Some of the best meals on the lakeshore are picnics. Good sandwiches, a blanket and a view is hard to top. And the lakeshore has plenty of beautiful places to spread out a blanket.
Here is where I would pick up food, and where I would go eat it. A little planning, a good deli and you are set.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: Douglas: Saugatuck's Quieter Neighbor
My Favorite Picnic Stops
1) The Farmhouse Deli and Pantry
The Farmhouse Deli and Pantry in Douglas has sandwiches and a pantry full of picnic supplies. This is one stop shopping.
Grab drinks and snacks while you are there.
If you are spending the day near Saugatuck or Douglas, this is an easy stop on the way to the beach.
2) Pumpernickel's
Pumpernickel's is a classic deli for breakfast and lunch in the middle of Saugatuck. Order to go and walk your lunch somewhere pretty.
It is an easy stop on a downtown day.
It is right in the middle of town, so it fits easily into a day of walking around downtown Saugatuck.
3) The Toasted Pickle
The Toasted Pickle in Grand Haven does sandwiches and fried pickles near the waterfront. Get the fried pickles. That is the whole tip.
It is a good grab and go option near the boardwalk.
If you are spending the day in Grand Haven, this is the easy lunch to take with you.
READ: Easy Family Dinners Out
4) Riley Park
Riley Park in Zeeland is a small town park with a playground and a summer splash pad. If you have kids, this is the picnic spot.
Lunch on the blanket, then let them run.
It is a nice break from the beach on a hot day, especially with little ones.
5) Kirk Park
Kirk Park in West Olive has a big sandy beach below wooded dunes. Pack a picnic and spend the whole afternoon.
Carry everything down in one trip if you can.
It is one of my favorite places to spend a long, slow afternoon by the lake.
Every one of our homes has a full kitchen if you would rather pack your own. Make sandwiches at the house, fill a cooler and head out.
Either way, come stay with us and make a picnic part of the trip.