• Fall Color Tour
• Where the locals go
• Thanksgiving at Boyden House
• Discounts and Promotions
• From the Kitchen

As I sit here with my windows open I am reminded of all of the reasons I just love Fall.
The crisp cool air, the shining sun, the beautiful changing leaves in bright yellows, oranges and deep reds….they all put a little spring in my step! I am compelled to pull out the crochet hooks or knitting needles to get started on some fun fall scarves and sweaters; maybe even curl up on the porch with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

One of the things I look forward to most is taking a drive, walk or bike ride to enjoy natures gorgeous color palette.  Whichever mode of transportation you choose, there are so many places to go:

Travel from Boyden House to Holland or Saugatuck via Lakeshore Drive or bring your bike and ride the scenic bike path.
The Lakeshore Connector Path runs along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, between Grand Haven and Holland, a distance of nearly 20 miles. The paved path parallels Lakeshore Drive and offers access to beachfront parks along the way, including Kirk Park and Tunnel Park.

http://www.traillink.com/trail/lakeshore-connector-path-(grand-haven-to-holland).aspx

The Depot to Depot color tour.

Begin at either the Muskegon Train Depot, located at 610 West Western Avenue, or the White Lake Train Depot, located at 124 West Hanson. Participants will receive complete tour information, a point of interest card to collect stamps and a goodie bag, which includes a disposable camera, map, and passes or coupons to area businesses and attractions.
Designated historic and scenic sites points of interest included are:
• Muskegon Historic Train Depot
• Muskegon Farmer’s Market
• Muskegon Blockhouse
• Duck Lake State Park
• White Lake Lighthouse Museum
• White Lake Community Library
• White Lake Historic Depot
Optional side trips/Activities: shopping, refreshment stops, pumpkin decorating.
For more information visit www.whitelake.org or www.visitmuskegon.org.

Color Tour Drive from Grand Haven
Robbins Rd east to Mercury Dr past Grand River bayous to Riverside Park (becomes Green St, then North Cedar Dr). South on 104th Ave, east on Osborn St (becomes Warner). South on 68th St, east on M-45. South onto 48th St, east on Fillmore (becomes Cottonwood Dr). In Jenison, left on Baldwin, left on Chicago Dr. In Grandville, left on Wilson to M-11/28th St, left onto M-11 northbound. Left on Fennesey St (becomes Luce St, then Linden Dr). Left on Leonard St through Spring Lake to Grand Haven.

Relax with “The Locals”

While staying with us at Boyden House you may want to just, hang out!  What better way to do that than to experience all of the reasons we “locals” love our city.

– The Food

Two Tony’s in Spring Lake: “Upscale fare with an Urban Flair” Greek and Italian.  Boyden House recommends the Tortellini, Tilapia and the Greek Salad.  A wonderfully cozy atmosphere and very reasonably priced. 

In Grand Haven we have two Pizzerias, you like one or the other but loyalty can only lie in one place….Try them both and  you be the judge!

• Fricano’s:  “The original and most famous pizza in Michigan”  
• Clover Bar: “We are a restaurant that specializes in famous one of a kind Pizzas!” 

Tip A Few Tavern: If you like Mexican food you have to try their wet burrito!  Amazing!!

JW’s Food and Spirits: Home of the award winning “White Chicken Chili” 

– The Spirits

Coffee Grounds: Located in downtown Grand Haven in the Harborfront Place.  Sit and relax inside or at one of their outdoor tables! 

Odd Side Ales: A small local brewery and home of the “Mug Club” Bring in your own food or have it delivered, pull up a stool and enjoy one of the 5 craft beers they have created for the week. Located in downtown Grand Haven in the Harborfront Place. 

The Sweets

Of course you will need to need to satisfy your sweet tooth and Grand Haven has got you covered!

Sweet Temptations will bring you back to your childhood with their Homemade ice cream, sweet treats and candy galore!  In the fall you can’t leave without trying one of their triple dipped chocolate and caramel apples!  YUUUUMMMY!

For all of you Chocolate lovers, you have to stop by Chocolates by Grimaldi on 7th St and try their signature Chocolate Covered Potato Chips!!

Come share Thanksgiving Dinner with us

This Thanksgiving when you stay with Boyden House, leave the cooking to us!  As a way of saying “Thanks” to our guests we would love if you would come, stay and dine with us.

We will be preparing a Family Thanksgiving Turkey roasted to perfection along with many traditional sides we have grown up with and love!  Mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, Green Bean casserole, Roasted Carrots, Cranberries, Stuffing, Fresh baked bread and of course we will have Pie!  Lots of Pie!

All we ask is that you stay with us the night of Thanksgiving and let us know if you will be planning to dine with us!  Dinner will be at 3pm.

Discounts and Promotions for October!

The holidays are quickly approaching.  Have you been thinking of a Gift Certificate for a loved one, friend or co-worker?

During the month of October purchase a Gift Certificate in the amount of $100 or more and receive 10% off!

Gift Certificates are sold in $50 increments.  Cannot be combined with any other promotion or special rate.  State and Room tax will be charged at the time of redemption.

Weekday Special: Stay with us Sunday-Thursday in October and receive your second night 1/2 off!

Valid Sun-Thursday.  Not valid with any other promotion or special rate.  Minimum 2 night stay.  Expires October 31, 2012

From the Kitchen

Tabouli with Garbanzo Beans

• 1/2 cup bulghur wheat
• 1 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, white and green parts
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup diced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (about 4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• Two 14-ounce cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained

Place the bulgur in a mixing bowl, add the hot water, and set aside to soak for 25 minutes.

While the bulgur is soaking, prep the remaining ingredients. Combine the green onions, parsley, mint,

sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, and crushed red pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually

whisk in the olive oil.

Drain the bulgur, squeezing it to remove any excess liquid, and add it to the herb-tomato

mixture. Fold in the feta cheese and chickpeas. Taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, from Emeril 20-40-60: Fresh Food Fast, HarperCollins Publisher, New York, 2009, copyright MSLO, Inc., all rights reserved

This recipe was styled by chef Karen Pickus for Good Morning America

Happy Fall Y’all!!

From all the staff at Boyden House

Michigan Irish Music Festival is this weekend! Just minutes away from Boyden House in Muskegon, you are sure to love this event!
The weekend long festival features over 20 Entertainers and Bands, Food and shopping.
It’s sure to be a very fun event!
Michigan Irish Music Festival

What a great weekend to come to Grand Haven!

The weather is supposed to cooperate and so many of the summer/fall flowers are in full bloom making it absolutely gorgeous!

I have been pondering all of the things there are to do, here are a few of my ideas:

• Take a beading class at The Creative Fringe in downtown Grand Haven
• Hike the dunes and do some Geocaching
• Walk the Grand Haven boardwalk.  I like to start my walk with ice cream from Temptations and to rejuvenate on the way back a stop at Pronto Pup is a must!
• Take a Cocktail Cruise on the Port City Princess
• Head to South Haven for their Labor Day C raft Show
• Sit on the beach with my toes in the sand and a good book in hand
• Relax in a chair under the stars with a great glass of wine
• Rent a bicycle and go for a ride along the beautiful Hart-Montague trail

Let us help you!  There are so many wonderful things to see and do!

Hiking, biking and beaches….oh my!

September 19 – October 7
Grand Rapids, Michigan
USA

ArtPrize is the world’s largest art competion. The top prize is determined solely by public vote.  For 2012, 1517 artist entries will be on display at 162 venues.

http://www.artprize.org/visit

Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake, MI presents:

Enter The Haggis, takes the stage for a Pin Drop Concert in Spring Lake on Friday, August 31st.  Formed in 1996, Enter The Haggis fuses Celtic music, bluegrass and rock with elements of Latin, blues and funk.

A Toronto roots rock band ETH is at the heart of a true grassroots success story, and never has this been more evident than with the group’s latest release, Whitelake. Recorded at a rustic cottage surrounded by Canada’s picturesque landscape, and funded entirely through the generous contributions of loyal fans, Whitelake occupies a musical space that lies somewhere between the fiercely creative and contemporary soundscapes of Radiohead, and the heartfelt story telling and infectious grooves of The Band.

Five albums and a decade on the road have seen Enter The Haggis evolve from wildly popular local band to established international touring act. Their formula for success has been a simple one: record great music, back it up with inspired live performances, and tour constantly. It’s this uncompromising commitment to their music and fans that has seen the band garner top ten charting positions on Billboard, Amazon, and ITunes; major television appearances such as A&E’s Breakfast with the Arts and Live with Regis and Kelly; and their very own PBS special.

http://www.pindropconcerts.com/Show/41/Enter-The-Haggis/

Saturday Night is our “Jingle Bell Parade…through the streets downtown!   We’re bringing in Santa and Mrs. Claus…it really is cute, Shops and Restaurants and Coffee Shops are  open and “Downtown is beautiful with all the Christmas lights and decorations.   Dress warm!     It really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!   I think I’ll even get my tree up!   Make sure to check “Special Offers”   for our Gift Certificate Discount.

We also offer  handmade Chocolates from one of our  local  dessert and candy makers..market priced to your favorite.  Express Mailing available.