I’d never camped at Grand Haven’s lakefront state park, but when 80 degree temps and sunny skies were forecasted for a late-September weekend, I thought it would be a great place for a shakedown cruise.

We arrived late on Friday and found a campground that looked more like a parking lot than a park. Our site was barely wide enough to extend the slide-out and awning at the same time—but it was right on the beach and featured gorgeous sunset views. A bike path led to town and we were able to walk our kayak to the water’s edge and paddle to Rosy Mound Natural Area, 5 miles south. Pretty sweet.

When we rode to the farmer’s market on Saturday morning, crowds were starting to line the main drag. A woman on the corner sporting a safety vest and walkie-talkie, told us that the “Art Bike” parade was due to begin at any moment.

I grabbed a seat on a concrete planter just as the bagpipes (?!) approached. The parade moved slowly and lasted maybe 20 minutes. Highlights included a Magic Bus, a “Big Famous Cookie,” and a trike-riding Day Of the Dead tribute that was an unofficial entry because (the dad informed me) they hadn’t made it in time to register. “That’s just how we roll,” he shrugged, as he continued down the parade route.

Stay: Grand Haven State Park campground

Eat: I love the Morning Star Café. I can’t say enough about it, so I’ll leave it at that.

Gear: Our somewhat-new Advanced Elements Lagoon 2 performed like a champ. It inflated quickly, was easy to carry and tracked well on the water.