How to spend a day in Holland, Michigan

I was invited to spend the day in Holland, Michigan–a quaint West Michigan town on the shore of Lake Macatawa. It’s been years since I’ve meandered through the downtown and it still feels like a small town, but with pretty expansive shopping and eating options.

Lexi of In the Hutch and Kate of Living Lark organized and hosted this big influencer event, with more than 50 influencers from across the state joining to shop and eat their way through town and I truly had the most amazing time seeing old friends, meeting new and experiencing the downtown area of Holland. Definitely follow them to stay up to date of all things happening in the Holland area.

I stayed overnight at Courtyard by Marriott which is right downtown and such a nice, modern hotel. There’s parking on site too.

Read on for tips and ideas on where to eat and shop (and how where I visited during my visit):

Bites and Sips

We first hit up Cakabakery, a bakery I’ve visited in Grand Rapids before and loved the big, bright space they occupy in downtown Holland. I sampled a cake pop and loved it so much that even after I dropped it on the floor, I picked it up and ate the rest.

For an intimate dinner spot, try Butch’s. We stopped there for happy hour and enjoyed a specialty cocktail and light bites–all delicious! Definitely a great date spot too!

For drinks and fuss-free dinner, try Waverly Stone Pub. I grabbed a grilled cheese with crispy bacon on black pepper bread and sipped Hannah’s cider and whiskey cocktail.

I popped into Peach Wave for some frozen yogurt and if you’re into frozen yogurt, this is the spot for you. So many flavor options and toppings! I filled my cup with cheesecake froyo and spiced pumpkin, topping it with chocolate chips, a scoop of cookie dough and peanut butter.

For coffee, check out Ferris Coffee, Lemongellos or 205 Coffee.

Next time, I hope to visit Great Lakes Brewing Co.!

Women’s Clothing Shops

There was no shortage of adorable boutiques filled with stylish women’s clothing and accessories and I kicked off my shopping at JB and Me, a giant shop carrying brands like Free People, Z Supply and Sorel. I grabbed a grey cropped Z Supply sweatshirt and readers can shop anything for 20% off until Nov. 17 with code BLONDEBEDHEAD.

Tikal is another women’s clothing store was filled with beautiful earthy colors and textures and the owner was such a delight to talk to. I especially loved the tops and coats here!

Spring Sweet carries a mix of home, apothecary and women’s clothing and loved the aesthetic of this store. I tried on a couple adorable dresses that just didn’t quite work for me, but can’t wait to return to sniff candles and try on more clothes in the future.

Frances Jaye is the perfect store to take yourself and any men in your life. There’s a great mix of cool men and women’s clothing and the store’s style was aligned with my own, plus they carry PF Candle Co., my all time favorite candle brand.

Blu Veranda was a fun store with the cutest pajama sets and lots of leopard print pieces.

You have to check out Urban Found too. It feels like you’re walking into a terrarium filled with cute, cozy boho clothes!

Home Stores

Home and Company is a store you could easily spend hours in looking at funky socks, trying on clothes and checking out the home decor (and other items like Yeti tumblers) This store has it all. My friend Brooke bought two super cute floor mats, another friend Madeline (who I met during the trip) bought CBD oil and I found socks with cavalier king charles spaniels on them. Something for everyone here!

If you’re into home and garden stores, Gezellig is a must! From stationary to all kinds of plants to candles, it’s a store filled with great gifts and items for your own home.

Be sure to check my Holland stories highlight for photos and video throughout the town, stores and restaurants. There’s also shoe stores, children’s stores and so many more restaurants to check out–just walk up and down 8th street to find it all.

Faux fur vest from Mango | leggings by Spanx | top by Ganni | boots by Sam Edelman | bag by Chanel (bought from Classic Coco)