Carefree Travel Guide 2022

Social Districts A whole new type of outdoor dining has exploded onto the scene recently in West Michigan, with the advent of Social Districts. These Social Districts are zones set up to allow you to grab food and drinks from local establishments, and enjoy them in a large outdoor setting.

Visit Muskegon

Discover Kalamazoo

Ludington Area CVB

Greater Lansing CVB

Enjoying a meal outdoors, with the sun shining, a gentle breeze, and a table full of friends is one of the best ways to savor summer in West Michigan. While outdoor dining has been a warm-weather staple for years, the area’s new Social Districts only improve upon this popular pastime. When you visit a city’s Social District, you’ll find that you’re able to order both food and drinks (alcoholic beverages included) in to-go containers from participating restaurants and bars, and enjoy them anywhere you like outdoors within the Social District. These Social Districts make for a great place to meet up with friends, and everyone can grab their food/beverages of choice before gathering for a meal. They also allow you to carry open containers of alcohol throughout the Social District, letting you browse through the downtown area while enjoying a local beverage. You will need to purchase your drinks through one of the locations participating in the Social District, and it will be served in a specially marked glass to indicate it’s allowed within the Social District. Each Social District has its own hours, seasonal operation, and rules for participating businesses. Check out the cities on the next page that you can visit this year and enjoy an outdoor beverage in the downtown area.

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Saugatuck/Douglas Area CVB

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West Michigan Tourist Association | WMTA.org