If you’re here for only one day, you’re going to have to be strategic about what you see and do. Some tough choices are ahead, but don’t worry. We’re here to help with a dawn to dusk and late night list of possible must sees and dos (Psst … think beach, boardwalk, big burritos, bands and beyond) that are sure to translate into your idea of the perfect summer day.
First, you’ll need to find Washington Avenue — Grand Haven’s main street — and look for the purple facade. You’ve found Morning Star. The smell of their cinnamon rolls will lure you in, while the veggie fritattas and homemade oatmeal cakes will satisfy you in style. You need a little patience if you want to start your day here. There’s never an empty seat for a reason — the food is that good.
Prefer your breakfast more traditional? Dee-Lite Bar & Grill should be your stop on Washington Avenue. With its old-time diner feel, classic egg/meat/toast combinations and large portions, you can’t go wrong.
Our area is blessed with miles of pristine shoreline and mid-morning is the perfect time to beat the afternoon rush to the lakefront. Remove your shoes and embark on a stroll along a soft sand beach, wade in the water or stake out space to spread a beach towel to kick back and relax for a bit. Don’t be surprised by the friendly good morning greetings as you dally along. The choices for beachfront areas: Grand Haven City Beach, North Beach Park, and Kirk Park hug Lake Michigan, as does Grand Haven State Park and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park just north of Grand Haven. Or, if you want to move inland, there’s Lakeside Beach on Spring Lake, located at the northern end of Lake Avenue about five miles from downtown.
When done with the sand and shore, continue your stroll on Grand Haven’s boardwalk, which spans 1.5 miles from downtown to Lake Michigan. Be sure to have your camera ready at the boardwalk’s end, where you’ll see two postcard perfect bright red lighthouses that have guided ships on the Great Lakes for years.
Once off the boardwalk, look for the trolley stop sign. You can hop on this historic mode of transportation for $1.50 and rest your feet while catching a moving glimpse of more waterfront and downtown sights.
Keep lunch quick yet super tasty at Electric Hero Sandwich Shop on Washington Avenue or at Lucy’s Market & Deli downtown on Columbus Avenue. Electric Hero is an offbeat sandwich shop that makes its own sauces and is known to melt the cheese atop your premium meat of choice with a blowtorch. Be bold and order the “A Cow, a Pig, and a Mango Walk into a Bar” — roast beef, ham, and mango chutney on grilled sourdough. At Lucy’s, try the #21 (honey ham and smoked gouda). The pretzel bread is everyone’s favorite.
A trip to Grand Haven wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Butch’s Beach Burritos along the water’s edge on Harbor Drive. This isn’t meant to be gourmet, it’s just good, on-the-go food stand style tacos and burritos. Order a Chiwawa Dog (hotdog topped with beef, beans, cheese and homemade salsa).
Looking for a light lunch? Opt for a fresh-baked pretzel or the focaccia at Baker’s Wife bakery. Or maybe you want to go straight for dessert. This bakery won’t disappoint with a selection of scones, pastries and a latte to go with.
Start downtown on Washington Avenue for the best variety of boutiques, speciality stores and gift ideas. Glik’s has been around since 1897 and sells apparel and accessories from familiar brands such as Hurley, Quiksilver, North Face and Billabong. The brands sold here may be big, but Glik’s still maintains its small-town feel.
Keep your eyes peeled for Down to Earth, Michigan Rag Co. and Lee & Birch for more one-of-a-kind apparel and gift items. Be sure to enter the reading realm of The Bookman. This store exudes attitude and thinks of books as children. Browsing as well as buying is recommended. Stop by Buffalo Bob’s and check out his boards — skate, snow and skim. Even if you’re not into a board sport, a chat with the staff here is refreshing and educational. When you see the colorful sign of Mackinaw Kites & Toys, run toward it. Kids (and adults) can test-play with toys before purchase.
Sure, we’re not California, but we do have surfers and paddle boarders here. Lake Michigan has been known to kick up some pretty good swells for the adventurous souls and can be smooth as glass for the paddlers. If either are your thing, stray off Washington Avenue, make your way to North Harbor Drive, and visit the Surf Shop or Wet Mitten for all the latest stand up paddle boards and surf accessories.
When you’re ready for a break from your retail therapy, you can immerse yourself in a little bit of Grand Haven history at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, located in the Akeley Building on Washington Avenue. Admission is free.
If you’re looking for dinner with a view, Snug Harbor on South Harbor Drive is your destination. Sit on the outdoor patio, order the burgundy mushrooms au gratin and watch the boats pass in Grand Haven’s Channel. (Insider tip: you can also order sushi from Jelly’s, the restaurant upstairs).
The Kirby House is three restaurants and a night club all in one on Washington Avenue. Kirby Grill, the Grill Room, and K2 Pizzeria upstairs. In the basement, you’ll find The Dark Room for late-night fun. The mahi tacos are a must-order, and there’s prime rib and steaks, of course. Or, go veggie and bite into the black bean burger with spicy slaw. Be sure to ask the wait staff about drink specials.
Also on Washington Avenue is The Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar, an old theater turned fine-dining establishment. The oysters are signature and the Guoi Tiao (Thai beef soup) is super tasty. The lobster mac ‘n cheese is also a patron favorite. The Grand has a huge beer and cocktail selection. Order your favorite drink and ask about the haunting story of John the Janitor.
Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan and eating ice cream is a perfect summer evening pairing. Pier Peddler is on the boardwalk near Escanaba Park. Grab a cone of your favorite flavor, a souvenir T-shirt, and don’t forget to ring the Coast Guard bell that hangs nearby. Sweet Temptations, on Jackson Street less than a mile off the shoreline, serves up its own homemade ice cream in homemade waffle cones. The scoops are BIG. Try the salted caramel.
If you’re still near the boardwalk after dark, catch the 20-minute synchronized water, light and music wonderment of the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. The best view is from Waterfront Stadium.
Make the trip to the basement of Kirby House on Washington Avenue and enter The Dark Room, for some late-night entertainment. The crowd here is a hoot and the DJs are skilled at packing the dance floor with ’80s, ’90s and contemporary hits. Ready for a martini and soft jazz?
Theatre Bar is Grand Haven’s martini bar on Washington Avenue that’s open until 1 a.m. on weekends and has live music seven nights a week. Grand Haven Brew House is a pub with a stage, an eclectic schedule of live performances and 30 beers on tap. Beer specials are on Mondays until midnight.
