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Michigan
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Hotels & Car & Airport

1065 Whiting St SW
@laurendalessio
Airbnb
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Cherry Tree Inn & Suites
@laurendalessio
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2380 Health Dr SW
@laurendalessio
Car pickup / drop off
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Gerald R. Ford International Airport
@laurendalessio
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Grand Rapids Breakfast

Madcap Coffee Company
@laurendalessio
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Walk downtown area

Grand Rapids Downtown Market
@laurendalessio
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
@laurendalessio
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Outside Coffee
@laurendalessio
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Social Misfits
@laurendalessio
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Brunch House GR
@laurendalessio
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Lyon Street Cafe
@morgangust
Pair an oat milk Miel from Lyon St. with the vegan blueberry almond muffin from Nantucket Bakery next door!
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Nantucket Baking Company - Lyon St
@laurendalessio
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Chartreuse Sisters
@laurendalessio
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Madcap Coffee Company
@tracynicole
They roast their own beans with a focus on quality and craftsmanship, so you can expect a delicious and unique cup of joe. With a modern, minimalist atmosphere, Madcap Coffee offers a relaxing and inviting space to enjoy your coffee. Just be aware that their prices are on the higher side.
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Brown Butter Crêperie & Cafe
@laurendalessio
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Grand Rapids Lunch

High Tea Grand Rapids
@laurendalessio
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The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar
@laurendalessio
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Grand Rapids Downtown Market
@laurendalessio
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Butcher Block Social
@laurendalessio
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Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm
@laurendalessio
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Knoop Rooftop Cocktail Lounge
@laurendalessio
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House Rules Lounge
@laurendalessio
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Grand Rapids Dinner

Bistro Bella Vita
@laurendalessio
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Butcher's Union
@tracynicole
Great restaurant that focuses on meat and whiskey. It has a walled patio that is fun to sit on in the summer. It does not take reservations, but does have a wait list that you can join. It is very popular, so if you are planning to go at a busy time, be prepared to wait. The food is work waiting for though!
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Mokaya
@laurendalessio
Chocolate Shop
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Grand Rapids Activities

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
@tracynicole
Named the best Sculpture Park in the United States by readers of USA Today in 2023 and 2024, this amazing park is a must-visit. There is so much to see and do. You can spend the day viewing a collection of 200 sculptures, walking through the indoor and outdoor gardens, or attending one of the special exhibitions they hold throughout the year. There is something for everyone!
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Blue Bridge
@tracynicole
Take a stroll across Grand Rapids' iconic Blue Bridge! This vibrant pedestrian walkway, painted a sky blue, was originally a railroad bridge built in 1892. It lights up at night and gives a great view of Grand Rapids during the day.
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La Grande Vitesse
@tracynicole
This vibrant red sculpture by Alexander Calder is a beloved landmark. A must-see for art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a unique photo opportunity.
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Ah-Nab-Awen Park
@tracynicole
This scenic park offers stunning river views and green space. Ah-Nab-Awen was once a Native American village, and the park honors this past with artwork and markers. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic, while learning a bit about Grand Rapids' unique history.
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Grand Rapids Art Museum
@tracynicole
The GRAM offers a welcoming atmosphere with collections spanning from Renaissance to modern art. The GRAM also features special exhibitions.
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Grand Rapids Public Museum
@tracynicole
This museum is a great place to spend a couple hours. It has a planetarium where you can watch a show, a lot of interesting and informative exhibits about Michigan and Grand Rapids history, and a beautiful carousel from 1928 that you can ride on.
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Outside Coffee
@morgangust
The BEST vibes year-round!
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Saugatuck Breakfast

Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions
@amberlyvaleriano
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Ida Red's Cottage
@amberlyvaleriano
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Saugatuck Lunch

Back Alley Pizza Joint
@amberlyvaleriano
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Douglas Root Beer Barrel
@amberlyvaleriano
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Wicks Park Bar & Grille
@amberlyvaleriano
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Saugatuck Dinner

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Saugatuck Activities

Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruises
@laurendalessio
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Traverse City Breakfast

The Mill Glen Arbor
@laurendalessio
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The Burrow TC
@laurendalessio
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The Omelette Shoppe
@laurendalessio
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Barb's Bakery
@laurendalessio
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Traverse City Lunch

Village Cheese Shanty
@laurendalessio
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The Find North
@laurendalessio
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Red Ginger
@laurendalessio
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The Little Fleet
@laurendalessio
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Oakwood Proper Burgers
@laurendalessio
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Slabtown Burgers
@laurendalessio
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Traverse City Dinner

Aerie Restaurant & Lounge
@laurendalessio
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Warehouse KiTChen + Cork
@laurendalessio
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Milk & Honey
@laurendalessio
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Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
@laurendalessio
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Poppycocks
@laurendalessio
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Trattoria Stella
@laurendalessio
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Slabtown Burgers
@emilyworden
A local favorite for a great burger.
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Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
@katie.howerton
Suggestion from Julie Elster
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Apache Trout Grill
@emilyworden
This is a great option for a nice meal on the water.
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Traverse City Activities

Cherry Republic | Traverse City
@laurendalessio
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Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
@laurendalessio
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Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
@laurendalessio
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Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
@laurendalessio
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Mission Point Lighthouse
@laurendalessio
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The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
@laurendalessio
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Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden
@nicoleladonne
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Mission Proper
@nicoleladonne
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Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse
@emilyworden
Grand Haven has one of the best beaches in the state. After enjoying a day on the beach, walk down the pier to get photos by the lighthouse.
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Grand Haven Musical Fountain
@emilyworden
A completely free event that requires very little planning. Grand Haven puts on a nightly 30 minutes show of water, lights and music at dark, between Memorial Day and Labor Day at the Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium.
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Field & Fire Cafe
@livininluna
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Rebel
@katie.howerton
Found on Instagram
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The Toasted Pickle Grand Haven
@laurendalessio
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Aldea Coffee
@laurendalessio
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BIGGBY COFFEE
@laurendalessio
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The Unicorn Tavern
@laurendalessio
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Grand Finale Bistro & Cafe
@laurendalessio
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East End Coffee Stop
@laurendalessio
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Lakeside Eats
@laurendalessio
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Pine Street Cafe
@laurendalessio
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Porto Bello
@laurendalessio
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Noto's at the Bil-Mar
@laurendalessio
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Snug Harbor
@laurendalessio
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Righteous Cuisine
@laurendalessio
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The Gilmore Collection
@laurendalessio
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fuel bar + refuge
@laurendalessio
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Grand Haven

The Paisley Grille
@laurendalessio
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Burzurk Brewing Co.
@laurendalessio
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Odd Side Ales
@laurendalessio
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Activities

Grand Haven South Pierhead Outer Lighthouse
@laurendalessio
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Grand Haven Lighthouse Connector Park
@laurendalessio
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North Shore Marina Inc
@laurendalessio
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Grand Haven State Park
@laurendalessio
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301 N Harbor Dr
@laurendalessio
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Grand Haven City Beach
@laurendalessio
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Central Park
@laurendalessio
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Blueberry Haven
@laurendalessio
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Ottawa Sands County Park
@laurendalessio
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Ottawa Sands Lake MI coastal greenway
@laurendalessio
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Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
@laurendalessio
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Overgrown Coffee Co.
@laurendalessio
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RAD DADS' Tacos & Tequila Bar
@laurendalessio
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RAD DADS' Tacos & Tequila Bar
@laurendalessio
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The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
@laurendalessio
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* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lauren D'Alessio
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