For the third consecutive year, USA Today has named Grand Rapids as the #1 city for beer in America.
Since first receiving the title of America’s best “beer city” in a nationwide poll in 2013, Grand Rapids has been on a winning streak, securing an array of ale accolades.
“This is a strong testament to our community’s breweries who consistently pour their passion and extraordinary craftsmanship into the work they do for our local community and visitors,” remarked Doug Small, the president and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, in a press release celebrating the city’s award from USA Today.
With more than 40 craft breweries scattered within a 30-minute drive, the city offers beer enthusiasts a large selection of craft beers. Each brewery boasts a distinct lineup of brews and experiences.
But what is “craft” beer and what has led to Grand Rapids having so many craft breweries?
“We tend to think of craft beer as smaller (in distribution), but also making unusual beers—something that does not taste like Bud Light or Miller Lite.” said Professor Mark Staves, who teaches CMB 350, Foundations of Brewing at Grand Valley State University. “The real definition is how much beer they produce.”
Grand Rapids’ strong concentration of breweries is complemented by an extensive calendar of festivals, events and promotions that pay homage to the city’s vibrant beer culture. Future events include the Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl, the Spring Fling Bar Crawl or the August Ale Trail Pub Crawl.
“There are all kinds of beer festivals in town. The city has really grabbed onto that, and they market Grand Rapids as a destination for beer tasting,” Staves said. “The city is promoting it, and the people in West Michigan really like their beer.”
Integral to the city’s impressive accolades and promotional campaigns is Experience Grand Rapids, the premier Destination Marketing Organization for Grand Rapids. Experience Grand Rapids has a collection of promotions dedicated to the area’s culinary delights.
Promotional campaigns from the organization include the documentary series “Beer City, USA,” and the Beer City Ale Trail, which maps the various must-try breweries throughout the city. The Ale Trail includes breweries, meaderies, wineries and cideries which collectively make Grand Rapids the craft beer capital of the USA.
Campaigns undertaken by Experience Grand Rapids appear to be having a significant effect on the city’s market for culinary tourism. Last year, Grand Rapids garnered recognition from WalletHub, a personal finance website, earning a notable position of No. 24 among the “Best Foodie Cities in America.”
The rise of the craft brewery industry in Grand Rapids is relatively recent. In 1996, there was not a single brewery in the Grand Rapids area. Beer tourism now accounts for a $38.5 million regional economic impact to the greater Grand Rapids area, supplies nearly 400 jobs and over 9 million dollars in earnings, according to Experience Grand Rapids.
With over 40 breweries and bars, there is no limit to the experiences available to the plethora of college students, younger crowds and people visiting the city.
The city boasts a variety of atmospheres available at the various breweries, from club-style experiences to the more intimate and relaxed.
“There’s a lot of live music, most of (the bars) are ‘dance-floor-esque,’” said Alyse Cross, a senior student at Grand Valley State University.
With the Pew Campus in Grand Rapids and the Allendale Campus 20 minutes away, many of-age GVSU students partake in the city’s nightlife scene, making it a big part of many peoples’ college experience. Cross said the selection of bars, pubs, clubs and breweries in Grand Rapids has something for everyone.
