Archive for September, 2009

Where’s Tyler? Fricano’s Too

Sep 24

Posted by Tyler in Food | No Comments

Fricano’s Pizza is the original and most famous pizza in Michigan.  Many claim it to be the best they’ve ever had.  Fricano’s has 5 locations in the area, my favorite being Fricano’s Too in downtown Holland.  The pizza is very thin, very greasy and very delicious.  There are only 5 toppings for the pizza: Italian Sausage, Pepperonis, Mushrooms, Green Peppers, and Anchovies.  These 5 toppings are all it takes for them to craft a delicious pizza!

Fricano’s Pizza is my favorite pizza in the area and also one of the best deals.  A pizza is the right size for most people although some will find that splitting one works out well. Pizza’s are ~$8 depending on how many toppings you want.  I favor pepperoni and sausage on mine!  Delicious!

The restaurant can be found on 174 South River Avenue, downtown Holland. Expect a wait if it’s a weekend night. Pizza is also available for takeout.

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Where’s Tyler? Laketown Beach

Sep 17

Posted by Tyler in Beaches/Parks | 1 Comment

Laketown Beach is a secluded beach in Laketown Township, just south of Holland and north of Saugatuck Dunes State Park.  The park has a long staircase over the dunes that you must climb to get to the beach, because of the climb the beach can often be had to yourself as many avoid it in favor of other more accessible beaches.  The view from the top of the dune is incredible and Lake Michigan just opens itself up to you as you gaze out.  The beach is clean and sandy and will provide you with a relaxing, quiet time unlike the popular state parks along the lake.

I was first introduced to Laketown Beach through the Hope College Tennis Academy.  It’s a tennis camp that I did each summer for a week, and one day a week we would head to Laketown Beach for “Navy Seals Training”.  We would run up and down the stairs for a while to get in shape.  It created a certain love-hate relationship with the beach. I loved going to the beach but despised the running. However, over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the stairs, as long as I only have to walk up them.

Laketown beach is located at the end of 142nd Avenue.  Just take 66th to 142nd and turn west.

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Where’s Tyler? The Michigan Maritime Museum

Sep 10

Posted by Tyler in Attractions, Museums | No Comments

The Michigan Maritime Museum is a complex in downtown South Haven, right on the harbor, that focuses on preserving the maritime history of the great lakes.  They have exhibits ranging from old canoes and motors to coast guard boats to artwork.  The museum even has a workshop where locals get together to build old-fashioned wooden canoes by hand.

The largest, and most interesting attraction that the museum offers for visitors is it’s tall ship, Friends Good Will.  The ship is a replica boat modeled after an actual boat that first sailed in 1811.  It is a magnificent sight to behold in the South Haven harbor, it just looks surreal, a tall, sailed, wooden ship sailing in between all of the new speedboats and seadoos.  The ship sails several times every day and tickets can be purchased at the museum. I suggest a sunset sail if it is a clear day.

I visited the museum for the first time ever a few weeks ago.  It truly does have some great exhibits.  Some of my favorites were the birch bark canoe, the tugboat that is docked on land and can be explored, and the Coast Guard Exhibit.  Inside the Coast Guard Exhibit there were a few boats but what intrigued me the most was a small cannon that was used to fire lines from a rescue boat to another boat that was in distress. It was very interesting. As I wandered from building to building for an hour or so, I had the privileges of watching Friends Good Will get ready and sail out for one of her daily sails in Lake Michigan.

The Michigan Maritime Museum hours are:

Memorial Day – Labor Day
Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 12pm – 5pm

Labor Day – Memorial Day
Friday – Sunday 10am – 5 pm

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3.50 for children.  The museum is located at 260 Dyckman Avenue at the bridge on the Black River Waterfront.

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Where’s Tyler? Holland State Park

Sep 3

Posted by Tyler in Beaches/Parks, Food | 1 Comment

Holland State Park is a large beach/park on the shores of Lake Michigan.  The park has two campgrounds, one on the beach, and the other on Lake Macatawa.  The area is famous for “Big Red”, a lighthouse on the channel.  The beach is clean and has a concession stand.

I’ve spent many days relaxing in the sun at this beach.  It’s the closest beach to my house and where I spend most of my free days.  I’ll usually bring a book to read while laying in the sun and walk out on the pier every now and then to cool off and sometimes jump off into the lake.  For lunch, a short walk to Smitty’s Pronto Pups is a nice break; otherwise driving 5 minutes to Sluggo’s Pizza is always a great choice.

The beach is open year round and free parking is available just outside the beach, along the road.  To reserve a camping spot, check out the website.

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