The Mercantile Market is less than a week away and we cannot WAIT to welcome you to the Ottawa County Fairgrounds for our third market event. With so many friends coming from out of town I thought it I would share some of my favorites in the area. I put together this quick guide to Holland and Grand Rapids of my favorite shops, restaurants, coffee shops and places to stay. The Found Cottage store is going to be right in the middle of Holland and Grand Rapids. In fact, you can pretty much take the same road (Chicago Drive) all the way from on to the other.
If you haven’t bought your tickets yet make sure you do early to save some money at the gate!
I will start with Holland
Places to Stay: There are two fun hotels right in downtown a new Courtyard by Marriott and City Flats Hotel. There is also a City Flats in Grand Rapids as well. There are always great Airbnb options as well in the Holland area.
Places to Eat: There are so many fun places around the holland area but I would suggest the following, Lemonjellos for coffee and a honey bran muffin, The Windmill for a delicious diner style breakfast or the Biscuit for delicious things like stuffed french toast. For lunch I love New Holland Brewery. For dinner my favorite place in holland is Itty Bitty Bar. It used to be a smokey old bar when I was in college but now it has been completely revamped and has some of the best food and my favorite dinners.
Where to Shop: Downtown holland has AMAZING shopping. Most of it will be found on 8th street but make sure you visit all of the side streets too for hidden gems. Some of my favorites are Spring Sweet, Frances Jaye, Tweed Baby, Jb and Me, Readers World and Gezellig home.
Other areas of note: The downtown Holland farmers market is one of the best i’ve ever been to. It takes place on Monday nights, Wednesdays and Saturday mornings. There is also a fun park not far that is on lake Macatawa. The Holland State Park has amazing beaches and lighthouse.
And now to Grand Rapids
Places to Stay: If you are treating yourself the JW Marriott is lovely and overlooks the grand river. They have a great hotel bar too. The Amway Hotel is across the street and has tons of old character. There are also a variety of hotels throughout the area as well as air BNB. Uber and the Rapid Busses are also available to take you where you need to go. Parking is also usually not an issue.
Places to Eat: Are endless and seriously I could tell you a weeks worth but here are my top favorites. For coffee style breakfasts I love Lyon Street Cafe, Madcap or Squibb. For lunch/brunch/dinner I love New Hotel Mertens, Butchers Union, Hancock, Donkey and Reserve. For dessert Mokaya for the chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches. If you are a brewery enthusiast there is a new holland in town but also we are the home of Founders and Harmony Brewing. There is also Long Road Distillers (across from butchers) that is awesome.
Where to shop: Grand Rapids boutiques are spread out from neighborhood to neighborhood but easily drivable or public transportation is available. Art of the table and Marie La Mode are both on wealthy street by hancock, donkey and mokaya. Rebel Grand Rapids is adorable and owned by two of my pals. Their shop is packed full of fun and quirky gifts and treasures. They are the masters of picking out cards. They are also right next to harmony brewing. The Counting House is not far from them and she has an incredible eye for display and design. Here you can locally pick up a gigi pip hat. My favorite antique store in the area is blue door gr. and there are several others that are attached to another great one called Lost and Found.
Other places of note: If you are looking to walk around the Meijer Gardens just outside of town are absolutely stunning and have great activities for kids as well. The downtown market has some amazing food stalls including Sweetielicious bakery and Fish Lads. In addition to Holland, The Fulton Street Farmers market is incredible and is on Friday and Saturday Mornings.
I hope this little guide helps! I will work on a more extensive one but these are some of my favorites as you visit the area!
Hello Abigail! Greetings and salutations:
Just wanted you to know that I will be attending for the whole weekend. Looking forward to seeing all of you and the vendors. The shoppers are always fun to watch and help. (you might check your first sentence.) Let me know if you need anything..
Good Morning Kevin! Hahahahah VERY important typo to correct LOL . Can’t wait to see you all!
Thanks so much for this Abby. I started planning a girls weekend away back in March, unfortunately we were unable to make it labour day weekend but I planned it around the last Allegan market in September. I booked an Airbnb in Holland right across from the farmers market, yay, and found out Farmgirl Flea market is on that same weekend. We are going to be BUSY, but we will be by the Found Cottage for sure.( The REAL reason for our adventure to western Michigan). So looking forward to the trip and the great suggestions for the Holland /GR area.
Two very excited Canadians
I can’t wait to check out Holland with all of these great recommendations!!
Eastown Antiques on the corner of Wealthy and Norwood in Grand Rapids, is the #1 Antique store in Grand Rapids. Lots of great antiques, painted and antique furniture and lifestyle accessories. Fun place.
Hi Abigail, New Holland Brewery is across from Butchers Union on Bridge St not Long Road Distillery. Long Road is on Leonard near 131
Thanks for the shout-out, Abby! Heard from lots of customers that the show was a huge hit! Love these guides to GR and Holland.
Melissa
Gezellig Home & Garden
yea! that makes me so happy!
So many shoppers said the really enjoyed the show and will be back next year. I told them all I would pass these comments on. Good job to all involved. See you next year!
This is so Helpful!! My daughter attends Central Michigan University and we always wanted to do a shopping trip in Grand Rapids but never sure where to go. I did make it to your shop on our last trip and I can’t wait to see it during the holidays.