By Adrienne Brown-Reasner
West Michigan Tourist Association
As travel begins to re-open throughout West Michigan, people are looking for ways to explore the area safely this summer. For many, this includes options like staying closer to home, avoiding large crowds, and getting off the beaten path. This is a great season to explore some of West Michigan’s small towns, and discover the hidden gems they have to offer.
The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has put together a “Small Town Stay-cation Ideas” guide, which will lead you through close to 40 of these small towns throughout the area. Discover ice cream fresh from a local dairy, stay at your own beach-front rental, or explore the mom & pop shops downtown. West Michigan’s small towns have a lot to offer, and you’re encouraged to discover it for yourself!
“We’ve seen businesses, restaurants, and towns working very hard to ensure they’re able to offer a safe environment for visitors this summer,” said Courtney Sheffer, WMTA’s marketing director. “We want to encourage people to make themselves aware of, and to respect, new guidelines that destinations have in place when planning a visit. The sentiment that ‘we’re all in this together’ continues to hold true, especially as people start to travel, and plan visits to other towns and areas. It’s up to all of us to make smart choices and ensure a safe summer season for everyone, while at the same time supporting these local businesses which make West Michigan such a great destination to visit.”
The Small Town Stay-cation Ideas guide is organized for browsing by region, or via interactive map. “This summer is a great opportunity to re-discover the hidden gems that West Michigan has to offer, maybe even right in your own backyard!” says Sheffer.
Additional travel resources from WMTA:
- West Michigan Travel Guide (View online or request by mail)
- Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map (View online or request by mail)
- West Michigan Cookbook (Free PDF Download)
- West Michigan’s Great Outdoors
