stairs to Lake Michigan beach
96 stairs to pure heaven, the Lake Michigan sugar sand shoreline.

Oh yeah! This is the sight that lots and lots of lucky Michigan vacationers will enjoy this summer. This particular photo was taken in Manistee, Michigan however, this is a common sight at beach houses along the shoreline. An infinity of stairs leading to and infinity of luxurious Michigan beach. Gotta love it!

I had to run up these same stairs after taking this scary photo of a huge storm before it hit the shoreline.

On another note, I’ve got to comment on Tom Izzo deciding to stick with Michigan State University tonight. Yeah! The man has integrity and I’m sure glad that we still have him on our side. Thanks Tom for sticking around!

Lake Michigan is Waiting for You to Come for a Visit this Summer.

An email I got a couple of days ago from Dustin, who served in the Marine Corps for five years, made me think about how hard it must spend holidays like this so far from your loved ones. Today I’m dedicating my post to all of you serving in the military. You are loved and appreciated here at home. Thank you for your sacrifices, you are not forgotten.

Since so many of you are overseas in the desert, here’s a nice cool drink of the Northern Michigan shoreline.

The Public Beach in Manistee, Michigan

This is what I’m waiting for at this point. The beautiful Michigan summer, winter, be off with you!

Manistee gets a lot of "weather", just a wait a bit though, it will change.

This is the kind of cloud that gets your attention when it’s blasting toward the shoreline. You never know what you’ll see when you’re at the Manistee shoreline, which is where I took this shot.

Cedar River Golf Course
Cedar River Golf Course
The Legend Golf Course, Designed by Arnold Palmer
The Legend Golf Course, Designed by Arnold Palmer

After having some hard times, Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire is back and better than ever. The resort is under new ownership and it shows in the facilities as well as the golf courses which include The Legend Golf Course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer; Summit Golf course, Schuss Mountain Golf Course; and Cedar River Golf Course, designed by architect and PGA player Tom Weiskopf (Cedar River was named a Top 100 resort course by Golf Magazine.)

There’s some great golf deals right now. At the time of this writing, they have a September & October package which is valid 7 days a week, that includes:
• One night’s lodging in a guest room
• One day of unlimited golf on any of the four courses
• Golf cart and range balls included
• $10 food & beverage voucher

Here’s a link to their website, if you’d like to learn more.

Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids
Manistee Beauty, Just 2 Hours from Grand Rapids

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!

Another Beautiful Michigan Beach
Another Beautiful Michigan Beach

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.

Walk this way.
Walk this way.

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.

The Weathervane from across the canal.
The Weathervane from across the canal.

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.