Michigan’s top tourist attraction, fabled Mackinac Island, has added a new dimension to its historic allure. The Northern Michigan gem is now home to the island’s first and only craft brewery & distillery, Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery, and Mary’s Bistro Draught House, both downtown favorites located right on Main Street.
“Very popular places,” said Steph Castelein, content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “Mary’s has over 50 options on tap and Great Turtle has Mackinac Island themed names for their beers and beverages.”
For all it’s noted for, from its world famous fudge, horse drawn carriage rides, fine dining and historic forts, to transportation limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, this water-surrounded gem still seemed to be lacking something. A few years ago that missing element became as crystal clear as the Straits of Mackinac to a handful of local visionaries with a bent toward business. It was time, Island Time, to hop aboard Michigan’s exploding craft beer scene that was seeing microbreweries, each unique to its owners’ predilection and financing, popping up all over the state.
BY jon becker
A New Chapter has Unfolded in Mackinac Island's Fabled History
“I think people like variety and trying new things,” said Castelien of the emergence of craft breweries and distilleries on an island already teeming with bars and restaurants. “Plus, Mackinac Island specific or Michigan made food and drinks are always a fun way for people to experience the island.”
Both businesses have worked hard to embody the spirit of Mackinac Island. As they like to say at Great Turtle, “Relax and Slow it Down. You’re on Island Time.” Because of the island’s unique infrastructure, Great Turtle and Mary’s Bistro Draught House don’t brew or distill on site. No worries though.
Thanks to partnerships with two fine family-run Michigan businesses, Great Turtle Creek, formerly the site of Goodfellows Italian Chop House, is serving a variety of signature cocktails and beers. Right Brain Brewery, an award-winning Traverse City craft brewery, was “tapped” to provide the beers & Les Cheneaux Distillers, an Eastern Upper Peninsula Distillery, was “hand-selected” to create private label spirits. The result is the advent of a whole new chapter in the island’s dining and brewery scene. Whether you are a microbrew fan or like your locally-sourced cocktails neat or mixed, Great Turtle’s upscale yet relaxed atmosphere has something for everyone.
“We don’t have any breweries that make beer on location on the island, but Mary’s has over 50 craft beers and cocktails from all over the state and country on tap. Great Turtle has partnered with an off island brewery and distillery to serve special Mackinac Island beverages.”
Great Turtle also features an expansive menu you don’t always see at a brewery. Its flash fried parmesan Brussels sprouts with diced bacon, shaved parmesan and drizzled in balsamic glaze are said to be unlike any other. Its famous Great Turtle Wings, the jumbo variety marinated for hours in its own secret blend of spices and then fried to perfection is another popular choice.
On the entrée side of things, the establishment’s pretzel crusted whitefish and no car allowed beer can chicken and short rib risotto are sure to please the palate as well.
Mary’s knows a thing or two as well about serving up some quality cuisine. Known for its wood-grilled meats and rotisserie chicken, the bistro knocks it out of the park with its artisanal pizza, selection of burgers and house-made chicken pot pie. Enjoy a pre-meal or after dinner cocktail, perhaps its signature Mackinac Mule, from the waterside patio or indoors while catching the game on the big screen.
Great Turtle show you what Mackinac Island hospitality is all about. If we’ve learned one thing on the Brew Trail about the men and women who pour their hearts and souls (and money) into opening their own breweries and distilleries, it’s that they make a concerted effort to capture the essence of the location’s history and character. Mary’s and Great Turtle have done all that—and more.
MI Brew Trail knows that a family’s pet can often make or break a potential vacation destination, so we’re happy to report that Mackinac Island is a pet friendly destination—and that includes Mary’s and Great Turtle.
If you visit the island, we recommend checking out Mary’s and Great Turtle, two establishments that have gone the distance to provide unique Mackinac Island fun for its guests. Since there are no cars allowed on the island, chances are you will have worked up a thirst and an appetite during your visit. Let the folks at Mary’s and
Mary's Bistro Draught House
marysbistromackinacisland.com
Michigan’s top tourist attraction, fabled Mackinac Island, has added a new dimension to its historic allure. The Northern Michigan gem is now home to the island’s first and only craft brewery & distillery, Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery, and Mary’s Bistro Draught House, both downtown favorites located right on Main Street.
“Very popular places,” said Steph Castelein, content manager for the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “Mary’s has over 50 options on tap and Great Turtle has Mackinac Island themed names for their beers and beverages.”
For all it’s noted for, from its world famous fudge, horse drawn carriage rides, fine dining and historic forts, to transportation limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, this water-surrounded gem still seemed to be lacking something. A few years ago that missing element became as crystal clear as the Straits of Mackinac to a handful of local visionaries with a bent toward business. It was time, Island Time, to hop aboard Michigan’s exploding craft beer scene that was seeing microbreweries, each unique to its owners’ predilection and financing, popping up all over the state.
“The brewhouse arrived mid-May,” Van Bommel said. “So from cradle to grave, from getting into the building until we got our MLCC approval, we were about 9 months.”
This is actually a surprisingly quick build for a brewery, especially during a pandemic. While there were logistical delays in getting equipment delivered, they weren't where many would think they'd occur. From China to Los Angeles, to Chicago, it only took the brewing equipment three weeks to transit. And then, when it was so close to home, the equipment sat in Chicago for three more weeks.
“It was kind of astonishing how much time that took,” Van Bommel said.
Van Bommel finally felt like they were making progress. They’ve been steadily adding West Michigan retailers as more and more beer is brewed and made available. The initial release of retail beers was to Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids, and Brewery Nyx sold out the whole run in just five hours.
For now, Brewery Nyx beers are only available retail. Eventually, they hope to open a tasting room at their production facility on the Southwest side of Grand Rapids.
The yield for a true gluten-free beer is a bit different from a regular, malt-based brew, and that is why beers from Brewery Nyx are more expensive.
"The pricing is different," said Van Bommel. Nyx beers come in between $17 and $24 for a four-pack. We discussed the variance in the amount of ingredients used versus the resulting product.
Great Turtle Brewery & Distillery
greatturtlebrewing.com
Check out Hearst’s newest brand showcasing Michigan Breweries at MiBrewTrail.com.
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MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
Fall 2022
MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
Fall 2022
Check out Hearst’s newest brand showcasing Michigan Breweries at MiBrewTrail.com.
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