Arts

Art is food for the soul - and Michigan's West Coast serves up a rich and varied banquet!

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was named one of the world's "30 Must-See Museums" by the author of "1,000 Things to Do Before You Die." Stroll through a collection of scenic gardens augmented by sculptures from world-renowned artists.

2. Grand Valley State University offers a self-guided art and garden tour with approximately 4,500 works of art.

3. Shopping in Grand Haven includes art galleries, boutiques, one of the world's oldest kite stores and the Michigan Rag Company, whose handprinted resort wear is sold worldwide.

4. Just across the street from the beach, Grand Haven's Kirby House in is a delicious rest stop on your tour of the city.

5. Holland is home to more than 100 downtown specialty shops, restaurants and galleries. Note the 21 bronze sculptures by artist George Lundeen lining its main street. Visit in May for some spectacular natural art: the Tulip Time Festival and its millions of blooms.

6. Saugatuck/Douglas is #3 on AmericanStyle's list of Top Small Town Arts Destinations. It's home to world-class galleries, artist studios, the world-renowned Ox-Bow art school and the annual Waterfront Film Festival - one of the world's Top 5 Favorite Film Festivals (Screen Actor's Guild Magazine).

7. Back to Grand Rapids for a walking tour of downtown's outdoor sculptures and historic buildings (more than 50 in all!). Visit September 19 - October 7, 2012 for ArtPrize, when thousands of artworks are displayed on downtown streets - and you decide who wins the world's richest arts award.

8. Grand Rapids Art Museum is the world's first LEED-certified "green" art museum and one of Newsweek's best buildings of 2007. It features more than 5,000 works of art in its permanent collection. A few hundred yards away, a breathtaking variety of student work is on display in the public galleries of Kendall College of Art & Design.

9. The mosaic wall that decorates the exterior of the Grand Rapids Children's Museum was a 2009 ArtPrize finalist. Inside, kids can participate in hands-on arts-based experiences.

10. San Chez, A Tapas Bistro, is one of the 50 best Hispanic restaurants in the U.S. - and a perfect complement to a day of art, thanks to its handpainted tiles, Mexican artworks and beautiful food creations.

Tell us what art attractions you'd add to this Coasting Route!