I discovered this unique barn driving on the backroads in Arcadia, MI.
It would be easy to pass by the Onekama / Arcadia, MI area – but that would be missing out big time. Online searches reveal very little about the place, perhaps that’s because being there feels like you are going back to a time when electronic devices took a back seat to nature and being a human at peace with the world. I took these photos driving around the back roads near Lake Michigan.

The landscape is dotted with historic barns, vineyards, and rolling hills. You’ll also discover golf courses and a beautiful. Here places to stay: Here are some place to check out when you visit.

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course: This course is open to the public and resembles a seaside links course with rolling terrain and a windswept landscape with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Lodging and cottages are also available.

Artesian Wells: Some of the purest water in the country is located at these public wells, where folks have been known to travel for miles to bottle it up and take some home. Here are links Old Facefull (GPS 44.427615, -86.247132) Portage Point Well (GPS: 44.376511, -86.227881).

Portage Point Inn: I’ve never had a chance to stay here but have always wanted to. This historic inn was established in 1903, yet features a boutique gift shop, pub, fitness center, lake access, movie nights on the lawn, kayak and paddle board rentals, boating, fishing and much more.

Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook: This is one of the best overlooks I’ve been to in my entire life. It’s just off the Scenic Highway and you can see for miles and miles. Trust me, and be sure to lug your camera along with you for this one, all 120 steps to the top of the overlook!

Arcadia Marsh: This 273-acre marsh nature preserve has a short trail and is especially popular for birding.

Area Preserves and Trails: While I was researching this project, I found a link to this map with a bunch of preserves and trails that I didn’t even know existed in this region.

This is a great time to start planning your Michigan summer vacation. These are just a few of the great places to discover in the area.

 

The mounted police at Rothbury Music Festival
The mounted police at Rothbury Music Festival

The police force at Rothbury was actually a pleasant addition to the festival and added to the unique atmosphere. They were on horseback, friendly and great at interacting with the crowd. It was interesting because they definitely kept things in line but were not threatening at all.

I’ve got more shots of Rothbury coming up this week including pics of the Phil Lesh and Friends concert. Also here’s link to another Rothbury blogger who posted some videos of Rothbury.

Grazy Lazy Horses
This was one of those “perfect moment” scenes where I was forced by circumstances to slam on my brakes, throw the car into reverse and get the shot. (FYI mom, there were no other cars around.)

It's feeding time
The sky was so beautiful I had to go out and play with my camera. After patiently (and curiously) waiting for me to complete my picture taking, this sweet and beautiful horse was rewarded with a nice hay din-din.

Curious Horse
Yesterday was awesomely everything that comes when you KNOW spring is in the air. You can see it, feel it and smell it. So, I went driving around in Michigan’s farmland and took a bunch of pictures right before sunset. I took this one on a horse farm and this gal just couldn’t figure out what I was up to. I think her name was Emily, she wanted look at my camera… close up. I’ve never been around horses much, but I really like them.

For those of you who love scenic farmland and barn shots, I’ve got a bunch coming up this week.

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