Sculpture Gardens, Architecture, and Lakeside Views

On your way west, stop off for breakfast at Fidlers on the Grand in Lansing, Michigan. This unassuming family-owned eatery serves up fantastic hot breakfasts and warm customer service. Try their daily specials or Tex-Mex style breakfasts, including tacos, burritos, and breakfast bowls. Select a board game to play or grab a book to read from their activity shelves while you wait for your meal.

After filling your tummy with a hearty breakfast, continue driving west until you reach the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The 158-acre grounds contain standout Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; an eight-acre tranquil Japanese garden; a replicated 1930s farm garden; and plenty more art and nature collections to wander in. Tickle all five senses by spending the morning taking in the aromas from all the different plant species and viewing the beautiful sculpture walkways.
The campus, including all its indoor and outdoor exploration areas, is entirely wheelchair accessible.

Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House and drive through the Heritage Hill Historic District. If the building is open for tours, tour the inside of the house to further experience the seamless fusion of design and environment Wright sought to attain with his houses.
If the tours are not open while you are traveling through, you can still drive by to view the exterior of the house, and also explore the Heritage Hill residential neighborhood the house resides within. The residential historic district includes hundreds of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century houses to gawk at.
Interior tours are available throughout the day on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Book your reservation in advance on the official website.

Grab lunch on the terrace at San Chez A Tapas Bistro, a cool spot for Mediterranean and Spanish-style tapas. Order a couple of small plates to taste all the different flavors the chef cooks up and top your meal off with a mocktail or sangria. Our favorite tapas include the classic patatas bravas and their seafood tapas, including the pulpo salteado, a dish made up of citrus braised octopus, bravas, smoky tomato sauce, and candied lemon.

On your way out of town, drive past The Blue Bridge, an old railroad bridge converted to a pedestrian walk that often serves as an iconic postmark for the city of Grand Rapids. The bridge once carted resources across Michigan and state lines, and now connects pedestrians from downtown Grand Rapids to the attractions on the other side of the river including Grand Valley State University and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

Park your car for free in the public lots in downtown Holland, then get out of the car to explore the town's shopping district.

Holland, Michigan sits on Lake Michigan and is known for its rich Dutch heritage, tulips, lakeshore, and an original 250-year-old Dutch windmill. Spend an hour walking through the downtown shopping district in this culture-rich town. Walk on top of brick sidewalks and admire the Victorian architecture and outdoor sculptures. Grab snacks, treats, or coffee from one of the many café outposts.

Pick your car back up at the lot to head out for dinner, which is just a few minutes away near the water.

Eat dinner at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, a patio sitting on the edges of Lake Macatawa, a semi-inland lake that funnels into Lake Michigan. The restaurant offers an elevated beach-town dining experience, featuring New American fare and stunning views.

Drive closer to the coastline and watch the sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan and at the exterior of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse. Known for being one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan, some call it "Big Red" for its striking red color contrasted against deep blue waters and skies.

Stay at a trusty hotel in downtown Holland such as the Courtyard by Marriot, which includes free parking, an indoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, accessible free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are tidy and spacious, and the hotel is located just steps away from your coming destinations.