OK. Wife and I ONLY have four day trip to Grand Haven Michigan next week. I haven't ever been led astray from suggestions in the past so coming to the well again. Looking for good coffee shops and nice restaurant suggestions within walking/biking distance of the State Park. Thanks
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can't remember the names, but you will find more than one by simply following the channel path to downtown; easy bike ride and not a bad walk. Also a restaurant just south of the campground on the beach. Didn't go inside, but it looked very nice from outside. Enjoy GH...one of my favorites!
It has been a while since I have been to both, but had a good experience the last time we went to Snug Harbor and to Kirby's (sp). Snug Harbor is on the river between the state park and main street and Kirby's is on the corner of main at the river.
The one south of the park is Bill Mar (sp?).
Kevin and my...
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Butch's Beach Burritos & Pronto Pups. Snug Harbor has a great view on the river, Bilmar on the beach, but food at both is average at best in my opinion. Not walking distance from the beach but the most unique (some say best) pizza in west Michigan can be found at the original Fricano's in Grand Haven.
Gotta have breakfast at the Morning Star Cafe, 711 Washington. The best breakfast restaurant in West MI, period! Kirby Grill for lunch, upstairs, rear roof deck, overlooking the Grand River, pier & Lake Michigan. The Grand (restaurant) for dinner, interesting, excellent menu. Nuff said.
We have lived very close to Grand Haven for over 66 years now and know the area well. There are more than 50 restaurants, grills, and coffee houses in the local area and nearly all are very good. Lots of variety of menu's. From simple coffee/baked goods to exotic. American, Italian and or pizza, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Susi/oyster bar/seafoods, Greek, Continental, Breakfasts of all types, Fresh baked breads and rolls etc. More than 16 are within walking distance of the State Park. A stroll south down the beach at the water's edge for approx .4 miles will bring you to "Bil-Mar" on the beach. Wipe the sand off your feet, put your shoes on, and go in! Go to the East from the State Park down the boardwalk along the Grand River (wide and paved with benches, restrooms, and food along the way) 7/10 mile to downtown and you'll find over a dozen places to eat/dine. Many have outdoor dining areas too.
I agree with the suggestions etc of Snug Harbor, The Rosebud, Kirby Grill, Dee-Lite, Grand Seafood & Oyster Bar, Porto Bello, and Morning Star Cafe for places within walking distance (1 mile or less). Also on the way to town is the American Legion (across the road from the Coast Guard Park) which has 2-4 days a week of dinners/meals open to the public.
If you want to take the Harbor Trolley (3 of them) or Harbor Transit (11 of them), you can get from the State Park to some of the other great places without walking or driving. They will take you to Fricano's (well known for wonderful pizza for over 60 years) it's all they serve! Jack's at Holiday Inn, Damons, Old Boy's Brewhouse, Two Tony's Grill, Russ's Restaurant, etc. Many more!
There must be a reason Grand Haven State Park alone (the most visited State Park in the entire state) has over 2 million visitors every year and several million more every year the the local area. If you desire, you can just veg at the beach or at your RV or there's always something going on around here and almost always free to the public. Park concerts, dances, musical fountain nightly, waterfront stadium performances, over a dozen constantly well kept public parks, plays, festivals, boating, charter fishing, swimming, to go with camping right on the beach. You name it? 7 other campgrounds also. The people just keep coming back year after year! We don't have to cause we live here. It's torture but someone has to do it! Hehe
Is there any wonder why this area keeps on with it's fast growth and has been recession proof? You'll see why for yourself!
A web site for you to find out about anything you want to know about the area.
www.grandhavenchamber.org
Local beach cam is on 2 web sites:
www.surfgrandhaven.com
www.lakemichigancam.com
Both have instant weather etc. Lakemichigancam also has live radar for here and anywhere in the country etc.
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Thanks for all the reply's. I found several web sites for the suggestions and all of them sound/look good. We have been wanting to make it to Grand Haven for a couple of years and can't wait to get there. Thanks again.