Brews on the Lakeshore

Why Beulah Belongs on Your Brewery Tour

Northwest Michigan is as distinct from central Western Michigan as it is stunning. As you travel north along Lake Michigan, passing through villages, towns, and bodies of water, the landscape shifts. Towns grow smaller, roads stretch longer, and the bustle fades. Between Ludington and Traverse City, breweries and bars become scarce, with only a handful dotting the route.

Beyond the Mead

Tucked away in the woods of Beulah, St. Ambrose Cellars is a hidden gem of Northwestern Michigan. One of the few meaderies in the state, it crafts unique, honey-based drinks with fruity flavors. But St. Ambrose is more than just a meadery; it features a restaurant, store, event space, and tasting room, offering a laid-back yet inviting place to unwind.

With plenty of outdoor seating, along with covered and indoor options, St. Ambrose Cellars is suited for both small gatherings and larger get-togethers. The meadery’s vibrant decor incorporates natural elements, a theme that carries through to the names and artwork of its meads. Among the most popular are Black Madonna, XR Cyser, and John Lemon—each highlighting flavors of apple, honey, and lemon with the signature sweetness that defines mead. The meadery has still mead available as well, plus some beer, wine, and boozy slushies available for drinkers to stave off honey.

The story of St. Ambrose Cellars is a heartwarming Michigan dream. A Beulah-based couple spent decades raising bees and experimenting with their honey before officially opening the meadery in 2010. Their passion is evident in every detail—from the rustic barns and archways to the yard games and flourishing gardens that fill the property. Rows of picnic tables stretch across the grounds, resolutely hoping the weather is warm enough for people to sit and enjoy their mead.

The food menu at St. Ambrose is impressive, further inviting mead drinkers to spend the afternoon. With baskets, handhelds, tacos, starters, and pizzas, there’s plenty to pair with a glass of mead. The meadery also brings extra energy to Beulah with a lineup of events, including dinner specials, open mic nights for aspiring musicians, and live performances that make each visit unique.

The Experience at Five Shores

After an afternoon at St. Ambrose Cellars, brewery options are limited, but there’s one standout just a few miles west in downtown Beulah. Five Shores Brewing sits in the heart of town, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a spectacular view of Beulah Beach and Crystal Lake—just across the street from its welcoming taproom.

Opened in 2020, Five Shores Brewing is marking its fifth anniversary in 2025 with a special release: The Fifth Element, a hazy IPA brewed with five different grains and five different hops. One of their standout staples, The Benzie Original, remains a fan favorite, balancing classic and modern flavors. The rotating beer menu features a variety of styles, including Gold Cup Spring Wheat, Ice Bear Stout, and Multi Machine IPA, ensuring there’s something for every beer lover. A home-brewed hard seltzer is on the menu, plus cider, mead, and wine, plus an extensive cocktail menu.

Metal chairs and tables line a garage door that spans an entire wall of the brewery, opening up the space on warm days. Opposite this, a mural features a series of lines forming waves beneath a sailboat and a shining sun; an ode to West Michigan. This same wave-and-sun design appears above the main bar in the dining room, set against a dark blue wall above a rich, glossy brown bar.

Weekly open mic nights, happy hours, and trivia nights are a staple at Five Shores Brewing, drawing in Beulah’s beer lovers to enjoy the lively atmosphere in both the large indoor and outdoor dining areas. The food menu is just as diverse, offering everything from naan flatbreads to hearty nachos, providing a wide range of options to pair with your favorite brew.

Whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon at St. Ambrose Cellars, soaking in the natural beauty of Beulah, or stopping by Five Shores Brewing for a lively night out, Northwestern Michigan offers a unique blend of craft beverages, great food, and welcoming atmospheres. The winding roads and stunning lakeside views taking a Michigander North make the journey as beautiful as the destination.