Last Thursday I was invited to attend Influencers on 8th, an event put on in Holland, MI (about 40 minutes from Grand Rapids) by Lexi and Kate.
Before I dive in, I want to say a big thank you to those ladies, as well at Downtown Holland and Jamie Gens photography (some of her photos are featured in this post!)
8th is the main strip in Downtown Holland; full of local shops, restaurants, bars + more. I’ve previously spent some time in downtown Holland, but usually in the summer and usually after the beach, so this was a great opportunity for me to truly see what Holland has to offer. I’ll admit, I was impressed by the shopping, with JB & Me and Frances Jaye carrying brands that I love! I’d be lying if I said West Michigan was known for their fashion (haha), but these boutiques carry brands I love from places like ShopBop (think AGOLDE, Z Supply, Chaser, etc).
The event check-in ran from 3-5:30 at Cakabakery (where we were greeted with a tote bag, cake pop + beverage) , with the group happy hour starting at Butch’s Dry Dock at 7. I liked how it was open; you could stroll through the downtown at your speed, and meet up with other smaller groups along the way. There were about 60 influencers at this event, so it was larger than some of the other events I’ve attended, but I loved the opportunity to meet more influencers as well as some of the shop owners.
I ended up meeting up with Hannah to stroll through (and by stroll I mean power walk haha), but we also met up with Hannah, Lauren and Colette along the way. I got to chat with plenty of other ladies at the Happy Hour (like Lindsay, Lisa & Kristin) and finally Andrea, Hannah and I ended our night with a late girl’s dinner at Waverly Stone Pub [I’d recommend the Chicken Bahn Naan :)]
If you’re planning a trip to Western Michigan anytime soon you absolutely need to put Holland on your list. Even if it’s a simple day trip from GR or Lansing, you won’t regret it. Scroll down to read more about all the amazing local places to eat, drink, shop + explore. (PS. My focus is going to be on mostly local places – there are a handful of other chain retailers like Francesca’s and White House Black Market, but the real gems are local!)
Get your shop on in Holland, MI:
jb & me – SO many amazing pieces and brands here. Luckily I’m still on a shopping ban haha. BONUS = use code Madeline for 20% off – good until November 17, 2019.
Frances Jaye – loved their aesthetic + that they have mens and womens
Spring Sweet – a mixture of style, bridal and home – it truly is sweet. I did take home this beautiful floral print for the house
Tikal – it was full of cozy sweaters + amazing plaid pants (had to resist buying them!)
Urban Found – more than just clothes, they had accessories, candles + home goods!
Hawthorne Boutique – they have other West Michigan locations as well + it is a trendier, affordable boutique.
Gezellig Home – the perfect stop for all types of gifts!
Home and Company – everything from children’s games to CBD products (what I purchased there haha) this store is for all ages.
Gazelle Sports – for all your running + athleisure needs. They actually carry lululemon at the Holland location!
Outpost Holland – think a slightly smaller local version of REI, so they have all the good things haha
This doesn’t cover all the shopping in Holland, but rather are some of the places I’ve visited and enjoyed!
You will absolutely not go hungry in Holland, MI; here are plenty of delicious options for food, beer, beverages and coffee:
Waverly Stone Gastropub – after lightly snacking my way through the evening we were ready for a real meal. Like I mentioned above, Hannah, Andrea and I went an enjoyed our laid back dinner!
Butch’s Dry Dock – we were treated to delicious apps and a signature cocktail made for the evening. It had a cozy but upscale vibe and I’d love to go back for dinner.
Seventy-Six – it was so cute inside, we were treated to the lobster rangoons + a speciality cocktail they made for the event called the Zombie
hopcat location there
New Holland Brewing
HopCat
Hops at 84 East
Our Brewing Company
Big Lake Brewing
Ferris Coffee – their Holland location is so pretty inside (and has the best floral wallpaper that I want in my home)
The 205 Coffee Bar
Places to satisfy your sweet tooth in Holland, MI:
Cakabakery – this local bakery has a location in Grand Rapids as well. The cake pops they gave us were delicious!
Kilwins – sea salt caramel fudge. That’s all.
Peach Wave – for all your froyo needs
Poppinhuis – gourmet popcorn made in Holland – loved their caramel corn
Saunders Family Bakery – they have gluten free, dairy free + vegan goodies as well
Overall it was a wonderfully planned and well executed event and I’m so glad I was able to go. Looking forward to my next trip to Downtown Holland!
On a style note – the event was October 17th (aka the 17th day of my 30×30 challenge). I was tempted to veer from my 30 items, but decided to stick with the challenge and pulled a few favorite pieces into an outfit.
Anyway, thank you so much for stopping by. If you have other favorite spots in Holland please let me know!
Happy weekend.
xo, Maddy
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