Grand Haven captures all the pieces I’ve ever dreamt of after I catch myself eager for summer time. This quintessential lake city is a dream vacation spot for many who need to relive these summer time days of childhood. The solar doesn’t set till 9:30 pm leaving ample time for limitless bike rides alongside the water, lazy strolls down Main Street for some window buying, lingering in restaurant patios having fun with reside music, and dipping your toes in Lake Michigan to chill down. I completely love this little escape on the west aspect of Michigan and hope to persuade you to get out of your metropolis, head over to this lake city, and spend a few of your finest summer time moments right here quickly too.
Below are my high ten issues to do throughout two wonderful nights in Grand Haven, MI.
1. Rent Bikes and Ride Them Everywhere:
Bike lanes abound all through this small city and are one of the simplest ways, in my view, to get round. During the few sections the place the bike lanes come to an finish, bicyclists are permitted to experience on the sidewalk permitting for a brilliant secure experience always. Our mattress & breakfast share their cruisers with their visitors. However, there are a number of firms to hire bikes from throughout your keep. Rent your bike(s) with the intention to hop on and off as you would like, which will likely be typically as there are such a lot of breathtaking views that you’re going to need to spend a couple of moments with as you get misplaced in your ideas.
2. Head Over to Grand Haven South Pier & Lighthouse:
The two pink lighthouses on the pier have been established in 1839. Nearly 200 years later you will discover locals and vacationers meandering alongside the pier having fun with the huge views of Lake Michigan. Teens huddle in teams as they egg one another on to leap into the reasonably chilly water, bikes zip up and down the lengthy walkway, and revelers of nature sit nonetheless and stare into the wonders of our lovely planet. The pier is pure summer time bundled into 1,500 toes of bliss.
3. Stroll Through Downtown’s Washington Avenue:
This Main Street of Grand Haven is lined with quaint retailers, some relationship again to over 100 years. Washington Avenue is the epitome of a small, American city with massive choices. There are a number of retail retailers, many eating places, and naturally the ever present ice-cream and sweet retailers that sweeten any summer time stroll. Downtown is only a few steps away from the boardwalk so be certain to make your manner over there as properly for a beautiful stroll alongside the waterfront.
4. Explore Ann Arbor, MI:
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is well-worth the two-hour and fifteen-minute drive from Grand Haven. Ideally, you make a cease in Ann Arbor in your solution to Grand Haven should you’re heading over from the east coast. But even whether it is out of your manner, it is definitely worth the drive to spend the afternoon! This lovable college city gives eclectic retailers, cafes, and plenty of vegan eating choices. State Street homes most of the college’s campus buildings and Main Street is pedestrian-friendly for these wishing to soak up the native vibe totally. Zingerman’s Deli might be the most important draw right here. I by no means imagined that I must go away New York City to search out the most effective Jewish deli within the USA. This delicatessen is insane and whips up probably the most modern and scrumptious sandwiches, all served with a crunchy, do-it-yourself pickle that completes an ideal meal. I opted for the “Lila & Izzie’s Skokie Skidoo” filled with Swiss Emmental cheese, coleslaw, & a lot of Russian dressing on grilled farm bread. OMG. I’d drive to Ann Arbor from anyplace within the nation only for this sandwich.
5. Ride on the 11-Mile Loop Trail Along Spring Lake:
Biking fans will simply love the path round Spring Lake. It is well-marked and paved for your entire eleven-mile loop. Cycling by means of additionally gives a glimpse into the lake-side dwelling on this a part of Michigan. You’ll experience by means of colossal houses that line the water, and thru extra humble neighborhoods too. You’ll seize the patriotic delight that shines by means of as most houses proudly show an American flag. You’ll end up saying “hi there” to each single individual that you just encounter as a result of each one in all them will warmly greet you first. Of course, you will additionally get to get pleasure from a while with nature as you experience over Spring Lake, alongside marshes, and thru closely dense vegetation as properly. There is not any higher solution to get a really feel for a city than to experience proper by means of it!
6. Take a Hike in North Beach Park:
You’ll be greeted by a lot of sand on this unending stretch of sea, I imply lake. I’ve to maintain reminding myself that Lake Michigan is not an ocean. It is difficult to not repeatedly mistaken it for an ocean when the lake seems to be equally unending! North Beach Park is a phenomenal place to accept the day for some enjoyable within the solar and a dip within the clear waters of the lake. Or, should you’re like me and do not notably love frigid water temperatures, take the close by dune hike as a substitute. This simple and brief hike up wood stairs gives lovely views of the dunes beneath and the mammoth physique of water forward.
7. Soak in Some History in Muskegon
Just a 17-minute drive from Grand Haven will transport you to Muskegon, a lumber city that thrived within the mid-1800s and has remained fantastically preserved ever since. The streets are lined with historic buildings which are woven by means of newer constructions together with many artwork sculptures and gardens.
Follow the Hackley Heritage Trail that honors Charles Huckley who constructed Muskegon’s first faculties, church buildings, hospitals, and parks. He is honored all through the sq. and his dwelling stays proudly erect in pristine situation. Learning about Hackley’s historical past and affect will encourage just about anybody who takes the time to find out about how one man’s imaginative and prescient made fairly a mark.
8. Spend an Evening in Holland:
You will not be needing your passport for this Dutch-influenced city on the west coast of Michigan. Holland has three elements to it: Windmill Island, Dutch Village, and Downtown Holland.
Windmill Island is an lovable tiny reproduction of Holland with a few windmills and a great deal of tulips. There is a small path to meander alongside and luxuriate in some enjoyable picture alternatives.
Dutch Village was sadly closed once we arrived. Picture it as a mini- Dutch theme park with some Dutch structure, retail retailers stocked with clogs in each shade, Dutch bakeries, and even some small rides for the youthful kids in tow.
Downtown Holland reminded us all of Main Street in East Hampton, NY lined with upscale retailers in quaint storefronts alongside pristine sidewalks. It’s really a phenomenal a part of city price exploring, buying, and grabbing some bites whereas visiting. We spent nearly all of our time on this a part of Holland.
While in Downtown Holland be certain to cease in Holland Peanut Store, an area favourite for 100 and fifteen years, to satiate your candy tooth. The sweet store is full of all of your favourite childhood candies together with do-it-yourself confections. The darkish chocolate sea salt caramel sq. I purchased melted in my mouth.
If you might have an uncontrollable must cease in each sweet retailer and ice-cream store that you just move by as I do, then additionally be certain to take a look at Peach Wave Frozen Yogurt and Gelato as properly (additionally situated in Downtown Holland). In this dreamy frozen yogurt store, you get to self-serve your flavors and toppings to your coronary heart’s (and abdomen’s) need.
My concept of an ideal summer time night is exploring small coastal cities with ice cream in hand and no cares on the planet. You’ll discover these simple, breezy moments in Holland, MI.
9. Stay at Bella Mia Bed & Breakfast:
To totally soak up Grand Haven’s appeal I made a decision to guide us a keep at a Bed & Breakfast. I’m thrilled with my resolution to guide Bella Mia in Spring Lake, simply 4 miles outdoors of downtown Grand Haven. The property is gorgeous with each element attended to. Waking as much as the chirps of birds, sipping espresso on the patio overlooking the backyard, and beginning our day with a delicious breakfast is my concept of heaven. The proprietor has bikes for visitors to make use of, which we took full benefit of every day that we stayed. I additionally love the placement of the property as it’s a simple bike experience to Grand Haven but in addition is on the eleven-mile bike path that loops round Silver Lake. There are solely 5 visitor rooms on the property guaranteeing final privateness and luxury. Nicole, the hostess, is extremely useful and accomodating guaranteeing an ideal keep all through. Staying right here actually enhanced our expertise whereas visiting the world.
10. Eat your little hearts out:
Surprisingly the meals is kind of good within the space (OK, possibly not nice by New York City requirements however let’s simply say higher than I anticipated). There are loads of stable choices to select from however remember the fact that most eating places are closed on Sundays and Mondays and many don’t settle for reservations. When you intend your night plan to reach at your eating vacation spot early to grab a seat earlier than the standard dinner crowd arrives.
The Kirby House
I used to be nervous about consuming right here as a result of the eating institution has low rankings from patrons. However, the hostess of our Bed & Breakfast beneficial it so we gave it a shot and actually loved our go to right here. The outside patio was full of visitors swaying together with the reside music and breeze (the evenings right here boast excellent temperatures). The meals was fairly good- I particularly cherished my Jerked Salmon Salad Bowl. The Kirby House is correct off the boardwalk and on Washington Avenue making for a perfect location. I can confidently suggest this restaurant as a enjoyable place for a meal within the space.
Kilwins
Located on Washington Avenue, you possibly can odor the do-it-yourself waffle cones from a whole bunch of toes away. Not solely does Kilwin’s make scrumptious flavors to get pleasure from your summer time scoops, however in addition they make quite a lot of chocolate confections that pleases all chocoholics, together with myself.
Righteous Cuisine
Known for serving Mexican delicacies with a twist, Righteous Cuisine is an area favourite. This down-to-earth eatery primarily serves take-out however does provide a few outside eating tables that replenish quick. The workers was laid again within the nicest manner doable and the meals undoubtedly has a novel flare to it. For instance, our nachos have been comprised of queso sauce, pinto beans, pico de gallo, ancho BBQ sauce, avocado mayo, and chipotle crema (it isn’t typically that you just see BBQ sauce in your nachos, however the flavors labored completely!). Also, my “moist burrito” stunned me after I bit into crispy potatoes that added to the scrumptious general style of my dish. This is a superb lunch choice in Grand Haven particularly on a Monday when most eating places are likely to take the time without work.
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (Holland)
You cannot beat the views at Boatwerks. This waterfront restaurant has a huge outside patio proper on the water with probably the most gorgeous views. Their salads are unbelievable as properly. We could not get sufficient of the contemporary ingredient mixtures in every of the three salad dishes that we ordered. Does it get any higher than a wholesome meal alongside the water with folks you’re keen on? When in Holland be certain to make your solution to this beautiful spot.
We may have simply spent no less than one other two nights in Grand Haven. There are tons to find within the city in addition to surrounding areas. This “coastal” metropolis is really magnificent and permits for making many fantastic summer time moments. If you might have an additional night time or two to spare then add them to your go to. Otherwise, two nights is fairly excellent too and can go away you with that beautiful style in your mouth of wanting to come back again at some point for extra magic.