How Receding Waters Have Restored West Michigan Beach Sizes

 The Lake Michigan shoreline is renowned for its sandy beaches, soaring dunes, and natural beauty.  However, when Great Lakes water levels reached the peak of their cycle in 2020, the encroaching water reduced the amount of exposed sand along the West Michigan coast. 

However, over the last few years, water levels on Lake Michigan have once again receded. Whether viewed from a private home or one of Holland, Saugatuck, or Grand Haven’s beautiful state parks, beaches along West Michigan’s beaches have returned to their more familiar size. 

The Impact on West Michigan Beaches

 The drop in Lake Michigan’s water levels had a visible effect on beaches all along the lakeshore. Popular spots…

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West MI Event Guide December 2024

Grand Rapids Light Show

The Christmas Lite Show is back at LMCU Ballpark for its 27th season! West Michigan's largest animated drive-through light show returns, offering nearly two miles of holiday magic with over a million lights, animated displays, and lighted tunnels.


South Haven Holiday Concert

The South Haven Performance Series, founded in 2010, is an all-volunteer organization bringing professional music and performing arts to residents and visitors. During the holiday season, the Series enhances South Haven’s festive spirit with beautiful performances that celebrate the magic of Christmas through music and the arts.


Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade

Featuring over 80 sparkling floats, festive…

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Prepping your West Michigan Home for Winter Weather

With winter’s potential to deliver lake-effect snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and icy conditions, preparing your West Michigan home for the chilly weather is always a good idea. Proper preparation ensures not only your safety and comfort but also helps reduce energy use and can avoid costly repairs.

Whether you own real estate on Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, or in a coastal town like South Haven, Holland, or Grand Haven, here are some good ways to get ahead of the winter season


Seal up any leaks around windows and doors

Cold drafts can impact your heating bill and make your home uncomfortable. Here’s how to seal your home effectively:

Inspect Windows and Doors: Check for drafts…

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1155 Edgewater Terrace, South Haven, MI 49090

Get a first look at this beautifully updated rustic-contemporary lakefront retreat, set in the picturesque Glenn Shores community! This unique home features a stylish new kitchen, renovated bathrooms, and a luxurious main-floor bedroom suite, all designed with comfort and elegance in mind. Step outside to your private outdoor oasis complete with a hot tub, 130 feet of Lake Michigan frontage, and breathtaking views from nearly every room.

For those seeking even more beach access, an optional association membership offers access to over 2,000 feet of additional beach frontage. Located just a short drive from South Haven and Saugatuck, this home is a perfect blend of tranquil lakefront living and the…

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West MI Event Guide November 2024

November in West Michigan is packed with festive events, cozy gatherings, and activities for everyone. Dive in and discover what's happening across West Michigan this month!

 

Saugatuck Turkey Trot

The Annual Turkey Trot 5K is coming up! Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs, kids, and friends to join in this fun run or simply show up to support the community, the Saugatuck Douglas Rotary, and the 2024 Saugatuck Venetian Fest. Everyone is invited to dress in tutus, turkey costumes, feathers, or onesies, with a prize awarded for the funniest, most spirited outfit!

 

Grand Haven Holiday Craft & Artisan Market

This beloved market features unique handmade items from local crafters, artists,…

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625 Lakeshore Drive, South Haven, MI 49090

Enjoy breathtaking Lake Michigan views from nearly every room, as well as from the upper and lower wraparound porches. Perfect for relaxation and entertaining, this property features a lakeside firepit, outdoor kitchen, and newly updated landscaping. A transferable membership to both the association beach stairs and tram, just up the lane, offers easy beach access.

Renovated in 2009, this home seamlessly blends high-end updates with timeless charm. The upper level features a bright, open-concept living area with a gourmet kitchen, three-season room, master suite, and two additional en-suite bedrooms. Guests can enjoy their own quarters with a second gourmet kitchen, living room, and wet bar.

The main…

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Things to do in Holland and West Michigan in the Fall

The temperatures may be dropping, but Holland and many other Lakeshore towns are still busy with fall events and great outdoor activities. Summer may seem like the best time to visit West Michigan, but cooler weather brings beautiful fall colors and plenty of things to do.

Nature Hikes and Outdoor Adventures

West Michigan is home to some beautiful fall foliage, and an easy way to enjoy it is to visit one of the many state parks in the area. Places like Holland State Park and Saugatuck Dunes State Park offer great walking trails that weave through lakeside forests.

Other destinations include Window on the Waterfront near downtown Holland, and the Macatawa River Greenway in Zeeland. Both…

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sneak peek: modern farmhouse with acreage

Welcome to 13468 Green Street, a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath modern farmhouse inspired by renowned furniture designer Jens Risom’s Block Island family retreat. Built with sustainability and functionality at its core, this home is situated on a beautiful, private, and wooded 8.5-acre lot in Grand Haven, offering a perfect blend of style, practicality, and eco-friendly living.

The kitchen  features stunning butcher block countertops and stainless steel appliances. Expansive windows overlook the spacious dining area and family room, where you’ll find a cozy cement tile wood-burning fireplace—ideal for curling up on cool fall evenings. The primary bedroom on the main floor includes an en suite bathroom and a walk-in…

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3349 Palmer Drive, Saugatuck, MI 49453

Experience refined living in this stunning 4,200+ sq. ft. modern farmhouse, located in The Ravines of Saugatuck, where you’ll enjoy access to an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course and an association pool. Built in 2018, this 4-bed, 4.5-bath home rests on a 1.3-acre lot with tranquil views of woods and a pond. The gourmet kitchen boasts Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Silestone counters, a walk-in butler’s pantry with a Miele coffee machine and wine fridge, and reclaimed oak floors. The great room offers custom built-ins and a gas fireplace, while the primary suite indulges with radiant-heated floors, a steam shower, soaking tub, and custom closet. Outdoor living is complete with a screened patio, fireplace, and…

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Exclusive Buyer Agreements: What You Need to Know Before Touring Homes

Are you thinking about touring homes soon? If so, there's an important step you’ll need to take before viewing homes with a real estate agent—signing an exclusive buyer agreement. As of August 17, 2024, this agreement is now a requirement when working with a real estate professional who is a REALTOR®. Here’s everything you need to know to feel confident about this change.

What Is an Exclusive Buyer Agreement?

An exclusive buyer agreement is a formal contract between you and your real estate agent, outlining the services they will provide and how they will be compensated for those services. By signing this agreement, you’re ensuring that your agent will represent your best…

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