The end of summer will be here before I know it, but we just got back from our long-awaited summer vacation to Holland, Michigan! This was my first time in Michigan. The weather was mild, the beach was beautifully sandy, and downtown Holland was adorable.
This particular part of Michigan was highly recommended to us by some local Illinois friends who have taken family vacations to Holland nearly every year. Everyone we talked to raved about Michigan, so I was excited to cross a new state off my list and get a beach trip all in one. And it was only a short 3 hours from our home which is an added plus! We traveled to a 100 year old AirBnb house with my parents and sister for our week away.
DAY 1: DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
The first day was drizzly and cozy. We didn't let it stop us from walking around the shops of downtown Holland. Samuel and I agreed that this was one of our favorite days of the trip. The sprinkle of rain made ducking into the shops, eating treats, and drinking coffee even more cozy and enjoyable.
Some favorite shops were:
DAY 1: DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
The first day was drizzly and cozy. We didn't let it stop us from walking around the shops of downtown Holland. Samuel and I agreed that this was one of our favorite days of the trip. The sprinkle of rain made ducking into the shops, eating treats, and drinking coffee even more cozy and enjoyable.
Some favorite shops were:
- The Peanut Store (the dark chocolate sea foam might be the best chocolate tasting thing I have ever tried)
- Reader's World bookstore
- Crane's In The City Cafe
- Big E's Sports Grill
Also on our first day of vacation, Charlie refused to take his nap and ended up totally crashing at dinner time. We woke him up to eat, but he just could nooottt peel his eyes open. So, it was an early bedtime for this guy. And some good snuggles beforehand.
DAY 2: FARMERS MARKET, SUNSET AT THE BEACH
First we stopped for coffee, went to the Holland farmer's market, and then we checked out Nelis' Dutch Village. Animals to feed, carnival rides, places to run, free cheese and chocolate samples - it was basically a kid-sized theme park.
Later that night we drove to Holland State Park to watch the sunset which was beautiful. This was Charlie's first time seeing waves and sand! His shoe came off while we were walking towards the water and he would NOT let his foot touch the sand at first. Like, he stood like a flamingo with a disgusted look on his face. (Hence the shoes on while we are at the water.) He eventually warmed up to the sand by our beach day.
DAY 3: BEACH @ TUNNEL PARK
Finally we had a beach day!! It was......cold-ish. The wind was chilll-ly, but laying on a towel in the sand was actually warm and totally fine, like I may have gotten a sunburn. Charlie loved the sand (after a worrisome first sand experience!). Digging, scooping, falling over on it, laying on a Darth Vader towel, playing in his tent, he had a blast. He even liked standing at the water as it came up and back even though it was FREEZING.
Michigan, you were lovely! We can't wait to go back again someday.
Emily
