More and more of our guests work a few days during their stay. A change of scenery can make for a great work week.
When you need a break from the house, here is where I would set up for an hour or two. Each one has good coffee, a place to sit, and something nearby for your lunch break.
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: My Favorite Breakfast and Coffee Spots
My Favorite Coffee Shops for a Work Session
1) Lemonjello's Coffee
The artsy coffeehouse next to Hope College in Holland.
It has a fun, creative feel, which helps on a day when you need some energy.
Lemonjello's is right by the Hope College campus, so it can feel lively. If you need to focus, bring headphones. Downtown Holland is a short walk away for lunch. Grab a seat early if you need a table for a long stretch.
2) The 205 Coffee Bar
Espresso, smoothies and light breakfast just off downtown Holland.
A good choice if you want to work through the morning and need something to eat.
The 205 is a nice pick if you want something a little more relaxed. A smoothie and a light breakfast will get you through a morning of emails. It is close to downtown, so a lunch walk is easy.
3) Aldea Coffee
Small batch coffee and baked goods in downtown Grand Haven.
After your work session, the boardwalk is right there for a walk.
Aldea is a good stop for a morning of work before a walk to the lake. The baked goods make it easy to skip a separate breakfast. Grab a pastry for later.
READ: 5 Reasons the Lakeshore Is Better in the Off Season
4) WE Coffee
Coffee in downtown South Haven.
Close your laptop and walk down to the harbor at lunch. That is the whole reason to work from here.
WE Coffee is in the middle of downtown South Haven, so you are close to shops and the water. It is a good spot to check emails before a walk.
5) Respite Cappuccino Court
A cozy coffee and breakfast stop in Douglas.
It is a calm spot for a few hours, and Saugatuck is right next door when you are done.
Respite is a calm place for a few hours of work. When you are done, walk Center Street in Douglas or head into Saugatuck for an afternoon. It is my pick for an easy, quiet morning.
My advice for a work trip here: block out your calls, then plan one lakeshore thing for the end of each day. A sunset walk after work hits differently. Remote work here is less about the office and more about what you do when you log off.
Check each listing for the house's internet details before you book a work trip. Holland Home Retreat, West Olive Cottage, South Haven Cottage and Saugatuck Cabin are all close to one of these shops.