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Explore These West Michigan Wineries

Explore These West Michigan Wineries

There is an expansive variety of wines produced by the vineyards and wineries in West Michigan. You’ll find rich, full reds, light sparkling whites and a variety of rich flavors that only Michigan grapes can create so you can taste a bit of Pure Michigan in every sip.

Crane's Orchard

Spend the entire day at Crane’s, a local favorite! From apple picking, hayrides and a corn maze during the fall months with indoor and outdoor restaurant sitting, and wine tasting it’s hard to leave the orchard unsatisfied. Whether it’s a family outing or adult only soiree you will surely never forget your time at the locally owned orchard, pie pantry, restaurant and winery.

Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery

This award-winning vineyard is great for wine-tasting on its patios and also hosts events like cookouts, wine festivals, and live music. Fenn Valley is a family-owned vineyard and winery since 1973 with world-class wines and ciders from fruit grown along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Great Mead Hall and Brewing Company

Take a step into the past and enjoy some good old-fashioned mead and if you’re feeling adventurous take a shot at axe throwing! Great Mead Hall and Brewing is a veteran owned business that sources local ingredients for their meads. 

Hudsonville Winery

Enjoy a long list of award winning wines and craft brews made locally at The Hudsonville Winery. Once you have had your fill of wine and craft beer enjoy their full lunch and dinner menu. Great spot for a night out – be sure to enjoy a wine slushie! 

Petter Wine Gallery

Petter Wine Gallery is located in The J. Petter Galleries where you can explore all of our galleries with a glass of wine in hand and celebrate the finer things in life. While you’re here also indulge in the array of curated artisan cheeses, cured meats, baguettes, and hand-poured chocolates

Michigan Wine Company

Authentic and artistic wine operated by passionate owners and winemakers. You’ll be sure to fall in love with Michigan wine and cider here at The Michigan Wine Company made with artistry, love and passion. Enjoy the outdoor space with a view and a nice glass of wine (or two) with friends and family. 

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Restaurants to Try in Grand Haven, Michigan

Restaurants to Try in Grand Haven, Michigan

There is something to satisfy every tastebud when it comes to food cravings in the area of Grand Haven. Bring your appetite to one of these Grand Haven restaurants and you won’t be disappointed.

*Arturo's Tacos

Arturo’s is an award winning fresh Mexica restaurant that offers delicious tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, tortas and much more. With original recipes that have been in the family history for years, you will be sure to leave with your taste buds satisfied as well as your appetite for Mexican food. 

Fricano's

Since the 1940’s, Fricano’s has been located in a 19th century boarding house and claimed by thousands of serious customers to be the best pizza they’ve ever had. Fricano’s pizza remains the original and most famous pizza and pizzeria in Michigan. Make sure to stop in to enjoy their delicious thin crust pizza.

*Morning Star Cafe

Start your day off on a good note with breakfast or brunch from Morning Star Cafe. Since 1995, the restaurant has been serving great food with a Southwest touch and made with love. If you are looking to have an unforgettable breakfast experience while on your vacation, this is the place to go!

Notos

Notos at Bil-Mar is the only restaurant in Grand Haven located on the beach and offers amazing views of Lake Michigan with an outdoor seating area right on the sand! This is a great place to watch the sunset with dinner or drinks. Noto’s serves lots of contemporary food options, including several vegan dishes, and are well known for their brick oven pizzas. 

Paisley Pig

The Paisley Pig Gastropub is a locally owned restaurant located in Grand Haven that offers more than just their phenomenal pulled pork. The menu includes high quality sourced ingredients from locally owned farms for their soups, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and more.

Rainy Days Cafe

Rainy Days Cafe is a casual spot to grab the best breakfast in town! Enjoy the locals recommended benedict in a dog-friendly environment. This has remained one of the oldest restaurants in Grand Haven dating back to the 1920’s. With home town cooking and homemade recipes you you will walk away with a good start to your day.

*Rustic Roots

Rustic Roots offers many gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options among their fresh and flavorful menu. Enjoy a great meal and great service with options for everyone in a quirky, fun ambiance. 

Snug Harbor

Snug Harbor offers delightful food and a oh so picturesque view. Located along the Grand River overlooking Lake Michigan and the Grand Haven Pier, Snug Harbor has been a go to spot to enjoy dinner or drinks and a sunset in the area area for the past 30 years.  

The Toasted Pickle

The Toasted Pickle is far from your usual sandwich shop. Enjoy a distinct twists on classic sandwich recipes – of course with a pickle on the side as well. Stop on by for a unique variety of hand-crafted sandwiches, salads and soups, featuring fresh, local ingredients. 

*An Upscale Lakeshore Team Favorite 

Disclaimer: Be sure to check business hours online prior to heading over. We do want to say that each experience may differ depending on the service you receive.

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Restaurants to Try in Holland, Michigan

Restaurants to Try in Holland, Michigan

The hopping downtown of quaint Holland is filled with a variety of different restaurants; everything from cafés, casual dining, bars, fine dining, and more. Come explore and get a taste of it all!

Big Lake Brewing

Big Lake Brewing company is an industrial style bar offering a wide beer selection and bar bites. Founded in 2009, Big Lake Brewing is now a 7000 square ft brewery with a full kitchen. Beer is also available to-go including cans of the mainstay options as well as bomber bottles of barrel-aged specialty releases.

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant is located right on Lake Macatawa. You can enjoy its beautiful views from the outdoor patio and lounge or inside from the elevated seating. After a delicious meal, take a walk around lovely Kollen Park which is adjacent to the restaurant and runs alongside Lake Macatawa. Offering gorgeous sunsets and also live music.

*Butch's Dry Dock

Butch’s Dry Dock is known for its outstanding wine and beer offerings. The wine restaurant is one of fewer than 800 restaurants worldwide (also 1 of 10 in Michigan) to hold Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence. Enjoy the bar side of the restaurant to meet up with friends for a casual drink and the restaurant side for those special moments you may be celebrating. Make sure to make a reservation because this restaurant is so good it is hard to get in!

Crane's In The City

If you are looking for comfort-food, Crane’s In The City is the place to go. Enjoy their tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches; all of which come with their homemade bread and buns! You can also enjoy their specialty desserts including the homemade pies, crisps, cakes, and dumplings, all freshly baked onsite. 

Crust 54

While Holland isn’t too far from Chicago, it’s a bit too long of a drive to grab a pizza! Luckily, you can enjoy Chicago style deep dish pizza in the heart of Downtown Holland at Crust 54. Their menu has more than just ooey-gooey slices, so check out everything they offer while being surrounded by their friendly staff.

*Hops at 84 East

Located in the heart of Downtown Holland, if you love live music while enjoying tasty food, Hops at 84 East is the place to go. Hops has an award-winning craft beer list featuring 60 taps from our great beer state and the country.  Hops is not just amazing beer, they also barrel age their specialty cocktails and feature the first wine on tap system in the area.

Mizu Sushi

If you’re anything like us, all this walking around the beautiful lakes of Michigan brings on a mighty craving for sushi! We asked the opinions of local servers and bartenders to get the scoop on where to go. Mizu Sushi it was! They have all the classic rolls in addition to the creative options you can’t get anywhere else in town. Stop by for some sashimi – maybe enough to share?

New Holland Brewing

New Holland Brewing Company beer might be stocked in your refrigerator, but why not stop by where all that magic happens? This brewery is all about creating moments and enhancing the lives of those around. Make sure to stop on by and create your special moment while slaking your thirst for a fantastic ale paired perfectly with their seasoned fries. 

Seventy Six

If you are looking for a dinner where you can go get dressed up for date night or sip fancy cocktails with your gal pals, Seventy Six is downtown gem is just what you’re looking for. With an original and delectable offering, the menu is the funniest in town. With sections like: “High End Junk Food” and “Things We Put On Plates”, you’ll get a laugh along with a great evening. Just make sure you order the lobster rangoons or we’ll be mighty disappointed.

The Curragh

Found a nip in the air and craving a thick Guinness? We heartily recommend Curragh’s Irish Pub with their Dubliner cheese topped spuds and Cider French Onion soup! This pub also offers seating on their dog-friendly patio if you want to bring your furry friend along. Enjoy your meal amidst the friendly staff and don’t forget to toast to a fun-filled weekend in Holland – Sláinte!

*The Windmill

Serving breakfast or lunch all day long makes The Windmill a favorite for everyone whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or a full meal with family and friends. This diner-inspired restaurant located in downtown Holland is well known for their famous Windmill Hashbrown Omelette. A must for  breakfast lovers throughout West Michigan. 

*An Upscale Lakeshore Team Favorite 

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The Benefits of Booking a Late Summer Getaway

The Benefits of Booking a Late Summer Getaway

It’s time to get serious about crossing things off your summer bucket list as fall is slowly approaching and the window for planning a summer vacation is coming to a close. If you haven’t already taken a summer vacation, make that a top priority. There is still time to book a last minute late summer getaway and enjoy soaking up the sun before life gets busy again in the fall. 

Excitement

Deciding to book a late summer getaway and just doing it is exciting. It feels spontaneous and liberating. Everyone can benefit from a little spontaneity now and then. Making an impromptu decision for the thrill of it and then successfully following through on it opens the door to a whole lot of excitement. 

Time

When you book your late summer getaway it can be seen as a last minute trip in which you may not have time to do much planning and or research in advance. As a result, you save time and spend it packing and getting to the destination instead of having to stress about planning, organizing and researching for your trip.

Opportunities

While some people may prefer to have their vacations fully planned out, sometimes when you don’t, you have more opportunities for unplanned adventures. Spontaneous trips can make for unforgettable memories by allowing for you to get get out there, have fun and discover new things are you go. 

Rejuvenation

While some trips are planned annual vacations, there are other times when you just simply need to get away from reality for a bit. After all, time off is crucial for your health and overall wellbeing so a late summer getaway will have you returning to work and everyday life feeling refreshed and reenergized.

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Outdoor Activities in Holland, Michigan

Outdoor Activities in Holland, Michigan

Whether engulfing yourself in all the nature surrounding the town, soaking up the sun on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan,  or taking part in some shopping on Eighth Street, there are plenty of things to do outdoors in Holland, Michigan for all visitors.  Being rich in Dutch heritage, Holland creates an experience like no other with loads to explore and see.

Bicycling

There are over 150 miles of bike trails that surround the Holland area. Enjoy the lush, scenic paved pathways whether you are looking for some off-road mountain biking or scenic rides around the lakeshore for sight seeing. 

Nature Preserves

There are two nature  centers that cover over 170 acres located in Holland, The Outdoor Discovery Center and DeGraaf Nature Center. Both centers have live animals on site, educational and interactive programs for the family, trails for hiking and exploring, and naturalists to educate and inform.

Farmers Market

Browse and shop local at the Holland Farmers Market.  Open for the season every Wednesday and Saturday starting at 8:00 am to 2:00 pm and located at the Eighth Street Market Place in downtown. The farmers market is home to nearly 100 vendors throughout the season. Proudly featuring only Michigan grown produce and Michigan made goods. 

Blueberry Farm

Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market has fresh, delicious blueberries that they’ve been growing since 1954. Whether you would rather pick them yourself or buy them from the market, enjoy a a fun day in the sun, picking your own fruit and then visiting the bakery for freshly made sweet treats. 

Mount Pisgah

Mount Pisgah is a soaring dune off of Holland State Park with breathtaking panoramic views. At its highest point, the dune is 157 feet above Lake Michigan. Public parking is available at an Ottawa County parking lot near Black Lake Avenue and Ottawa Beach Road.

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Outdoor Activities in Saugatuck, Michigan

Outdoor Activities in Saugatuck, Michigan

Outdoor adventures await you in the areas of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan where you will be embraced by sandy dunes and blue waterways. With miles of Lake Michigan shorelines and plenty of trails, parks and water activities, you will be sure to stay busy outside during your getaway. 

Dune Rides

Saugatuck Dune Rides offers a scenic and informative ride over the Saugatuck Dunes. Enjoy the views and your hair blowing in the wind during the thrilling buggy ride, similar to a roller-coaster up and down the dunes. Nature lovers may even get to see some wildlife along the way. 

Boat Tours

There is nothing like experiencing the unsalted waves of Saugatuck and Douglas than by boat. Whether you are looking to catch a line on a charter fishing boat or looking to enjoy the sunset while on the water there are plenty of charter boat excursions to choose from in the area. 

Rent a Boat

Looking for more than just a boat tour and wanting to be the captain of your own boat? Retro Boat Rentals allows visitors to rent vintage fiberglass boats with eco-friendly electric motors to take out on the waterways of Saugatuck and Douglas. After enjoying your time in the water stop in for a bite to eat along the large water front patio. 

Chain Ferry

Hop on a nostalgic hand cranked ride on the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. The only remaining chain driven ferry in the country in operation since 1838. Originally used to carry horses across the river, the ferry now assists tourists in their adventure to Mount Baldhead and Oval Beach. 

Mount Baldhead

Walk, run and or enjoy a hike at Mount Baldhead for some breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and towns of both Saugatuck and Douglas. To get to the top there are 282 steps with areas to rest along the way. Once at the top, you can run down the dunes to the beach.

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Outdoor Activities in South Haven, Michigan

Outdoor Activities in South Haven, Michigan

Photo Credit: Mark McCulfor

There’s a special ambiance and an endless array of activities in the area of South Haven, Michigan making it the perfect outdoor oasis. Step right outside and start your outdoor adventure in Southwest Michigan. 

Beach Activities

There’s so much to do when you’re spending a day at the beach along with relaxing and soaking in the sun. If you are looking for something more to do while you’re at the beach you can rent out kayaks, paddle boards, boogie boards, canoes, and all the gear you need to get out on the water in no time right at North and South Beach in South Haven.

Fishing

There are endless possibilities to drop a line in South Haven. Experience a fishing charter or indulge in the peacefulness of fishing solo along the pier of Black River. The waters of Lake Michigan offers lake trout, yellow perch, bass, chinook, coho and steelhead among other species of fish.

Trails

Go for a walk, run and or even paddle through the trails that surround South Haven with 48 miles of hiking trails and 91 miles of kayaking trails. After all, South Haven is known as the Pure Michigan Trail Town by the Department of Natural Resources of Michigan and Travel Michigan. 

Boat Tours

Explore South Haven’s beautiful coastline and take a look at South Haven from a water perspective during the day or even sunset cruises where you can get swept away by the reflecting colors of the sunset off of Lake Michigan. Enhance your Southwest Michigan experience cruising the river or hanging out on Lake Michigan. 

Cruise Around Town

If you want to enjoy a cruise around town with friends and family you can have the options of renting a scooter, bike and even a golf cart to explore town with instead of being stuck in a car. A fun way to go check out the beautiful town of South Haven with many sights to see and places to go. 

Recreation Park

Newly opened, Lake Arvesta Farms is Michigan’s largest outdoor recreational park located in South Haven where you can experience the ultimate outdoor adventure. Featuring floating obstacle courses, a water slide, swimming areas, a designated kayak and paddle board area, and a cable wakeboarding park. 

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Outdoor Activities in Grand Haven, Michigan

Outdoor Activities in Grand Haven, Michigan

Explore all that Grand Haven, Michigan has to offer when it comes to outdoor fun. The Grand Haven area is a year round vacation destination never lacking in things to do. Fill your stay with a long list of outdoorsy adventures. The Grand Haven area offers outdoor activities that are ideal for people of any age and or background. 

Trails

Whether you want to take a nice stroll, hike, run and even bike there are plenty of trails to do so in. Explore the towering dunes and spend a day among the woodlands, the lakeshore trail connects Grand Haven and Holland with a stop along the way. Some trails you can explore are Kirk Park, Olive Shores, Pigeon Creek and or Rosy Mound. 

Camping

Grand Haven State Park is the perfect spot to camp out along with many other campsite locations in the Grand Haven area. There are 174 campsites along the unsalted shores of Lake Michigan. All campsites have electrical hookups along with access to drinking water, toilets, hot showers and a playground!

Water Sports

Looking to dive right in? At Grand Haven, the water sport possibilities are endless. Canoeing, tubing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing you name it, Grand Haven offers it! You can rent, purchase water sport equipment and even sign up for lessons at various locations in Grand Haven, learn more here

Dunes

Check out the rolling dunes. There are several sand dunes in the area offer beautiful scenery for exploration. The woods surrounding the dunes at the Rosy Mound Natural Area add to the beauty of this outdoor adventure. Climb the stairs to go up and over the dunes to enjoy amazing views of Lake Michigan.

Geocaching

Geocaching is a real world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. There are currently over 1,000 in the Grand Haven area! Geocaching is the perfect activity for families, couples and or groups of friends. 

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Rainy Day Guide for West Michigan

Rainy Day Guide for West Michigan

A rainy day in West Michigan along the lakeshore is another opportunity to explore and enjoy all that the area has to offer. There is so much to do on a rainy day. Sometimes the weather may not permit for the sun and sand and long walks on the beach. If you find yourself staying with us on a rainy weekend here are a few things to do indoors in and around the lakeshore of West Michigan.

Go to the Museum

Looking to expand your history knowledge to new horizons? Catch up on the history of the town you’re vacationing  in by visiting the local museums. What better way to get acquainted with a town than taking a crash course on its historic background than at a the local museum. 

Enjoy the Arts

Make sure to stop by the various local art galleries, you are staying in the art coast after all! From art galleries, studios and even art shops. Visitors strolling through the galleries can discover fine art in every medium as well as finely crafted goods from a mix of local and national artists.   

Shopping Time

Grab your umbrella because it’s time to shop! Explore the many unique boutiques and stores located in the downtowns. Each town has a different atmosphere with well-curated stores that are calling your name! You can be sure to treat yourself and find a local souvenir or two to bring home. 

Take Time to Relax

Looking to relax aside from being on the beach and catching those sun rays? There are local spas where you can pamper yourself to a facial or a massage. Here at Upscale Lakeshore, we also offer spa packages so you can relax right at your home away from home. 

Staying Indoors

We provide a variety of entertainment and games for you to revel in with your friends and family and stay indoors. Whether it’s playing a game of monopoly, putting together a puzzle, a competitive euchre match to curling up and watching your favorite movie. We offer a movie package so you can have all the essentials during your binge. 

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Places to Explore in Holland, Michigan

Places to Explore in Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan is where the Lake Michigan shoreline meets white sandy beaches. Come explore the charming small town with big city amenities! From the trails and dunes to climb and hike, to a busy main street filled with shops, restaurants and breweries, to the laid back beaches, there’s something for everyone one to enjoy in Holland, Michigan.

Lighthouse

Go take a visit to Michigan’s most photographed lighthouse! The Holland Harbor Lighthouse is an important part of the history of Holland. Located at the south side, you can walk along the board walk to the pier at Holland State Park for views of the big red along with seeing it at Mt. Pisgah. 

State Park

Holland State Park is an ideal place for a beach day adventure. Spanning over 142 acres of rolling dunes, white sandy beaches, and the two lakes, Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. The park offers fishing, a boat launch, a concession stand with restrooms and changing area, a small playground and even camping.

Windmill Island Garden

Take a visit to the Windmill Island Garden to see the only operating Dutch windmill left standing in the United States named “De Zwaan” that was brought over from the Netherlands in 1964. Throughout the Windmill Island Gardens as you explore through the 36 acres of lush gardens and canals, you will find a hand-painted Dutch carousel, children’s playground, picnic areas, all the flags of the Netherlands, gift shops, and much more.

Holland Museum

What better way to explore Holland than visiting the Holland Museum to gain more insight on the town and its history from its founding by Dutch immigrants to today’s innovative and diverse community. The Holland Museum strives to enhance a visitor’s experience through programs, events, exhibits and community engagement.