Archive for July, 2009

Where’s Tyler? Pronto Pups

Jul 23

Posted by Tyler in Food | No Comments

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Pronto Pups are the “original” corn dog. Pronto Pups was founded in 1941 and has been enjoyed by countless people ever since.  The Pronto Pups stand in Grand Haven is my favorite in the area (there is also a stand/restaurant in Holland).  It is nothing more than a yellow stand on the side of the road with only enough room for one or two people to work inside.  They serve Pronto Pups and Coke. Nothing else.  The dogs are delicious and are served either plain or with ketchup and mustard.

Pronto Pups make a great snack while walking around Grand Haven and down the boardwalk.  If you’re really hungry, get 2 or 3 and have dinner.  Not the healthiest dinner ever, but filling and satisfying nonetheless.  Speaking of health, stay away from Pronto Pups if you are a health addict or concerned with your health.  There is a sign on the stand that reads, “Warning: Cholesterol country! Health addicts please continue on and have a nice day.”  I’m no expert on health, but a hot dog that’s been deep-fried can’t be healthy for you.  So I believe the sign.  Yet, Pronto Pups are too good to pass up.  Last time I was in town I had 2 while strolling down the 2.5-mile boardwalk.

I suggest that you make a quick stop at Pronto Pups in Grand Haven the next time you are in town (just look for the yellow stand across from Dairy Treat).  Pronto Pups is located on South Harbor Drive near downtown.  They are open throughout the summer and for a week during the winter, just check the website to see if they are open or not.

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Kayaking on Lake Michigan

Jul 20

Posted by Tyler in Misc. | No Comments

Lake Michigan
Well, this past Saturday was a chilly, windy, occasionally rainy day. So a friend and I decided to skip the Venetian festival and go kayaking (that makes perfect sense, right?). We were planning on dumping the kayaks in Lake Michigan two miles south of the South Haven channel and then kayaking up the channel. So we took the two kayaks out of storage and carried them down to the beach. The waves were 3-5 feet and we both looked at each other like we were crazy. And yes, we were. We dumped the kayaks in the water and hopped in. 30 minutes later the kayaks were completely full of water, and we were no closer to the channel then when we started. This is when we realized that kayaking on Lake Michigan in 5 foot waves is a bad idea.

Emptying the water from the kayaks proved very difficult. Every time we’d get close a wave would come and refill any progress we had made. Half an hour and many bruises later, the kayaks were emptied and sitting on the beach!

Moral of the story: Don’t kayak on Lake Michigan when there are 5 foot swells.

p.s. A great place to go kayaking is on the Black River through the Bangor/South Haven Heritage Water Trail.

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Where’s Tyler? South Haven Farmers Market

Jul 16

Posted by Tyler in Attractions, Food | No Comments

SH Farmers MarketThis past Wednesday I stopped by the South Haven Farmers Market.  The market is held in the Huron St. Parking lot behind Dyckman Park.  There is a large mural painted on a building wall as you enter the parking lot, it’s very well done and sets the tone for the market.  The market itself is under a large, covered pavilion, so it goes on rain or shine, uninterrupted.  Music was playing over speakers and there were around 25 vendors present this day.  Some vendors had piles of food, others looked picked over, and others were selling flowers, ceramics, and other miscellaneous items.

I had a nice conversation with a man running a small stand.  He was talking about how the market is such a great thing for the city. “It brings people into the town, and encourages them to eat healthy while supporting local growers.”  It was nice to talk to him and get a vendors perspective on the market.  He says that he’s been selling at the market every year for 15 years now. I even saw a classmate from school who was working at the Visser Farms stand.  Next time you are at the market have a conversation with one of the vendors, it’s very interesting and they are almost always willing to talk.

If you’re looking for fresh fruit and veggies, head down to the South Haven Farmers Market for some very tasty and fresh wares.  If South Haven is too far of a drive, Holland and Saugatuck also have farmers markets throughout the week as well.  Just check the events calendar for times and days.

The market runs Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. May through October.  Stop by and support the local community.

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This Weekend: Venetian Festival

Jul 15

Posted by Tyler in Attractions, Beaches/Parks, Food, Misc. | No Comments

VF_2009WebsiteMastheadIt’s time for the Venetian Festival!  This year with the theme “Passport to Paradise”.  So head to St. Joseph again this weekend for some good times.  Last weekends art fair may have filled the city with an older crowd, but this weekend’s party will bring in the younger crowds for it’s many events and activities.  Take the kids to the carnival rides and games, check out the antique car show, watch the lighted boat parade, fireworks and more all while listening to great concerts and music!

The festival began more than 30 years ago with 6 decorated boats cruising down the river and a few people watching from the banks.  The festival has grown quite a bit since then and now brings in 200,000+ people each year over the 4 days!

If competition is your thing, then enter the Amateur Beach Volleyball tournament or the Sandcastle building contest or the 5k run/walk.  Registration info for all events can be found here.

For a listing of all events and activities please check out the Venetian Festival Website.

This weekends forecast is looking good, low 70’s and sunny with a small chance of rain on Friday.  So you have no excuse to stay home. Head out for some cheap and fun entertainment for the whole family!

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