I Wish My Town Had One of These...

Every once in a while I visit or read about a place and discover something so fantastic or enjoyable that I cannot help wondering why my own town doesn’t have something like that. While many of us have had that experience, few act upon it. This is a story of seeing, longing, and DOING.

Suzanne Vier, a Detroit resident and business owner (Simply Suzanne granola), recently experienced one of those moments. Suzanne says she has always loved European-style beer gardens. For those who are unfamiliar, they are a very communal experience, where people join together, share long tables, games, beer, and each other’s company. Inspired recently by discovering a beer garden created by New York Chef, Tom Colicchio, Suzanne decided she'd like to bring one to Detroit.  

From there it took the right partner. Enter Aaron Wagner, who lives in Detroit’s West Village, and wanted to see the project come to life in the neighborhood he loves. Joined by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, the idea quickly sprung to life. Donated doors were stripped, refinished, and turned into tables, permits were obtained, local brewers were contacted, and eventually on Sunday, September 25, 2011, Tashmoo Biergarten became a breath of fresh air in the West Village. 

The name Tashmoo, is said to be a Native American term meaning, “meeting place.” What an appropriate choice as a once vacant lot became a place for strangers and neighbors alike to meet and share an afternoon. Tashmoo was also the name of an early 20th century Great Lakes steam ship, that was said to be one of the fastest of its time. It would seem another fitting reason for the moniker, as a team of determined individuals joined together to race past doubt and the fear of the unknown to get something positive done in record time. 

Opening day drew long-time residents of the neighborhood, sitting alongside those who had never been there before. Some came to play corn hole, others for the beer, some to lend support to Detroit ingenuity, while others were clearly there simply out of curiosity. Young and old, families and individuals, mixes of race, religion, and politics, gathered together on a lawn brimming with optimism.

Together we enjoyed Michigan brews from Jolly Pumpkin, Atwater and New Holland Brewing Company, dined on local gems like People's Pierogis and McClure's Chips, played a few games, and shared in the true spirit of Detroit.

If you missed the opening, never fear, you still have time to partake in the experience. The Tashmoo Biergarten is open from Noon – 9PM each Sunday thru October 23rd. Check it out at 1416 Van Dyke (between Agnes and Coe), Detroit, MI 48214.

You’ll enjoy the taste of Michigan entrepreneurship on many levels, not to mention the camaraderie of people determined to make a difference in their corner of the world. If you know of other visionaries taking similar action around the state please let us know: info@BuyMichiganNow.com.