Grand rising, West Michigan. No witty intro this morning. Ski weekend ahead and hope you all have a great one! 🎿 

In today’s Lakeshore Current:

• Great Lakes Ice Coverage 🧊 

• Coffee & Books ☕️ 

• Oval Beach 🏖️ 

Let’s dive in

— Courtland Stansberry

THE DIGEST

Oval Beach Ranks Top 25 In The Country On Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor has named Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Michigan, one of the best beaches in the U.S. for 2025, ranking it 24th in the country. Nestled along Lake Michigan and near the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, this beach has also garnered accolades from Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler. Known for its fine sand and stunning views, Oval Beach offers ample parking and year-round access. Visitors can enjoy a delightful day by the beach or explore the vibrant art scene of Saugatuck, often celebrated as Michigan's Art Coast. The beach is dog-free and has a parking fee, but visitors can use local public transport. Saugatuck has long been a favorite destination for artists, nature lovers, and beachgoers, making it a perfect spot for a memorable getaway.

25k Assistance For First Generation MI Home Buyers

Michigan is providing first-generation homebuyers with up to $25,000 in down payment assistance through the newly announced First-Generation Down Payment Assistance program. Funded by an $8 million state budget allocation, the initiative aims to assist around 320 families. MSHDA Executive Director Amy Hovey emphasized that this support helps overcome financial barriers to homeownership, offering families stability and a path to build generational wealth. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including having no prior homeownership in the last three years and completing a homebuyer education class. This program is part of Michigan’s broader affordable housing efforts.

Great Lakes Ice Coverage Is Growing But Still Below Average

Despite recent cold weather, Great Lakes' ice cover is still below long-term averages. As of February 16, 2025, Lake Superior has only 50% of its average ice cover, while Lake Michigan has 21%, close to normal. Lake Huron is at 38% ice coverage, and Lake Erie is nearly fully frozen at 92%. Lake Ontario has the least, with just 13% ice.

The temperatures have been only slightly colder than normal, with January averaging 0.5 to 2 degrees below average, and February tracking around 2 degrees cooler. The Great Lakes entered winter with warmer water temperatures, with Lake Michigan's surface still near 60 degrees in mid-November. This stored heat has hindered ice formation. Ice cover typically peaks in late February or early March, and the recent cold will likely continue to increase ice levels.

Local Business

New Coffee & Book Store To Open In Holland

Expresso Books and Beans, a new family-owned café and bookstore, will open at 3006 West Shore Drive in Holland Township by March. Founded by Holland native Katelyn Coffey and her parents, the shop will feature a wide selection of signed books, along with drip coffee, espresso, smoothies, and baked goods. Katelyn, who has a background in publishing, envisions hosting monthly author events. The idea for the business has been in the works for years, and after finding the perfect location last summer, they decided to make it a reality. Follow Expresso Books and Beans on Facebook for updates.

Free Sled Library

Local business owners and a social media influencer have established a free sled library at Johnny O Harris Memorial Park in Muskegon Heights. The structure, built by Brad Hilleary of Webb Chemical, holds sleds for community use. Marisela Sierra, owner of Navarro’s Mexican Take-Out, expressed her pride in giving back to the community, especially since the park was once a popular sledding spot. After its opening on February 9, the sled library has received support from local businesses for donations. Sierra aims to sustain the library for future generations, encouraging ongoing contributions

SPONSORED BY SIMULATOR CONSULTANTS

Looking to improve your golf game or hosting an event?

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN

MUSKEGON

Thursday - Wonderland Distillery - Trivia Night 7pm

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson - Indoor Cornhole 6:30-9pm

Happy Hour at the Art Museum 4:30-7pm

Friday - Lotus Room - Comedy Night 8pm

Bonfire & Brews Night at Muskegon Luge 5-8pm

VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center - Dancing With The Local Stars 7-10pm

Trinity Health Arena - Muskegon Risers vs. Minnesota 7pm

Saturday - Winter Farmers Market 9am-2pm

VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center - Dancing With The Local Stars 1-7pm

Pigeon Hill - Renny Day 11am

Bonfire & Brews Night at Muskegon Luge 5-8pm

Sunday - Pigeon Hill - Euchre Sundays 2pm

Monday - Pigeon Hill - Trivia Night 7pm

GRAND HAVEN

Thursday- Grand Armory Live Music 6:30pm

Lucy’s Ladies Night

Friday- Odd Side Live Music 8pm

Saturday- Grand Armory Live Music

Fox and Hen Vineyards - Reopening For The 2025 Season

St. Mary’s Gym- Winter Wonderland Gala Night 6-11pm

MI Free Fishing Weekend (No License Required)

Sunday - YMCA - 2025 Winter Indoor Triathlon 

Odd Side Ales - The Sunday Shakedown 5-7:30pm

Family Night at The Unicorn 5-10pm

Monday - Odd side - Pub Trivia Night

HOLLAND

Thursday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

Park Theatre - Early James The American Hotel System 7-11pm

Saturday - Holland Farmers Market 9am-1pm

Holland Civic Center Place - Gun and Knife Show 9am-3pm

Sunday - New Holland Brewing - Trivia Night 6pm

Monday - Curragh Irish Pub - Trivia Night 8pm

WEATHER

Thursday

28 🌡️ 19 | 🌨️ |

Friday

28 🌡️ 22 | 🌨️ |

Saturday

32🌡️ 27 | ⛅️ |

Sunday

37 🌡️ 32 | ⛅️ |

Monday

39 🌡️ 33 | ☁️ |

LIVE MUSIC

Thursday

Grand Armory I Gabrial James I 6:30pm

Sandy Point I BPM Jazz I 6pm

Friday

Grand Armory I Plain Jane Glory I 6:30pm

Oddside I Carl Webb Band I 8pm

Lucy’s I Aaron Wright I 6pm

Itty Bitty Bar I JP & The Energy I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Jack Weaver I 7pm

Saturday

Grand Armory I The Reverend Jesse Ray I 6:30pm

Lucy’s I Carl Webb Band I 6pm

Itty Bitty Bar I Pretty Rage I 9pm

Wicks Park Bar & Grille I Decades I 7pm

Sunday

Odd side Ales I Scott Pellegrom I 5pm

Sandy Point I Gabrial James I 5pm

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Lakeshore Current today. If you found something useful, please share with someone who wears a helmet when skiing

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here

Want to get your business in Lakeshore Current? Reply to this email

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]