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.