Pure Michigan Travel | Crunchy's East Lansing

So my beloved college town of East Lansing has many bars, a little something for everyone if you will. My college friends and I certainly had bars we preferred for every occasion and mood, and naturally our overall favorite. Crunchy's was certainly a favorite, and still is to this day. I just recently went for a friends birthday gathering, and we sat out on the patio and tried some beers and a wonderful time was had.




Crunchy's has 27 beers on tap, and is definitely deeply entrenched in the craft beer world. They often have nights dedicated to one brewery, and all taps will serve beers from that place. They are a big supported of Michigan made beer, which makes me happy. They are known in the area for having "the best burger in town" which is the Crunchy burger and it's a BEAST. I've never had it, I can't handle that much meat *ahem*. Moving on.

They have some sort of food special every day of the week, along with karaoke on thursday, friday and saturday. Back in the day I may have sang a little bit of Ace of Base.  Maybe. 

Crunchy's has even introduced their "secret society", the Burger and Beer Society card is full of perks if you use it frequently. I don't have one, but C does and he enjoys it.

Crunchy's is a great place to gather and hang out with friends, family or just to hang out solo and meet some new people. I will continue to frequent it and will be sure to tell my future Spartans to go there for some great Michigan brews!

Pure Michigan Travel | Short's Brewing Company

When you're in northern (western) Michigan and it's a dreary day on the lake, cold...drizzling...not much to do, I suggest you take a jaunt to Bellaire, Michigan and visit Short's Brewing Company.

I had never been before, but I am a huge lover of Short's Soft Parade [Yum]. Short's is owned by Joe and Leah Short, who are still very much involved in the continually growing beer brand. If you're interested in the story of Short's, and how they came to fruition, read it here!

Now we visited the Pub, not the production facility. The place was jam packed, but we managed to snag some bus bench seats at the front of the place near the big windows over looking the quaint streets of Bellaire. 

We each ordered a flight, you pick 5 beers, you get little sample tastes of each of the 5 beers you selected for $10. It's a deal. My choices were:

- It's About Thyme

I liked the idea of this beer, but...it was definitely a very herby taste and much darker than my usual preference. It had a very strong aftertaste, and I couldn't even finish my sample. *hangs head in shame*

- Yosemite Scooter

This beer has a very distinct scent, which is not pleasant. But it tastes delicious. It was fruity, with zesty orange and mango aromas. 

- Soft Parade

This is one of my all time favorite beers. It has puree of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and it is very fruity but not super sweet. This beer was created to appeal to wine drinkers!

- Agave Peach Wheat

In case you haven't noticed, I like fruity beers. So with the word peach in it, I was intrigued. This beer definitely has an earthy tone to it, and I didn't love it. It was a bit too earthy and heavy for my liking, not enough peach goodness.

- Cerveza de Julie

This is a summery type beach beer to me, kind of like a bud light lime or corona's...but fancier and crisper. It is brewed with real lime, and has a great tartness to it. I really enjoyed this beer. 

I love Short's even more now, and will continue to support their growth within Michigan! Pure Michigan baby!