How About a West Michigan Made Tailgate for Football Season?

Football season is right around the corner which means it's time to tailgate. How about a West Michigan-made tailgate?

Get our free mobile app

Tailgaiting in Michigan

Michigan has a lot of universities outside of Michigan and Michigan State so there are a lot of tailgates going on in the fall. Tailgaiting has come a long way over the years with technology but the basics are still required for a great event.

Some fans and families have long traditions of where they park, what food they serve and what beverages they consume. Nonetheless, there are lots of products that are made right here in West Michigan and around the state that can be used for a West Michigan-made tailgate.

West Michigan-Made Tailgate

Not to borrow from Notre Dame but that photo was taken at a Michigan vs ND game but it has a point, if you're gonna drink, you might as well drink the best and some of our local breweries are some of the best in the world.

West Michigan Beer

West Michigan is known as Beer City USA which means when you are loading up the cooler, there are lots of fine breweries around here that have their products bottled up in stores to fill that cooler. Founders, New Holland, Bell's, and Saugatuck Brewery just to name a few.

Hard Stuff Made in West Michigan

If you and your guests prefer something a little harder at your tailgate, there are several great distilleries right here in West Michigan. There is Wise Men Distillery, Long Road Distillers, and Michigan Moonshine Distillery, and that's just to name a few.

West Michigan Butcher Shops

You are gonna want some quality meat at your tailgate and West Michigan has no shortage of great butchers. Here's a short list but there are lots more:

• Franks Market
• West Michigan Beef Co
• Grand Butchers
• Lewandoski's Market

Potato Chips Made In Michigan

One thing Michigan has is 4 of the best potato chip companies. Although none of these chips are made in West Michigan, they are all made in Michigan and you can find all of these brands below in local stores:

• Great Lakes Potato Chips
• Better Made Potato Chips
• Uncle Ray's Potato Chips
• Downey's Chips

West Michigan Snacks for Your Tailgate

If you have some tailgaters in your group that have a sweet tooth, there are lots of candy shopped all throughout West Michigan. Below are a few choices but you may already have a favorite:

• Sweetland Chocolates & Coffee
• Kilwins
• McDonald's Candies
• Krissie's Kandies

Buy Local for Your Tailgate

I think you get the idea when it comes to tailgating. There are lots of places in West Michigan that make great donuts and coffee for you early risers, plus there are companies that make grilling sauces and so much more.

So when you plan your next tailgate, take a look around the area and build yourself and your guests a West Michigan-made tailgate and support your local businesses and team(s).

[gallery gallerytitle="NEXT: Pick Your Favorite Faygo & Better Made Combo" galleryid="692:180057"