Whether it’s your first time in West Michigan or you’re visiting friends and family, when you go is a pretty important factor. Midwest winters can be brutal, and while Spring and Fall have their perks, the best time to travel to Michigan is in the Summer. So I’m going to break down just why summers in Grand Rapids are the best so that you can make the most of your time there.

1. The Weather
First things first, Summer weather in Michigan is ideal. It’s the sunniest, warmest time of the year, which means you can comfortably spend more time outdoors. Rather than being holed up inside because of a snow storm, you can go out for a nice afternoon bike ride or have an outdoor lunch on your family’s backyard deck. Granted, you can expect some humidity and nighttime mosquitoes, but we could probably agree that this is much better than trudging through 7 inches of dirty, slushy snow in 20-degree weather.

2. There’s More to Do
Anyone who thinks there’s nothing to do in Grand Rapids probably hasn’t been there in the Summer months. Because of the warmer weather, there are way more activities in the area and places you can enjoy. First, there are the major outdoor events like the Festival of the Arts and the Coast Guard Festival. Then, spend an afternoon or evening at a Whitecaps baseball game. Or take the family for a beach day at one of the many gorgeous beaches along Lake Michigan. You can also visit nearby towns like Saugatuck that come alive in summer, with lots of great local shops and eateries. You’ll also see outdoor seating at restaurants downtown, making the city feel more vibrant than it does in the colder months. 

3. Longer Days
Summer also means longer days, and while this isn’t unique to just Michigan, the days are exceptionally longer here than in areas like Los Angeles. During summer in LA, you can expect sunsets around 8:00 p.m., but in the Midwest, the sun may set as late as 9:30-9:45 p.m. The extra sunlight is great for your mental health, as many experts say that time outdoors and in the sun boosts serotonin levels. Plus, you’ll feel that you have more time and energy to do things with the extra daylight.

4. People are in a Better Mood
People in the Midwest are very friendly throughout the year, but there’s something about the summer that makes people there even more relaxed and happy. And I get it! After being cooped up during a long Winter, it probably feels amazing to get outside and enjoy summer. There’s a great, friendly energy that I love about Michigan summers, and you’ll likely notice it for yourself too. 

​When you live in Los Angeles, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how much Hollywood history is really here. Any weekend you can find famous venues and landmarks where the stars of the past would frequent. One of LA’s most famous fast food spots also happens to be beloved by the stars of Hollywood’s past and present. 

Pink’s Hot Dogs has been in business since 1939. Though they’ve since gained a few more Southern California locations, their original site at Melrose and La Brea still stands. Pink’s is known for their wide variety of chili dogs, and over time, they’ve created signature hot dogs named after some of the stars who loved to visit.

One such movie star who was a fan of Pink’s was Marlon Brando. So when I recently visited, I knew that The Brando Dog would have to be my pick for what to eat – and it did not disappoint! This meal features a 9-inch stretch dog, mustard, onions, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese. 

There’s so much variety on the Pink’s menu, too. Any hot dog combination you could think of, and Pink’s probably has it. Some other hot dog titles include the Martha Stewart Dog, Lord of the Rings Dog, Carl Reiner Dog, Rosie O’Donnell Long Island Dog, Hollywood Walk of Fame Dog, and the Mulholland Drive Dog – to name a few!

You can expect to pay an average of around $8-10 for a hot dog here, with some options more expensive and cheaper than others. Plus, as you wait for your meal order to be called, you can check out the walls inside that are covered with photos of the many celebrities that have visited Pink’s over the years.