Whether you just ran a half marathon or cheered on your favorite runner on a hot summer day, the first beverage reached for by many is often a cold brew. With the first Friday in August traditionally recognized as International Beer Day, what better way to show your Olympic spirit than by embracing the celebration? Our region offers great spots where you can hydrate.

We’ve got it going on in all directions too!

1. If you’re racing in from the southwest corner of our region, grab a brewsky at North Pier Brewing in Benton Harbor or Silver Harbor Brewing in St. Joseph.
2. Pick up a pack from Battle Creek’s Handmap Brewing, Springfield’s Territorial Brewing, Wax Wings Brewing on Gull Road or Dark Horse Brewery in Marshall if you find yourself on the east side.
3. Three Rivers’ Kelsey Block Brewing stands ready to welcome you from the south.
4. And right in the center of our geography, make your day a marathon of suds with stops at One Well Brewing, Presidential Brewing, Latitude 42, Texas Corners Brewery, and Brite Eyes Brewing. As for the finish line, Bell’s Brewery in downtown Kalamazoo always offers gold medal-worthy beers on tap.