Up-North Vibe Lives Large in this Michigan Destination
There isn’t anything ordinary about the Brighton Howell Area, a region that really shines as a destination during the summer months a destination where Michigan’s Up-North vibe lives large, especially during the summer months. As home to some of the state’s largest events, finest breweries and delightful dining options, the Brighton Howell Area has transformed itself into a cultural force. Think small-town charm, big-time amenities, and abundant natural beauty for your next summer getaway without the hours long drive.
Aberrant Ales, owned and operated by Clark Gill, is one of the area’s eight seven breweries. Each, in its own inimitable way, has helped put this part of Southeast Michigan on the map as a must-experience destination.
As the name suggests, there’s nothing standard about Gills’ family-owned craft brewery, located in downtown Howell. Shattering preconceived notions to chart a new and improved course may be why Howell and Aberrant Ales go together like one of its Paddy Pub’s Pizza Pies and signature beers.
Visit Aberrant Ales at 219 W Grand River Avenue in Howell
“I think, per capita, we have more breweries here than in any other part of the state,” says Gill, who launched his brewery in November of 2017 after getting the itch as a home brewer. “This is just a great craft beer community. There are so many opportunities to shop and dine locally.”
In addition to the uniquely-named Aberrant Ales, craft beer lovers also flock to two Block Brewing Company – one in Howell and the other in Brighton, Brewery Becker, Eternity Brewing Company, Four Circles Brewers, and Hartland Brewing Company. If you’re an active person, there is no shortage of outdoor recreational activities to whet your appetite for a beverage and a bite.
Visit Block Brewing at 1140 S Michigan Avenue in Howell
Visit Brewery Becker at 500 W Main Street in Brighton
“The breweries in the Brighton Howell Area encompass and support the area as a whole,” says Trisha Patrias, Marketing Director for Explore Brighton Howell Area. “Most area breweries offer brews related to the area like the #MillPondLife from Full Circles Brewery in downtown Brighton.”
Aberrant Ales has certainly lived up to its name as an establishment that dares to be different. It’s easy to be normal. It’s when you defy conventional thinking and decide to follow your heart, no matter how obstacle-riddled it may be (and it invariably is) you may discover your true self.
“I get that question a lot,” Gill says of the impetus for his brewery’s unusual name. “The first thing I have to do is tell people how to pronounce it and what it means. We strive to stand out.”
The taproom has a large rustic industrial-feel to it and features a game room where any number of special events take place.
“One of our main focuses is to be a community-minded brewery,” Gill says. “During the summer, you’ll find our mobile draft trailer serving beer and food at festivals, concerts and other events within the community. We work with our Chamber of Commerce to be involved with a lot of different things.”
“Clark is a pillar in the Brighton Howell Area Community as he not only promotes his own brewery, but the entire county’s offerings, other breweries, and the many things to do here,” says Patrias.
Summer is a special time of year in the Brighton Howell Area. While the region is a year-round attraction, summertime is when the fun rises to an entirely different level. If you can’t find anything of interest here, you’re truly not trying. Here’s a sampling of what’s in store:
- Hartland Polo Classic– June 8-9
- Michigan Challenge Balloonfest–June 28-30
- A Taste of Brighton–July 12-13
- Hamburg Family Fun Fest– July 12-16
- Fowlerville Family Fair–July 22-25
- The 64th annual Howell Melon Festival–August 15-18
Says Gill: “Who would have thought you’d have a melon festival for 64 years? It’s one of our marquee events.”
“Events in the Brighton Howell Area happen all year-round but the ones in summer are plentiful,” Patrias says. From dozens of hot air balloons painting the sky during the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, to watching a live Polo Match at the unique Hartland Polo Classic, the annual summer events are truly something worth experiencing.”
Gill is happy to be a part of a Howell community he calls home. To own his own brewery, an idea that originated at a late night sampling session around a roaring campfire, has been everything he thought it would be and “then some. A lot of then some,” he says, smiling. “Every young entrepreneur thinks they have it figured out, but there’s a learning curve. But we started in November of 2017 and we’re still going strong. It’s been a labor of love.”
We’re a beer magazine, so we are partial to craft beers and all that goes into producing such an eclectic collection of offerings you can find throughout the industry. Yet we also know that not everybody likes beer and point out that our state’s craft breweries are typically, in one way or another, a reflection of where they live.
“These breweries are for more than craft beer lovers, they offer fun filled events like weekly trivia, corn hole tournaments, and Beer Yoga! Ultimately our area is an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground with 50,000-plus acres of parks, over 100 lakes, 20-plus golf courses and so much more,” says Trisha Patrias, marketing director for Explore Brighton-Howell Area. “We also have some of the state’s biggest events.”
For further information on the Brighton Howell Area’s sizzling slate of summer events, check out https://explorebrightonhowellarea.com/summer-events/