The waterfront destinations of Holland and Muskegon are delightful hosts for meetings or even day trips from group-friendly inland locales, including Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
Holland, situated on the coast about 30 minutes southwest of Grand Rapids, is famous for its warm, sandy beaches, historic downtown and unique Dutch attractions, according to Wendy Link, sales director for the Holland Area CVB.
At the top of a Holland itinerary, Link suggests groups check out Windmill Island Gardens, which boasts 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and canals.
“Tour five floors of the 260-year-old DeZwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S.,” Link suggests.
Link encourages planners to also allow attendees time to stroll Holland’s historic and quaint three-block downtown area, where they can browse some 100 locally owned shops, galleries and eateries.
“Lined with Victorian lampposts, cobblestone sidewalks and beautiful bronze statues, groups enjoy the one-of-a-kind shops, and the choice of restaurants allows for an on-your-own lunch or dinner as well as group meal options at restaurants like AlpenRose,” she says.
Among the team-bonding activities in Holland is a hands-on candle-making session at downtown’s Candle-ology, located in Moynihan Gallery, or a painting class at Carolyn Stich Studio.
“Or your group can learn about Dutch cuisine and traditions, sample Dutch cheeses, cookies and pastries, and even make one of Holland’s favorite desserts, Banket, at Nelis’ Dutch Village,” Link says.
Muskegon County, on Lake Michigan’s shoreline about 45 minutes west of Grand Rapids, offers myriad experiences for meeting attendees, including 12 golf courses and a variety of festivals year-round, according to Bob Lukens, community development director for Muskegon County.
He says the destination also has an impressive lineup of museums that keep groups entertained, such as the Muskegon Museum of Art, which accommodates off-site group gatherings, and several history museums, including three with a maritime focus: the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum and the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper.
Lukens also suggests lakefront dining at popular restaurants such as Dockers Fish House, which has a private patio for group events; the Lake House Waterfront Grille at the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center; and The Deck, located on Pere Marquette Beach.
Groups can also host an event directly on Muskegon’s Pere Marquette Beach with help from the Muskegon County CVB, Lukens adds.
