NON BUS MOVIE STARS Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour

The best beer tour keeps moving. NON BUS MOVIE STARS Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour pairs three very different craft-drink stops with a comfortable ride around downtown Traverse City, Michigan. I like the small-group feel and the chance to sample everything from lagers and slushies to whiskey and mixed drinks. I also like that you do not have to drive after drinking.

The main catch is the extra cost of food, glasses, bottles, and growlers. At $99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to taste Traverse City. It makes the most sense if you value door-to-door transportation, local guides, and a half-day with several stops rather than simply buying a few beers on your own.

Key points to know before you book

• Three stops, three different moods: Silver Spruce focuses on polished beer styles, Earthen Ales experiments with small batches and slushies, and The Workshop adds spirits, wine, cider, and food.
• Luxury SUV instead of a party bus: Transportation is by GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with Cadillac Escalades also used for pickup.
• Downtown pickup matters: The main meeting point is the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the State Street entrance and across from the Park Place Hotel.
• Plan on four to five hours: Each brewery stop lasts about 50 minutes, with driving time between stops and a return to downtown.
• Samples are available, but purchases cost extra: Glasses, bottles, growlers, and food are not included in the $99 price.
• Good for mixed drink preferences: Beer drinkers get plenty of choice, but wine, cider, vodka, gin, whiskey, and mixed drinks are also available.

Starting downtown in a private-feeling SUV

The tour begins at 303 East State Street, with the primary pickup area at the Hardy Street Parking Structure. Look for the vehicle on the east side near the State Street entrance, close to MiddleCoast Brewing Company. The structure sits across from the Park Place Hotel, which makes it a practical landmark if you are staying downtown.

This location is one of the tour’s useful details. You do not need to walk to a remote staging area or drive your own car to a suburban parking lot. The company says it uses luxury GMC Yukons and Chevrolet Suburbans, with Cadillac Escalades also part of the pickup fleet. That gives the trip a more comfortable, semi-private feel than a large party bus.

The tour is not completely private. Couples and smaller groups may be combined, while groups of six or seven will most likely have their own vehicle. The maximum group size is 20 people, so you should clarify the vehicle arrangement if having a private ride is important to you.

The guides are local Traverse City drink specialists, and the company is owned and operated by former law enforcement. The guide team includes University of Michigan graduates on the ownership side, along with guides connected to Michigan State, Grand Valley State, and Wayne State. That local connection may be useful if you want restaurant ideas or help planning the rest of your afternoon.

The drive begins with a look around beautiful downtown Traverse City before heading to the first stop. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, which matters on warm summer days and after several rounds of tastings.

Silver Spruce Brewing Company: polished lagers and broad beer choice

Silver Spruce is the first scheduled stop, with about 50 minutes inside. The brewery opened in 2018 and is known here for its lagers. If you enjoy clean, traditional beer, this may be the most immediately comfortable stop of the three.

You can sample lagers, pilsners, dunkels, IPAs, and stouts. Wine drinkers are not left out, since Pinot Grigio and Malbec are also available. That range makes the stop easier for a mixed group, especially when one person wants a crisp lager and another would rather have wine.

The emphasis here is variety with familiar styles. You might use this stop to compare lighter and darker beers, or simply find one bottle worth taking home. Guests can buy glasses, sample platters, and growlers, but these purchases are extra. If you know you like local beer, bring room in your budget for a growler or bottle instead of treating the $99 price as an all-inclusive package.

The 50-minute stop should give you enough time to taste without turning the first brewery into an extended meal break. Food is not listed as part of this stop, so eat beforehand or wait for a later opportunity. You will want to stay aware of the schedule because three stops require a bit of clock-watching.

Earthen Ales: experimental batches, cider, and beer slushies

Earthen Ales changes the tone. The brewery has been making beer in Traverse City since 2016, with a strong focus on small-batch experimentation. A new small batch is tapped every Sunday, so the exact choices can change from one visit to the next.

That unpredictability is part of the appeal. Instead of sticking only to standard styles, Earthen Ales tries new combinations and gives visitors a chance to taste them. If you like unusual beer or want to see what a local brewery is testing right now, this is likely the most discovery-oriented stop.

Earthen Ales also serves cider and beer slushies. The slushies add a playful option for anyone who does not want another standard pint. They may also suit warm weather, though the exact flavors and availability can vary. You can bring your own food or pick up a snack at the bar, but food remains your responsibility.

This is a useful stop for groups with different tastes. One person can try an experimental beer, another can choose cider, and someone else can order a slushie. The tradeoff is that small-batch menus can be less predictable. If you have a strict preference for one particular beer style, you may find the selection changes from week to week.

Like Silver Spruce, Earthen Ales receives about 50 minutes. That is enough time for samples and a snack, but not necessarily a leisurely meal. If lunch is important to you, eat before pickup or plan to dine downtown after the tour.

The Workshop Brewing Company: the broadest drinks menu

The Workshop Brewing Company is the final stop and the most varied one. Its stated focus is on supporting nature, building community, and making traditional beer and wholesome food with local and organic ingredients when possible. It also offers live entertainment six nights a week, though entertainment should not be treated as guaranteed during your particular visit unless you confirm it.

The drink list reaches far beyond beer. You can try beer, whiskey, vodka, gin, mixed drinks, cider, and wine. This makes The Workshop especially practical for groups where not everyone is a beer enthusiast. It is also the stop where a drinker who has already sampled plenty of beer can switch to a spirit, cocktail, or glass of wine.

Food is available here, but it costs extra. The company describes the food as locally sourced when possible, and there are several food choices. Since this is the last stop, it may be the best place to order something substantial rather than trying to eat quickly between earlier tastings.

The Workshop also provides a useful finish because it can serve as a transition back into the evening. You can eat, choose a different kind of drink, and avoid making the entire afternoon feel like a series of identical beer samples. Still, the 50-minute schedule limits how long you can linger, especially if you want both food and several tastings.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, the tour sells convenience and variety more than cheap alcohol. The price includes an expert brewery guide, local transportation, the air-conditioned luxury SUV, and the organized route among three locations. Samples or splashes are available, but the details of what you receive at each stop should be confirmed when booking because glasses, bottles, growlers, and food are explicitly extra.

That distinction is important. You should not assume the tour price covers a full flight at every brewery, a meal, or souvenirs. If you want a growler from Silver Spruce, a snack at Earthen Ales, or dinner at The Workshop, add those costs to your budget.

I see the value in the transportation. Drinking at three locations and then driving yourself is a poor vacation plan. A rideshare could cover individual trips, but the tour saves you from arranging each ride and gives you a guide who knows the local route. The price also pays for the time spent organizing the stops and keeping the group on schedule.

For a couple or small group that wants a guided half-day and a comfortable vehicle, $99 can be reasonable. For someone who only wants one brewery and a single beer, it is likely too much. The tour earns its value through the three-stop format.

Timing, pickup, and the traffic problem

The full experience lasts about four to five hours. Each stop is scheduled for roughly 50 minutes, with the remaining time used for driving, pickup, downtown sightseeing, and moving between venues.

Downtown Traverse City traffic can become heavy later in the day. If you are staying outside downtown, plan carefully. The company may be able to pick up at some local hotels before a daytime tour, but afternoon traffic can make return transportation less direct. Day tour participants from outside downtown are encouraged to enjoy dinner in Traverse City after the tour, then use an Uber or hotel shuttle later.

For afternoon or sunset departures, arrive downtown early by hotel shuttle or Uber. The stated pickup point is Hardy Street Parking Structure, and the company may drop afternoon guests at local hotels after the tour. These arrangements can vary, so contact the operator with your location rather than assuming hotel pickup and drop-off are automatic.

The downtown finish is useful. Instead of being left at a distant parking area, you can remain in Traverse City for dinner, shopping, or another drink. If you buy wine, bottles, or other large items, the company suggests returning for them the next day rather than carrying them around after the tour.

Who will enjoy this brewery and distillery tour

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several tasting styles in one outing and do not want to drive. It is particularly suited to couples, friend groups, and mixed groups where some people prefer beer while others choose wine, cider, cocktails, or spirits.

It also fits visitors who want a local guide rather than a self-guided brewery crawl. The guides are drink enthusiasts with local ties, and the company invites guests to ask for restaurant recommendations. That small bit of local help can be handy when your afternoon plans are still flexible.

The tour may be less suitable if you want a slow, private tasting at one brewery. The schedule moves on after about 50 minutes at each stop, and smaller parties may share a vehicle. It is also not ideal for anyone counting on a full meal or unlimited included samples.

The company describes the tour as friendly to law enforcement, first responders, and military members. Group discounts are offered, and the activity is available in English with mobile tickets. Most people can participate, but the supplied details do not describe specific vehicle accessibility features, so ask before booking if you need them.

A single published rating of five stars includes praise for Tracey and a repeat booking, with the guest looking forward to returning to see Magic Mike and the team. That gives you one useful sign: the service left a strong enough impression for a return visit. It is still a small review sample, so I would judge the tour mainly on its clear format, transport, and stop selection.

Booking and cancellation details

The experience is often reserved about 34 days ahead, which suggests you should not wait until the last minute for a popular weekend or summer date. Confirmation arrives at booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows local Traverse City time, so check the start time before changing plans.

Should you book the Movie Stars tour?

Book it if you want a comfortable, organized route through three very different Traverse City drink stops, especially when your group includes beer drinkers, wine drinkers, and cocktail fans. The luxury SUV, downtown pickup, local guides, and no-driving-after-drinking plan make the $99 easier to justify.

Skip it if you prefer choosing one brewery at your own pace or if you expect food and all tastings to be included. For the best value, eat before pickup, budget extra for drinks and snacks, arrive early at Hardy Street Parking Structure, and keep the rest of your evening downtown. That is how this tour makes the most sense.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four to five hours, including transportation and the three brewery stops.

How many locations does the tour visit?

The tour visits Silver Spruce Brewing Company, Earthen Ales, and The Workshop Brewing Company.

What drinks are available?

Silver Spruce offers lagers, pilsners, dunkels, IPAs, stouts, Pinot Grigio, and Malbec. Earthen Ales offers beer, cider, and beer slushies. The Workshop offers beer, whiskey, vodka, gin, mixed drinks, cider, and wine.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned luxury SUV, such as a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban. Cadillac Escalades are also used for some pickups.

Where is the main pickup point?

The main pickup point is on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near the State Street entrance, next to MiddleCoast Brewing Company and across from the Park Place Hotel.

Are food, bottles, glasses, and growlers included?

No. Food, bottles, glasses, and growlers cost extra. Snacks may be available at Earthen Ales, and food is available at The Workshop.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not refunded or accepted.