Carefree Travel Guide 2026

Featured Destinations

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery Apples, peaches, cherries, nectarines, hayrides, corn maze, wine tasting room, cider mill, bakery, lunches, donuts, gift shop, and Michigan & ladies apparel. Grand Rapids Robinettes.com 616.361.5567 Left Foot Charley Located in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Left Foot Charley has committed focus on red and white wine varietals, hard cider, and sparkling wine. Traverse City LeftFootCharley.com 231.995.0500 FireKeepers Casino Hotel Michigan’s hottest craft beer experience is at Dacey’s Sportsbook & Taphouse. Wager on sports while enjoying a great meal, or one of over 40 beer options. Battle Creek FireKeepersCasino.com 877.352.8777 Destination Paw Paw Paw Paw pours with pride - home to Warner Vineyards, with riverside concerts and charm, and Michigan’s oldest winery, St. Julian. Explore iconic tasting rooms and toast to local tradition. Paw Paw DestinationPawPaw.com 269.637.5252 Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Crafting fine wines and ciders from their 155-acre Old Mission Peninsula estate north of Traverse City, Brys Estate guests enjoy an elevated deck with water views, curated wine and food offerings, and a lavender garden. Traverse City BrysEstate.com 231.223.9303 Choose Lansing From craft cocktails and local brews to cozy wine bars and lively pubs, Greater Lansing offers over 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Sip, savor, and plan your perfect mid-Michigan getaway! Lansing Lansing.org/Restaurants/Drinks/ 517.487.0077

Harmony Brewing Company Friendly Neighborhood Brewery With Dog Friendly Patio. Been serving award winning wood fired pizzas and Harmony Beers for 14 years! Grand Rapids HarmonyBeer.com 616.233.0063 Fenn Valley Vineyards A family-owned and operated vineyard and winery established in 1973. They strive to produce world-class wines from grapes grown along the shore of Lake Michigan. Fennville FennValley.com 269.561.2396 Michigan Wine Company Located less than a mile from the Lake Michigan shore in Fennville. We’re making serious wines, without taking ourselves too seriously. Fennville MichiganWineCo.com 269.543.5011 Virtue Cider Visit Virtue’s solar powered farm and taste their craft cider, sample the seasonal food menu, visit with the animals, and explore miles of trails. Bring the farm home by shopping cider online. 2170 62nd Street, Fennville VirtueCider.com 269.722.3232 Crane’s Pie Pantry, Restaurant & Winery Featuring small-batch hard cider and premium wine. A family business since 1972. Come for the pie and stay for the wine. Fennville CranesPiePantry.com 269.561.2297 Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn From atop our rolling vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal is an enchanting place to experience the best of Northern Michigan - exceptional wines, stunning views, and boutique lodging. Traverse City ChateauChantal.com 231.223.4110

“Drink Local” in West Michigan is more than a trend—it’s a celebration of the region’s agricultural roots, creative makers, and unforgettable places. Across the lakeshore and inland communities, visitors can sip their way through an impressive collection of craft breweries,

The “Drink Local” experience is deeply tied to place. Enjoy a crisp hard cider in Fennville surrounded by orchards, sample small-batch spirits crafted from Michigan grains, or unwind with a locally brewed IPA after a day at the beach. Lakeshore towns like South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, Holland, and Traverse City all offer inviting tasting rooms, scenic patios, and vibrant downtown beverage scenes that make every stop feel distinct. What makes West Michigan special is how naturally these beverage experiences

connect with travel. A local pour often comes with sunset views over Lake Michigan, live music, wood-fired pizza, or nearby farm markets and festivals. Visitors can build full weekend getaways around beverage trails, tasting passports, and seasonal events that showcase the best of Michigan-made flavor. Whether it’s a bold red wine, a refreshing farmhouse cider, a smooth bourbon, or a hop-forward craft beer, drinking local in West Michigan offers a true taste of the region - one rooted in community, craftsmanship, and the spirit of discovery.

wineries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries, each offering flavors inspired by the region itself.

From hops and barley to apples, cherries, and wine grapes, many of the ingredients are grown right here in West Michigan’s fertile farmland, creating an authentic farm-to-glass experience.

#WestMichigan | 2026 Carefree Travel Guide

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