Summer is upon us, and it’s time to start making plans before the season passes you by.
We asked Revue’s staff as well as our readers what’s on their annual summer bucket list, and here’s what they had to say.
Michaela Stock
Drink Local Coffee
Though the snow doesn’t stop Michiganders from drinking iced coffee in the winter, there’s something special about having a cold, caffeinated drink on a hot summer’s day. One of my favorite warm-weather activities is trying all the summer seasonal beverages from local coffee shops in West Michigan. From Madcap’s barista-made creations, to Lemonjello’s tried-and true-rotations, I love supporting local while enjoying my daily cup of coffee.
Allison Kay Bannister
Rent a Retro Boat
retroboatrentals.com
Spend an afternoon cruising in style along the Kalamazoo River in a vintage motorboat. Retro Boat Rentals offers a number of swanky, 1950s-era watercrafts that seat up to four people, as well as donut boats, pontoon boats, and Duffy boats for larger groups. Pack your swimsuit, gather your friends, and even bring your doggo for an adventure to remember. Boats rent by the hour and depart from one of two locations, depending on the craft. Grab some food and bevvies and relax on the patio at The Old Boat House after your trip.
See a Double-Feature at the Drive-In
celebrationcinema.com/cinemas/Getty-Drive-In
Yep, there are still a few of these around Michigan, and the Getty in Muskegon is one of them. Gates open at 8:00 pm and movies start at dusk; if you’re not a night owl, then plan your movie night in late spring or early fall. There’s a concession stand on site, and you can even order food online and have it brought to your car. Pre-purchasing movie tickets online, in advance, is encouraged to ensure you get to see the shows you want and also to avoid long waits in the busy season.
Camp and Quaff on the Beach
burningfoot.beer
Leave your flipflops at the door and sink your toes in the sand at Burning Foot Beer Festival, Michigan’s only barefoot beer festival on the beach. Featuring pours from more than 90 breweries from all around the Great Lakes, plus food from favorite area eateries and live music, this one-day event takes place August 26, 2023, at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon. Tent and RV camping is allowed, and tickets for the event and can be purchased in advance online.
John Kissane
Frosty Boy
Summer would not be complete without a trip to Frosty Boy, located on Plainfield Ave in Grand Rapids. A staple since the Pacman-and-Marty McFly 1980s, Frosty Boy closed its doors (well, shut its windows) for nearly a decade in the early 2000s, only reopening in 2015. Since then, the ice cream shop has been steadily busy, slinging peanut butter malts to their human customers and doggy ice cream treats to the canines.
Aman Park
A little piece of Middle Earth transported to the city, Aman Park is a great way to lose yourself in nature. You won’t actually get lost; the longest of its trails is only 1.5 miles (which is a good reason to take in more than one while you’re there). The streams, gentle hills, and verdant trees make this a peaceful and charming way to spend an afternoon.
Jasa West
Coast Guard Festival
I went to the Coast Guard Festival with my sister and it was so fun! We did a whole bunch of shopping from the local vendors that were there and my sister and I got the cutest earrings made from Michigan trees—they even still smelled like them! We also got to see the parade and, although it was hot, it was fun to watch. (Plus the fire trucks spray you with a hose, which cools you off.) We round it out with another one of my favorites, frozen yogurt at the Pump House. They have the cutest chair swings that hang from the ceilings!
Kasie Smith
Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rock
We are taking the family and camper to show our kids the beauty of the upper peninsula. The hiking, biking, kayaking and views will be spectacular!
Kelli Belanger
Board On the Water
Every summer I look forward to paddle boarding and kayaking on many of the amazing lakes and rivers we are fortunate to have so near to us as West Michiganders. Some of my favorite smaller lakes to SUP on include Reeds Lake, Green Lake and Duncan Lake. And it wouldn’t be summer without at least one trip down the Rogue River in my kayak!
Susan Smalley
Grand Haven
West Michigan has the best beaches, the best sand and the best sunsets. Favorite spot by myself is Grand Haven City Beach, if it’s not too busy to find a parking spot. Favorite spot with friends is Noto’s at the Bil-Mar for a lovely resort vibe and cocktail, feet in the sand, relaxing and recharging.
Josh Veal
Cheer on the Whitecaps
milb.com
Every year, I have to go to the Whitecaps at least once, and very rarely do I even watch the game closely. It’s more about the experience of eating hot dogs alongside whatever delicious concoction LMCU Ballpark has come up with this season, and washing it down with cold beer—not to mention all the silly games and songs in between innings. There’s just nothing else like it, and a home run or two doesn’t hurt either.
Tours Around Michigan
toursaroundmichigan.com
While there are tons of incredible tours to choose from around West Michigan, one of the best experiences I can recommend is a brewery or distillery tour to get up close and personal with the people who make Grand Rapids’ delicious beverages. Tours Around Michigan’s Distillery Tour is a four-hour long experience taking you to three different distilleries, each with planned tastings. Cheers!
Revue Readers
Watch the sunset at Oval Beach.
- Tweet Michigan
At least one overnight backpacking trip and at
least one Lake Michigan beach visit.
- Adam Beasley
Tubing down the river.
- Ian McLellan
Meijer Gardens.
- Carmen Sluiter
Visit Grand Haven for Butch’s Beach Burritos, then go sit on the beach! Bring on the warm weather!
- Darlene Lancaster
Find a brewery with outside seating and take advantage of it.
- Aaron McCall
Tubing down the Thornapple River in Hastings.
- Kenny J. Hatch
Go to the beach.
- Anna Khols
Swat mosquitoes.
- Scott Duemler
