Brews on the Lakeshore

On the Edge of White Lake

Whitehall feels like a town plucked from a Lake Tahoe, Newport, or Charleston magazine, shrunken and nestled into Michigan’s lake-rich landscape. It sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and White Lake, where several marinas dominate the town’s waterfront. White Lake flows into the White River that passes beneath a bridge connecting Whitehall to its neighboring town, Montague. In the warmer months, cattails, lily pads, and watercraft dot the scene, framed by towering sailboats against Montague’s hills.

Beer Favorites at Fetch Brewing Co.

What I ordered: Pleasure Pit

All bodies of water can be seen from the back end of Fetch Brewing Co., where an immense mural shows its name on the brick building that was once a historic bank. Technically a microbrewery, Fetch Brewing Co. became Whitehall’s craft beer trailblazer when it opened in 2014 as the town’s first. Whitehall locals are familiar with the turnover of businesses on that block, but Fetch Brewing Co. has seemed to stick.

Fetch Brewing Co. offers a rotating selection of taps that change with the seasons. The Blood Orange IPA, aptly named The Jinkies, is a local favorite, while the lavender blonde, September’s Garden, offers a refreshing break from the usual hoppy brews. Then there’s Pleasure Pit, an apricot wheat that quickly wins over beer lovers with its juicy, delicious flavor, often leaving a lasting impression after just one visit to Fetch.

Fetch Brewing Co. hosts frequent live events, especially on Friday nights in the patio area, making seating scarce indoors and out, particularly in summer when musicians and comedians perform. Fetch also hosts more surprising and creative activities: henna teaching and jewelry making being the most recent two. Fetch is also unique with the addition of a “beer vault”: a small room with a vaulted lock on the front and stickers of any brewery a beer-lover could think of plastered on the walls.

Lunch in Whitehall

Whether starting or wrapping up your journey in Whitehall, Fetch has a new option in 2024, an in-house kitchen, Fetch Eats. While the kitchen operates on different hours than the brewery, they maintain their age-old rule that outside food is allowed inside. With a Subway across the street and other hometown-grown businesses close, like The Gnarly Heifer a few blocks away, there’s no shortage of options to complement your beer.

A Scenic Route Between Shores

Whitehall’s social district offers plenty of restaurants and bars to explore on a warm summer evening or a snowy winter night. Just a short drive—or a scenic half-mile walk along the bike trail—across the bridge to Montague, you’ll find another small-town brewery worth a visit. White Lake and the White River are always in view.

Beer Favorites at Sawyer Brewing Co.

What I ordered: Oktoberfest!

Sawyer Brewing Co., although just opened in 2021, has uniquely curated decor that catches the eye. There are many seating areas in this cozy brewery, including a patio area. Each chair has its character—leather armchairs, sleek stools, and a mix of metal and wooden seats—all arranged around an interesting selection of tables. Some tables are crafted from carved barrels, adding to the brewery’s vintage charm and complementing the warm wooden floors.

Sawyer’s has an enhanced menu, as craft beer isn’t the only alcohol they make. Home-distilled rum and vodka are for sale, as well as wine fermented at Sawyer’s. Talking strictly craft beer, they have a style for everyone; but just one of each: currently serving an IPA, pale ale, blonde, two lagers, and a couple German beers. In addition to the vibrant lineup of live events throughout the week and on weekends, patrons can also participate in brewing and fermenting classes, allowing them to craft their signature beer or wine. For those inspired to continue the experience at home, a selection of brewing equipment is also available for rent.

Bites Near Sawyer Brewing Co.

Sawyer’s has a small breakfast menu operating during certain hours, and there’s a persevering Dog N Suds right across the street, making it a perfect summer spot for a bite to eat. Not to mention during summer hours there is a full farmer’s and artisan market across the street, waiting for patrons to come in and enjoy the spirit of Montague.

Whitehall and Montague, despite being town rivals, each invite exploration with their waterside destinations. In winter, you might see locals sledding behind Fetch, or anglers casting on the bridge toward Sawyer’s in summer. Both breweries have a craft beer to enjoy afterward, and the brew trail in Montague doesn’t stop there!