Recommending a favorite local coffee shop is VERY hard; we enjoy lots of different places and don't necessarily have one "favorite". But Ferris is hard to beat. They've got lots of delicious offerings for coffee lovers and non-coffee lovers alike. They also have a yummy array of baked goods, too. One of Kelly's weaknesses as a Hope student was their toasted asiago bagel with cream cheese. Mmm.
This is one of the main beaches in town. While it may be busy during your visit, it's known for being one of the biggest pieces of public beachfront in the area. You can definitely soak up some good sun here. Jarod and I often will come here in warmer months; we really enjoy packing a picnic and setting up camp by the canal where boats come from Lake Macatawa and into Lake Michigan (and back).
A perfect way to start your Saturday. Walk down to the end of 8th street to see all kinds of fresh fruits, homemade bread and some other fun surprises along the way.
Of course, we have to recommend taking a stroll around the campus of our alma mater! The Jack Miller music building, the Bultman Student Center, and the Campus Ministries building are all newer additions to campus. Dimnent Chapel is a beautiful example of an older structure on campus. And don't forget to check out the anchor outside of Graves Hall, right near the Hope College arch!
You guys. THIS PLACE. It's only open seasonally, all the seating is outdoor, and it's simply the best. It's got an awesome view of the marina. The drink options are so fun, and we almost always end up with the tacos.
You can get a classically delicious breakfast here. They're known for their Hash Brown Omelet (SO good!). Fair warning that it's a small place, and the line is usually out the door, so make sure to have ample time when you go to visit. If there's only two or three of you, you can try walking in past the line to sit at the bar-top; no need to wait in line for those seats.