A Perfect Michigan Summer Day
A Perfect Michigan Summer Day

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?

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Winding Paths of Michigan
Winding Paths of Michigan

For those of you who live in Michigan… I thought you might need a reminder right about now of why we live here. And for those who don’t live in Michigan, here’s just one of the reasons why you might want to take a vacation here. I took this in the Leelanau Peninsula last summer just before it rained. There are beautiful winding dirt roads and paths everywhere up there that make it possible to get lost in the beauty of the land. If you’ve never been to Northern Michigan, I hope you’ll do yourself a favor and make 2009 the year you check it out.

Spring in the Leelanau Penninsula
Spring in the Leelanau Penninsula

For a short time I lived in Washington State when I was a little girl. Other than the rain every day, I remember seeing beautiful rows of trees like this. I was traveling up north on a windy, windy spring day and saw these trees with rows of fruit trees beyond them, just starting to blossom. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is there, it’s always beautiful.

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.

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.

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.

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!)