St. Joseph has a population of 9,000 residents and is a popular stopping point between Detroit and Chicago. Known for lovely Silver Beach, featuring two lighthouses, St. Joseph has become a second home residence, prompting more and more art galleries and coffeehouses to open in the town. There are several parks in St. Joseph, offering picnic spots with prime views of the beach, volleyball nets, hiking, swimming and canoeing.

Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, with a population of nearly 190,000 residents. With a very diverse community, many ethnic groups, ranging from Dutch, Hispanic, African-American and Polish, call this city home. Grand Rapids is home to several colleges and universities, including Aquinas College, Calvin College, Ferris State University and Davenport University. In historic Heritage Hill, an old Grand Rapids neighborhood, visitors can be led through the Victorian houses on display or go on a walking tour of the district.

Kalamazoo, population 80,000, is home to Western Michigan University as well as Kalamazoo College. It boasts a diverse population that generates a metropolitan feel in a smaller scale city. Kalamazoo features historic neighborhood districts, including South Street Historic District and Stuart Avenue Historic District. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts holds a collection of 20th century American art, and the Kalamazoo Nature Center offers trails, an arboretum, and various nature exhibits.

Muskegon is one of the largest shore communities along Lake Michigan in western Michigan, with a population of 40,000 residents. Muskegon is a tourist destination for its state parks, beaches and large historic homes left behind from the lumber giants..Muskegon has an art museum with works by Edward Hopper and Picasso's mistress, Francoise Gilot.