Curator’s statement
Western Michigan offers a beach vacation and tons of family-friendly activities at a much friendlier budget for those in the Midwest. This was our first trip as a family of four! We loved the variety of city attractions in Grand Rapids as well as lakeside beach towns scattered throughout the region.
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Where to stay in Grand Rapids
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Things to do in Grand Rapids
Lavender Life Farms
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: One of the best botanical gardens we’ve ever visited! It has a wide variety of gardens and a great nature-based kids play area.
Grand Haven Beach: Just a short drive away to a massive beach on Lake Michigan. Stay through the afternoon and end the night at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain show!
Lavender Life: A beautiful farm with an even more beautiful mission. They have numerous fields of lavender plants that you can help harvest. There are plenty of lavender-based items for purchase, including stuffed animals that they donate to children in foster care.
Fruit picking: Visit a nearby farm to pick cherries, strawberries, blueberries, peaches and more. Depending on the time of year that you visit, there is usually something in season!
Grand Rapids Children Museum: Great activity for a rainy day to let the kids use their imaginations and conduct science experiments.
Downtown Holland: Great walkable downtown area with plenty of shops and restaurants. Even better if you visit on Thursday nights throughout the summer for their Summer Street Performer Series.
Windmill Island Gardens: Get into the Dutch spirit by walking through tulip fields and climbing to the top of a giant windmill.
Places to eat & drink in Grand Rapids
Furniture City Creamery
Brewery Vivant: Neat location on Cherry Street in a former chapel
Furniture City Creamery: Conveniently right down the street from Brewery Vivant, this place always has a line outside, and for good reason. Great seasonal flavors, especially fruity ones from local orchards!
New Holland Brewing: Longstanding brewery in downtown Holland. Lots of space and very family-friendly.
Outside Coffee in Douglas, MI: Relaxed coffee stand with the best outdoor lounge area.
Wealthy Street Bakery: Bakery with tons of breakfast options including quiches, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Perfect spot to start the day and explore some neat historic architecture in the neighborhood.
The Toasted Pickle Grand Haven: Hopping local sandwich shop with a window counter to eat your meal streetside.
Need to know
We booked this trip last minute, so we found that Grand Rapids had a lot more accommodation options compared to the beachside towns (Holland, Saugatuk, Grand Haven). These are all about an hour away from Grand Rapids, though, so it’s a perfect home base.
Do your fruit picking on the way into town or early in your trip so you can enjoy as snacks and with breakfast throughout your stay!
Sunsets are perfect from any of the beaches along Lake Michigan. Pack a picnic or grab a pizza to bring with you on the beach.
Travel Advisor
Mike Mertel
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