Weddingbee Blog

Hi hive, Mrs. Penguin here! Last night we launched our “Honeymoon in My Hometown” series with Miss Peep Toe’s amazing post on San Francisco!  Throughout the next couple of weeks, the Bees will be sharing with you all the awesome things that their hometowns have to offer.  I’ll let Miss Powder Puff take it away with her great post on Western Michigan!

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There is a serious of commercials out right now that make me tear up every time. No, I’m not talking about the Sarah McLachlan, tug-at-your-heart-strings-with-cute-puppies ASPCA commercials. I’m talking about the Pure Michigan commercials.

Huh? There are advertisements promoting Michigan, of all places? You betcha! Grab some tissues and check it out:

OK, it might be just me that gets teary-eyed by these, but I love my home state! Many people don’t realize how absolutely beautiful Michigan is, especially Western Michigan. So, if you’re looking for a place to relax with your honey before or after the wedding, you’re in luck! We are creeping up on the perfect time to visit. And being the Midwest, things are cheap, cheapy cheap! Hooray!

So, here comes Miss Powder Puff’s official guide to visiting Western Michigan!

Where to Go
There are a lot of beautiful cities in Michigan, but one of my favorites is Grand Haven. It’s about a two-hour-drive from Chicago, and has a quaint, artsy feel. It’s right on Lake Michigan, and has some absolutely beautiful beaches. In fact, the movie American Pie II was set in Grand Haven, and they filmed a couple of scenes there. I have also had some good times there…

Among other things, Grand Haven is a fabulous place to DANCE!

Where to Stay
Grand Haven has some absolutely fabulous beach cottages and charming little bed and breakfasts that are within walking distance of the beach and downtown.

Boyden House Inn

I would recommend visiting the Pure Michigan Website for more information on hotels in the area.

What to Do
Of course, the beaches are a major draw. They’re beautiful—soft, clean sand, miles of shoreline, fun boardwalks.
Grand Haven boardwalk. In the summer, little ice cream stores and cute shops are open all along here.

Shopping downtown is also fun. There are a ton of cute shops with handmade items by local artists.

In the evenings, local bands will play in the little grandstand area right on the water. Once nightfall hits, the most interesting feature of Grand Haven comes out to play- the musical fountain. What’s a musical fountain? Well, simply put, it’s a fountain that puts on a light/spraying water show to music. Seriously, this is a weird attraction that can only be appreciated in person.

Performances begin in May, and they’re free, so if you’re in town, you should seriously check it out.

If water and music aren’t your thing (maybe you prefer alcohol and music, eh?) then there are some cute bars/restaurants that might catch your eye. The Kirby Grill is a great place. It features fun atmosphere, with local bands performing on the weekends. There’s an upscale chophouse side of the place called The Grillroom, if you’re interested in more of a romantic evening out. The food is really yummy (the company that owns these restaurants is catering our wedding, in fact!).

If you’re looking for more of a dive bar, the Tip a Few Tavern is fantastic! It features cheap drinks, GREAT Mexican food, and a very diverse crowd. We head over there every time we’re in town.

So, to review: Michigan is awesome, and you should definitely visit!

Are you planning on taking a minimoon with your fiance before or after the wedding?

*All photos from source

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See all the posts in the Honeymoon in my Hometown Series here!