MUSKEGON, MI – A new beach-inspired space and the relocated Burl & Sprig distillery will spread out the party in downtown Muskegon’s social district.
An empty lot on the corner of Second Street and West Western Avenue is now filled with sand, picnic tables, sun sails and bistro lights. The Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, the Business Improvement District and Burl & Sprig partnered to create the space.
Dave Alexander, director of the Muskegon Downtown Development Authority, said the “social sandbox” activates another section of the social district, a designated area in downtown Muskegon where people can walk around with alcoholic drinks in marked cups.
Seventeen establishments participate in the social district that covers Western Avenue, from Pine Street to Seventh Street.
A cluster of eight establishments near Mercy Health Arena and the Van Dyk Mortgage Convention Center have created a bustling zone on the east end of West Western Avenue.
Alexander said the sandbox engages “another cool hangout spot” east of Third Street for establishments like 18th Amendment Spirits Co., Unruly Brewing, Rootdown and Boomtown Market.
Social districts have been permitted by state law since last July, and the Downtown Muskegon Social District received the city commission’s approval in August 2020.
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Burl & Sprig, a rum-based distillery, expects to play a key role in attracting people the social district when the business moves in across the street from the new beach-like space.
The distillery plans relocate from the Noble Building to the new location, 333 W. Western Ave., in time for Burl & Sprig Fest on July 9-10.
“It’s going to be ground zero in downtown Muskegon,” said a Burl & Sprig owner, Cody Wasilchenko.
The site, owned by the Downtown Muskegon Development Corporation, will be open to the public throughout the summer.
Wasilchenko called it an “ode” to a beach site Burl & Sprig created last year on Thayer Avenue.
“It’s going to be very intimate,” Wasilchenko said. “You’re going to be down in the vibes of downtown with all the commotion, but you’re going to be in this little pocket.”
An outdoor Tiki bar will serve handcrafted cocktails, created with Burl & Sprig spirits, for customers to carry to the beach.
The new location also offers a full menu of Caribbean and Central American-style food with an Asian fusion twist and features dishes like tostones, smashed fried plantains topped with chimichurri and salsa rosada.
Related: ‘Rum-centric’ distillery bringing vacation drinks to downtown Muskegon
Burl & Spring plans to host live entertainment all summer long, from a stage at the downtown beach. Shows kicked off during the WeDiscover Festival during the July 4 weekend and continue throughout the month.
“It’s a community area for people to come, get some food, hear some good music,” said Burl & Sprig marketing director Jessie Wilde.
Burl & Sprig aims to replicate its colorful environment in the new space. The walls are decorated with wooden slats painted by the community, a wooden canopy will hang over the bar and Edison bulbs will dangle from the ceiling.
“We’re going to carry this intimate feel to that space, but we’re going to be right down in the center of everything,” Wilde said.
The downtown Muskegon social district is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Burl & Sprig’s full lineup of shows planned for the social sandbox can be seen at burlandsprig.com/events.
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