I just got back from a weekend in Manistee and was amazed at both the beauty and how few people were there. Here’s a link to the area I took this off Lakeshore Beach Drive. The first time I saw Manistee was about three years ago and I was blown away by what a hidden treasure this place is. There’s still time to soak up some summertime beauty, sun and waves up north, why not head to Manistee? It’s only two hours from Grand Rapids, check it oouuuttt!
Sherwood Forest at Rothbury 09 is even more wildly spectacular than it was last year. For anyone who was at Rothbury
Music Festival in 2008, I know that may be hard to imagine, but it’s true. There have been additions to the fantasy land. What you’re looking at here is a pine forest that has been TOTALLY tricked up with light, special effects, hammocks and floating objects hovering over the woods.
While I was walking through the woods, I was listening to the comments and pretty much everyone was fascinated. I’ve posted two photos here of the same scene that were taken seconds apart from each other.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer as far as most Michiganders are concerned. This is what we’ve been waiting for all winter long, the sugar sand beaches, beautiful cloudy skies, warm wind blowing off the water and clean air that feels and smells like it does when you live on a peninsula surrounded by fresh water. Today I feel like I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
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.
When I took this photo last year at Rothbury, it was just getting started and I was wondering what I was in for. I was immediately struck with how creative the event organizer, Madison House, was. There were hammocks, tents, and just random fun things every where. There was even “Gangsta Yoga” in the morning. Some of the headliners Rothbury 09 features includes Bob Dylan, The Dead, String Cheese Incident, Willie Nelson and Family, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule and much, much more. You can find out all about at their website here. When I was there last year I talked with people from all over the country who regularly attended music festivals and nearly every one of them told me this was the best they had ever been to. I hope to see you there too this year!
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.
So, this is where I was the other evening. I took this photo from the new helipad at Spectrum Health at sunset. I felt a little like Mary Poppins overlooking the city, only not quite as brave. I love heights but feel a little quesy until I get used to it, so I guess I’ll have to get more experience in high places!
One sure sign spring is nearing in west Michigan is that the Foremost’s Butterflies Are Blooming Exhibit is underway. This is one of the most popular exhibits at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, and for good reason. It’s a delightful experience to enter the exhibit and be among fluttering butterflies everywhere. This is the largest temporary butterfly exhibit in the United States.
Joy, that’s what I feel visiting there, I hope you can make it to the exhibit, I think you’ll love it.
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.
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