When asked about Muskegon, everyone proudly proclaims it the Beer Tent Capitol of the World. It's true. I went to the Muskegon Summer Celebration and all the locals were in the beer tents, ignoring George Thorogood and the Destroyers who looked like my Aunt Faithy. When this reporter asked for the secret side of Muskegon, a friend with a troubling attraction to androgynous vampires and pre-pubescent boy bands told a frightening tale of innocence lost amidst the haunted halls of the abandoned North Shore Mental Hospital.
Glenside Pub (1508 West Sherman) is a great introduction to Muskegon pub grub. Miss Carolita and I took our girls there on a Saturday afternoon. It was surprisingly sunny with pleasant smells wafting from the kitchen. Our waitress recommended the 17" Grand Finale Pizza, which has pepperoni, ham, salami, sausag
e, bacon, mushrooms and green peppers. Our little girl Lourdie is lactose intolerant, so we wanted to avoid dairy if we were to survive the drive back to Grand Rapids. Our two girls had spaghetti with garlic toast. I had the Italian Sausage sandwich and fried onion petals. Miss Carolita had the Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad, which was colorful and filling. The pub has a cute bar in back with $2 appetizers, $2 well drinks and $.75 Bud Light drafts from 3-6 p.m.
The Station Grill (910 W Broadway Ave) is another Muskegon landmark. Charlie Meyers opened the grill in 1972, because he had been craving a burger hot off the grill with a cold beer. He built the restaurant in the former Parkway Leonard service station, which inspired the colorful, car-crazy style. The grill is known for its gourmet burgers, as well as Tex-Mex favorites and award winning chili. Go with a big group of friends, my pets, and load up on the goodness. Begin with the large Nachos Supreme with beef, and then try the Chicken Wet Burrito, Cajun Style Blackened Burger, a Mushroom and Banana Pepper Burger, Buffalo Wings and a basket of Parmesan Cheese Fries. The Station Grill has ample parking and it is larger than it looks from the outside, so you'll be seated quickly. Some may be troubled by the use of plastic utensils and styrofoam plates.
The Dog 'n Suds Drive-in (4221 Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores) is an actual 1950s diner popular with people from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids. Dogs 'n Suds has been around since the 1950s with hundreds of franchises throughout the Midwest. Today, a handful of locations have survived by staying focused on their "World's Creamiest Root Beer" and drive-in service. David Hosticka and his family have been Dogs 'n Suds owners for 45 years. They bought the Norton Shores location in 2006 and refurbished it, building a new restaurant within the 1950s shell. The location includes a year-round 68-seat diner, a classic drive-in with carhops in roller skates and a seasonal ice cream shop. "My favorite meal is a couple Coney Dogs, a Charbroiled Burger and Root Beer Float in a frosted Mug with hand-scooped vanilla ice cream," said David. Dogs 'n Suds is located near Harbor Town and the Muskegon Airport.
Hearthstone (3350 Glade St) proves that not everything is deep fried in Muskegon. The Hearthstone was founded in 1975 to offer gourmet sandwiches, farm-fresh salads and made-from-scratch soups. That focus on quality and freshness continues today. Hearthstone boasts a classic bistro look with soft lighting, high-backed booths, cherry wood details and vintage French posters. Let the knowledgeable and talented wait staff walk you through the eclectic menu. You will be dazzled by the French country pâtés, Beef Carpaccio, Steak and Pommes Frites and Chicken Crepes with Wild Mushrooms. The Hearthstone also features popular annual events such as a Beaujolais Nouveau in November, an Oktoberfest celebration, and great weekly promotions. Try Two Moo Monday (two steaks for $16.99), Inspired Perch Tuesdays (two for $19.99) and Flats and Crafts on Wednesdays (two flatbreads and salad for $15.99).
When this reporter sent out a query for the best places to eat in Muskegon, he got numerous suggestions that deserve mention. Fricano's Pizza (1050 West Western Avenue) is famous for its thin-crust pizza and over-the-top attitude in a warehouse environment. The Bear Lake Tavern (360 Ruddiman Rd) is a North Muskegon landmark known for its lake perch and handmade burgers, which is accessible by boat as well as car. Pints & Quarts (950 West Norton) offers a large Scotch selection and numerous craft brews. Mia and Grace (1133 3rd St) is a charming bakery/bistro with many organic and vegetarian options.
People in Muskegon also like to have fun. The Alley Door Club (425 W Western Ave) presents some of some of West Michigan's finest jazz and blues musicians. The 250-seat space, which is operated by the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts, offers a nightclub atmosphere. It is located on the third floor of the Hilt Building and is accessed from the alley between the Chronicle and Frauenthal Buildings. With the 2009-10 season including musical heavyweights such as Big Daddy Fox, Edye Evans Hyde, the Root Doctor and The Buster Blues Band, the Alley Door Club is worth a trip to Muskegon. Shows are 7-10 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays from January through May. Tickets are $6, cash bar and food by Mr. T's BBQ.
The Muskegon Museum of Art (296 West Webster Avenue) is considered one of the country's premier art museums for a town the size of Muskegon. Endowed by Charles H. Hackley's Picture Fund, this world-class museum houses stunning works of art such as John Steuart Curry's thrilling "Tornado Over Kansas," Joos van Cleve's lovely "Saint Jerome in Penitence," and Edward Hopper's "New York Restaurant," which is the only Hopper in the state. The museum also organizes thoughtful and beautiful exhibitions. This summer, you will enjoy "Color It Bizarre: Claire Cliff Pottery from a Michigan Collection," an exhibition of colorful geometric pottery designed by Carice Cliff in the 1920s and ‘30s. You will also get to see "A Collector's Gift: Works by Walter Shirlaw and J. Frank Currier." This intimate show of works on paper shows how the Munich School was a popular training ground for American artists in the 1870s and ‘80s.
Movie lovers will enjoy the Harbor Theater (1937 Lakeshore Drive), Muskegon's only source of independent and foreign cinema. Brendan and Jen Pelto reopened the historic movie house as a nonprofit organization in April 2008. The theater shows top-rated movies as well as art-house fare that are not shown in mainstream West Michigan theaters. Put down the Netflix and watch a movie with other movie lovers. Tickets are $6 adults, $5 members,, $4.50 students and $4 seniors.
The Getty Drive-In (920 E Summit Ave) offers another movie experience. The Getty is one of only 10 drive-in theaters left in Michigan. Opened in 1949 by Nik Kuris as the NK Drive-In, it was bought by Jack Loeks in 1967 and renamed the Getty Drive-In. In 1980, three additional screens were added. The drive-in has nine lives - it was nearly closed for redevelopment and the screens have been damaged by high winds every couple years. Enjoy the strange and wonderful experience of watching a movie in your car while you still have the chance. Shows begin about 15 minutes after sunset; arrive early to get your spot and visit the candy concession.
Muskegon is also rich in outdoor activities. Muskegon State Park (3560 Memorial Drive) is one of the cleanest city beaches on the Great Lakes. Better yet, it is free and never crowded. The vast expanse of Great Lakes sand beach ranks among the most beautiful in the world. The 1,200-acre park has two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan and one mile on Muskegon Lake that is protected by forested dunes. Sit on the white sand and reflect on the history of the Mullet - Cain David Judas Charlemagne Andrew Jackson Billy Ray Cyrus Ben Roethlisberger. Or play beach volleyball and soccer.
P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (6585 Lake Harbor Road) features forest-covered dunes along nearly three miles of Lake Michigan shores. The main attraction is the Dune Climb Stairway, a vicious and miserable contraption. Miss Carolita insists on climbing all 11,217 stairs to an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the dunes and Lake Michigan followed by a trip to the local Emergency Room. Poppa Steve has suggested the installation of an escalator to the Park Rangers to no avail.
Dogs love Norman F. Kruse Park (Sherman and Beach Streets). This dog-friendly park has about one mile of Lake Michigan beach with four picnic shelters and an access ramp from the beach into the dunes. Dogs are allowed off their leash along the northern part of the park. Muskegon County is also home to three bike trails. The City of Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, the Musketawa Trail on the east side of the county and the Hart-Montague Trail State Park in the northern section of Muskegon County provide many opportunities to explore. Grab your bike and enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Muskegon from your bike.
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