventure, the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival is the place to be. Sip and savor the best of Michigan’s craft beer and wine industries, while indulging in delicious fare from around the world. Come hungry and leave happy at Michigan’s amazing food and beverage festivals.