By Dakota Marble
Experience Grand Rapids has created a fun way to encourage people to try the different craft beers and discover new local breweries here in “Beer City” with the new Brewsader Passport.
Upon visiting a participating brewery, Brewsaders will receive a stamp on their passport from that brewery, and receive specials on beer and also certain collectibles over time for their visits.
“The passport is putting Grand Rapids on the map as a beer tourism destination,” said Kate Herron, director of marketing for Experience Grand Rapids.
According to Herron, Beer tourism is on the rise in Kent County, and contributing to the economy in West Michigan as a whole.
The Grand Rapids Community College Fountain Hill Brewery is a participant of the program, and students of age are welcome to get their stamps for the passport.
Beer lovers are encouraged to become a Brewsader for the Beer Month festivities scheduled from Feb. 15 to March 15.
“I think with all the breweries opening up, there are ‘neighborhood’ breweries established,” said Jim Walsh, 33, of Grand Rapids, a Brewsader participant. “This is an attempt to get people to diversify their beer intake.” The diversity is helping beer lovers to discover their favorite crafts.
Walsh said “their beer and food is fantastic” when referring to Creston Brewery, a participating brewery.
Walsh also noted “the purpose of the pass is to get people out to the numerous breweries in the area.”
The passport offers a few benefits, including a Beer City Brewsader T-Shirt with eight stamps from participating breweries.
“To become a Brewsader, pick up a Beer City passport at any of the 30 plus participating breweries, or at the Welcome Center at the Grand Rapids Art Museum,”
