If you grew up in Michigan, you would probably take the beaches for granted because there are so many of them, and they are all special in their own way. This is the beach at Point Betsie Lighthouse near Onekema and Frankfurt. The beach is an interesting combination of sand and rocks. Just a few feet away from where I took this photo is a beautiful sugar sand beach. I can’t wait for summer and HORRORS, taking my laptop to the beach and working there while I’m baking in the sun.
The entry to the beach next to Point Betsie Lighthouse leads to aqua waters and a sugar sand beach shared by a rocky shore. Although the site is a popular tourist spot, it is still easily accessible and serene.
Located near Frankfurt, Michigan, Point Betsy Lighthouse is a spot worth visiting. The beach is breathtakingly beautiful and the area surrounding it is just a great place to see. If you go there, travel north a bit to Glen Arbor and check out the Synchronicity Art Gallery and ask to see Ann Teliczan’s work. I was there dropping off my paintings this weekend and shot this photo on the way back.
This photo is looking at The Weathervane restaurant in Charlevoix from across the canal by the drawbridge. The restaurant is run by Staffords and so far, every place I’ve been to that they own is great.
I was trying to think of what makes the Weathervane so special and it all boils down to its distinct personality, comfortable atmosphere, great food, and wonderful view. After enjoying a meal here, I like to go across the canal and walk to the free public beach. And, here’s a tip, when you’re coming into town, park before you get to the drawbridge.
Okay, it’s official. I’m tired of winter. I think I smelled spring in the air two days ago too. I took this photo last summer on White Lake, which, by the way is a great place to go boating. It’s a nice sized lake with a great boat launch and then if you want some REAL excitement, you can blast on over to Lake Michigan through the channel.
So here’s why I stay here in spite of a too long winter:
1. Perfect summer days like the one here.
2. No matter where you live in Michigan, you’re minutes away from an outdoor adventure. Even in the city.
3. Low cost of living so you can have a much nicer home here than most places, and get one on the water.
4. My family, which is close by.
5. Great friends.
6. Great job.
7. Great neighbors.
8. LOVE Grand Rapids, not too big, not too small, big city venues, small city convenience.
9. All the beautiful beaches.
10. Great seaside towns with art galleries galore.
So, how about some other Michigander feedback? What keeps you here?
If you try real hard, I’ll bet you can feel the sand between your toes, smell the fresh air blowing off the water and hear the surf pounding the shore. It’s no wonder Oval Beach was voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
Supposedly, we’re going to get blasted with arctic air and a snowstorm tomorrow… I hope not, but just in case, I’ll be thinking of summer, sun and sugar sand Michigan beaches.
By the way, I saw Clint Eastwood’s new movie, Gran Torino this weekend. It was shot in a decaying urban Detroit area. I loved the movie, in fact it’s one of my all time favorites. But after seeing it, I wished that there were more positive images of the Detroit area represented in the media. Yes there are parts of Detroit that are like this, but the majority of Detroit is an interesting, unique city with tremendous talent and people with a survivor spirit. I go there a lot on business and love the diversity and openness of the businesses and people there. Nothing ever stays the same and that goes for a depressed economy, I truly believe that our state is on its way back.
Grand Haven’s shoreline features a long, long pier that ends at Lake Michigan. This shot was taken at that spot. There’s usually a bunch of people hanging out there, especially at sunset.
Aside from being the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, the Mackinac bridge is just plain cool! It measures 26,444 feet and is another example of the innovative thinking that goes on here in Michigan. I was there the day before the Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. It happens every Labor Day and has been around since the bridge opened in 1957, these days the walk averages 50,000 – 65,000 people.
One of the things I get a kick out of is the seagulls on the beach. I’ve heard people call them “rats with wings,” but I think they add to the mood of being at the beach.
I’ve been very negligent in writing posts on Michigan’s tremendous fishing opportunities. This big mouth bass was caught just after sunset off a dock at Gun Lake in Shelbyville. I’ll be trying to come up with more fish tales for you, Michigan is full of them.
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