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Josh and Sheri Van Malsen know a little something about throwing a get-together on the Lakeshore, and they can help you become the life your own party. At Down the Hatch and the Port Sheldon Party Store, the Van Malsen’s offer everything from food and beverages, gifts and cards, and event catering services, to goods from local businesses (including the Lakeshore Life... not that we are biased). These family-owned stores have been in business for over 30 years, and the employees take pride in helping you and your friends have an awesome time by the lake. We had the privilege of sitting down with Josh and Sheri to find out more about their stores. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and visit http://www.yourlakeshorepartystores.com for more information.

Hog Wild BBQ in Holland, MI is the one-stop shop for your beach picnic, work party, or wedding reception catering needs. Voted the #1 BBQ joint in West Michigan, and #10 in the entire state, Hog Wild is known for their pulled pork sandwich, brisket, and corn cake. While the food is amazing (voted #1 in the Best of the Best contest for BBQ, ribs, and takeout), the customer service is top notch as well. This summer alone, the Hog Wild team is catering over 90 weddings. Next time you head to Holland State Park or Tunnel Park for a day at the beach, or if you are planning that amazing West Michigan wedding, consider Hog Wild for your or catering BBQ needs!

Albert K’s Lakeside Café is the perfect way to spend a summer morning. The Café has all homemade recipes and Grand Rapids-roasted coffee. Whether you are visiting from out of town and looking for a taste of local delicacies, or if you are setting sail from the Holland boat launch and in need of coffee before your sunset cruise, Albert K’s Lakeside Café is your spot. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with one of the owners, Ellen Smith, to ask her some questions about the Café.

Big Lake Brewing, one of the top breweries along the Lakeshore, started when three beer-passionate engineers started brewing at home in their spare time. Locally, the brewery is known for its great atmosphere, outstanding food, and of course, tasty beer. As frequent visitors of Big Lake Brewing, we can attest to all of these things. The Lakeshore Life had the opportunity to sit down with one of the owners, Jeffrey Genova, to ask him a few more questions about the brewpub. Whether you are local to the area or visiting from out of town for a weekend, Big Lake Brewery should be on your list of places to visit!

Each year, for one week in May, thousands of people descend on the shores of Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan to visit the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. A celebration of Dutch culture, the Tulip Time Festival has parades, markets, food vendors, a carnival, and, of course, Tulips in every color. This event is consistently rated as one of the best small-town festivals in the nation by publications like Premier Tourism Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and USA Today. Put on your best pair of Klompen (Dutch wooden clogs) and come see what this special event has to offer.

Uncommon Coffee Roasters is one of the most iconic coffee shops on the Lakeshore. If you are visiting Saugatuck, Michigan, you can’t leave without picking up a hot or iced coffee as you visit the shops and galleries. They have been serving the Lakeshore for almost 25 years, and their cold brews can be found in over 20 states. We had the privilege of speaking with Guy Darienzo, president of Uncommon Coffee Roasters.

This is Hunter. Hunter loves living the Lakeshore Life. It’s not uncommon for him to hop in his car and head north, spending a weekend by the lakes and taking in the beauty of the shores. When he’s not taking incredible pictures, Hunter enjoys fishing, especially for Brook Trout and...

This picture is from Sara Wright. Follow @greendrinks on Instagram for more amazing photos!

These dunes attract many boaters and hikers all summer long! Thank you to Jamie and Cam Kleinheksel for the drone footage!