Grand rising, West Michigan. This is Lakeshore Current, the local newsletter that’s as refreshing as getting splashed during a paddle-board adventure on Lake Michigan 💦 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Dune Protection Efforts 🏖️ 

• Church To Commercial Hub 🏫 

• Breweries’ New Offerings 🍺 

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Towering Pines At This West Michigan Park

Meinert Park in Montague, MI, offers a scenic getaway along Lake Michigan, featuring 182 acres of forested dunes and 2,000 feet of lakeshore. Located at 8390 Meinert Park Road, the park includes a playground, a picnic pavilion for up to 40 guests, and amenities like charcoal grills and a restroom with a foot washing station. Visitors can access a day-use beach just a short walk from parking. The park also features hiking trails, lookout areas, and Little Flower Creek, which flows into Lake Michigan. An information board at the trailhead highlights over 100 bird species observed in the area. Nearby, the Pines Campground provides 67 full-hookup campsites and facilities including bathrooms and showers. A three-bedroom cottage is available for year-round rental at varying rates. For more information about the park check out muskegoncountyparks.org/meinert-park.

Michigan Breweries’ New Offerings

This summer, Michigan breweries are introducing hop water, a non-alcoholic beverage that captures the essence of craft beer without the alcohol. Popular among the "sober curious" lifestyle, breweries like Founders, Short’s, and New Holland are launching their own versions. Although non-alcoholic drinks account for less than 1% of total U.S. alcohol sales, they see steady growth, with 2023 sales surpassing $565 million—a 35% increase from 2022. Hop water, infused with hops for flavor, differs from non-alcoholic beers and targets consumers seeking alternatives. Gen Z is leading this trend, with 45% reporting they’ve never consumed alcohol. Short’s Brewing, inspired by the pandemic and musician Billy Strings, has released flavors like lemon-lime and grape. Brewery leaders emphasize adapting to changing consumer preferences, acknowledging that the craft beer scene must evolve to attract new audiences and remain relevant in a competitive market.

Legislation Proposed For Dune Protection Efforts

State Reps. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) and Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) have introduced bills to restrict sand mining and development on critical dunes in Michigan. At Oval Beach, they announced Hood's bill, which would make development on about 25% of the state’s coastal dunes more challenging by amending a 2012 law that eased construction near dune crests. Andrews' legislation aims to strengthen the sand mining permitting process, particularly for dunes near the lakeshore, protecting additional areas from excavation. The announcement coincides with ongoing legal disputes between the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance and NorthShore of Saugatuck, LLC over a proposed marina on the Kalamazoo River. In February, permits for the project were denied, but NorthShore subsequently filed a lawsuit against alliance officials, alleging conspiracy. The Coastal Alliance plans to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming it seeks to silence opposition. An emergency motion has been filed to halt related subpoenas pending a court decision.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Former Church To Become Commercial Hub

A Muskegon family is transforming the nearly 100-year-old Corner Church on West Muskegon Avenue into a community-focused commercial center. Purchased for approximately $500,000, the renovated space will feature a plant shop, a holistic health office, and Broadway Bootcamp classes for kids in the auditorium. The center aims to provide a venue for various events, including weddings and performances. Renovations, including the restoration of stained-glass windows, are expected to cost millions. The grand opening is planned for next spring, contributing to the revitalization of the Muskegon area. Little Miss Green Thumb is currently open for business.

Baker College To Open Free Student Pantry

The Muskegon Rescue Mission has partnered with Baker College to create a 24-hour student pantry on campus, accessible with a student ID. The pantry provides non-perishable food, hygiene products, and school supplies at no cost. Students may take as much as they need. Additionally, gift certificates for local thrift stores are available for seasonal and career clothing. Aaron Maike from Baker College emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity among students to help them focus on academic success.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

Muskegon

Tuesday - Muskegon Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Valkyrie - Trivia Night 7pm

Wednesday - Muskegon Flea Market 8am-2pm

Unruly Brewing - Trivia Night 7pm

Fricano Place - Cruise-In 5:30-7:30pm

USS LST 393 Veterans Museum - Yoga on the Ship 7pm

Grand Haven

Tuesday - Grand Armory Brewing Vinyl Night 6:30pm

Wednesday - Grand Haven Farmers Market 8am-1pm

Battle on the Boardwalk 

Waterfront Stadium Concert 6pm

Unicorn Tavern - Wine Flight Wednesdays

Holland

Tuesday - Park Theatre Open Mic doors open at 7:30pm

Midtown Center - Food Truck Tuesday + Live Music 5pm

Wednesday - Farmers Market 8am-2pm

Market Kids Activities 9:30-11:30am

Big Lake Brewing - Live Music at the Lake 6pm

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club Wednesday night sailboat races 6:30pm

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

Looking to improve your golf game or hosting an event this summer?

Based in Grand Haven, Michigan, Simulator Consultants is a locally owned and operated, customer-focused company that provides high-quality golf simulator installations and mobile event rentals. Our installations cover commercial and residential settings, simulator equipment sales, custom designing, and consulting services to accommodate virtually all spaces. Additionally, Simulator Consultants offers mobile golf simulator rentals for a wide range of events, including parties, weddings, corporate events, marketing events, trade shows, expos, and other gatherings both big and small. We take great pride in the personalized experience our team provides to each and every customer.

WEATHER

Tuesday

87 🌡️ 69 | ⛈️  | 55% | 💨 SSW 12 mph (10 knots)

Wednesday

80 🌡️ 66 | ⛈️  | 80% | 💨 NW 10 mph (9 knots)

LIVE MUSIC

Tuesday

The Deck I Brena I 6pm

Wednesday

The Deck I Project 90 I 6pm

Lucy’s I Live Jazz I 7pm

Waterfront Stadium I Thornapple River Band I 6pm

Big Lake Brewing I Matt Hanegraaff I 6pm

SPORTS

Tuesday - Detroit Tigers vs Los Angeles Angels 6:40pm

Wednesday - Detroit Tigers vs Los Angeles Angels 6:40pm

Thanks!

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