www.iFourWinns.com

We have finally been able to block out some time in about 2 weeks and are looking at traveling up the East side of Lake Michigan for about 5 days. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of marinas to stay at between Hammond IN and maybe Muskegon?? I know we need to make a stop in Grand Haven to visit family but beyond that, no real plans.

Looking for the basics: gas, pump out, 30 Amp service, decent on-shore food.

Hoping I have enough time to work out reservations.

Any input will be appreciated

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Saugatuck is a great stop with an awesome little downtown to explore. I also really like South Haven.

Jinizi,

New Buffalo and South Haven are 2 great stops both with nice marina's right downtown. South Haven Municiple marina's(3 of them) are gorgeous!! Saugatuck is another great stop. It's an artsy community with a lot of good shops and a handful of marina's close to downtown. One of the best steaks I've ever had was at a bar/pub called Phil's in Downtown Saugatuck. In Muskegon Cap'n Morgan showed us a restaurant called Dockers which had a great themed tiki bar, food, and live music. They also provide free dockage while visiting their restaurant. Just 10 miles north of Muskegon is Whitelake Michigan. It's a sleepy little town but have a nice restaurant over looking the harbor called..Harborview restaurant. They have a nice and clean municiple marina also downtown with a great staff and some cool throwback bicycles from the 70's? you can borrow. If your looking for a quiet place to stay Whitelake is it!

The Lakeland boating cruising guide and map is invaluable on a trip like this. It has phone numbers to all the marina's as well as listing's of the local restaurants and grocery stores. If you don't have a copy you can borrow mine as you pass thru. Hope this helps! Ben

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Hope to make those two stops the first of next week weather permitting. I assume we'll be seeing you during the airshow weekend and I'll fill you in. I think Bliss36 has it down pat though!

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

I've got the Richardsons Chartbook for Lake Michigan as well. Your free to use it on your trip. We may make a run up the east shore of Michigan...hard to say right now though, I know we will head up past Chicago maybe into Wisconsin.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Muni marina in Grand Haven is right in the heart of the action. Get fuel at any of the 6 marinas in town.

See me for your banking needs

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Are you handing out $$$$$? Have to pay for the gas somehow.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Went to South Haven last Sunday for the first time on the boat. Had visited many times by land so was fun to be on the other side. Gas was a little salty $ 4.79 versus $4.59 in St. Joe, but definately a nicer area. Municipal marina was empty Sunday night. Bars were full though.

Have not boated on White Lake, but have vacationed in the area many times. It is great, particularly if the big lake is rough.

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1994 235 Sundowner w/351 Ford

That is cheap either way...my marina is $4.99

Got to put a plug in for our Marina in Holland, Eldean Shipyard. First stop on the right as you pass the channel into Lake Macatawa. Onsite restaurant, the Piper. Pool, gas, pumpout, etc. I think they've got some of the nicest facilities around.

The only issue is that it is about 5 miles from downtown Holland. Downtown Holland is a great spot, lots of shops and good restaurants including New Holland Brewing company. Hope College is there, so there is a little bit of a college town vibe, lots of Amway money, you can look at their nice houses on Lake Mac. The bad thing is there is no good waterfront development, the shore is taken up by a powerplant, scrap metal yard and gravel yard but once you get past that downtown is really nice.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

Can you get close to downtown on the boat ?? Or do you park boat and take a walk or cab ?? We've done Holland by land and I will have to agree, downtown is wonderful. Kind of a mini Traverse City.

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1994 235 Sundowner w/351 Ford

I think there are some docks in a Holland city park that you could stop at but it would still be close to 1/2 mile to downtown. There is also Boatwerks Restaurant right there that is on the water next to the park. The city knows it needs to develop the waterfront and have a plan of somesort but the economy has put it on hold.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

I have to agree on Holland and their downtown area. I just left it off as no marina is right in the downtown area.

Have a good trip. Depending on when you are going, there are fun events scheduled in several of the cities/ports you have had recommendations for. Some events may limit marina slip availability. Just a thought.

If you make it up as far north as Muskegon, let me know. I'll buy you a beverage. Despite the rumors, I really don't bite.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

FREE BEER FROM CAP'N MORGAN !!!! If you end up in St. Joe, Pier 33 should have a slip available in front of or close to Clementines on the river. Ate there Friday night, and it was so good, we went back again on saturday. Very reasonable. Perch were some of the best I've had.
http://www.ohmydarling.com/

http://www.pier33.com/

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1994 235 Sundowner w/351 Ford