Holland

Holland State Park

If you’re looking to get off campus for a bit and see some nature, Holland State Park is a great place to go. In addition to beaches located on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, the park includes two campgrounds, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, beach volleyball courts, and a beach house. There is a pier in the park for fishing, walking, watching the sunset, or visiting the Big Red Lighthouse. In addition to the beach and the lake view, the park has trails for hiking and biking. Daily admission to the park is $9. East of the park, the Mt. Pisgah dune walk stairway and hiking trail is also open to the public.

Nelis’ Dutch village

This village-themed park takes you back in time to the Netherlands 100 years ago. The village features authentic Dutch architecture, flowering gardens, canals and windmills. Amsterdam organs play classic Dutch music throughout the park and there are even dancers in wooden shoes performing. The park also has giant wooden shoe slide, a restored antique carousel, Dutch swings, and a windmill-style Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel is 45 feet high and meant to look like the de Grosmolen windmill in Hoogmade, Netherlands. A Heksenwaag is also available for guests to step on and find out if they are guilty of witchcraft. Daily admission to the village is $11.

New Holland Brewing Company

This pub is a great place to enjoy some great food, drinks, and live music. If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends and enjoy some delicious food, this is the place for you. Known for their craft beer, the brewing company also offers tours of their brewery and distillery.

Lemonjello’s

When you just have to get your caffeine fix, head over to Lemonjello’s for a cup or two of their delicious coffee. Come use the free Wi-Fi to get some homework done while you enjoy your pick-me-up. If you don’t like coffee, don’t worry, the menu has some other options for you. A few of our favorite drinks: Stress Reliever Mood Latte: Chocolate, caramel and hazelnut. Summer: Hot chocolate, blackberry and strawberry. Green Army Guy: Apple soda, strawberry and an army guy.

Grand Haven

Grand Haven farmers market

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you’re looking for some fresh fruit and vegetables to keep you healthy this year, the Farmers Market is the place to go. Under the green canopy next to Chinook Pier in downtown Grand Haven, the Grand Haven Farmers’ Market gathers to sell seasonal produce, flowers, plants, baked goods and more. This is a great way to stock your refrigerator, meet some locals and support local businesses.

Grand Haven musical fountain

If you’re looking to get out and see something pretty and impressive, Grand Haven’s musical fountain is the place to be. Between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. every night, the world’s largest musical fountain of its kind performs its show. The show synchronizes water spurting from the fountain and dancing lights to music of all varieties. The playlists for the shows change daily and include hits from today mixed with a few classics.

For more information and the show’s playlist visit: www.ghfountain.com

Lighthouse and pier

Taking a break from Allendale farmland, Grand Haven offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan. One of Grand Haven’s most beautiful attractions, the lighthouse and pier are a great place to go to watch a gorgeous sunset. There is also a beach there to visit and spend a weekend afternoon.

Pronto Pup

The tiny food stand was built in 1947 and their Pronto Pups are a favorite among both locals and tourists. The booth, located on the Grand River near the lakefront, serves battered and fried franks on a stick, attracting long lines during the summer months. Make sure to stop here while you’re in the area.

Morning Star Café

This café serves breakfast and lunch with a Southwest touch. Stop by for a breakfast quesadilla or their huevos rancheros. The homemade cinnamon rolls are renowned. Breakfast is served seven days a week and lunch is available Monday through Friday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Rosy Mound natural area

This Great Lakes dune system has several trails ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 miles and includes 1,000 feet of stairs. The hike ends on a sandy beach along Lake Michigan and has gorgeous views of open and forested dunes.