Category: West Michigan Highlight

4th of July on the West Michigan Coast

 

Happy (almost) Fourth of July! Since it is one of our favorite holidays, we have compiled a list for you and your family to tackle the holiday in style – all the way up and down the West Michigan Coast. Read along so you can plan ahead!

Holland:

Butch’s 3rd of July BBQ

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Butch’s Dry Dock

Cost: (A very Patriotic) $17.76 per plate

Chef Ryan of Butch’s Dry Dock will be firing up the grill and serving a special holiday BBQ menu. Each plate includes a choice of mouthwatering BBQ protein, two sides, and a sweet treat to top it all off. Also featured: $4 frozen drinks! This special menu will take place on the deck and pub only, reservations encouraged but not required. Spend your evening at Butch’s, celebrating freedom and good food! 

2019 Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast 

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:00am – 10:00am

Where: Graafschap Fire Department

Cost: $5 for Adults, $2 for kids

Start off your 4th of July celebrations getting served pancakes! Firefighters will be serving pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee, and juice. This is also a great photo op: several firetrucks will be on display, so you can document your future firefighters!

Downtown Holland’s Fourth of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Where:  Downtown Holland – 8th Street

Cost: Free!

Spend your evening on the streets of Downtown Holland and take in over 30 street performers for free! Expect to see a little bit of everything: musicians, jugglers, aerial acrobats, dancers, magicians, and more. A bonus – if you wear red, white, or blue, you can receive 20% off one item at participating businesses, just follow the balloons for big savings! Check here to see which of your favorite Downtown Holland Businesses will be open for the 4th!

Independence Day Celebration Freedom & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 4:00pm – 11:00pm

Where: Kollen Park

Cost: Free!

Fireworks start at 10:25

A family-friendly event, bring your kids to Kollen Park for games, vendors, live music, and even a live martial arts demonstration. With plenty of food booths to choose from, nestle in at 10:25 for fireworks at dusk over Lake Macatawa, complete with live music accompanying. This event will guarantee to leave you feeling patriotic – and impressed.

Grand Haven:

Grand Haven 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4th, 2019

Where: Downtown Grand Haven

Cost: Free!

Experience 4th of July in one of Michigan’s most-loved beach towns! The 4th of July parade runs from 8:30am – 11:30 am, and then spend the day walking around Downtown Grand Haven and on the Public Beach! Round out the day with a highly patriotic fireworks show, beginning at 10:00pm.

South Haven:

South Haven 4th of July Parade

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am -12:30pm

Where: Downtown South Haven, Phoenix Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the community of South Haven! This year’s parade will be a particularly special event, celebrating the 170th anniversary of this particular parade. You’re not going to want to miss it!

South Haven Light Up the Lake – Fireworks

When: July 3rd, 2019, 10:30pm – 11:15pm

Where: Riverfront Park – at the Southside Marina, Water Street South Haven

Cost: Free!

Take in some of the best fireworks on the coast the night before the holiday even begins! The show begins at dusk, and can be seen from Riverfront Park, as well as North & South Beaches. An added bonus: coordinating music will be available through Cosy 103.7! Tune in and make the most of your night.

Saugatuck/Douglas:

Saugatuck-Douglas 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

When: July 4th, 2019, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: Coghlin Park – Culver Street Saugatuck

Cost: Free Admission!

Spend your 4th of July on the Art Coast of Michigan! Activities abound all day: grab a bite at the food trucks and beverage tent from 2:00-3:00pm, take in the parade through downtown Saugatuck, and settle in for the fireworks show, starting at dusk. The Waterfront Festival is a family friendly event, complete with music, food, children’s activities, and more, beginning at noon.

Muskegon/Ludington:

Fireworks On Deck 

When: July 4th, 2019, Dusk

Where: Muskegon Lake

Cost: Free!

Enjoy the fireworks show aboard the USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum, considered to be the “best seat in the house.” This display over Muskegon Lake is truly unlike any other. This World War II landing ship is located at the Mart Dock in Downtown Muskegon, just yards from where the fireworks will be going off.

St. Joseph/New Buffalo:

Reds, Whites, and Brews 

When: July 4th, 2019, 11:00am – 6:00pm

Where: 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, MI 49101

Cost: $5 admission

Celebrate the 4th of July by sipping on craft cocktails, wine, and cold brews with fun tunes in the background.

Live Music Lineup:

1:00pm – 3:30pm: J R Clark and the All Star Blues Mob

4:00pm – 6:30pm: Risque band

Independence Day Concert:

When: July 3rd, 2019, 5:30pm – 10:00pm

Where: Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park

Cost: Free!

Gates open at 5:30 for a night of music, food, drink, and fun! Van Dyke Revue takes the stage at 6, SMSO Concert begins at 9, and round out the evening with fireworks at 10, accompanied by some of our patriotic favorites. Gather around a picnic table or stretch out on a blanket, and take in the best that summertime has to offer.

2018 Fourth of July Fireworks: West Michigan

While the Fourth of July may fall midweek this year, fireworks will still be in full effect! Below, we’ve rounded up West Michigan’s fireworks schedule from communities around the area, so you can plan ahead!

ALLEGAN COUNTY

BARRY COUNTY

BERRIEN COUNTY

BRANCH COUNTY

CALHOUN COUNTY

IONIA COUNTY

  • Ionia | July 3, at dusk

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

KENT COUNTY

MASON COUNTY

MUSKEGON COUNTY

NEWAYGO COUNTY

OCEANA COUNTY

OTTAWA COUNTY

VAN BUREN COUNTY

Don’t see your favorite firework display listed? Comment below so we can add it to our list!

5 Reasons to Experience Tulip Time

If you have never made your way to Holland, Michigan for their annual Tulip Time festival, this should be your year. Among the nine-day celebration of the city’s rich Dutch heritage comes blooming bulbs, eclectic parades, timeless events, and we can pretty much guarantee more klompen than you ever thought you’d see.

In case that didn’t provide you with enough hype, Tulip Time has been named one of the Best Small-Town Festivals by Reader’s Digest, and was recognized as USA Today’s 2016 Best Flower Festival. 

Need more reassurance that you need to pay Tulip Time a visit this year? Here are our Top 5 reasons to experience Holland’s Tulip Time festival.

1. The Tulips

If for nothing else, at least experience the blooms! The Holland, Michigan area boasts over 5 million tulips each spring. From city parks to downtown on 8th Street, and pretty much every street corner in between, these gorgeous flowers pepper the city. Take in their beauty and the bright colors woven throughout the already stunning Holland landscape.

2. The Parades

You haven’t seen a community parade until you’ve seen a Tulip Time parade! The Volksparade is donned the “People’s Parade” with marching bands, specialty floats, and “street scrubbers”. The Kinderparade features local school children dressed in traditional Dutch costumes. Finally, the Muziekparade has over 4,000 participants with the longest festival parade route, boasting lively music and entertainment all along the route.

3. The ArtTulip Time Parade

Whether attending a great concert, like The Beach Boys, or a hilarious River City Improv show, or just taking in the stunning pieces at the Art in Bloom exhibit, there is plenty of art and culture during Tulip Time. Some events may have a small fee for attending, but it’s always worth your while.

4. The Family Fun

Calling all thrill-seekers: you won’t want to miss out on the Tulip Time carnival! The ferris wheel towers over the Holland Civic Center’s North lot, while attractions aimed at younger kids are set up in the South lot. It’s guaranteed fun for even the most timid ride warrior.

5. The Food!

Our stomachs are already growling thinking about all of the food available during Tulip Time! Alongside some of Holland’s delicious year-round restaurants are vendors populating the city. From elephant ears to hot dogs to cotton candy and cinnamon rolls, this is a food-lover’s dream. Be sure to bring cash and take a bite out of some delicious Tulip TIme treats.

On your way to Tulip Time? Check out the festival’s full schedule so you don’t miss any of the fun.

In town for Tulip Time? Stop by our office, located right downtown Holland on 8th Street. We’d love to say hello while you’re here!

 

West Michigan Highlight: South Haven

Find your escape in South Haven, an entirely unique lakeshore community that rivals the most serene beach towns. Lake Michigan waves crash along the pier while the sandy beachfront sparkles under the afternoon sun. Picturesque sunsets are a regularity in South Haven, making guests question their geographical location – Michigan, or the Caribbean?

There’s something special about downtown South Haven, from its charming stores and boutiques to the award-winning wineries and eclectic eateries. Popular events are happening throughout the seasons, including South Haven’s Annual Ice Breaker Festival, Harborfest, and the National Blueberry Festival, just to name a view.

With culture, nightlife, entertainment, quaint shopping, and lots to do, a trip to South Haven is one you won’t soon forget.

Find your reason to stay in South Haven awhile with the short video below!

 

West Michigan Highlight: Holland

Discover Holland, a vibrant community backed by a cherished history and thriving town. If you’ve ever visited Holland, Michigan, you will identify with its tranquil and pleasant surroundings, including its close proximity to the incomparable beaches of Lake Michigan. Beach lovers tend to marvel at the crystal blue waters, amazed by the massive spread of shoreline with sandy space for everyone. Oh, and a trip to Lake Michigan isn’t complete without a photo opp at Big Red – one of the most influential lighthouses on the lakeshore.

Downtown Holland is a wonder all its own on iconic 8th Street, a stretch of pavement straight out of a storybook. Shop ’til you drop at any of the locally owned shops, featuring everything from home goods to chic clothing boutiques. Stomach growling? Downtown Holland has dining favorites like New Holland Brewing Company, Butch’s, or the City Deli, each with a unique take on cuisine. There are books to be read at the quaint coffee shops and if (when) you fall in love downtown, there are apartments, condos, and more nearby.

Natives to the area share a common love for celebrations, including the internationally-known Tulip Time Festival in May. The festivities reach deep into our heritage, from the breathtaking Windmill Island to the Dutch dancers sporting wooden shoes. And we don’t stop there: the holidays boast plenty of parades, fun, and events.

Want to experience more of Holland? View the short video below!

 

West Michigan Highlight: Saugatuck

Welcome to the Art Coast of Michigan, where this small town resides! Saugatuck, Michigan is best known for celebrating a simpler lifestyle: one that embraces new experiences, appreciates an artistic perspective, treasures a shared meal amongst cherished friends, and ends the day with a painted sky over Lake Michigan.

Downtown Saugatuck breathes originality, boasting dockside shops and seemingly endless boardwalks, ideal for evening strolls. Ask a resident their favorite local restaurant with no two answers the same, as Saugatuck is a city full of unparalleled cuisine options. Find hidden treasures in any of the stores, perfect for unique gifts for any multitude of reasons.

Activities abound here: hit the links at the Ravines Golf Club, take a boat, kayak, or paddleboard out onto the lake, head into any of the art galleries and appreciate the local talent, or spend a sunny day on the sugar sand beach – whether you’re a local or a vacationer, there are unlimited options for fun.

The lakeshore community of Saugatuck is an inviting destination any time of the year. Whether you find yourself here for work, play, or rest, you won’t find any other city in the world quite like Saugatuck.

To get a taste for what’s in store in Saugatuck, view the short video below!

 

West Michigan Highlight: Grand Haven

Among historic downtown storefronts and the seemingly endless sandy shoreline sits Grand Haven, a Lake Michigan beach town with a contagious relaxed lifestyle. Known as “Coast Guard City, USA”, you will find small town charm with big lake appeal in this West Michigan city, including vibrant downtown district and inviting neighborhood areas. With nearly endless possibilities for residents and vacationers alike, here’s a day in the life during a visit to Grand Haven. But don’t just take our word for it – this is one beach town you have to experience for yourself!

9 AM – With a seemingly infinite shoreline, where cascading waves peak while the sun glimmers on the surface, you can’t waste a minute of the day not in the Lake Michigan sun. Scope out the perfect tanning spot: just inside Grand Haven State Park and a short jump from the refreshing water. It’s fun to watch kids build sandcastles or the ambitious runner take a jog along the water’s edge. Don’t mind me, I’ll be comfortably taking in the rays for a while.

11:15 AM – It’s midmorning and there’s still plenty of room for everybody? That’s the beauty of a big, beautiful beach – no overcrowding! Regardless, the Grand Haven boardwalk and pier is calling my name. The boardwalk provides a manicured path to walk along, with incomparable views of the Grand Haven lighthouse. Boats roll through the channel and, being an inviting West Michigan community, the passengers shout hello as they pass by.

12:20 PM – Hunger. Is. Striking. Thank goodness a Grand Haven favorite is just around the corner. Pronto Pups is a local delicacy that you have to taste to believe. Picture this: a deep fried corndog with the perfect dough-to-dog ratio, slathered with mustard and ketchup. Sound like nothing special? TRUST ME you’ll be going back for seconds.

2 PM – With the hunger adequately settled, it’s back to relaxing… with a show! Kiteboarders get kicked into the air by the Lake Michigan waves as windsurfers skim the tops. There’s a group of fishermen packing their loot for the day; lucky for them, Grand Haven has Catch & Cook opportunities so their fresh fish can also be their dinner.

4:30 PM – Time for a little activity, volleyball style. A pickup game has just begun at the courts, and it’s easy to jump in. It’s hard to tell who’s a Grand Haven resident and who’s just visiting – everyone’s mingling and having fun.

6 PM – There are so many options for dinner – Kirby House, Snug Harbor, Porto Bello. Choosing is the hard part.

7 PM – Time for a sunset. Pink, yellow, and orange hues cascade across the open blue sky as a flurry of families grab a passerby for a quick photo op. The water is calm and the beach is quiet as the energy winds down for the day.

9:30 PM – It’s time to find a seat for the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. This fully synchronized water and light show plays a variety of music that quite literally lights up the night. While bands begin to tune their instruments for shows at the downtown pubs, the city presents a serene atmosphere. Those fortunate enough to spend the day in Grand Haven are taking a rest before psyching up for another day at this remarkable Lake Michigan beach town.