tourism

Proponants for social districts say a drink in hand makes the wait more bearable for restaurant patrons who are up to an hour away from being seated, and it benefits nearby shops.

Lakeshore communities welcome the benefits social districts offer businesses

Social districts allow businesses to sell alcoholic beverages that can be consumed in publicly owned common areas. Proponents say this makes the wait more bearable for restaurant patrons who are up to an hour away from being seated, and it benefits nearby shops.

Latest in tourism
The Joe Marcinek Band and Benzing Graves Collective recently played Holland's Park Theatre.
Park Theatre bursts back on the scene with new vigor post-pandemic

Downtown Holland's Park Theatre hit the ground running when it reopened its doors post-pandemic. The nonprofit venue is expanding its tastes to include comedy and art events, including some top-bill acts from around the country.

The Holland Symphony Orchestra performs its Pops at the Pier event every year in a celebration of summer fun.
HSO returns with pops tribute to Louis Armstrong

The Holland Symphony Orchestra will hold its first concert in two years with a pops tribute to Louis Armstrong. The outdoor concert will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 29.

The Beer City Open is putting West Michigan on the map for pickleball.
Beer City Open puts West Michigan on the map for pickleball

The Beer City Open, co-founded by Grand Rapids attorney and Grand Haven resident Andrea Koop, is putting West Michigan on the map for pickleball. The tournament attracts hundreds of players, both amateurs and professionals, each year. This year’s prizes top $30,000.

The 27th anniversary Show & Shine Car Cruise & Show is returning to downtown Zeeland.
Things to do in July: Music and fireworks, art shows and car shows, festivals and fairs

As the economy opens and the weather warms, July brings plenty of activities along the Lakeshore. Offerings include a kids’ presentation about park design, a car show, a festival, and — of course — fireworks.

Henry and Lindsay Cherry co-founded I AM Academy, which empowers Black students and is behind the 2021 Juneteenth festival in Holland.
Juneteenth returns with fun and a renewed purpose

Holland's Juneteenth celebration will be a day of fun, learning, and healing. Alongside the festival fun will also be a COVID-19 clinic and voter registration drive.

The 37,700-square-foot VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center opened this spring. It offers a much-needed convention space along the Lakeshore.
Convention center opens, setting up Muskegon as a year-round destination

With its first event described as “a record-breaking show,” Muskegon’s VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center is generating excitement in downtown Muskegon. The 37,700-square-foot facility will be ideal for conventions, conferences, meetings, trade shows, and larger social events, Muskegon Chamber officials say.

Invasive zebra mussels found in aquarium moss products (some in Kalamazoo) prompt national response

At least 21 states, including Michigan, are trying to stop the spread of zebra mussels and related invasives found in moss balls intended for aquariums. 

Bowerman Blueberries is expanding its original farmers market and bringing a restaurant to downtown Holland later this year.
Bowerman bringing blueberries to downtown Holland

Bowerman Blueberries is bringing its popular blueberry donuts, custard, and other new sweet and savory treats to the former Sandcastle for Kids toy store and AlpenRose cafe on the corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue in downtown Holland.

Zeeland's Strength and Main ad campaign asks customers to pull together for downtown businesses
Downtown Zeeland looks for hope at the corner of Strength and Main

Zeeland's new Strength and Main ad campaign asks customers to pull together for their downtown storefronts and restaurants. Those who participate in the 10-day social media portion have a chance to win prizes.

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