New Marriott in Muskegon

The new Marriott International Element hotel at Muskegon’s Harbor 31 development is set to become a major addition to Muskegon’s lakefront hospitality offerings. Developed by Great Lakes Capital in partnership with Schahet Hotels, Wolverine Construction, and Henrickson Architecture, the five-story, 136-room extended-stay hotel will feature flexible event spaces, as well as a signature indoor-outdoor dining and bar concept, an indoor pool and fitness center and walkable access to downtown Muskegon.

Heritage in Bloom

The Holland Garden Club will host its “Heritage in Bloom” Garden Tour on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. The self-guided tour features 10 gardens located in Holland’s Historic District, including landscapes surrounding some of the city’s oldest homes, a native plant-focused yard, the Midtown Village Community Garden serving Dwelling Place residents, and Centennial Park Garden in its 150th year. Visitors can also see Wizard of Oz statues outside Herrick District Library and purchase garden art at select sites. Tickets are $20 (free for children 12 and under) and available in advance at Jonkers Garden, Holland Visitors Bureau, and Rivers Ace Hardware, or day-of at the Cappon House Tour Hub, which also offers refreshments, restrooms, and door prizes. Proceeds support local youth gardening programs, Windmill Island Gardens’ Children’s Corner, and maintenance of the Cappon House Garden. hollandgardenclub.org

Arts & Drafts

The Arts & Drafts event, hosted by Norton Shores Parks and Recreation on August 15, combines local art, live music, and craft beverage-inspired community programming in a relaxed outdoor setting. The festival is designed to highlight regional artists and makers while creating a social, summer-evening atmosphere centered around creativity and community engagement. Visitors can expect artisan vendors, entertainment, and curated activities that showcase the cultural energy of the Norton Shores area. nortonshoresparksandrecreation.com/events/arts-drafts/

Best & Brightest

Pam Curtis, CEO of Senior Resources of West Michigan, has been named a “Best and Brightest CEO in the Nation” by the National Association for Business Resources. The honor recognizes leaders who demonstrate excellence across customer relationships, financial performance, strategic planning, and workforce development, based on independent national benchmarking. Curtis credited the recognition to her team’s commitment to supporting older adults and caregivers across West Michigan, and emphasized their shared mission of helping people age with dignity, independence and connection.

Freedom Village – Nationally Recognized

Freedom Village Holland has been named among the best in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Senior Living Awards, earning top distinctions in independent living and continuing care retirement, along with additional accolades in memory care and related categories. The awards reflect feedback from hundreds of thousands of respondents nationwide, identifying communities with consistently high performance and resident satisfaction.

Lakeshore Art Festival

The Lakeshore Art Festival returns on June 27–28, bringing a large-scale celebration of visual arts, handmade goods, and community creativity to the Lakeshore region. The annual festival features hundreds of artists and makers, live demonstrations, interactive experiences, and family-friendly programming spread throughout a walkable downtown setting. Alongside the art market, attendees can expect live entertainment and a strong emphasis on regional culture and craftsmanship, making it a major summer draw for residents and visitors alike. lakeshoreartfestival.org