A self-guided tour of area breweries begins today with the start of Traverse City Beer Week. The event uses a free mobile passport where participants are eligible for discounts and prizes. “Traverse City is consistently ranked as one of the top small-town beer scenes in the country,” says Traverse City Tourism, President, Trevor Tkach (Tah-koch). “Beer Week is an opportunity for people to appreciate the creative craftsmanship our brewers use in developing every batch.” Traverse City Beer Week runs November 10 – 17. Those who check into five participating breweries earn a t-shirt that is available at the Traverse City Tourism Visitor Center. Plus, visitors who stay with a lodging partner are eligible to win a Traverse City grand prize package or one of ten other beer-themed prizes. The grand prize includes a $400 lodging gift certificate, gift cards to downtown Traverse City, and tickets to Suds & Snow. Tkach says Traverse City Beer Week is designed not to only highlight the craft brew scene, but also show off the local food. “These breweries often have amazing restaurants, we want participants to get the full flavor of the region during the week,” says Tkach. Beer Week participants are encouraged to take their time and savor the flavors of the quality brews and the foods that pair with them. Drink responsibility and take full advantage of designated drivers, taxis, Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), bike trails, and drive services. The mobile passport with a list of participating breweries and check-in locations is available at https://www.traversecity.com/tcbw/beer-week-ale-trail/.