Summer in West Michigan is what makes our winters worth it. Consider this your unofficial Yellow Lime summer bucket list. We hope you can check them all out before the season's over.

Jess’s Pick

Riley Trails

Sometimes you just need to disappear into the trees for a little while. Riley Trails, tucked into Park Township, is Jess's go-to for exactly that. The 300-acre Ottawa County park has a trail system that somehow manages to feel both easy to follow and wonderfully easy to get lost in. Whether you're hiking, mountain biking, or just wandering with your dog, there's something for everyone in this park.

Alex’s Pick

Seventy-Six

Ask Alex where she wants to eat lunch and the answer is almost always Seventy-Six. The Holland restaurant has a menu that manages to be both elevated and completely approachable. Alex has worked her way through the menu and has yet to find a single miss. Seventy-Six also has a growing family of restaurants under its brand, so if you fall in love with the concept, there's more to explore.

Holly’s Pick

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Holly's pick is the picturesque Saugatuck Dunes State Park just south of Holland. This park requires a little more work to get to (you actually have to hike to get there), but once you arrive, you have 2.5 miles of secluded Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach-in crowd tends to skip it, which means you can stand on a genuinely beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan and feel like you have the whole thing to yourself.

Calla’s Pick

Stovetop Coffee Roasters

Did someone say local coffee shop? Calla's pick is Stovetop Coffee Roasters. With it’s roots in Grand Rapids, Calla fell in love with the fun season menus and the rotating local artwork on the walls gives it a fresh feel every time you visit. The Holland roastery location is a newer addition. Whether you go for the coffee or just need a great place to settle in for a few hours, Stovetop delivers every time.

Emily’s Pick

Yankee Springs Recreation Area

Emily's summer spot is a little farther of a drive, but Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County is the kind of place that makes the trip worth it every single time. The park has nine lakes, miles of hiking and biking trails, and enough variety to fill a whole weekend or just a really good afternoon. It's the kind of place that scratches the itch for real outdoor adventure without requiring a passport or a plane ticket.

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Whether you're a West-Michigan lifer or a transplant, we challenge you to get out and explore all that West Michigan has to offer. Go forth and explore!

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