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o... my first plan was to go to GABF 2009. Then it was a 20 brewery, 8 state tour. Now I’m thinking a week long trip to the beer mecca that is Michigan. A potential free place to stay definitely played into that thinking. 
My base will likely be Ann Arbor, but I’m willing to drive anywhere in the state. What should I make sure to hit up?
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Are you flying? If you’re driving there is too much to stop at to spend the whole time in Michigan.
But if you stay there I would say Kuhnhenn, Emabassy Wine, Bello Vino, Bells and Jolly Pumpkin would be must stops IMO.
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If you go to Kuhnhenn, then go to Dragonmead which is also in Warren. Black Lotus in Clawson is fine....though not the big league. Bell’s is a must. If you are in Detroit, go to Motor City.
And Dark Horse is near Ann Arbor.
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The current list is Arbor Brewing, Jolly Pumpkin, Bell’s, Dark Horse, Kuhnhenn and Shorts. Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming!
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For the west side of the state I would suggest the Livery, New Holland and Founders (and if you are in Grand Rapids then also GR Brewing Co.) and you might as well stop at Bells while your at it.
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In Ann Arbor, definitely hit Ashley’s. One of my personal favorite beer bars... and if it’s the summer the college kid population should be a bit lower, maybe? Full of Michigan goodies!
Kuhnhenn is awesome. Bello Vino is great for a little shopping.
If you make it over to Grand Rapids, Founders is wonderful and Hopcat is about 3 blocks away and is pretty darn good too. Siciliano’s is a great bottle shop in the area. Selection nearly as good as Bello Vino, but with better prices.
And if you can justify the trip over to the Livery, it’ll be well worth your while.
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Depends on your definition of close. Ann Arbor is exit 175(ish) and Marshall is exit 112, so over 60 miles due west of Ann Arbor...
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But it is between Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, and no beer trip to Michigan is complete without a trip to Bell’s.
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Black Lotus is barely passable. Bastone in Royal Oak is worth a stop and so is Fort Street in Lincoln Park. If you’re heading to Bell’s and Dark Horse throw in the Livery and possibly the Hideout and Hopcat.
You know Short’s is like 4 1/2 hours north of Ann Arbor right?
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I’m thinking 7 full days up there, so that won’t be a problem.
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I’d rather drive 8 hours to shorts than walk two blocks to Bastone... dont waste your time there.
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