Lake Michigan makes its own weather. Here is what I tell guests to bring, season by season, plus a few things for the house.

Every good vacation day starts with breakfast. Here are my go to breakfast and coffee spots in Holland, Saugatuck, South Haven and Grand Haven.

West Michigan is made for family trips. Here are six stops, from Dutch Village to the dune rides, that kids ask to repeat.

Lake Michigan weather changes fast. When the rain rolls in, these are the museums, theaters and play spots where I send guests.

West Michigan has some of the best freshwater beaches in the country. These are the eight we go to ourselves, listed north to south.

Every lakeshore town has its own personality. Here is my short guide to picking the right one for your trip.

Labor Day weekend is the last big weekend of summer on the lakeshore. Here is my four step checklist to keep it easy.

Not every night needs to be a big dinner out. These five casual spots in Holland, Saugatuck and South Haven work for kids and grown ups.

Three delis for sandwiches and supplies, plus two parks where I would spread out the blanket. Here is my lakeshore picnic plan.

School starts soon. If you can sneak in one more lakeshore weekend, here is a simple four part plan to make it count.

Dune rides, horseback trail rides, jet skis and a trampoline park. Here are my favorite lakeshore adventures for groups and families.

From Mt. Baldhead's 300 plus stairs to quiet dune trails in Grand Haven, these are the climbs I would make on the lakeshore.

When the big state parks fill up on a summer weekend, these smaller beaches from Ferrysburg to South Haven are where locals go.

Big group trips are some of my favorite stays to host. Here are four simple planning tips that make them go smoothly.

Summer on the lakeshore means ice cream almost every night. These are the six stands and shops I would put on your list.

From Lake Macatawa to the Black River, these are my favorite places to eat outside when patio season finally arrives.

Lake Michigan can look calm and still be dangerous. Here are the four safety rules I share with every guest before beach season.

Strawberries in June, apples in October. Here is the order the lakeshore fruit season runs, and the farms I would point you to.

Lake Michigan can be rough, but the rivers and inland lakes here are perfect for paddling. Here is where to rent from Holland to South Haven.

Roughly how long it takes to drive to the West Michigan lakeshore from Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.