Michigan's largest craft breweries mostly rebounded in 2021 after being crippled by the pandemic.

The state of beer: Williamston-based Old Nation Brewing — the state's fastest growing major craft brewery that produces at least 5,000 barrels — had an 18% increase in sales, according to an exclusive Axios analysis of data from the Brewers Association.

• Another four of these 12 major craft breweries also grew more than 15%. The group as a whole averaged 10%.
• There was a lot of room for improvement, though — the same companies saw sales decline an average of 9% in 2020.

The big picture: The national craft beer industry grew 8% in 2021, and the overall beer market moved up 1%.

• Michigan placed one brewery, Kalamazoo-based Bell's, among the nation's 50 largest.

By the numbers: Bellaire-based Short's Brewing Co., the state's third-largest brewer, was among those that reversed a pandemic decline. It saw a 9% dip in sales in 2020 and a 12% gain last year.

• Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven was among those that bucked the recovery trend, though, seeing a 16% increase in sales in 2020 and a 2% decrease last year.
• In 2021, Michigan had 26 breweries, brewpubs and taprooms open and nine close.

Between the lines: The annual data — published in the New Brewer journal — is the most comprehensive breakdown of the state's craft beer industry.

• Not all craft brewers are represented in the rankings because some do not submit data to the Brewers Association, the industry's trade group.

Zoom in: "I don't think we're out of the woods yet," Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewers Guild, tells Axios.

• Breweries are dealing with high costs of goods, supply chain interruptions and staffing shortages, he says.

What's next: The national association's Bart Watson, who compiled the data, says 2022 is producing mixed results and growth projected near 4 to 5%.

Set among the rolling hills and farms just outside Traverse City, you will find Michigan's best new destination brewery, writes Axios' resident beer expert and Detroit native John Frank.

What to know: Farm Club's beers are a showcase of subtlety in a craft beer market gone crazy.

• The East Coast Pale Ale is soft and displays amazing tropical fruit flavors from the hops.
• The house wild yeast gives the farmhouse ales unique earthy and floral tones fit for the rural landscape.

💭 John's thought bubble: On a visit earlier this summer, the relaxed vibe recalled Hill Farmstead in Vermont, one the nation's best breweries, and made you want to spend a day in the warm Northern Michigan sun.

• What makes Farm Club stand out even more than the beer is the food — a constantly changing menu based on what's in season from the on-site garden.

Pro tip: Rent an e-bike in Traverse City and take the Leelanau Trail for an easy, paved seven-mile ride to the brewery.

• Can't make it? Find Farm Club beer in metro Detroit and Grand Rapids.

🏘️ For the first time in a decade, Census estimates show the majority of Detroit residents own the homes they live in. But the gains appear partly driven by more white residents moving in, while Black homeownership growth is slow. (Crain's Detroit Business, BridgeDetroit)

🖼️ A guide to fall art events includes a celebration of Detroit's UNESCO status as a "city of design," a nocturnal show in Highland Park and more. (Metro Times)

📚 Michigan Board of Education meetings have turned into a big fight over the books students should have access to, despite the fact that the board doesn't actually have jurisdiction over local school libraries. (Bridge Michigan)

Howdy, Everett here. I'm writing to you from Nick's Grecian House, my new favorite greasy spoon.

Flashback: I've lived in 15 different cities. Before moving to Michigan in the spring, stability was fleeting.

• So wherever I've put down my bags for a bit, the first priority has always been to find a cheap, edible and friendly diner.
• Past favorites include Sunset Diner in Brooklyn, Hard Knox Cafe in San Francisco and Bayside Diner in Alton Bay, N.H.

Yes, but: Nick's now tops my personal power rankings. The portions are generous, the omelettes kick ass and it's so cheap it feels like they are paying me to eat there.

• Plus: The walls are adorned with historic black-and-white pictures of Detroit and the servers will make fun of you for ordering iced coffee.
• In short? Heaven.

If you go: 1018 Eleven Mile Rd. in Royal Oak. Open 6am-8pm Monday - Saturday, 7am-3pm Sunday.

📬 Tell us: Do you have a favorite neighborhood diner? Reply for a list we'll publish next week.

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After the building sat vacant for 30 years, planners now want the ongoing renovation surrounding Michigan Central Station — the new Ford mobility campus — to finish at some point in 2023.

• The city park near the historic train depot is getting $6 million worth of upgrades, which will include a paved public walkway connecting Michigan Avenue to the station, new pedestrian entrances and plaza spaces.