Day Trip Itineraries
For those who have a schedule-free day, we suggested some day trips that keep you close to the city with our favorite recommendations.
ST. JOSEPH
Located upon the bluff, St. Joseph is a city overlooking Lake Michigan, known for its small town feel, the nation's finest orchards, annual festivals and picturesque beaches. Just 90 miles from Chicago, tourists wanting to get out of the big city frequently visit St. Joe.
For breakfast try the old renovated firehouse, Broad Street Cafe for the best bagels in town, or the Golden Brown Bakery for gigantic Morning Glory muffins. There are many free parking lots downtown so you don't have to worry about paying for parking.
After breakfast, take a stroll downtown on the aged brick roads. Start on State Street, but make sure you walk down Elm, Broad, Pleasant and Ship Street for more shops to explore - everything from antiques and cottage decor to fine art and adult and children's boutiques can be found.
For a quick snack, stop by the award-winning Hot Dog Kart on the corner of Broad and State Street for a Chicago dog that is sure to satisfy your hunger. For your chocolate cravings, stop by the Chocolate Cafe and Museum, where you can experience chocolate like never before.
Your next stop should be the Curious Kids Museum, which is a fun, hands on learning experience for kids of all ages; good luck getting your kids to leave though. Another stop for kids should be Hidden Pointe, a small amusement park, southeast in Benton Harbor, with a mini golf course, arcade building, go-karts and batting cages.
Head north to Water Street and walk down the bluff and along the canal for a scenic walk. If you're visiting on the weekend, you may pass a live concert at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell, home to free concerts all summer long including Wednesdays at noon and Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. You can also stop by the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum on Port Street and feed the ducks.
Eventually Water Street leads you to Silver Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Michigan, so be prepared for the crowds. Let the kids climb in the play area while you grab a soda from the concession stand. If you feel adventurous, take a drive to Tiscornia Park and visit the North Pier Lighthouse, where you can take a break and go fishing if you have your fishing gear along.
For a late lunch, stop by Silver Beach Pizza for a delicious pie. Clementine's Too is another favorite of the locals with delicious sandwiches and burgers, and so is Schu's Grill & Bar , which overlooks Lake Michigan.
Take the path up to Lake Bluff Park and meander past large sculptures, fountains and city monuments. The Krasl Art Center is worth taking time to walk through, or you can just walk around their campus and view the unique artwork outside. The Silver Beach Carousel Museum is in the process of being built below the bluff and includes a replica Carousel from the old Silver Beach Amusement Park as well as an extension of the Curious Kids Museum. Come back in 2010 to see the completed structure.
If you are looking for a good fishing spot, go on a fishing charter with Captain Russ Clark at Sea Hawk, he's been doing this for over 25 years, year-round, so you'll be sure to catch some trout or salmon and hear some great stories in the process.
For dinner, drive over to Caffe Tosi for an Italian feast, make sure to start with the Minestrone Soup. If you're in the mood for lighter fare, try Port 412, an upscale trendy restaurant and martini bar with excellent chef specialties and an extensive drink menu. The Bistro on the Boulevard is another great choice, with unmatched views of the sunset and French dining.
Grab ice cream in a waffle cone from Kilwin's or Cabana's and take a seat on a bench along the bluff and watch a beautiful sunset. While you're in town, check out The Mendel Center for national touring acts from opera to blues concerts to Broadway. Also, during the summer in downtown, check out the Friday Night Concert series at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell.
For more stuff to do in St. Joseph, visit the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center located on the corner of State Street and Ship Street.
SOUTH HAVEN
South Haven is a waterfront resort and boating community known for its National Blueberry Festival, maritime heritage, the Michigan Maritime Museum and it's location on the pristine waters of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Black River.
For breakfast, try the Phoenix Street Cafe for a filling Nova Scotia lox and cream cheese omelet or eggs benedict, possibly the best breakfast in town.
The Michigan Maritime Museum near the drawbridge offers maritime exhibits and tours of the Boathouse, Boat Shed and the Keeper's House. For an additional fee, you can sail on the Tall Ship "Friends Good Will."
Later stroll through Old Harbor Village on the Black River, a small upscale New England style village with unique shops, Warner Vineyards Tasting Room and restaurants.
Walk down to Lakeshore Drive and have some fun in the sun at North Beach. You can grab a hot dog at the concession stand, play a game of beach volleyball or walk along the pier.
Stop at the farmer's market and pack a picnic at Packard Park, just up the road from the beach which has a beach on one side and a park on the other, with a playground and picnic tables.
For a bite to eat, try real homemade fare like soup and daily specials from Cousin's Restaurant or delicious sandwiches from Captain Nemo's with Sherman's Ice Cream for dessert. Otherwise, grab a pizza from Venezia Pizza and take it down to Black River or Dyckman Park and people-watch.
While downtown, see what you can find at the "Best Antique Shop" Arbor Antiques, the Roger Mason Gallery, the Blueberry Store, MacDonald Drug Store or pamper your pet with some treats from Decadent Dogs. Then pamper yourself with saltwater taffy from Lollipop's or fudge from the Chocolate Cafe.
Rent a bike from Rock'n' Road on Broadway and bike down Kal-Haven Trails through wooded trails, over bridges and flowing streams. The trail starts on North Bailey Avenue and ends in Kalamazoo on 10th Street, you can pick up a pass at the staffed trailheads. You'll either have to bike back or have a ride waiting in Kalamazoo.
Later visit South Haven's largest blueberry farm, DeGrandchamp Blueberry Farms, and tour the packing plant or try some of their large berries and specialty items. Further north, tour the McIntosh Apple Orchards, Cider Mill and Winery then walk through the orchard, and depending on the season pick fresh fruit or browse their farm market for food, gifts and fudge. They also have a winery with premium wine tasting available. Their draught cider is also excellent.
Dinner at HawksHead Inn overlooks the golf greens and is nestled in the woods, with entrees like wild duck breast and raspberry chicken. Tello Italian Bistro is another great option for a relaxing intimate dinner with fine Italian dishes. Clementine's offers a more casual dining experience, with the best plate of fried perch as voted by the Chicago Tribune and great onion rings; you may have to wait since this is a very popular place for locals and tourists.
Top the day off with a sunset cruise on a 38-foot Lagoon catamaran sailboat with Cat's Meow Cruises. Also, during the summer South Haven has a Riverfront Concert series on Thursday evenings, just bring your own chair!
SAUGATUCK
The Saugatuck/Douglas area is intimate and well known for beaches, art, fine dining ... you name it. Winter activities should not be ruled out; however in the warmer months these communities truly blossom.
If you're so inclined, breakfast goes hand-in-hand with people watching at Pumpernickel's, where excellent pastries are served alongside skillet dishes on the screened in porch. The Elbo Room is another best kept secret; sit in the screened in patio overlooking the Kalamazoo River and enjoy a decadent breakfast. Parking is a premium but there are two lots where the $5.00 admission helps support school activities.
Shops line Butler Street in Saugatuck and Center Street in Douglas, but please explore the side streets. From t-shirts to cast bronze, you'll find an interesting selection. Saugatuck Drug Store is a favorite of kids and tourists of all ages. The Singapore Bank Bookstore carries a wide selection of current and not so current books. The shop's owner, Judy Nye Hallisy, will be glad to assist you.
Let the kids climb the rungs at the playground at Butler and Main, while you enjoy the sunshine.
Just a few blocks southwest, on the Kalamazoo River at the end of Water Street, the Chain Ferry, the only one of its kind in the U.S., will take you across the river for only $1.00. Please tip well, and lend a hand on the crank.
Once off the ferry, make a right and walk down to Mt. Baldhead Park. The empty radar dome is a one of the lasting remnants of the Cold War. Climbing iconic Mount Baldhead's 282 stairs is a challenge for young and old alike. Once on top and rested, you have the option of continuing on the trail down to Oval Beach, where you can walk in free or pay to park your car. Oval Beach is rated one of the World's top beaches. There are refreshments and rental beach gear at the concession stand. Otherwise, return down the steps, stroll across the road for a look at the river, and depending on the time of day, visit the Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Museum.
For refreshments, you can't beat a Green River or Chocolate Malt from the old fashioned soda fountain found in back of the Drug Store.
Just over the bridge in Douglas, you can visit the Keewatin Maritime Museum and take a tour of the Great Lakes cruise ship S.S. Keewatin, now permanently moored in the Kalamazoo Lake. Next to the Keewatin is the very casual (and good) Red Dock, serving sandwiches and spirits. It's a favorite of locals, accessible by car or boat. Try Donna's Baked Ham sandwich. There are hot dogs for the kids.
The green building across from the Keewatin houses the Button Petter Gallery, one of the many excellent galleries in the area. Pick up a gallery directory for more information. In Douglas, you'll find several home accessory shops, including antiques and art lining the quaint Center Street.
You may have noticed "The Duck" driving or floating by. Kids young and old enjoy a ride on the Duck, an interesting, if not brief, tour of Saug- atuck/Douglas in an old amphibious. Tickets are available at the stops in Douglas and Saugatuck. Or you may want a lengthier cruise on the Star of Saugatuck, where for an hour and a half, you can sit back and float down the Kalamazoo River, getting a new perspective of Saugatuck. Boarding is on a first come-first serve basis, but there's not a bad seat in the (boat) house.
There are historical tours of Downtown Saugatuck. Try the Saugatuck Historical Society, offering Walking Tours at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and the weekends, starting at the Information Booth on the corner of Butler and Culver Street. Or try the "Segway Tours," which can be found at the White House Restaurant . It's an hour guided tour on Segways, of downtown Saugatuck, or they offer longer ones of the lakeshore.
The Mason Street Warehouse, an old pie processing plant turned theater, draws excellent talent from around the country. Make sure you check out the productions while you're in town.
Bikes and scooters are for rent, as are kayaks, motorboats and pontoon boats from Big Lake Outfitters, right down on Water Street. Coral Gables also has mopeds for rent. If you're feeling up to it, check out the Saugatuck Dune Rides, 45 minutes of exhilarating rides over the steep sand dunes.
For a different activity, try the Express Yourself Art Barn just outside Douglas on your way to Fennville for an afternoon at Cranes' Orchards for dessert and lunch. Fenn Valley Vineyard is nearby as are several antique stores ... check out Anderson's School House Gallery with an extensive collection of antiques or visit Bird Cage Antiques, specializing in French furniture on Blue Star Highway on your way back.
For an evening dinner, there's Everyday People Cafe in Douglas where chef Matt Balmer has made his mark. Wild Dog Grille is also a favorite. In Saugatuck try Marro's (well worth the wait) Phil's, The Butler or The Mermaid. Stroll the docks with ice cream from Kilwin's or Charlie's Round the Corner, then make sure you make curtain call at the Mason Street Warehouse.
HOLLAND
Holland, Michigan is a city rich with Dutch heritage, famous for Tulip Time and a scenic state park. Year round, the city attracts many tour- ists; in the spring the city blooms with tall tulips and festivals, a spacious sandy beach for the summer, a harvest of orchards and leaves bursting with fall colors and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Start your morning with a coffee at JP's or bubble tea at Lemonjello's. For a hearty, home-cooked breakfast try The Windmill Restaurant downtown, the Wooden Shoe Restaurant, or the local favorite Good Earth Cafe with bagel sandwiches and muffins.
If your day starts on the north end of town, try DeBoer Bakkery and Dutch Brothers Restaurant on Douglas Avenue; you won't be disappointed.
After breakfast, browse the many fascinating shops in the charming downtown. Start at one end of 8th Street then make your way back on the other side. Many stores are family-owned and have items you won't find anywhere else. The Apothecary Gift Shop, The Outpost, Reader's World for books, Faye's at Mira, there's something for everyone. Don't forget the side streets, and make sure you stop in the Peanut Store for old-fashioned candy and homemade chocolates.
In the Historical District, you can tour the Cappon House Museum and enter the world of a Dutch immigrant who made it big, and fathered 16 children. The small 'mansion' is decorated with original furniture and personal belongings.
For a real Dutch experience, head north a few blocks and tour Windmill Island Gardens and visit DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill in the U.S. Take a walk through the 36 acres of gardens then stop by the Posthouse Museum to see what life was like in the 14th century with a 12 minute presentation.
North of the river, Ottawa Beach Road takes you to the State Park. Stop by the Ottawa Beach General Store to cool off with a soda or ice cream. There's a fee to enter the park, but the pier and channel affords a great view of "Big Red," Holland's historic lighthouse.
Walk over to Mount Pisgah, the towering sand dune east of Holland State Park that is accessible by a wooden boardwalk and stairs. It rises 157 feet above Lake Michigan and offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa and Big Red.
Heading north up Lakeshore Drive brings you to Tunnel Park, where kids can climb the huge wooden playland and stairs climbing up the dune. For lunch the Ottawa Beach Inn makes a mean perch sandwich.
After the beach stop by Captain Sundae's, for a Tommy Turtle's Sundae or Beach Bum. They have the best ice cream in town with many specialty creations to choose from.
Take US-31 North to Nelis' Dutch Village, another popular destination for tourists of all ages, a small Netherland's village constructed with authentic Dutch architecture, fun rides and a petting zoo for the little ones. Try making real Dutch cheese, Dutch Dancing lessons, sample decedent fudge and grab a pig-in-the-blanket from the Hungry Dutchman Cafe.
Later complete your Dutch tour and stop by DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory to learn hands-on how they carve wooden shoes or paint the white and blue delftware (a Dutch pottery).
For dinner, enjoy the newest in green restaurants in West Michigan, CityVu Bistro, atop the CityFlats Hotel downtown for a sophisticated dinner inspired by international cuisine; you can't go wrong with the Manhattan or Milan flatbread. Other superb options are Butch's Dry Dock with a 100+ wine list, or Alpenrose right downtown; The Piper out near the channel is also good.
After dinner take in an independent film at the Knickerbocker Theatre downtown or a performance from the Hope College Summer Repertory Theatre. The Holland Symphony is small, but excellent.
Enjoy after theater cocktails at CitySen Lounge or drafts at the Curragh Irish Pub.
GRAND HAVEN
Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation with the family or a fun time with friends, there's something for everyone in Grand Haven. Many people come to Grand Haven for recreational boating, the large, sandy beaches and Coast Guard Festival in the summer.
Some breakfast stops with local flavor include Morning Star Cafe with melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls, Jeanne's Cafe with too many omelets to choose from, and Dee-Lite for the Farmer's breakfast (a plate of fantastic hash browns, eggs, cheese, meat and veggies).
Take a walk down Washington Avenue, lined with an eclectic variety of boutiques and shops with antiques, specialty items, apparel for all ages and art galleries. The Harbourfront Place is on old piano factory that has been converted into more shops and restaurants.
From the City marina, you can take a walk down the boardwalk, lined with shops and restaurants and perfect for an easy stroll while sightseeing and people-watching. The boardwalk ends at the lighthouse and from there you can walk to the State Park. At night the pier is illuminated with lights, known as the catwalk.
Good Morning America named Grand Haven State Park as one of the top five family beaches in the U.S., because of its cleanliness, amenities and location. If you decide to drive to the beach, there's sufficient park- ing, although you may consider going North to P.J. Hoffmaster Park for a quieter day at the beach and dunes to climb, or South to the dog friendly Grand Haven City Beach.
On your way back grab a world famous Pronto Pup from the small yellow harborfront stand at the top of the hill (a hot dog on a stick blanketed with batter), then sit down on the hill while you watch the boats go by.
Take the Harbor Trolley around town. It runs daily and has many pick-up and drop-off locations, so it's very convenient for getting around.
Snug Harbor makes a memorable lunch spot and you can have a burger while you sit on the back patio overlooking the Lake. If you're feeling more like pizza, Fricano's Pizza has one size, one style pizza that is the most popular and most loved in West Michigan.
Let the kids climb around on Imagination Station, a large wooden playland located at Mulligan's Hollow.
If you're in the mood for a trip down the river, try Lakeshore Kayak Rental; they offer daily river runs on the Grand River. Or stop in Rock'n Road Cycle, they'll be happy to rent you a Giant Sedona ST comfort bike for the day.
Back downtown, take a tour of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, with two floors of early pioneer, logging, lumbering and maritime exhibits and artifacts from Northwest Ottawa County. There's no charge here.
For dinner, try upscale Kirby Bar and choose your dining experience, K2 upstairs for beer and pizza, a pork porterhouse from The Grill Room or a steak while listening to the dueling pianos on the main level at the Kirby House, the choice is yours. Another exquisite meal can be had at The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar where you can have a glass of fine wine and listen to live jazz with your meal, or Porto Bello in the old Story & Clark Piano Factory.
For dessert, walk down to Dairy Treat and pick up their popular "Rock Pile Sundae."
At night make your way down to see the World's Largest Musical Fountain, a must-see show with synchronized music and lights, it can be seen almost anywhere on Grand Haven's waterfront, but you can sit at the Waterfront Stadium on Harbor Drive. It runs nightly after dusk from Memorial Day weekend to Labor day and then only on Friday and Saturday through September.
