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.

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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.

For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing and fun.
For such a large event, Rothbury was relaxing, fun and exciting all rolled into one.

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!

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.

Point Betsie Lighthouse Near Frankfurt, Michigan
Point Betsie Lighthouse Near Frankfurt, Michigan

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.

Downtown Grand Rapids from the Rooftop at Sunset
Downtown Grand Rapids from the Rooftop at Sunset

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!

Butterflies Are Blooming Through The End of April
Butterflies Are Blooming Through The End of April

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.

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.

I was standing above the fishladder when I took this.
I was standing above the fish ladder when I took this.

Today I was just itching to take a picture but couldn’t think of anything and then presto bammo, I thought of getting a shot at the fish ladder. This photo was taken at Fish Ladder Park in Grand Rapids. If I showed you the photos I took facing the other direction, you’d see several fisherman standing out in the freezing cold water fishing… what the heck??? In my book, you’d REALLY have to love fishing to be out in that cold water. Hope they were catching something. The fish ladder is in downtown Grand Rapids, along the Grand River, near the 6th Street Bridge.

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?