Pure Michigan Summer

Beach Towns. Day Trips. Photography.

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Love is like the roads I Travel

I imagine love to be like the roads I travel.

This sentence probably doesn’t make sense at all to anyone but myself.

What I mean is… how I feel, and see the roads I travel, is how I imagine the process of love to go.

My ’86 Mustang takes me on many different paths especially over the past few months, but each back road I discover and new path to work or some grand adventure takes my breath away.

The first time my wheels grace the pavement of a new road, I’m sucked in by the twists and turns, bumps and hiccups found along its face. The first time you meet someone at a bar, during class, or on the street you are stunned by maybe their smile, personality, or dress.

As I discover a new road, I’m captivated by it. I travel along its path for months. Everyday. Wanting to learn everything about it. I want to know how it looks when it rains, or when the skies are clear. I want to memorize the cows, or the horses that mark its sides, or the light pink 18th century home. 

After one person encounters another (and they’re attracted to one another), they spend a lot of time together or communicating. They learn each person’s twists and turns, life-shaping moments, hiccups until they memorize everything they possibly can about the other.

After I’ve memorized my road, I become so comfortable with it that I can drive it practically on autopilot letting my thoughts wander. This is when we have a plateau in the new, exciting relationship. We’re comfortable. We’re no longer searching for new things, but are happy when we are surprised by one on the occasion.

Eventually, I get tired of this road though it does offer something that no other does maybe a farm, or a house or a quaint town. Nowadays this is how it often goes, we get tired with the fact that our relationships are no longer exciting, and shocking. We move on.

I move on to a new road, and someone else moves on to a new partner…

Or… as I previously recognized, this road has something unique just like how people have characteristics and features that separate them from one another.

You can choose to move on to another person, or you can be in wonder at how comfortable, and trusting you are with this person. How well they know you, and you can stay with them forever.

Now, I’m definitely not going to drive the same road forever. Heck. I’m a travel addict, but I’ll always appreciate what makes the roads I travel different and I will always hold a few favorites that my tires can’t wait to revisit.

(Just one of my many thoughts driving home.) 

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Destination 3: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Driving along M-22, we entire Empire, MI. A downtown with two gas stations, the Sleeping Bear Visitor's Center, and a handful of small restaurants make up the short two blocks of Empire in the heart of the Dunes. 

After nearly four hours of driving and a couple wrong turns, we had finally made it for a day packed with as much as the Sleeping Bear Dunes could give us for our short trip. 

Horizons N' Sunsets a cute little restaurant and souvenir shop with white wood walls, and fresh vegetables on worn crates packed a punch with our tastebuds as we grabbed an early lunch on the outside patio. Sinking our teeth into a flavorful veggie wrap, and a BLT, this is definitely the place to get anything with fruits, vegetables, or seafood. The chef, and owner an older man wearing a Corona ball cap was sweet, and extremely helpful with what we should do with our day in the Dunes. 

After enjoying our meal, we headed off to the Dune Climb. Driving along the winding, tree lined two-lane roads, I couldn't help but think Holy Moly! I did not expect the Dune Climb to be as steep as what greeted us. As soon as it came into sight, I glanced at Lili and hoped that my running habits would help me through this. Kids rolled down the steep sandy slope, and parents sat chatting as they caught their breathe. I was happy that we'd made it halfway up before we had to stop. The journey up is tough, but once you reach the plateau the sight is nearly as breathtaking as the climb. 

One could spend a good three hours climbing different dunes, and exploring the area, but we weren't lucky enough to have that kind of time. After about an hour, Lili and I headed to the Alligator Hill Trail for a quick 3-4 mile hike. The trail weaved in and out of the forest trees, open fields, and outlook pit-stops. It's only one of numerous trails one can take in the Lakeshore. 

Taking a few photos, drinking water, and chatting we finished our hike and hopped back into our little Buick to go the beach. North Bar Lake Beach is a small little enclave away from the park located off a side street and dirt roads. The water was cool and refreshing, and silence fell in the area although children swam and people tanned in the late afternoon sunlight. 

Heading out of the beach and back through Empire, Lli and I stopped at Gemma's Corner, a cute little corner store bakery that offered ice cream, coffee, and light food options. We got Eskimo Kisses ice cream and sat on the orange picnic tables outside the little shop. Gemma's boasts of its Molasses Cookies, and signature Gemma Cookie. 

The Sleeping Bear Dunes is a fun day trip, and we are both happy we got the chance to spend a day with the Dunes. I'd definitely recommend spending a couple days here instead of only four short hours, so that you can explore more trails, more dunes, and enjoy the numerous beaches and activities offered in this complete oasis. 

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The beauty, and peace of the Sleeping Bear Dunes is incredible. It's the perfect place for quick getaway. 

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My beautiful Dunes Warrior, and travel partner Lili enjoying our day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

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Destination 2: Suttons Bay, MI

Four hours, three pitstops, and a beautiful lake view later we made it! As we eagerly climbed out of our little Buick, it took a moment to adjust to our surroundings. 

We were in a three, four block town with lilac, dandelion yellow buildings adorned with store names from Lima Bean to Antiques. A cool breeze blew through the street and as you walked down Saint Joseph you could catch glimpses of the Bay between the small shops side streets. 

The low seventy degree day in Suttons felt more like sixties as we grabbed our hoodies and pulled them tight. I was glad I wore jeans. We wandered through the downtown going from shop to shop, my first relief? There was not a single franchise fast-food restaurant, or shop. Also, no parking meters. It was an unblemished, and pure downtown. 

We spent the most time in an Antiques shop, which had typewriters, vintage carpets and boxes. Nifty Things was one of my favorites of the town having a chill, beach vibe accented with wooden signs, fancy cigars, beautifully decorated owls and mugs. This was a store I hoped to encounter in one of these destinations. 

After we made it through the downtown, talked to a local jewelry maker, and sampled some Black Cherry Fudge, we enjoyed the Bay and walked along the beach listening to the relaxing sound of waves on the shore, and boats moving about in port. 

We grabbed a late lunch at the VI Grille. It was a boat themed restaurant with wood floors, vintage signs and a decent Avocado Veggie Burger. Locals suggest going to Martha's, and 9BeansCafe for a bite. 

There were a few things we didn't get to do. I'd love to have biked through wine country or the TART trail, but it was too chilly even for a mid-June day to partake in such an activity. If the drive up M-22 was any suggestion as to what lies on these trails; however, it would've been well-worth it. 

We also didn't get to swim or fully enjoy the Bay due to the chill, but it was a worthwhile trip that lead us to encounter a few characters, eat some amazing ice cream (The Ice Cream Factory), and get to see a part of Michigan I had yet to discover. 

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Suttons Bay, MI 

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Beautiful blue-toned water lapped against the pier as a chilly summer wind came off the Bay as we walked down the marina. 

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A Day in the Bay: What to Do

Bike through Michigan's Wine Country

Play Golf

Sail or Swim on the Beach

Check out the local Art Galleries

Eat! 9BeansCafe has a divine menu with fish.

Grab something with Walleye! 

TART Trail Nature Bike Ride

Visit NiftyThings. 

Stroll through downtown

Go to the Dunes

Have some Homemade Ice Cream

Talk to Locals. 

Relax!

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Downtown Suttons Bay spans about three to four blocks made up of antique stores, boutiques, cherry-filled bakeries, and one of a kind restaurants. 

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The sweet, refreshing taste of homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream from The Ice Cream Factory topped off the day. 

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My travel partner Cameron taking a moment to check out the beautiful bay waters. 

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My Suttons Bay treasures: a postcard (Enerdyne), tin box (NiftyFinds), and a newspaper! 

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“Not all those who wander are lost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

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ROBOTS OR DINOSAURS?

Dinosaurs. 

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Destination 1: South Haven, MI

The peaceful quiet of the Lake Michigan coast welcomed Lili and me as we climbed out of the Ford truck we used to make the three hour trek to South Haven. We both stood in awe as we listened to the waves pulling and pushing the warm sand near our feet. 

South Haven was mentioned in an article in Coastal Living I read a couple months ago, so I decided this would be the first on my list of summer Michigan trips. I was not disappointed.

The beach had several jungle gyms for children, and a cute shack equipped with lemonade, ice cream, and whatever other beach treats you could think of. 

Our first stop was the South Haven Lighthouse, a beautiful fire engine red lighthouse that was built in 1872. It’s one of the top tourist sites, and as we strolled down the pier there was a certain romance to it. A couple sat on the edge of the pier watching the lake dance in the afternoon sun, and it felt as though time froze. 

After snapping some pictures, and making our way back to the sand, we lazily strolled the beach as we searched for shells and admired the crystal clear water. Children played near the shore, and college kids tanned, but we were both surprised by the quietness of it all. Except for our voices rolling over the small crowd, there was nothing but the water to be heard.

A five minute walk from the shore will take you into downtown South Haven, off of Phoenix Road. This two block stretch is made up of cute, local shops, restaurants, bakeries, and anything else you can imagine in a quaint beach town. All the buildings are accented with white, and consisted of brick or pastel, ocean colors. 

South Haven is a very welcoming place even for tourists. Walking down the street, we were greeted with “hellos” and “how are yous” from several people. It began to feel like a second home after only a couple of hours. 

I picked up a few gems while shopping: a beautiful turquoise and leather bracelet, and a sterling silver wire, and natural stone ring. Both were discovered at Shooting Star, 405 Phoenix Road.

We enjoyed a late lunch at Clementine’s, a brick building on the corner of Phoenix and Center Road. Chowing down on some fresh fish, and curly fries while enjoying the pleasant wait staff, it was sad to think we had to leave such a charming place in a couple of hours. 

It didn’t have any outdoor seating, which was a shame for it was a beautiful day, but it had great local food and added to an “authentic” South Haven experience.

Strolling around for a few hours, we realized we had only an hour left to spend in this beautiful town of paradise. We made our way back to the beach, and laid out for an hour soaking in the sun and stunning view before leaving. Grabbing some Kilwin’s Fudge and chocolate covered strawberries and climbing into our truck, we looked back one last time at South Haven. 

"This was the best day ever," Lili said, and I couldn’t help but think what other places we would get the chance to experience this summer. 

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South Haven, MI