Stone Hound Brewing Company:. Northern Michigan Gem

Stone Hound Brewing Company: A Northern Michigan Gem

Introduction

Tucked away in the tranquil hills overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay in Williamsburg, Michigan, Stone Hound Brewing Company is more than just a brewery—it’s a curated experience of craft beer, scenic wonder, and local ingenuity. Located at 3593 Bunker Hill Road, Stone Hound is your cozy retreat offering exceptional brews, hearty pub fare, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures Northern Michigan’s spirit. 

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Chapter 1: Origins and Vision

The brewery is the brainchild of Brent Faber, a former attorney-turned-craft-beer-enthusiast who once served as a bartender and bar manager in Traverse City. His vision began with the belief that a laundromat—with its water, gas, and electric infrastructure—would be a fitting shell for a brewery. His optimism soon met reality: the building needed a complete gutting and remodel before becoming the vibrant brewery it is today. 

Finally opening in early 2021 after pandemic delays and construction hurdles, Stone Hound occupies a now-transformed former Acme Coin Laundry and is just steps away from the eastern terminus of the TART Trail—making it a natural stop for cyclists, runners, and trail-goers. 

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Chapter 2: A Trailside Brewery with Purpose

Stone Hound’s proximity to the TART Trail makes it more than a brewery—it’s a destination for the active outdoor community. The trail, a network of multi-use paths throughout Traverse City and beyond, sees walkers, bikers, runners, and others, and Stone Hound offers them a perfect rest stop. The brewery even contributes 10% of its proceeds to local trail initiatives like TART Trails, Norte, and the Michigan Mountain Bike Association. 

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Chapter 3: The Heart of the Brewery – Beer & Ambiance

Taproom and Ambiance

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by relaxation. The taproom embraces you with cozy comforts, pinball machines, TVs for games, live music sessions, and an outdoor area perfect for sipping under the sky. 

The Petoskey Stone Bar

One of Stone Hound’s most captivating features is its 28-foot epoxy bar embedded with Petoskey stones, colorful rocks, and beach glass. The name “Stone Hound” itself plays on “rock hound,” a nod to Brent’s passion for fossilized finding in Northern Michigan. This bar not only adds aesthetic charm but reinforces the connection to local geology and storytelling. 

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Chapter 4: Beers, Ciders, and More

Beer Lineup

Stone Hound boasts a dynamic, rotating draft list of 10–12 beers, ranging from crisp lagers to complex ales and experimental brews.  Here's a selection of signature brews:

Power Animal American Lager – refreshing and malty, paired for outdoor adventure. ABV 4.8%

4 Corners Sour Ale – lush with peach, apricot, mango, and vanilla. ABV 6.7%

Make It Stick Honey Lager – smooth, with Michigan wildflower honey. ABV 6.0%

Intermingling Kölsch – herbal with notes of fresh bread. ABV 5.2%

Headwaters IPA – piney, citrusy, moderately bitter. ABV 6.5%

Riley’s Strawberry Rhubarb Sour – fruity zing, strawberry sweetness. ABV 6.2%

Devil’s Dive Doppelbock – rich, creamy, oak-infused complexity. ABV 8.0%

Sand Lake #5 Hazy IPA – citrusy goodness with experimental hops. ABV 6.5%

Evenflow Session IPA – flavorful and low-alcohol. ABV 3.5%

Out N’ Back Stout – chocolatey, nutty, oat-heavy. ABV 4.7%

Sandcastle Summer Ale – light, citrusy, thirst-quenching. ABV 5.0%

Tight and Light Hard Juice – seltzer with Michigan beet sugar. ABV 5.0% 

Ciders, Wines & Non-Alcoholic Options

Beyond beer, Stone Hound offers:

Old Orchard White (wine with Pinot Gris and Blanc) – subtle oak and fruity notes. ABV 13.0%

Copper Ridge Red – smooth, black cherry undertones. ABV 12.0%

Mother Lovin’ Cider – crisp McIntosh apple blend. ABV 4.5% 

Non-alc choices include Tower of Power Hop Water, local Cultured Kombucha, and sodas from Nortwoods Soda Co., showcasing the region’s brewing diversity and innovation. 

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Chapter 5: The Local Food Connection

Stone Hound's kitchen is operated via a partnership with Rad•ish Street Food, a plant-based vendor known for vegan tacos, burritos, and taquitos. 

Yet the brewery remains flexible—reviews note that real meat options are served, along with protein swaps like Impossible® burger or vegan chicken, making it both vegan-friendly and accessible. 

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Chapter 6: Community, Memberships & Vibes

Stone Hound cultivates a loyal following:

Live Entertainment: Turntable Tuesdays (bring a record, get discount), Trivia Wednesdays—fun, engaging, and locally rooted. 

Membership Programs:

Lifetime Membership includes discounted pours in 20oz members-only glass, merchandise discounts, special release access.

Founder’s Club (limited to 100) offers exclusive tasting events and personalized merch. 

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Chapter 7: Williamsburg & Traverse City—Local Flavor

Williamsburg & The TART Trail

Williamsburg sits in a scenic pocket just east of Traverse City, offering nature-lovers an idyllic base. The TART (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation) Trail spans the region, hugging lakeshores and winding past farmland and forests—a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. 

East Grand Traverse Bay & Old Mission Peninsula

Just beyond the brewery, East Grand Traverse Bay and the Old Mission Peninsula stretch into Lake Michigan, known for vineyards, orchards, and sweeping lakeside views. Stone Hound’s vantage point captures this landscape, making each pint feel tied to the terrain. 

Petoskey Stones & Local Geology

Northern Michigan's beaches hide Petoskey stones, fossilized coral unique to the region. Stone Hound pays homage to that heritage through its stone-embedded bar and name, merging local geology with brewing culture. 

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Chapter 8: Reviews, Reputation & Accessibility

On MapQuest and Yelp, Stone Hound earns praise for:

A 4.5-star average review

Dog-friendly outdoor patio

Vegan menu highlights, including plant-based burger options

Friendly staff and unique merch

Pinball machines and cozy atmosphere 

These real-guest perspectives reflect its success blending inclusivity, quality, and fun.

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Chapter 9: Zoning In On Fun Facts

To sprinkle in more local charm, here are some Fun Facts to enliven your blog:

1. Petoskey Stones are fossils of ancient coral and the state stone of Michigan—Stone Hound immortalizes them in its bar. 

2. Starbucks and brunch crowds may flock to downtown Traverse City, but Stone Hound gives cyclists a scenic, off-the-beaten-path retreat, steps from the TART Trail. 

3. Originally a laundromat, the brewery turned dirty socks into sudsy hops—that’s a transformation worth raising a glass to. 

4. Wildflower honey from Cherry Bee in Kewadin sweetens the “Make It Stick” lager—floral and regional. 

5. The brewery supports trail nonprofits via a 10% proceeds donation—beer with a community purpose. 

6. Rad•ish Street Food brings vegan Mexican fare crafted in partnership, turning tacos and burritos into crowd-pleasers. 

7. Stone Hound’s outdoor seating is dog-friendly, making beer time a family affair—with pets included. 

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Chapter 10: Why This Brewery Matters

1. Authenticity – Founded by locals, using local ingredients and history.

2. Community Integration – Ties to trail groups and local outdoor culture.

3. Diverse Menu – Offers everything from session beers to vegan tacos.

4. Atmosphere – Warm indoor charm, outdoor views, pet-friendly, games, and music.

5. Destination Appeal – A hidden gem off the main road with panoramic views of bay and peninsula. 

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Conclusion

From its petoskey-stone bar to its rotating list of experimental beers, Stone Hound Brewing Company brings together craft, comfort, and community. Whether trekking the TART Trail, craving a pizza-after-hours pint, or savoring vegan tacos and honey-laced lager, this Williamsburg brewery is a microcosm of Northern Michigan’s adventurous spirit and craftsmanship.

So next time you’re drawn to East Grand Traverse Bay, wander off the beaten path and uncover Stone Hound—where every pour, every plate, and every view tells a story.

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