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Cross Country Skiing Guide for West Michigan

Cross Country Ski Across West Michigan

West Michigan and our lake towns have an enticing secret. One you’ll find unexpected. Most tourists and visitors identify us as a summer destination. But we moonlight as the perfect winter wonderland. And us locals know it best! At Upscale Lakeshore we want to ensure that you get the most out of your vacations here and help you find all the things and experiences you could ever want or need. So, if you’re still reeling the excitement of winter and those fresh blankets of snow. And you want to keep the flame of excitement and adventure alive, look no further than cross country skiing! With cross country skiing, you are able to admire nature, burn off those holiday meals, and find a new adventurous and exciting activity for you, your family and friends.

 

Pigeon Creek

With a close proximity to all of the Upscale Lakeshore properties, it is West Michgan’s pride and joy of cross country skiing. Pigeon Creek is located in West Olive,Michigan situated between Holland and Grand Haven. Spread along 282 acres with numerous activities and amenities, Pigeon Creek is your new winter wonderland. With 10 miles of groomed skiing trails, a sledding hill, ski lessons, snowshoe trails, snowshoes and ski rentals, and a lodge cafe, Pigeon Creek has everything. We suggest calling ahead to make sure there are rentals available, as ski and snowshoe equipment are first come first serve.

Allegan State Game Area

Closer to our Saugatuck rentals, the Allegan State Game Area is ready for all your outdoor adventures. Consisting of over 19 miles of ski trails, they are prime for all levels, from beginner to pro. The game area also offers a trail map in case you need guidance. 

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Near Downtown Saugatuck, this state park is great for skiers looking for more of a challenge. Trails will be steeper and more ambitious. And for those who aren’t experienced skiers but want to stay close to home, the trails are great for all levels of snowshoers. However, you will need to supply your own equipment.

Hemlock Crossing

Hemlock Crossing is located in West Olive like Pigeon’s Creek but offers new scenery and different trails, and your pets are more than welcome! Hemlock Crossing offers snowshoe rentals (available at their nature center) and trails for both snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Their map covers all 6 miles of their trails for your navigation pleasures.

Riley Trails

Made up of 300 wandering acres, Riley Trails offers numerous ungroomed trails for all your cross country needs. Located in Holland, Riley Trails is accessible to all Upscale Lakeshore Properties. As trails are ungroomed, feel free to have your furry friends tag along for all the fun! Like Saugatuck Dunes State Park, rentals are not provided and you will need to bring our own equipment.

Outdoor Discovery Center

The Outdoor Discovery Center is another excellent opportunity for young children and inexperienced skiers and snowshoers. Near Saugatuck, with 4 miles of trails, it’s a great opportunity for a quick workout and adventure. And perfect for children who lose attention quickly, including opportunities with learning stations along the trails.

 

We hope this guide provided some insights into the hidden fun of West Michigan. Upscale Lakeshore wishes you an unforgettable wonderland adventure!

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Fourth of July along the Lakeshore

Fourth of July along the Lakeshore

Tensions were high in colonial America as Great Britain increased control and legislation in the colonies. The Colonists were outraged and so started the American Revolution. Surprise! America won and The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776, marking America’s independence. America’s birthday is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, parades, red, white, and blue outfits, and tons of family time. Many families love to explore West Michigan and its beach towns as one of their favorite ways to celebrate Independence Day. If you are spending the fourth along the Lakeshore of West Michigan be sure check out the near by events!

Grand Haven

4th of July Party at Grand River Sailing Club | July 4th from 6:00 – 10:00 pm

Fireworks at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium | July 4th starting at dusk

Holland

Celebration Freedom Run at Kollen Park | July 4th starting 12:00 pm

Fireworks at Red Rock | July 4th starting at 5:00 pm 

Fireworks at Kollen Park | July 4th from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm

 

Saugatuck / Douglas

4th of July Parade at Wick’s Park | July 4th at 9:30 am

Fireworks along the Kalamazoo | July 4th starting at dusk

*Bring a blanket or a chair and find a spot at one of the great parks: Cook Park, Coghlin Park, Wade’s Bayou, and Wick’s Park

South Haven

Firecracker Furry 5k at Kids Corner Park | July 2nd at 8:00 am

Fireworks along the Lake Michigan | July 3rd starting at dusk 

4th of July Parade in Downtown | July 4th at 11:00 am

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St Patrick’s Day Fun in West Michigan

St Patrick's Day Fun in West Michigan

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day coming up, we’ve gathered up some ways to celebrate in West Michigan. It’s time to bring out your green attire, cook up some corned beef with cabbage and embrace your inner Irish spirit! Come and celebrate the luck of the Irish along with all things green with us this St. Patrick’s Day. Parades, drink specials, leprechaun races, and much more await. Here are just a few of the many St. Patrick’s Day events happening along the lakeshore of West Michigan. 

Erin-Go-Bark St. Patrick's Day People + Pets Parade

Date: 3/12/2022 

Location: 502 Water St, Saugatuck, MI 49453

 
All creatures great and small are invited to be part of this St. Patrick’s Day fun! The St. Patrick’s Day People + Pets Parade in Downtown Saugatuck is a local favorite for family and furry friends fun.  Gather at Wicks Park on Water Street the people line up for this popular annual event that’s returned for the first time since 2019.

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl

Date: 3/19/2022

Location: 206 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

Join in on the fun of the 5th Annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl in Grand Rapids.  With five bars to hop from, you can enjoy the bar crawl at your pace with waived cover at included venues, food and drink specials, and a chance at a $1000 prize for the costume contest.  End the day of celebrating with an after party with DJ at Flanagan’s Irish Pub. 

St. Paddy's Leprechaun Chase

Date: 3/12/2022

Location: 250 Central Ave, Holland, MI 49423

 

The Holland Running Club’s Leprechaun Chase 5K is kicking off Holland’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a Saturday morning road race. Participants are encouraged to dress for the occasion with green outfits and Irish costumes. This is a fundraising event with proceeds benefiting an organization that is providing the experience of road racing to individuals with disabilities.

Downton Holland St. Patrick's Day Parade

Date: 3/12/2022

Location: 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423

 

Continue the Irish festivites throughout the day in Holland after the leprechuan chase with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Holland. Those wearing green are invited to carry Irish flags in the parade along with entertainment from Irish dancers, bagpipers, and kilt-wearers.

Muskegon St. Patrick's Day Parade

Date: 3/19/2022

Location: 380 W Western Ave #202, Muskegon, MI 49440

 

Gather with your family and friends green and come celebrate in downtown Muskegon for a full day of Irish celebrations! The family-friendly parade kicks off at 11:00 am  from 6th Street along Western Avenue to 2nd Street, and will celebrate Muskegon’s rich Irish heritage.

We look forward to celebrating with you! While we can’t promise you will find a pot o’gold, use the code “LUCKY” when booking a 3 night stay with us to receive a special 10% off discount for your reservation. See you soon!

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A Weekend for the Girls

A Weekend for the Girls

Turn a girls day into a weekend getaway of bonding and celebrating with your girlfriends this March along the lakeshore by attending Girlfriends Weekend in Downtown Holland. Get ready for the ultimate girls trip experience, all weekend long! Located in the heart of the city of Holland, just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan, Downtown Holland is a premier shopping, dining, and special events destination like none other.

 

Girlfriends Weekend in Downtown Holland officially begins this year on Friday, March 4th through Sunday, March 6thRegistration is required for the event and is $45 per person and this includes a swag bag that’s full of goodies, a complimentary mimosa during check-in, a coupon book with savings to Downtown Holland shops and restaurants, fun hands-on activities and classes at participating stores, the chance to win special giveaways, live music and much more. During registration you can also purchase tickets for the fashion show and pajama party too.  “Some women have been attending every year since 2009,” said Downtown Holland Marketing Coordinator, Kara de Alvare, who explains how much this weekend means each year. “For so many women, Girlfriends Weekend provides a very rare opportunity for them to finally relax, reconnect and recharge. And we’re honored to be able to provide that opportunity here in Downtown Holland.” Treat yourself to a girls trip and book your stay with us at Upscale Lakeshore here and register for the event here.

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Plan Your Winter Getaway to West Michigan

Plan Your Winter Getaway to West Michigan

The ultimate way to cure the post holiday blues is to plan your next vacation in the new year. For many people, planning a trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself. Plan your next trip to West Michigan for your winter getaway. Winter in Michigan is more than just snow and the cold weather. The lakeshore along West Michigan offers endless fun and plenty of winter activities to do. Whether you’re ready to get out of the house, or would prefer to stay in where it’s warm, here are a few of our favorite West Michigan winter activities to try this season!

Hit The Slopes

When the snow starts to fall, it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes and Michigan offers snow-lovers plenty of opportunities to do so. The local parks are a hot spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding and other winter sports on the slopes. Don’t have your own equipment? No worries, most of the places  offers rentals but be sure to call ahead to confirm. 

 

Learn more about winter sports in:

Grand Haven

Holland

Saugatuck and Douglas

South Haven 

Adventure Sports Park

Start off your winter adventures and spend a day at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park! Whether you’re looking to try luge for the first time and experience an olympic thrill, or you’re an experienced skater,  there is something for everyone. Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the area, and snowshoeing is perfect for those who want to take it easy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the winter zip line.

Visit Lake Michigan

Bundle up and enjoy a beach day at Lake Michigan. We all love Lake Michigan in the summer, but it is definitely a sight to see when touched by the magic of winter. The shoreline is a must-see destination, as it glitters with ice and snow and provides picturesque views. 

Go Ice Skating

Kick off your winter getaway on the right foot and embrace the winter time when you lacing up  your skates and hitting the ice rink. If you get good enough at it, you just might find a new favorite winter season pastime. Lace up your skates and enjoy some family fun for all  whether it’s in an indoor and outdoor rink. 

Enjoy Winter Festivals

Winter along the lakeshore of West Michigan is the perfect time to celebrate our favorite season with various festivals throughout each town. From ice-based delicacies and snow events, there are many activities that keep on going even when it’s cold outside!

Explore Downtowns

Stroll the snowy streets of downtown with a hot chocolate in hand. There is an array of things to do and see during the winter time downtown! With everything from restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries to Michigan made goodies and much more. There is always something going on in downtown, and the winter is no exception. 

Dining Outdoors

Once you’re tired from strolling downtown, find comfort food in a variety of styles that’s offered and experience dining outdoors in the winter. From igloos, tents to greenhouse set ups around town you’ll be sure to enhance your enjoyment during the winter season.

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Ring in the New Year in West Michigan

Ring in the New Year in West Michigan

There is excitement all around as the New Year is approaching. Kick it off with a ball drop party or a special event from your favorite destinations along the lakeshore of West Michigan. West Michigan is ready to celebrate with special dinner events, ball drops, fireworks and more! Join us for a West Michigan New Year’s Eve and delight in a truly special way of ringing in the New Year.

New Year's Eve at The Dunes

Location: 333 Blue Star Hwy. Douglas, MI 49406

 

Packed with energy and plenty of food, drinks and dancing come ring in the new year at The Dunes starting at 8:00 pm to 2:00 am.  There will be live music from DJ Mark Sapoznikov into 2022 with a countdown to the new year  and a champagne toast. Cover will be $10 at the door. 

New Year's Eve Party of The Year

Location: 220 Water St Saugatuck, MI 49453

 

 

Enjoy a special dinner package and dancing the night away with DJ Zerry to celebrate the new year at Coral Gables. There will be a fireworks show at midnight. Enjoy the celebration before hand and get the best seat on the river for the show. There will be a dinner package, party favors, piano bar fun with Brandon Ward and a karaoke party with Lattell. 

New Year's Eve Dinner at Borrowed Time

Location: 22 East Center Street Douglas, MI 49406

 

Enjoy up to a 9 course meal and premium wine pairings at Borrowed Time with a champagne toast at midnight to ring in 2022. Doors will open at 8:00 pm and reservations are required due to limited seatings. This wine and dine event will provide you with some of the best wine alongside a special multi-course meal designed to satisfy.

Noon Year's Eve

Location: 202 E Main St. Fennville, MI 49408

 

For a more family-friendly celebration, check out this annual year end celebration. Ring in the new year with little ones at Forever Curious Museum. The museum will have special activities, music, a photo booth and a big balloon drop at noon! Keep the whole family entertained and excited as the new year approaches!

New Year's Eve Celebration

Location: 100 Washington Ave Grand Haven , MI 49417

 

The Cooper Post welcomes you to celebrate New Year’s Eve their way starting at 6:00 pm enjoy hors d’ oeuvres along with a speciality main course of lobster, prime rib and or both,  dessert and to top it off a  champagne toast.  Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot! 

New Year's Eve in South Haven

Location: Downtown South Haven South Haven, MI 49090

 

Celebrate the new year in South Haven where the streets will be closed and there will be 1,000 beach balls dropped from the city center with fireworks at midnight!  Children can enjoy crafts, music, and a holiday train display followed by an early beach ball drop. As the night goes on, enjoy local cuisine, spirits, and shopping with the DJ keeping spirits alive under the moonlight.

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Holiday Events and Activities in West Michigan

Holiday Events and Activities in West Michigan

Photo Credit: Holland Area Visitors Bureau

There are magical memories to be made throughout the year along the lakeshore of West Michigan with various activities and events for all to enjoy. These events taking place in December help residents and guests celebrate the holiday season. Come gather with your family and friends to join in on the holiday fun with us! Be sure to check out our social media for weekly post of weekend festivities happening this month along with the list below. 

Coopersville Christmas Fair

Date: 12/10/21 

Location:  375 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404

Enjoy a Christmas Fair at the Coopersville Farm Museum for a vintage to modern display of Christmas arts and crafts. There will be a variety of vendors and crafters showcasing and selling their wares. With free admission, come and find the perfect handmade gift for your loved ones. 

Holidays Around The World

Date: 12/11/21 

Location: 31 W. 10th St, Holland, MI 49423

 

Travel the world without leaving the Holland Museum! Join the Holidays Around The World from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a trip around the world as you explore different winter holidays with art activities, stories and history game. Visitors will also enjoy holiday carols by members of the Holland Chorale. 

Santa is Coming to Centertown

Date: 12/11/21

Location: 421 Columbus Ave. Grand Haven , MI 49417

 

Santa is coming to Centertown on December 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.  Meet with Santa and have photos taken with him, his elves and even live reindeer. Centertown vendors will be offering gifts, discounts and activities for kids of all ages. Find out the  where all the elves are sneaking around and enter to win a prize!

Sipping with Santa

Date: 12/11/2021

Location: 2128 62nd Street Fennville, MI 49408

 

Get in the holiday spirit with Modales at Sipping with Santa. Meet and greet along with photos with Santa himself will be between 4:00 to 6:00 pm. There will be a craft tables for the kids starting at 12 pm. Grab your friends and kiddos for some holiday cheer. 

Chorale Holiday Concert: Tis the Season

Date: 12/12/21 

Location: 630 State St Holland, MI 49423

 

Attend the annual Chorale Holiday Concert: Tis The Season featuring familiar favorites of the season and special guests, The West Michigan Children’s Choir. The concert begins at 3:00 pm at First Reformed Church. You may purchase tickets online or at the door depending on availability. 

Cooking Class: Cookies + Cocktails

Date: 12/14/21

Location: 310 Blue Star Hwy Douglas, MI 49406

 

Sip on cocktails while participating in this hands on cooking class at Isabel’s Market. Team up with your buddy to design and decorate your own holiday cookies. There will be enough cookies to share! There’s no better combination than speciality craft-cocktails and cookie making magic. 

DJ Abel at the South Haven Ice Rink

Date: 12/17/21

Location: 546 Phoenix Street South Haven, MI 49090

 

Strap on your skates and enjoy the live music by DJ Abel at the South Haven Ice Rink. from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The skate pass is $5 and skate rentals are $4. 

Visit Santa in the Park

Date: 12/21/21

Location: 546 Phoenix Street South Haven, MI 49090

 

Gather the whole family and strap on your skates and visit Santa  at the South Haven Ice Rink. from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The skate pass is $5 and skate rentals are $4. 

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Holiday Shopping Fun in West Michigan

Holiday Shopping Fun in West Michigan

It’s that time of year again, gift buying season is in full swing! These West Michigan shopping events are made for gift-giving, and it’s a wonderful way to support local small businesses during these times while making a positive impact with your gift shopping and spreading some holiday cheer. 

Kerstmarkt

Date: 11/20/21 – 12/11/21 (Weekends) 

Location: W 8th St & Pine Ave Holland, MI 49423

 

“Kerstmarkt” means “Christmas market” in the Dutch language. Such markets pop up all over the Netherlands during the Christmas season, offering a venue for for local shopping, traditional foods, drinks and entertainment. Come and experience Kerstmarkt, the Christmas market in Holland that offers a delightful outdoor European-style market with holiday items, delicious food and artisan demonstrations

 

Mistletoe Market

Date: 12/2/21 – 12/12/21 (Thursdays to Sundays)

Location: 600 Phoenix St South Haven, MI 49090

 

Join the holiday fun at The Mistletoe Market at the South Haven Center for the Arts. Local artists display their jewelry, paintings, photography and more at this holiday and winter gift market, that typically includes 40 local artists and makers. Browse through the selection of local, unique gifts and gourmet food items.

Christmas Arts & Craft Show

Date: 12/2/21 – 12/3/21

Location: 421 Columbus Ave. Grand Haven , MI 49417

 

Come enjoy all things handcrafted at The Christmas Arts & Craft Show located at the Grand Haven Community Center. This 48th annual event will have handcrafted items on display for purchase along with fresh wreaths for sale and food too! There will be a $1 donation at the door with proceeds going to the community center. 

Outdoor Holiday Market

Date: 12/4/2021

Location: 400 Culver St Saugatuck, MI 49453

 

Stroll through 40 art and fine craft vendors featuring crafts, home decor, wearables, jewelry, paper goods, artisan baked goods and much more at the Outdoor Holiday Market, located at The Saugatuck Center for the Arts. While you shop you can  enjoy a specialty holiday beverage from the bar and food along with entertainment from the live band setting the festive mood. 

 

Holiday Shop + Sip + Savor

Date: 12/4/21 – 12/11/21 (Saturdays)

Location: 35 Center St Douglas, MI 49406

 

 

Gather your friends and family and enjoy an evening of shopping and a cozy igloo with appetizers, hand-crafted cocktails at the Holiday Shop + Sip + Savor at  Coastal Society, a boutique and craft-cocktail bar that offers a curated clothing and accessories shopping experience with goods sourced locally and globally from some of the most sought after designers and skilled artesian’s around. Shop, sip and savor while getting in the holiday shopping spirit!

Sip and Shop

Date: 12/10/21

Location: 15 S. 3rd St. Grand Haven, MI 49417

 

Various craft vendors will be at The Grand Haven Elks Club. Sip and shop while browsing through candles, holiday signs, kitchenware, jewelry, soaps, plants and much more while enjoying a fully stocked bar available . You’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone here!

Very Merry Market

Date: 12/12/21

Location: 17246 Van Wagoner Rd Spring Lake, MI

 

Join 50+ of local favorite merchants and makers for your holiday gift shopping needs. Enjoy shopping with live music by Plain Jane Glory and delicious food by Trillium Events at the Very Merry Market. There is an admission charge of $3 at the door and children get in free. 

Shopping Jam

Date: 12/18/21

Location: Downtown Holland 

 

The early bird gets the deals at the annual Downtown Holland Shopping Jam from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The earlier you shop, the more you save! During the Shopping Jam, participating shops and restaurants will be offering discounts dependent on the business. 

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Support and Protect Michigan Vacation Rentals

Support and Protect Michigan Vacation Rentals

You may have heard about the news of the Michigan House Bill 4722 passing in the house and is now onto the Michigan State Senate. Here at Upscale Lakeshore, we are in support of the HB 4722 and are here to support our owners, our guests and our communities. Our vacation rental traditions promotes Pure Michigan as a great vacation destination. This bill helps to clarify and define rights of homeowners to use their property for short-term rentals along with creating reasonable regulations of rental guidelines outside of zoning, supporting local government control and protecting the rights of all property owners.

 

We find short-term rentals are an asset for not only property owners but guest visitors and the local communities as well. Short-term rentals help Michigan homeowners maximize the value of their investment and support the payment of property taxes. All while generating economic activity within the local surrounding businesses. The right to rent is an important aspect of private property ownership. Now is the time to protect private property rental rights and Michigan’s history of short-term vacation rentals. Communities across the state have long recognized vacation rentals as an important tradition that provides a positive impact upon the our economy.  Your voice is crucial to supporting the protection of Michigan vacation rentals and the communities we love and care for. Join us in contacting your state senator and tell them to vote YES on HB 4722.

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Where to go To Spice Up Your Fall Vacation in West Michigan

Where to Go to Spice Up Your Fall Vacation in West Michigan

Venturing into West Michigan during the autumnal part of the year, boasts exciting new opportunities! You may be finding yourself wanting to go on a hayride or enjoying the best apple cider and donuts around. And you’re in luck, West Michigan is the perfect place for it! There is plenty of fall fun for yourself and or your family and friends to enjoy while staying in one of our vacation homes.

Crane Orchards

Located in Fennville, Cranes has it all with cow trains for the children and hayrides for all ages. At Cranes, you can choose from  apples to pumpkins and gourds, with locally produced honey and other goods. After a fun day of picking and enjoying the crisp fall air, enjoy tasty treats of homemade pies or donuts and amazing locally sourced wine and food at their restaurant.

Bethke Farms

Bethke Farms is the popular pumpkin patch and family favorite near Grand Haven. Offering hayrides, a corn maze, and other fun activities for kids, this is a great place to spend a fall afternoon with your family and pick out the perfect pumpkin for painting and carving later on. 

Bumbleberry Acres

This farm in South Haven offers a 1.5-mile corn maze to test your navigation skills. Bumbleberry Acres is where farm meets fun, plan a trip for some family fun including wagon rides, farm animals, playground, u-pick pumpkins and wild flowers and even a barrel train ride!

Jollay Orchards

Enjoy the farm market, fresh air and family fun at Jollay Orchards. Nestled down in Coloma, The Jollay’s have been perfecting the craft of growing fruit for 146 years! Pick your favorite apples at Jollay Orchards, then go next door to Grandpa’s Cider Mill and see how apple cider is made. You can also visit the  fishing pond while letting the kids roam the orchards.

Post Family Farm

Post Family Farm is a family owned and operated farm that has events for you and your family and friends year round! Create your fall memories here while enjoying the 80 acre farm filled with the simple pleasures in life along with their delicious pumpkin glazed donuts.