Michigan West Coast

[javenius]

Heading "up and over" to the west side port towns in July. We've been to Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Traverse City previously.

This year we plan to hit the towns between Leland (yeah dredging is done) and South Haven. Any suggestions or recommendations on "must see" areas/restaurants or areas to pass up.

Thanks in advance
Jim

 

[rmlsll]

Pentwater, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, all good places to spend some money.

 

[Gofirstclass]

I wish I was going along with you. There are some great places to stop and visit on the way south.

 

[Stee6043]

There is a great restaurant in Muskegon for a quick lunch and perhaps overnight in the cove just to the north of the channel. If you want to spend a day off the boat there is a LOT to do in Grand Haven. Plenty of great waterfront scenery, shops, etc.

Holland has another great restaurant though not quite as much to do from the boat in terms of a "downtown" experience.

Saugatuck is another great city like Grand Haven where you can access a really nice downtown directly from the water.

My two cents - Dockers for lunch in Muskgeon, spend a day or two in Grand Haven, lunch at Boat Works in Holland and spend a day or two in Saugatuck.

A must "see" in my opinion - Theater Bar in Grand Haven. They have live music most weekends which consists of one or two guys standing in this little cubby behind the bar. And they are usually very good. Cool place to eat. 2 blocks from the water...

 

[Johnny1954]

Ludington. Harbor View Marina. Ask to tie-up to outer wall. Can docktail, grill, and eat in the area between a promenade. And, the most fun for me is to watch the Badger come in on its evening crossing.

 

[FastMarkA]

Another mention for Holland's "Boat Works" -- primarily for the novelty.

In Saugatuck, I'd recommend The Southerner, Everyday People Cafe, and Marro's for dinner. Grow and Pumpernickel's for brunch (and a cinnamon roll). You can also bring your boat to Red Dock -- it's kind of a Key West feeling with outdoor seating, food brought to you in plastic baskets, and lots of local craft beer in cans/bottles.

If you're into wine, the Petter Wine Gallery is fun to walk around (and have a glass).

 

[hakunamatata]

Highly recommend Saugatuck and Grand Haven.

 

[Phasma]

South Haven is great!!! Lots of festivals, good food and small town fun. Captain Lou's and Admiral Jack's both have dinghy docks. Top shelf food found at Sophie's. A little pricey but worth it. In my opinion stay away from The Idler. Nowhere near what it used to be.

Saugatuck is a major stop as well. Lots of small shops, good food and things to do. A little tough getting a transient dock at times. Trying to remember the name of the small motel on the wall. They have transients for something like $20 a night and you can use the pool and hot tub. Morrows is a great Italian restaurant with a piano bar. Stop in on weekends and take a listen to Denny tickle the ivorys

 

[eagleone]

We are having a rendezvous July 7/8/9 in Manistee if you can make it, not sure who all is coming but hoping to have a good time.

 

[javenius]

Thanks for all the replies. We are really looking forward to the trip!

Jim