It’s summer and the perfect time to get together with friends to sit out on a patio and have a drink. Whether you have the whole day or you are meeting up after work, the following cities are less than an hour’s drive from anywhere in the Detroit Metro area and offer multiple locations for fun.

Ferndale

Known for its shopping district, Ferndale is becoming a foodie’s delight. One Eyed Betty’s and The Imperial are favorites, but good grub is never more than a block away.

Valentine Distillery
161 Vester Avenue
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 629-9951

Rufino Valentine and his crew are friendly, entertaining and spot-on when creating a craft cocktail with their handmade spirits. Call ahead to arrange a tour with Heather, the distillery’s manager. She’s quick witted and even quicker with answers to hard questions about distilling. Must Try: The Perfect Italian made with their Barrel Aged Liberator Gin

Schramm’s Meadery

327 W. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248-439-5000

I recently wrote a blog about Schramm’s Meads and the man who “wrote the book on mead making,” Ken Schramm. Although his daughter, Alyson Schramm, is a shrewd business woman when dealing with retailers, her smile is inviting and contagious when she serves you up a glass of her family’s sweet nectar. Must Try: Ginger Mead

Warren

More and more world-class breweries are choosing Warren as their home. Easy access to the expressways makes Warren a great place to meet up with friends from near or far!

Kuhnhenn Brewing

5919 Chicago Road
Warren, MI 48092
(586) 979-8361

Every beer fan will agree that the Kuhnhenn brothers make world-class beer. The atmosphere here is laid back and relaxed, but the beer is no joke. The great thing about Kuhnhenn is that it offers made-in-house meads and wines if your company doesn’t like beer. If you can swing it, go on a weekday afternoon. The bar is very peaceful, and you might even find a seat left by the windows.

Must Try: DRIPA (Double Rice India Pale Ale) and Simcoe Silly

 Falling Down Brewing

2270 E 10 Mile Road
Warren, MI 48091
(586) 799-2739

You may pass this place once or twice thinking it is a fast-food restaurant, but what’s inside is all things YUM. Though the ambiance is a bit lacking, the food makes up for it. Try the Reuben egg rolls! Home-brewers Mark Larson and George Lang are putting their 20 years of experience to the test. Now is your chance to taste the results.

Must Try: Ninja Chicken

Detroit

Though Detroit may not be your first thought for a road trip, between the museums, sporting events and breweries, you can easily spend a day exploring downtown.

Detroit Beer Company

1529 Broadway Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 962-1529

There’s nothing nicer than taking a walk over to the Detroit Beer Company after a Tiger’s victory and chatting about the game over a pint and some snacks.

Must Try: Broke Down Brown

Two James Spirits

2445 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48184
(313) 964-4800

Old-timey cocktails are being shaken and stirred up in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, and the fellas over at Two James Spirits are making the spirits to build them. The atmosphere at the bar is trendy but relaxed, and the cocktails are clean and flavorful.

Must Try: Two James Rye Whiskey

What are your favorite places to visit in Michigan?