Food and Drink,  Michigan Travel,  Uncategorized

24 Hours in West Michigan

Someone recently posed the question… What would you do in your city if it was your last 24 hours there? Good question. First, I would cry… because I really do love where I live. Second, I would be all over West Michigan because it would be too difficult to stay in one city, and, with the ease of travel here, why not? Third, how has this not been a dinner conversation topic before? Move over crazy toddler stories, there’s a new topic in town.

**This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that, at no cost to you, I may receive some compensation. Thank you!

I would begin my day with a nice jog around Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. Waking up to perfectly aligned swans and a gorgeous sunrise? Yes please.

Reeds Lake

Fortunately, the purpose of that run would be more for scenery than good health because I would then head straight to D’arts Donuts in Eastown for a beignet and to-go of Madcap coffee.

D’arts Donuts

After a 40 minute drive to Holland, I would head out to the Big Red Lighthouse and pier to watch boats going out for the day.

Big Red

Because it is difficult to leave the lake on a beautiful day,  Saugatuck State Park would be next on the list for a hike through the woods and a beach walk.

Saugatuck State Park

I’d finish with lunch at New Holland Pub on 8th and a stroll through downtown Holland.

New Holland Brewery

Back in Grand Rapids, I would stop by the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum) because it is the one place I keep meaning to get to and haven’t.

GRAM. Photo credit- Griggs and Woodward

Dinner would most definitely be at Donkey Taqueria…

Donkey Taqueria

Followed by an outdoor concert at Fredrick Meijer Gardens.

Fredrick Meijer Gardens

And back to the lakeshore for a sunset.

Lake Michigan Sunset

So, apparently, I would really just want to eat a lot and be by some of the lakes that make Michigan such a great state in my last 24 hours in West Michigan. Oh, and the remainder of the evening and into the night would be spent with family and friends talking, planning, and reflecting on this porch…

Now, I’d love to hear from you… What are your must-sees and must-dos in your home city?

*Please excuse the multitude of seasons in the photographs… but now you have an idea of the ever-changing weather of Michigan!

What to Do in West Michigan 

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13 Comments

  • Amy K

    I just started following you after seeing your link on Kelly’s blog. You have picked all of my favorite places to see. Maybe you should do a post for each of these places so others can see it all so to speak. I’ll look forward to following along!

    • Mackinaw Road

      Hi Amy! Thank you for following along with me!!! I completely agree- each spot definitely deserves more detail. After this overview, I plan to highlight each with more information over time in my Friday Finds 😊

  • Joy

    Marta, congratulations on the fabulous blog! I’m loving your blog, and anxiously await your entries, with beautiful photographs and enticing script. Best to you!!!!

    • Mackinaw Road

      Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words! You have always been so supportive and I appreciate immensely! ❤

    • Mackinaw Road

      Thank you so much for the kind and encouraging words! You have always been so supportive and I appreciate it immensely! ❤

  • Cindy

    I love to read your blog……We have a summer house my husband and I built, and I do mean we built it ourselves, that we come to every spring, summer and fall in a little town called Glenn. I’m sure you have heard of it….just a four corner town. Our grandmother had been coming to Glenn since the early 1900’s and we have cousins that live there. Summer time is my favorite time…..we grew up in Chicago and now some of our family members have moved to Glenn….my husband and I hope to move there full time soon. Southwest Michigan and Glenn is the greatest place on earth!

    • Mackinaw Road

      What a wonderful family tradition! I love hearing how much you like Michigan:) (And built your own house?! That is impressive!) I feel like we have the best of both worlds with easy access to both West Michigan and Chicago!