Michigan:

Holland & Saugatuck

Holland, Michigan is one of the most adorable places I had never heard of. The first time I came was for a work trip, and didn’t do much exploring, but I liked the pizza enough to make Holland a quick overnight stop on a Michigan trip the next year. On that second visit, I discovered that I LOVE this area, and have been back several times!

Saugatuck

  • This super cute town along Lake Michigan has strong “Savannah in the Summer” vibes. There’s super cute downtown shopping and art galleries in Saugatuck along Butler and Water Streets.

  • Oval Beach is near Saugatuck and is nice (although I like the beach in Holland better), but be ready for a long wait to park if you’re coming in the summer!

  • I’ve heard that there are vineyards in the area and a place you can riddle Dunebuggys, but I haven’t done either

Holland

  • Holland is one of my favorite places ever! You can rent bikes in Holland, and it's super fun to explore the neighborhoods and Hope college campus by bike. 

  • The windmill island gardens are in Holland which may be cool to see depending on when you go. They are known for their tulip gardens in the spring, but when I visited in late summer, it was mostly just a park. It was still fun to walk through, and admission was discounted in the off-season.

  • Tunnel park is a bit north of Holland, and you do have to pay admission to enter. It’s a pretty steep sandy dune down to the lakefront, but when I visited there were still plenty of people set up with chairs and coolers for a day at the beach. If you go, just know that you will have to carry everything you bring up and down this steep dune.

  • There's shopping all along 8th street in Holland, but it’s a different vibe than in Saugatuck. Holland has more chain stores, and feels like Easton mall. 

  • Crust 54 is our favorite Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and the reason Holland made it on my travel-bucket list in the first place! There are two locations (one on 8th st). Because it’s deep dish, be aware that you will have to wait 45 minutes or more for them to bake your pizza. You can order ahead and pick it up (to eat there or to go) to speed things up if you’re in a hurry.

  • There are TONS of breweries in the area, Holland Brewing Co, also on 8th Street, is my favorite so far.

  • We also like the 205 Coffee Bar, which is off 8th street on the east end, near Hope College. When I have visited the owner has usually been there, and she is very cool and kind, and has been happy to come out and talk with customers. 

  • Captain Sundae is a really popular place outside downtown Holland (you’ll pass it if you go from downtown Holland to the State Park beach). It’s nothing super spectacular, but hey have TONS of sundae options.

  • Holland State Park Beach & Campground is really nice, but has always been pretty busy when I've been there. The beach is great, it is super wide with very soft “plushy” sand. If possible, I recommend avoiding the weekends as it can be very busy in the summer. This is also a great place to watch the sunset, but be sure to show up early!

There are lots of events and festivals throughout the year in the Holland and Saugatuck area, so I recommend looking up what’s going on in the area to help you plan!