The channel leading from Lake Michigan into Charlevoix
The channel leading from Lake Michigan into Charlevoix

It’s now official, Charlevoix is one of my favorite Michigan Sweet Spots. I was up north for a long weekend this summer and kept returning to Charlevoix. The best way I can describe the city is magical, happy, relaxed and fun. I took this photo at the channel leading into the Charlevoix from Lake Michigan, to my right there’s a drawbridge that goes up for the sailboats. I’ll show you that photo soon. Here’s a google map link to the location where I took this photo.

Also, if you’re looking for a color tour, this is a great time to head north, I hear in a lot of areas the color is peaking.

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Murdick's Fudge
Murdick's Fudge

It’s almost impossible to go to northern Michigan without picking up some fudge. And, Murdick’s Fudge is the place to go according to Michigan fudge insiders. The location in Mackinaw City is the original Murdick’s Fudge and well worth visiting if you’re in the area. Even better, you can order online, here’s a link to the website, where you can order. But don’t blame me if you gain a few pounds after ordering, this stuff is gooood and it’s hard to stop yourself from gorging! This photo is of the three generations of Murdick’s  running the Mackinac store Fran Murdick, his son John and grandson Aaron.

The Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge

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.

Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.
Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.

Up until this summer, I had never checked out Wildflowers, but had driven by the shop on my way to Syncronicity in Glen Arbor. My friend Lisa had told me this was one of her favorite places to go when she was up north with her mother-in-law.

Now I can see why. Inside, the shop is filled to the brim with unique specialty items, from home accessories to personal gifts. Outside, the garden area showcases lush shade gardening with plants, statuaries, fountains, birdbaths, furniture and more for sale. It’s located on M-22, here’s a google map link.

Big Mouth Bass at Sunset
Big Mouth Bass at Sunset

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.

Northpoint, Michigan Just Before the Rain Came
Northport, Michigan Just Before the Rain Came

I just knew it was going to rain right around when I took this picture but just didn’t care because in upper Michigan it’s all good. Northpoint is another one of those spots where you’re immediately on vacation when you get there. I LOVE it!

Leland, MI HDR Photo
Leland, MI HDR Photo

For those of you who have never been to Leland, maybe you should plan it in your agenda. It’s very unique, and I mean that in a nice way. There’s a bunch of interesting shops along this waterway, which leads to Lake Michigan.  I took this HDR photo while I was standing on the dock. If you look close, you can see a dam that bridges the local hotel and The Cove, a fabulous seafood restaurant.

Grand Rapids Condo Living
Grand Rapids Condo Living

There has been a surge of people seeking condos in downtown Grand Rapids and it’s easy to see why when you spend some time in one of them. A lot of the condos have rooftop common areas where residents can enjoy the cityscape like I did on this warm summer night.

The Harbor in Leland, MI
The Harbor in Leland, MI

Leland, Michigan is also known as “Fishtown” around here. I suspect that the Leelanau Peninsula is one of the best kept secrets in the world and Leland is another of the reasons why. If you visit Leland, check out the Bluebird Restaurant or the Cove (yumbo!)

Big Glen Lake after the Storm
Big Glen Lake after the Storm

This weekend I went up to one of my favorite places, Syncronicity Art Gallery, to drop off some more of my work. And, as usual just had to stop and marvel at Big and Small Glen Lakes. The water was a vivid aqua blue earlier in the day but I didn’t stop to take a photo till on the way home when the water color was less intense.