City/town information
Grand Haven is an absolute joy. There is a vibrant Main Street with interesting shops and great restaurants as well as an open and vibrant boardwalk, marina and outdoor band shell.
97 locals recommend
Grand Haven
Grand Haven is an absolute joy. There is a vibrant Main Street with interesting shops and great restaurants as well as an open and vibrant boardwalk, marina and outdoor band shell.
Quaint downtown area with wide sidewalks and ample greenspaces making an afternoon spent visiting the wonderful local shops a must. Near both Hope college, Centennial Park and very near Kollen Park at the tip of Lake Macatawa. Famous for the Tulip Festival in early May and outstanding "traditional" parades on Memorial Day, Labor Day and 4th of July, Holland is a hidden gem in West Michigan.
80 locals recommend
Holland
Quaint downtown area with wide sidewalks and ample greenspaces making an afternoon spent visiting the wonderful local shops a must. Near both Hope college, Centennial Park and very near Kollen Park at the tip of Lake Macatawa. Famous for the Tulip Festival in early May and outstanding "traditional" parades on Memorial Day, Labor Day and 4th of July, Holland is a hidden gem in West Michigan.
A true artist's community set on the banks of the Kalamazoo River feeding Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has more to offer than can be described in this listing. The best "foodie" scene in West Michigan, original local artistry, a vibrant music and theater atmosphere and a first class marina are some of the highlights. only 45 minutes from the cottage along US-31, Saugatuck is well worth the drive. If you make the trip, plan to make a full day of it. You will not want to leave.
138 locals recommend
Saugatuck
A true artist's community set on the banks of the Kalamazoo River feeding Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has more to offer than can be described in this listing. The best "foodie" scene in West Michigan, original local artistry, a vibrant music and theater atmosphere and a first class marina are some of the highlights. only 45 minutes from the cottage along US-31, Saugatuck is well worth the drive. If you make the trip, plan to make a full day of it. You will not want to leave.
Muskegon
Food scene
Pronto Pups is a MUST for new visitors to the Grand Haven area. They do one thing (corn dogs), and they do it very well. There is a line for this local delight all summer long.
30 locals recommend
Pronto Pup
313 S Harbor DrPronto Pups is a MUST for new visitors to the Grand Haven area. They do one thing (corn dogs), and they do it very well. There is a line for this local delight all summer long.
The best pizza in the Grand Haven area, but also the best variety of interesting and delicious meals.
https://paisleypigpub.com/
33 locals recommend
The Paisley Pig Gastropub
501 Miller DrThe best pizza in the Grand Haven area, but also the best variety of interesting and delicious meals.
https://paisleypigpub.com/
The system forced the title as "Bil Mar Restaurant". To be clear, we are recommending Noto's Italian Bistro at the Bil Mar.
Beautiful view and great Italian food. What else could you ask for? Reservations well in advance highly recommended.
http://www.notosoldworld.com/
27 locals recommend
Noto's at the Bil-Mar
1223 S Harbor DrThe system forced the title as "Bil Mar Restaurant". To be clear, we are recommending Noto's Italian Bistro at the Bil Mar.
Beautiful view and great Italian food. What else could you ask for? Reservations well in advance highly recommended.
http://www.notosoldworld.com/
Phil's Bar & Grille
215 Butler Sthttps://www.watertrailventures.com/
We are a family-owned, full-service restaurant in Saugatuck, MI, serving fresh fish and other favorites. Our dockside eatery has patio seating and overlooks the Kalamazoo River.
https://www.mermaidofsaugatuck.com/
27 locals recommend
Mermaid Bar & Grill
340 Water StWe are a family-owned, full-service restaurant in Saugatuck, MI, serving fresh fish and other favorites. Our dockside eatery has patio seating and overlooks the Kalamazoo River.
https://www.mermaidofsaugatuck.com/
5 Star food in a casual atmosphere. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great steak. More expensive than most restaurants in the area, but you won't be disappointed.
https://bowdieschophouse.com/
50 locals recommend
Bowdies Chophouse
230 Culver St5 Star food in a casual atmosphere. Highly recommended if you are looking for a great steak. More expensive than most restaurants in the area, but you won't be disappointed.
https://bowdieschophouse.com/
Truly authentic Southern Fare. The best fried chicken, biscuits and shrimp and grits north of the Mason-Dixon. Comfortable atmosphere, outstanding mixologists on site and excellent service. Plan ahead. There is ALWAYS a wait.
https://thesouthernermi.com/
68 locals recommend
The Southerner
880 Holland StTruly authentic Southern Fare. The best fried chicken, biscuits and shrimp and grits north of the Mason-Dixon. Comfortable atmosphere, outstanding mixologists on site and excellent service. Plan ahead. There is ALWAYS a wait.
https://thesouthernermi.com/
Casual waterfront dining with Spectacular Views of Lake Kalamazoo harbor, boardwalk and boats.
Outdoor dining and Live entertainment on our Deck Memorial Day through Labor Day
https://www.butlerrestaurant.com/
34 locals recommend
The Butler
40 Butler StCasual waterfront dining with Spectacular Views of Lake Kalamazoo harbor, boardwalk and boats.
Outdoor dining and Live entertainment on our Deck Memorial Day through Labor Day
https://www.butlerrestaurant.com/
Excellent Local Breakfast and Lunch eatery. Offerings include "standard" plates - with a twist. Always full in the summer, so plan ahead.
http://morningstargh.com/
63 locals recommend
Morning Star Cafe
711 Washington AveExcellent Local Breakfast and Lunch eatery. Offerings include "standard" plates - with a twist. Always full in the summer, so plan ahead.
http://morningstargh.com/
Very cool walk up casual sandwich shop in the shopping district in downtown Grand Haven. You won't be disappointed.
http://thetoastedpickle.com/
27 locals recommend
The Toasted Pickle
112 Washington AveVery cool walk up casual sandwich shop in the shopping district in downtown Grand Haven. You won't be disappointed.
http://thetoastedpickle.com/
Anna's House decor takes you back to the days of the 50's diner, but their menu is decidedly modern. Perennially voted the best breakfast in Michigan, if you are looking for gourmet breakfast, this is the place. There is a new location in downtown Grand Haven which is closer to the cottage than the US-31 location mentioned here.
https://annashouseus.com/
8 locals recommend
Anna’s House
12427 Felch StAnna's House decor takes you back to the days of the 50's diner, but their menu is decidedly modern. Perennially voted the best breakfast in Michigan, if you are looking for gourmet breakfast, this is the place. There is a new location in downtown Grand Haven which is closer to the cottage than the US-31 location mentioned here.
https://annashouseus.com/
Good food in a very comfortable, lakeside atmosphere at the tip of Lake Macatawa in Holland, near Kollen Park. The best outdoor dining deck in the area. Wide variety of very tasty offerings.
56 locals recommend
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant
216 Van Raalte AveGood food in a very comfortable, lakeside atmosphere at the tip of Lake Macatawa in Holland, near Kollen Park. The best outdoor dining deck in the area. Wide variety of very tasty offerings.
The best breakfast in Holland. Try the Biscuits and Gravy. You won't be disappointed.
65 locals recommend
Deboer Bakkerij
360 Douglas AveThe best breakfast in Holland. Try the Biscuits and Gravy. You won't be disappointed.
Butch's Dry Dock
44 E 8th StTop notch steak joint in downtown Holland.
https://butchs.net/
We have found this to be one of the best pizza places in the area. They offer a variety of styles, including Chicago deep dish pizza. I am working on them to offer a Detroit Style :-).
https://www.crust54.com/
9 locals recommend
Crust 54
45 E 8th StWe have found this to be one of the best pizza places in the area. They offer a variety of styles, including Chicago deep dish pizza. I am working on them to offer a Detroit Style :-).
https://www.crust54.com/
Local favorite. Great value, fast and tasty breakfast and lunch fare.
https://windmillrestaurantdowntownholland.com/
14 locals recommend
Windmill Restaurant
28 W 8th StLocal favorite. Great value, fast and tasty breakfast and lunch fare.
https://windmillrestaurantdowntownholland.com/
https://www.isabelsmarket.com/
Highly recommend for seafood, whether dine in or purchased from the market. Great variety and quality.
20 locals recommend
Isabel's Market + Eatery
310 Blue Star Hwyhttps://www.isabelsmarket.com/
Highly recommend for seafood, whether dine in or purchased from the market. Great variety and quality.
Righteous Cuisine
211 N 7th StAuthentic Mexican cuisine in a hyper casual atmosphere.
Sightseeing
There are multiple fishing charters out of this marina. Also, travelers with a boat can reserve a slip in advance.
Grand Haven Municipal Marina
101 N Harbor DrThere are multiple fishing charters out of this marina. Also, travelers with a boat can reserve a slip in advance.
Rosy Mound Natural Area
13925 Lakeshore AveThere is no better place to learn and experience the history of the Holland area and the local Dutch traditions than Veldheer's farm, tulip gardens and Dutch delft store.
http://veldheer.com/
14 locals recommend
Veldheer Tulip Garden
12755 Quincy StThere is no better place to learn and experience the history of the Holland area and the local Dutch traditions than Veldheer's farm, tulip gardens and Dutch delft store.
http://veldheer.com/
This is a municipal park located just North and adjacent to our community. Miles of hiking trails, ample sandy beachfront, play and picnic areas. This is also the only beach dog park that we are aware of in the area.
18 locals recommend
Kirk Park
9791 Lake Shore DrThis is a municipal park located just North and adjacent to our community. Miles of hiking trails, ample sandy beachfront, play and picnic areas. This is also the only beach dog park that we are aware of in the area.
Beautiful sandy beach in an out of the way (and therefore usually not crowded) municipal park. There is a play area for little ones and facilities on site.
10 locals recommend
Windsnest Park
Beautiful sandy beach in an out of the way (and therefore usually not crowded) municipal park. There is a play area for little ones and facilities on site.
Situated along the canal between Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, this is the largest beach in the area. It is a State park, so a permit is required. If you are looking for the "beach scene", this is it.
Ottawa Beach
Situated along the canal between Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, this is the largest beach in the area. It is a State park, so a permit is required. If you are looking for the "beach scene", this is it.
Reender's Blueberry Farm
9981 W Olive RdGolf Courses
Jack Nicklaus designed course at the home of the Folds of Honor organization. This is a bucket list course just 10 a 10 minute drive from The View.
https://americandunesgolfclub.com/
6 locals recommend
American Dunes Golf Club
17000 Lincoln StreetJack Nicklaus designed course at the home of the Folds of Honor organization. This is a bucket list course just 10 a 10 minute drive from The View.
https://americandunesgolfclub.com/
"Up North" feel at this challenging course which requires accuracy tee to green.
https://www.ravinesgolfclub.com/
21 locals recommend
Ravines Golf Club
3520 Palmer Dr"Up North" feel at this challenging course which requires accuracy tee to green.
https://www.ravinesgolfclub.com/
West Ottawa Golf Club
6045 136th Ave27 hole charming local favorite course.
http://www.westottawagolfclub.com/
Boat / Kayak / SUP rental
Foe those looking to get out in the water. If you plan to go on Lake Michigan - MAKE SURE you check the weather and wave forecast. It can get very rough very fast.
While we have not used this service ourselves, they seem to have a great selection.
https://1adventurecompany.com/
11 locals recommend
1 Adventure Company
405 Park StWhile we have not used this service ourselves, they seem to have a great selection.
https://1adventurecompany.com/
While we have not used this service, they seem to have a good selection. Also, Spring Lake is the cleanest of the local lakes.
http://www.grandhavenboatrental.com/
8 locals recommend
Grand Haven Boat Rental
1211 Jackson StWhile we have not used this service, they seem to have a good selection. Also, Spring Lake is the cleanest of the local lakes.
http://www.grandhavenboatrental.com/
While we have not used this service, they seem to have a wide selection. Also, the Holland Princess looks interesting.
http://www.hollandwatersports.com/
Holland Water Sports
1810 Ottawa Beach RdWhile we have not used this service, they seem to have a wide selection. Also, the Holland Princess looks interesting.
http://www.hollandwatersports.com/
Really cool looking selection and variety. Also, while it is a bit of a drive, the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck is one of the best cruising locations around.
https://retroboatrentals.com/
33 locals recommend
Retro Boat Rentals
730 Water StReally cool looking selection and variety. Also, while it is a bit of a drive, the Kalamazoo River in Saugatuck is one of the best cruising locations around.
https://retroboatrentals.com/
Michigan Rent a Boat LLC
https://www.michiganrentaboat.com/
Lakeshore Kayak Rental LLC
15348 Cleveland Sthttp://www.lakeshorekayakrental.com/
Macatawa Boat House
2136-2174 Ottawa Beach Roadhttp://www.macboathouse.com/
A little different option for our guests. These are guided tours of the many rivers in the west Michigan area.
https://www.watertrailventures.com/
6 locals recommend
WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite
3151 57th StA little different option for our guests. These are guided tours of the many rivers in the west Michigan area.
https://www.watertrailventures.com/
Hiking / Walking trails
Roughly 3 mile hiking trails with multiple loops allowing for varying hike lengths. Portions of the hike go through wooded cedar tree forest and portions are through sandy dunes. There is a water reservoir on the site, as well.
Hiawatha Forest
16777 Fillmore StRoughly 3 mile hiking trails with multiple loops allowing for varying hike lengths. Portions of the hike go through wooded cedar tree forest and portions are through sandy dunes. There is a water reservoir on the site, as well.
Local Favorites
This strong local stage attracts talent and performances from Broadway. If you are at all interested in local theater, take advantage of this local gem.
45 locals recommend
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
400 Culver StThis strong local stage attracts talent and performances from Broadway. If you are at all interested in local theater, take advantage of this local gem.