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Old 06-10-2019, 10:01 AM
 
Location: Taipei
7,773 posts, read 10,075,793 times
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Hi I am just curious which town you would recommend to check out a lake/beach town on Lake Michigan. Wouldn't want to travel too far out of the way so I'd say anywhere south of Holland, MI. I've read a bit about St Joseph, Saugatuck-Douglas, South Haven, and Warren Dunes, but just no idea which one is best for a short stop. Driving from Detroit to Chicago, but I wouldn't mind coming through Grand Rapids. Considering driving through in one day so maybe just 4 or 5 hours on the lake, but could certainly spend the night if it is advisable and then travel to Chicago the next day.

Love to hear your recommendations of which place to to go, how long to stay, and where to stay. Any other thoughts also welcome, TIA!!
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Old 06-10-2019, 03:40 PM
 
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We absolutely love South Haven. Nice beach, harbor, cute downtown and a few good restaurants. There are only a couple hotels there, most people rent a house. But in high summer, it usually has to be a weekly rental
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Old 06-10-2019, 04:44 PM
 
Location: Louisville
5,253 posts, read 5,966,068 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by projectmaximus View Post
Hi I am just curious which town you would recommend to check out a lake/beach town on Lake Michigan. Wouldn't want to travel too far out of the way so I'd say anywhere south of Holland, MI. I've read a bit about St Joseph, Saugatuck-Douglas, South Haven, and Warren Dunes, but just no idea which one is best for a short stop. Driving from Detroit to Chicago, but I wouldn't mind coming through Grand Rapids. Considering driving through in one day so maybe just 4 or 5 hours on the lake, but could certainly spend the night if it is advisable and then travel to Chicago the next day.

Love to hear your recommendations of which place to to go, how long to stay, and where to stay. Any other thoughts also welcome, TIA!!
For beach town's I'd probably recommend Saugatuck-Douglas first(that is if Grand Haven is too far north). Saugatuck is the smallest, but most eclectic of Gold Coast beach cities. It's long been a hide a way for Chicago/Detroit weekenders. Combine that with its reputation as a gay enclave and you end up with some surprisingly good restaurants, art gallery's, and "boutiquey" shops. It's also going to have some of the more beautiful lakeshore views with the bluffs to the north. Hotels in S-D are limited, the cities have fought hard to keep the small town charm preserved from commercialism. You can find a few B-B's and there are some cute roadside places, but if you're traveling with a family they may not be the most convenient. You may have better luck looking into Air BnB's. Michigan beach towns in general are seasonal and don't have the commercial build up seen in Floridian beaches. If your heart is set on staying along the lake Holland or Grand Haven will have the most options. Though there are virtually no hotels right on the lake.

If you have the ability to spend the night I'd recommend coming through GR. It's a 40 minute drive from Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Holland beaches. Once you head south the South Haven, St. Joe, New Buffalo beaches are all along that path as well. It would be a shame for you to get so close to GR and not have a glimpse . If you are a Hilton Honors member I'd recommend the Homewood Suites downtown, or the Embassy Suites, over the Amway. If you are Marriott Bon-voy I'd recommend the JW, or the AC. Any of these hotels will get you close to the city center.

Feel free to ask more pointed questions, I can probably give a little more precise advice without my GR homer bias.
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Old 06-10-2019, 07:31 PM
 
495 posts, read 319,619 times
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I wouldn't necessarily come through Grand Rapids. Part of 196 is closed, and you'll be rerouted. That said, if you are going to cross that far north, then Saugutuck and South Haven are both very nice. I don't really consider Holland a beach town, per se, but there's also a nice little downtown. The water level in Lake Michigan is high right now, so you may want to check more closely on the condition of any beach you plan to visit--it may be largely missing!
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Old 06-11-2019, 12:04 PM
 
Location: Taipei
7,773 posts, read 10,075,793 times
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Thanks for the replies. Reps all around!
I am not feeling any closer to a decision lol, since everyone seems to recommend something different (not just in this thread but elsewhere too), however I do feel some clarity based on your descriptions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mjlo View Post
If you have the ability to spend the night I'd recommend coming through GR. It's a 40 minute drive from Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Holland beaches. Once you head south the South Haven, St. Joe, New Buffalo beaches are all along that path as well. It would be a shame for you to get so close to GR and not have a glimpse . If you are a Hilton Honors member I'd recommend the Homewood Suites downtown, or the Embassy Suites, over the Amway. If you are Marriott Bon-voy I'd recommend the JW, or the AC. Any of these hotels will get you close to the city center.

Feel free to ask more pointed questions, I can probably give a little more precise advice without my GR homer bias.
Haha, I have gone back and forth on GR so many times. On the one hand I am all for seeing a new city and GR is top 5 for US cities I haven't been to. OTOH I am certain I will return some day during ArtPrize so I maybe I should save my impressions for a future trip when I have more time to really see the city rather than essentially a drive by. Another thing is I am actually a Hyatt guy, so currently the only option is way south of downtown. I understand there is a city center Hyatt expected to be completed in the fall though, so it may work well for that future trip...

This is going to be in late August so I have plenty of time to decide, but right now I'm leaning towards either a one-night stop in GR or one extra night in Detroit. And then just doing a drive by of St Joseph (perhaps catch the sunset) on the way to Chicago.
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Old 06-11-2019, 02:46 PM
 
915 posts, read 1,493,594 times
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Honestly - any of them would provide the break from the city and driving that you are looking for.

Each town is slightly different, but they are all really nice places to visit for an afternoon.

You really can't go wrong with any of them.
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Old 06-15-2019, 05:59 PM
 
Location: Grand Rapids Metro
8,882 posts, read 19,773,234 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjlo View Post
For beach town's I'd probably recommend Saugatuck-Douglas first(that is if Grand Haven is too far north). Saugatuck is the smallest, but most eclectic of Gold Coast beach cities. It's long been a hide a way for Chicago/Detroit weekenders. Combine that with its reputation as a gay enclave and you end up with some surprisingly good restaurants, art gallery's, and "boutiquey" shops. It's also going to have some of the more beautiful lakeshore views with the bluffs to the north. Hotels in S-D are limited, the cities have fought hard to keep the small town charm preserved from commercialism. You can find a few B-B's and there are some cute roadside places, but if you're traveling with a family they may not be the most convenient. You may have better luck looking into Air BnB's. Michigan beach towns in general are seasonal and don't have the commercial build up seen in Floridian beaches. If your heart is set on staying along the lake Holland or Grand Haven will have the most options. Though there are virtually no hotels right on the lake.

If you have the ability to spend the night I'd recommend coming through GR. It's a 40 minute drive from Saugatuck, Grand Haven, and Holland beaches. Once you head south the South Haven, St. Joe, New Buffalo beaches are all along that path as well. It would be a shame for you to get so close to GR and not have a glimpse . If you are a Hilton Honors member I'd recommend the Homewood Suites downtown, or the Embassy Suites, over the Amway. If you are Marriott Bon-voy I'd recommend the JW, or the AC. Any of these hotels will get you close to the city center.

Feel free to ask more pointed questions, I can probably give a little more precise advice without my GR homer bias.
I would second Saugatuck/Douglas. There's a lot to do and see. Gotta do the chain ferry! We park on the other side of the river and take the chain ferry across to downtown Saugatuck and wander around/shop/eat/drink/walk the boardwalk/etc..
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Old 06-16-2019, 12:40 AM
 
1,636 posts, read 2,125,031 times
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Just drive down the coast and see them all.
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Old 06-16-2019, 05:54 AM
 
26,866 posts, read 43,348,703 times
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I would third Saugatuck-Douglas. It has charm, a "relaxed far away from it all" vibe, a lot to do ranging from beach activities or water sports/dune rides at Oval Beach to shopping and art galleries plus concerts/shows, a great farmers market on Saturdays, plenty of restaurant options ranging from the most basic to fine dining and above all without hesitation probably the friendliest locals of anywhere I have traveled.

I would highly recommend going to a vacation home rental site like VRBO or Homeaway (who unlike AirBnB seem to check out their hosts in advance) and you'll see all kinds of bungalows/homes as well as a few condos in town available for as little as a couple of nights to a week, or more. https://www.vrbo.com/search/keywords...&adultsCount=2
It's a most relaxing trip when one can drive into town loaded with groceries/etc and settle into a house for several nights to simply walk everywhere while leaving the car parked.

Otherwise, for an overnight visit I recommend a stay at the quirky/retro Pines Motor Lodge in Douglas or The Saugatuck Motel in Saugatuck which are both very nicely appointed and a reasonable in-season price of around $125-$150 per night. the Pines Motorlodge The Saugatuck Motel

For dinner check out the popular Phil's Bar and Grille in Saugatuck (The local Lake Perch or Walleye is amazing) https://www.philsbarandgrille.com/, for a nicer dinner utilizing mostly local ingredients long-time favorite Everyday People Cafe in downtown Douglas is hard to beat. EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFE , or just down the street the more casual but still sophisticated Wild Dog Grille. home

Last edited by kyle19125; 06-16-2019 at 06:08 AM..
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Old 06-24-2019, 03:39 PM
 
Location: Louisville
5,253 posts, read 5,966,068 times
Reputation: 9545
Quote:
Originally Posted by projectmaximus View Post

Haha, I have gone back and forth on GR so many times. On the one hand I am all for seeing a new city and GR is top 5 for US cities I haven't been to. OTOH I am certain I will return some day during ArtPrize so I maybe I should save my impressions for a future trip when I have more time to really see the city rather than essentially a drive by. Another thing is I am actually a Hyatt guy, so currently the only option is way south of downtown. I understand there is a city center Hyatt expected to be completed in the fall though, so it may work well for that future trip...

This is going to be in late August so I have plenty of time to decide, but right now I'm leaning towards either a one-night stop in GR or one extra night in Detroit. And then just doing a drive by of St Joseph (perhaps catch the sunset) on the way to Chicago.
Well they have the sign on the new Hyatt Place downtown, I don't know if that's a signal for how close they are to being done or not. In your situation I'd probably opt to see the city I was curious about. Though that's me who doesn't travel with kids, and probably not on the road for as long as you will be. Whatever you choose to do I hope you find it enjoyable

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