We’re well into summer here in Michigan! This means more going out, and less staying in the house. Now is a great time to explore all the amazing things to do right here in West Michigan. 

While going out is fun, it can be hard to please everyone when planning an outing. Some may want to go see a movie, others would rather spend time engaging in conversation over a meal. Perhaps they would just rather go shopping. Whatever the case may be, Studio park is always a great place to start. It’s right in the center of downtown; walking distance to many other hot spots. 

Downtown and surrounding areas have tons of cool restaurant spots to check out. On Monroe Center, Bridge Street, and all along Wealthy street, you will find a variety of great food and great outdoor seating, which always makes for a good time. Some of our favorite local restaurants include: New Holland Brewing, Butchers Union, New Hotel Mertens, Donkey Taqueria, Winchester, Mexo, Roam, SanChez Bistro, Royals, 40 Acres Soul Kitchen, Early Bird, Wealthy Street Bakery, Brick Road, Fratelli’s Pizza, and Harmony Brewing. 

Michigan is well known for apple picking, and who doesn’t enjoy fruit in the summertime? There are many farms and orchards in West Michigan that offer year-round produce picking (strawberries, cherries, pumpkins) but one that stands out is the Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm. It has an indoor marketplace, dining area with indoor and outdoor seating, and delicious donuts and drinks for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re more in the mood to do something even more outdoorsy, there are a ton of beaches all along Lake Michigan. You probably know about Holland, Saugatuck, Muskegon etc. but sometimes those beaches are just too packed with people. If you’re looking for a small, quiet beach, we suggest trying Winds Nest located between Holland and Grand Haven. It is not a very well-known spot because of how secluded it is, but it’s worth checking out. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach, we suggest driving five minutes north to Kirk Park, a beach favorite for many.

Speaking of the beach, Grand Haven’s annual 10-day long Coast Guard festival is an event that anyone would enjoy. All week long they include activities such as waterfront stage events, boat races, ski shows, street dancers, a parade and so much more. People come from out of state just to experience this, so there is no excuse for a local to miss out. 

Is lake life getting too boring? Want a change of scenery? We recommend checking out The Score. It’s a popular sports bar known for its beach ambiance, with real palm trees that are trucked from South Florida, giving it that tropical paradise feel. They also have a bamboo stage where they host live performances for nightly entertainment. It is a must-see! 

We all know Michigan can get pretty hot during the summer season, so what is there to do on a day where all you want to do is be indoors with the A/C? Take the family out to Frederik Meijer Gardens, try out any local escape room, take a tour of the Meyer May House in Heritage Hills, go to an event at 20 Monroe Live, attend a show at The Intersection, sit and eat at the Downtown Market. There is always something to do here in West Michigan.