Living in Spring Lake, Michigan
It’s unique to live in the Village of Spring Lake. A modest, welcoming neighborhood, the village is a small, friendly community located just minutes from Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon and Grand Rapids. The Village is actually on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by Spring Lake and the Grand River. There are many public access points to the water including a municipal boat launch, canoe and kayak launches, a sandy beach with restrooms and a life guard, and fishing platforms.
The Village offers a wealth of shops and services including 15 restaurants, shops offering everything from ATV’s and hardware to fine wines and art galleries, and many services such as doctor and dentist offices, salons and spas, and automotive service establishments.
SPRING LAKE
Village Baker
Village Baker: The hidden gem of Spring Lake/Grand Haven. Prices are fair, and the food is awesome. We often get takeout to eat on the deck. They have a wonderful breakfast menu, great baked goods, and super delicious pizza, sandwiches and entres. You really can’t go wrong. Note: if you are arriving late, this is the place I’d get take-out from on the way into town.
FRUITPORT
Odd Side Social Brews
Odd Side Ales: the local brew pub that serves hard seltzers, beers and cocktails. Two locations – and this one is located in Fruitport. Walkable from the house, it serves as a coffee shop during the day and an excellent cocktail bar at night. THE perfect place for the parents to sneak off to while the grandparents watch the kids.
FRUITPORT
Norms Ice Cream
Norms Ice Cream: The local ice cream hangout. Be warned: a small is 3 scoops of ice cream, so order appropriately. We typically order a Baby (one scoop) or Kids (two scoops). Open until 10pm every night, and always has a line.
GRAND HAVEN
Anna’s House
***Anna’s House***: probably our favorite breakfast spot, they don’t take reservations and generally get busy on weekends between 8:30/9. Wonderfully unusual takes on both traditional and non-traditional breakfast, including tater-tot breakfast casserole and breakfast lasagna. Make sure to try the monkey bread and if you are GF, they have a wonderful cinnamon roll.
GRAND HAVEN
Unicorn Tavern
Unicorn Tavern: Belgian inspired pub food with a menu that changes monthly. Don’t miss their prime rib dinner on Friday nights. Closest to Chicago quality food in the area. You’re in the know if you make it to Unicorn.
NUNICA
Turks
Turks Bar & Grill: the locals hangout. Slightly out of the way, and always has a wait. But the food is local, handmade, and delicious. Well worth the trip and highly rated.
GRAND HAVEN
Toasted Pickle
Toasted Pickle: THE sandwich shop in the area. Fantastic sandwiches, fries and chips. Seating is limited, so order it for take out or delivery to Odd Side Ales Grand Haven.
GRAND HAVEN
Adlea Coffee
Aldea Coffee: if you are a coffee aficionado, then Aldea must be a pit stop. Aldea formed as a non-profit in Nicaragua to work with farmers, and directly imports + roasts the coffee from their member farmers. Truly a coffee lovers dream.
GRAND HAVEN
Odd Side Ales
Odd Side Ales: the local brew pub that serves hard seltzers, beers and cocktails. Two locations – and this one is located in Grand Haven. It’s known as being a great social place and welcoming of outside food.
SPRING LAKE + FRUITPORT
Bigby Coffee
Biggby Coffee: this is the local coffee joint. Technically a chain local to Michigan, it’s a convenient 5-7 minutes from our house (locations in both Spring Lake and Fruitport) and a great excuse not to make coffee in the morning.
GRAND HAVEN
Notos
Notos: the only restaurant that sits directly on the beach for 100 miles in either direction. Killer sunset views, ability to have drinks on the sand, and good food. They don’t take reservations during the summer, so plan to wait or head over during an off time.
SPRING LAKE
Arboreal Inn
Arboreal Inn: Lovely fine dining establishment that is a mix between white linen tablecloths and Wisconsin supper club, and is definitely a “must try” place.
MUSKEGON
Hearthstone
Hearthstone: Finer dining with a great menu. If you’re looking for a nice night out, this is a great place to try.
MUSKEGON
Lake House Grill
Lake House Grill: Bay side seating and views of the marina. Good food, less crowded than similar places in Grand Haven.
GRAND HAVEN
Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven State Park: what Grand Haven is known for, this IS THE beach to go to in the area. Often crowded with tourists, parking can be a nightmare, but it is the quintessential beach experience.
GRAND HAVEN
North Beach
North Beach: this is the locals beach. Equally as beautiful but not as large, this beach is perfect for someone who wants the full beach experience but not the crowds. You may need to confirm if you need a parking permit.
GRAND HAVEN
Rosy Mound
Rosy Mound Recreation Area: .7 mile hike to secluded beach, which we’ve been told is worth the hike!
MAP
Trail Map
Trail map for biking and running: the area has lots of great paved paths for running or biking, including one at the end of the driveway. Use this map to figure out where/how far you want to go!
- Grand Haven: Wednesday & Saturday. In driving by, not sure this is the largest farmers market.
- Spring Lake: Thursday. Also seeming smaller, but super close!
- Muskegon: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (we’ve heard this one is the best)
- Lakeshore Museum Complex: This historical cluster of homes/museums is a gem of Muskegon for those interested in something more educational in nature.
- Fresh Fruit & Farms: (Upick, etc). We haven’t been, but there are lots of apples, cherries, blueberries and other fresh produce stands in the area!
- Michigan’s Adventure: The crown jewel of the West Michigan adventure scene, this throwback to simpler days is both affordable and quaint. Think Santa’s Village in Chicago, it’s no comparison to a Six Flags amusement park, but offers entertainment perfect for the younger set.
Links
Stuga @ Instagram
Book The Stuga
Due to local regulations, the Stuga is only available for 14 rental days per year. If you are interested to use the property for commercial purposes such as photo or video shooting, contact us directly.