West Michigan
Photo: Amy Freshwater
After traveling coast to coast, I can honestly say that west Michigan is one of my favorite spots in the US. Michigan provides something for everyone, whether your looking for beaches and boating activities, outdoor hiking and camping, hunting from deer to larger game, to celebrating the arts and entertainment with world class theatre, dance and dining.
West Michigan covers Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. And although Holland is technically part of West Michigan, because it's my most favorite Lake Michigan beach town, it has its own page.
Orchards, Cider Mills and Farmer Markets
West Michigan is known for their amazing orchards and farmer's markets. Not only are the shores of Lake Michigan beautiful and inviting, they also provide perfect temperatures that make Michigan one of the leading fruit producers in the nation. Depending on the part of the mitten that you're visiting, you'll find strawberries, peaches, cherries, apples, blueberries and raspberries.
While most of the markets are open only in the summer and early fall, some are open through Christmas and a few are open year round. Not only can you pick your own blueberries in the summer, you can also take hay rides and sip hot cider in the fall and enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride and hot chocolate in the winter.
Overhiser Orchards (South Haven)
Barden's Farm Market (South Haven and Saugatuck)
Dutch Farm Market (South Haven)
Fruit Ridge Farm Market and U-Pick (Sparta)
Klackle Orchards (Greenville)
Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery (Grand Rapids)
Allegan's Farmer's Market (Allegan)
Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market and U-Pick (Holland)
Crane Orchards (Fennville)
Crossroads Blueberry Market (West Olive)
DeGrandchamp Farms (South Haven)
Grand Haven Farmer's Market (Grand Haven)
Spring Lake Farm & Garden Market (Spring Lake)
Muskegon Farmer's Market (Muskegon)
Post Family Farm (Hudsonville)
Reenders Blueberry Farms (West Olive)
Eighth Street Farmer's Market (Holland)
Photo: Amy Freshwater/Eighth Street Farmer's Market
Things to Do
The four seasons are one of the things that attracts people to Michigan. But it also alters the opening/closing schedule for some local attractions. Be sure to check out the website for hours of operation.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
USS Silversides Submarine Museum
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
Animal Encounters/Petting Farms
Critter Barn (Zeeland)
Lewis Farms (New Era)
Deer Tracks Junction (Cedar Springs)
Nelis' Dutch Village (Holland)
Eats & Drinks
Grand Rapids is considered one of the top dining destinations in the United States, and combine that with the incredibly fast-growing craft industry in GR and the many vineyards, there is no shortage of finding a great place to wine and dine.
Grand Rapids
Allegan
Catering
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