Ludington—sheltered along the coast of Lake Michigan—pairs a small-town community with an iconic shoreline, drawing lucky tourists to perfect Michigan sunsets. The brew scene in Ludington is more than small-town. With shopping, restaurants, and parks lining the downtown area, Lake Michigan is always in the background, offering a cheer to summer.
Ludington Bay Brewing Company: Pints by the Bay
Ludington Bay Brewing Company and Jampesport Brewing Company are just two of Ludington’s brew favorites. Conveniently down the road from each other, S James Street is the craft brew central in Ludington.
Ludington Bay Brewing Company is closing in on a decade of serving Michiganders, opening its doors in 2017. The brewery has many favorites, like the Tangelo Dream, an American Pale Ale with a tangerine and grapefruit twist, the First Curve IPA, hopped with citra and melon hops, or the 9 Wt., a dry-hopped double IPA with malted flavor and juicy hops.
The dining menu at Ludington Bay Brewing Company is impressive, with any starter, salad, sandwich, or entree a beer-lover could need, from sauteed mussels or street corn dip, to shrimp po’ boys and crab rangoon pizza. A soup flight, app special, and pizza beer/pizza discount make a meal at Ludington Bay more than interesting. Friday night live music is a weekly staple at Ludington Bay, bringing artists like Jacki Daniels and Kieth Scott to the brewery through March.
A few blocks toward Ludington’s main drag, a second brewery begs for a beer-lover to make a pitstop.
Jamesport Brewing Co.: Small Town Sips & Seafood
Jampesport Brewing Co. has been a Ludington staple since 2000. 15 taps rotate Jampesport’s beer favorites, with a few guest-sourced ciders and non-alcoholic options making up the taplist. The Blueberry Wheat, an American Wheat with a taste of blueberry, is the brewery’s fan favorite. Light, palatable beers comprise the majority of the beer menu, but standouts like the Midwest IPA, a dry-hopped IPA with a malt sweetness, and the Peach Belgian, with a spicy flavor and peachy aftertaste.
Jamesport’s food menu is very beachside, featuring several seafood items, like the raspberry mahimahi, shrimp tacos, and shrimp alfredo. Other starters like a thick, shareable pretzel and shrimp flatbread, plus a list of sandwiches, bring lunch to Jamesport.
The brewery’s events are just as full as their menus, with a “Hoppy Hour” occurring every weekday ($1 off brews, wine, and some cocktails), and live music in the taproom every Friday evening. When the sun returns to Michigan, so will Jamesport’s beer garden–a covered gathering space with an outdoor bar, picnic tables, and lawn games.
One Street, Endless Brews
Unlike its beaches, Ludington’s breweries are warm all year round. Head to S James St for a flavorful beer tour, with only a few steps between one craft brew and the next.
Brews on the Lakeshore 
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