[TnTWalter]

We're from Indiana.

South is an hour ish closer.

Grand seems to have more...boardwalk, musical fountain, inland lake [we have a ski boat and might be fun to bring], bike bath [does south haven have one?]

Both areas have similar priced rentals. We'd like to bring our dog. Is one more pet friendly than the other?

We went to Ludington last year and camped for 3 nights. LOVED it. The dunes, the beaches, the lighthouse, the charming town...ice cream shop and they had a festival when we were there too...we took the boat to Hamlin but it was really rough. Great way to get to the dunes though.

We aren't into tons of touristy activites, a little would be ok [maybe miniature golf one day but not necessary ;o)] but walkability and bike paths would be great. I'd love to use car as little as possible. Some sight seeing [dunes, light houses, etc.] and a good quaint not chain restaurant or two would be great. We're not shoppers. Enjoy the nicer sand if possible. A lake for the boat would be a plus [17.5 foot ski boat].

Thanks for any help.

TRISH

[tuebor]

Grand Haven is a little bigger, but I'm not sure there's anything there that merits an extra hour in the car. Grand Haven did have a section of municipal beach that allowed dogs last time I checked (2007). Not sure about South Haven.

If you like tall ships, the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven has a topsail sloop that offers 2-hour cruises when it's not away visiting other ports.

For more info about SH & GH:

Welcome to the Greater South Haven Area
grandhavenchamber.org

I'll also put in a plug for Muskegon (about 25 min. from GH), which has a decommissioned WWII submarine you can visit and a pretty good art museum for a town that size. Muskegon's beaches are often less crowded and cleaner than GH's. It does have a dog beach (Bronson Park / Krause Park). There are inland lakes in the area. Muskegon Lake and Mona Lake are good for boating and fishing but not for swimming. There are bike paths leading from downtown along Muskegon Lake to the Lake Michigan beaches.

Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce

All of the lakefront communities have fun special events during the summer. Check the events calendars at the websites above to see what will be happening during your stay.

Welcome and enjoy your visit!

[michmoldman]

And also just north of Muskegon is a few great little towns. Whitehall, and Montague. Neat little towns, and a fantastic paved bike trail, with little places to rest and eat along the way.
Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail State Park

[MI.SC]

Stayed in SH for a week in July and loved it.
South Haven has the Kal-Haven trail for biking.
Check out Thirsty Pearch and Clementines for resturants and Sherman's Ice cream if you go!

[TnTWalter]

thanks for tips guys. Also considering pentwater but it's even farther north...5.5 hours.

We drove by all these towns on our way to Ludington...

Trish

I'll look up the places you've mentioned like Muskegon. Thanks. But we like to water ski and tube so we need a swimmable lake. Thanks.

Good to know about the bike trails too!

[TnTWalter]

what about spring lake? not on the lake but in the area there? it's cheaper than grand haven and still close-by right?

also st. joseph? Very affordable there.

didn't find much in whitehall or muskegon that are affordable and/or allow dogs.

Still considering Pentwater, Grand haven and South Haven at this point.

Thanks for the help.

Trish

[notdeconcentrate]

South Haven is really only walkable if you stay in/near the downtown area. There are some good non-chain restaurants downtown. Also, the dog ordinance can be found here on page 38:


http://www.south-haven.com/csh%20folder/csh/PDFs/Code%20of%20Ordinances.pdf (broken link)

I do second the recommendation about the Kal-Haven trail. However, I'm not sure that South Haven is just what you are looking for.

You might want to also check into Saugatuck:

THE OFFICIAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM SITE OF THE SAUGATUCK AND DOUGLAS MICHIGAN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

[TnTWalter]

Saugatuck seems too artsy for our simple tastes. I know many like it but South Haven seems more 'us' than Saugatuck. I'd like to visit it though.

So Far Grand Haven or actually Spring Lake has best deal....
I asked where a boat ramp was and the nearest one is about 1 mile on Fruitport RD in Spring Lake which is by Grand Haven...Only $650 for the week. Any idea of this location?
__________
Our cottage is close to trolley pickup and paved bicycle path which runs throughout the tri-cities area, leading you directly to downtown Grand Haven and Lake Michigan! Minutes to the lake, walk to antique stores, close to shopping and dining!
___
Thanks so much for the help!!

Trish

[skyl4rk]

South Haven is the nicest beach and harbor town on Lake Michigan, by far. Its a good family town. If you stay in town it is easily walkable. There is plenty of parking downtown either way.

There is a boat launch and you can get to Lake Michigan easily, just don't go when the waves are bigger than 2 or 3 feet.

[TnTWalter]

We chose Spring Lake.

I prferred 'on paper' Grand Haven over South Haven and the prices were double the little cottage in Spring Lake we picked.

I figure it will be a good jumping path to visit Grand Haven, South Haven, some dunes, maybe Ludington.

Thanks so much!

Trish