A Painting of Saugatuck

With above average normal temperatures expected for this week, I'm thinking Spring!!  Without getting too excited though, I have to remember the leaves are still anticipating their removal from my lawn.  So in being thankful for some warmer weather ahead, granting the opportunity to dispose of these now not so colorful leaves I'll look forward to a new season ahead.  Ready to welcome winter but for now I'm going to reminisce of a springtime memory where certain places become always cherished and dear.

After the passing of my dear Grandmother last February, came the change of seasons and another difficult loss for my family when my Grandfather soon joined her in heaven the following June.  Two individuals I truly admire and daily remember with hopes of following their loving example of what it means to share a home, family and a lasting marriage of 63 years.

With Spring nearly behind us, my husband and I had been celebrating the season in Saugatuck, Michigan.  Saugatuck is a small lakeshore community on Lake Michigan's Eastern Shore.  My husband, Steve and I explored Oval Beach and enjoyed a picnic admiring the harbor, boats and dockside shops.  We strolled throughout the friendly downtown filled with art galleries, wineries, restaurants and many other creative shops.  The community has so much to offer, including Douglas, Michigan which is a neighboring small harbor village.  The downtown is considerably smaller but offers great restaurants, the cutest bookstore, antique shops and more.  While I have not been, my mom absolutely loves a restaurant in Douglas called Everyday People.  So if you're in Saugatuck, Douglas is just a few minutes down the road so it's worth the adventure of exploring!

I have many special memories of day trips to Saugatuck, including much loved summer beach days with my mom and sister to Oval Beach.  I even planned a late summer Bachelorette party there for a best friend involving a mini road trip for food on an outdoor patio and wine tasting!  I wonder, maybe we can enjoy a fall beach visit with an early sunset in Saugatuck even now as it's getting colder? Or maybe it's just wishful thinking...  but I love taking advantage of different opportunities, taking risks and making memories in new places with the lovely people in your life!

As I learn daily about life, I feel I learned so much from my grandparents example and unique legacy.  While it's bittersweet, I'm thankful for my memory in Saugatuck when I recieved the phone call from my mom that my grandfather had gone to heaven.  I find comfort in knowing he has gone to enjoy his heavenly reward and is with my Grandmother there.  Before receiving the phone call, Steve and I had stumbled into a little shop in Saugatuck filled with a variety of beautiful handmade paintings from talented artists.   With my memory of the difficult phone call and my tears streaming onto the sidewalk, I also remember Steve leaving the storefront giving me a painting I had loved.  Painted was a little boy and girl playing with their bucket and shovel in the sand on gorgeous lakeshore.  Now, I look at if often as it hangs on my wall and I am reminded of my grandfather who I dearly miss.   Life is all about deeply loving those around you and enjoying their company while we are blessed with them.

Along with my love for Michigan, it is the people who you share these special places with that make memories long lasting.  I love when places in life remind you of people held dear to your heart and the times you may have shared with them there.  And while I wasn't really with my Grandpa in Saugatuck, I know he was in heaven and therefore, with me.

Happy Birthday to YOU!

 Thank you Charlevoix for a wonderful, much needed, relaxing weekend away! My husband and I always look for an excuse to celebrate and make time for a getaway.  This time however, the special occasion was his 24th birthday! I love everything about birthdays, especially when I get to celebrate my wonderful husband! This is the view from our room at The Edgewater Inn.  We requested to be on the bottom level which gave us outdoor access and this great view of the drawbridge and downtown.  Not to mention it is also more affordable to request the lower level here. I'm always looking for a bargain and this was ideal!! While you can't see it in my picture there is a nice walkway leading to the bridge into downtown, below the bridge which leads to the quiet peir, or to the left is the indoor/outdoor pool at the hotel.  We also really enjoyed the Sauna and hot tub you have access too!  At this particular hotel because they are condominiums all of the rooms vary. The decor in our room was quite nuetral & simple but you never quite can know what to expect.

Even though we missed the sunset, isn't it still beautiful!!?

Our last day in Charlevoix and you can see the colors are still beautiful even a little after their peak.  And the clouds are gorgeous! I'm not much of a photographer but I love to capture memories because I have a terrible memory.  This blog also helps me remember all these special, unique places and I'm so glad I can share them with you!  Treat yourself to a memorable getaway for a Happy Birthday to YOU!

After eating here over a year ago my husband continued to rave and crave it.  So I was very relieved to revisit and satisfy his hunger for this particular French cafe!! It is truly the coziest atmosphere with delicious French food and pastries.  Patisserie Amie & Chez Perez are within the same building here but one is the small restaurant while the other side presents their lovely pastries.  It is located near downtown Traverse City.  We first went wine tasting on the Old Mission Peninsula, then stopped here for an early dinner before driving to Charlevoix for the night! 

I have so many pictures I would like to share with you on our adventures but these were a few of our highlights! The beautiful Chalevoix location with the peir and drawbridge, the fall colors, wine tasting and French food.  It just doesn't get much better!! I LOVE fall!  & my husband of course, Happy Birthday Love!

Charlevoix, Here We Come!!

Out and about throughout Michigan the fall colors are at their peak in many places.  Making this weekend an absolutely perfect time for a getaway!  Since I am most definitely terrible at surprises I happened to tell my husband were I am taking him next for his 24th birthday.  I'm sure you've guessed it and he did too, Charlevoix! 

Part of the problem with staying on a newly married budget forces us to communicate about these expenses and spill the surprise!  Reminding me that I should mention the beauty of the fall colors make prices competitive and minimums stays longer than necessary.  However, we were lucky to have found an affordable, nightly rate!  Again, do your research and recognize that certain places have seasonal, fluctuating rates, so reserve wisely.  While there are many beautiful places in Michigan, this is by far a favorite of mine.  If you have not been there make it a priority to visit one day, start your bucket list!  Someday even consider a destination wedding at Castle Farms which is located in Charlevoix.  Ok, that's a blog post for another day but look into it!

For me, family vacations every summer meant I could look forward to our annual trip to Charlevoix, Michigan.  My entire extended family would stay at the Edgewater Inn, right on the north shore of Round Lake Harbor near downtown Charlevoix.  It is a very special location and actually a condominium hotel.  The room that we have been faithful to reserve has a walkout patio with views of the drawbridge just up the walkway which directs you into downtown. You can also choose to take the walkway down to the peir where a peaceful sandy beach and park on the lake awaits you!  Choose to get icecream downtown first and enjoy it with a walk down the peir.

Downtown Charlevoix is relatively small which makes it a nice destination for families.  While it is small and quaint it certainly has a great deal to offer for everyone.  Growing up as kids we would always venture into the nearby toy store just after stopping in to play dress up at the hat store.  There are also fudge, ice cream shops, restaurants, clothing stores, ect.  Oftentimes in the summer downtown's waterfront park area hosts summer concerts and art fairs among other events.  Nearby there is also a beautiful bike trail where you can ride along the coastline and expect to see frequent rest stops with a view.  If you want a change of scenery, we plan to check out the Old Mission peninsula wine trail in Traverse City which is 45 minutes - 60 minutes away. 

Can you tell i'm excited?! I hope you have something fun to look forward to during our fall here in Michigan.  Afterall, don't let fall pass you by, it's just too beautiful!! More to come on my adventures in Charlevoix.  In the meantime, let me know where your travels are taking you...

Something to look forward to, Michigan Summer.

The planner in me, I think secretly drives my husband crazy! Although, who doesn't love something great to look forward to?  Especially when it's an adventure and a getaway from our day to day routine! Where to then?  Well, today I'm going to encourage you to get out your planner and start looking into our beautiful summer months in Michigan.  Now,  I'm not much for camping but it can be a great way to discover a new place while definitely creating some excitement along the way.

This past August, my husband and I went camping for two weekends in a row both times with different groups of friends.  I realize we are experiencing fall now and soon to be winter but if you're interested in camping and at an ideal location, my advice is to start planning!  My recommendation is to go to Wilderness State Park which is located on the northwest tip of the lower peninsula near Mackinaw City.  There are campsites available with beautiful scenic views of lake Michigan right on the beach. The road the campground sits off offers views of the Mackinaw bridge and a cozy little general store with the BEST doughnuts.  My husband and I aren't typically campers so this campground offered restroom facilities with showers and access to both Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island nearby.  The  possibilities are endless with camping whether your interests are fishing, hiking, biking, kyaking, picnicing, sun bathing or just relaxing with friends and family.

Sometimes there is nothing better on a summer night than a relaxing campfire where you can enjoy not only Smores but also gorgeous stargazing.  With patience, expect to see a few shooting stars too!! Shooting stars always remind me to keep dreaming, which is what we are doing... with dreaming comes planning! We chose to pitch tents on our lot while our friends who stay two weeks at this location every summer use campers.  If you have a family with young children it may be more comfortable and enjoyable to consider renting a camper, depending on how long you plan to stay.

For us a two night stay was perfect and while storms threatened to ruin our stay, the weather ended up being breezy, so comfortable and overall beautiful.  Be sure to never rely on the weather forecast or let it hold you back, sorry meteorologists.  However, the other camping trip we mentioned which we did make on shorter notice  (I can be spontaneous sometimes!) was to Higgin's Lake.  We encountered some serious rain and it became a memorable trip when we woke up to observe our friends sleeping in their vehicles with dogs and drenched, collapsed tents!! Thankfully, although of course not without a little midst throughout the nights we were lucky enough to have chosen a more dependable tent apparently. Spend wisely and do your research!  I encourage you to think twice about your purchase of a blow up air mattress too! Many people had deflated mattresses, so I would consider spending a little more to guarantee you won't be sleeping on the ground by the morning.

Now that i've detered you from camping!! Honestly, we truly had an amazing time, there is something really special about being in nature and working together to make fires, meals and even a little home for the duration of your stay.  So ladies, be open minded and maybe consider it?! Hey, I mentioned they had a bathroom it can't be all that bad.  But guys, sometimes you have to sacrifice the real wilderness adventures... so why not check out wildreness state park!! Plan ahead and have something to look forward to always!

Something to celebrate, Mackinaw Island!

Now that we have faded into fall, can I mention Spring? I know, winter is creeping in a little to quick so let's think Spring for a moment. Oh, but can I also mention I love road trips; the hunt for a fun adventure, time with loved ones in a unique setting & reminiscing once it has come to an end!

So I'm reminiscing and dreaming of returning... but this past spring, May 2nd, 2010 my thoughtful husband of one year planned a celebratory weekend to Mackinaw Island for our 1st anniversary! I can remember as a child visiting the island for memorable family vacations but this seemed like an entirely different destination revisiting as a newlywed. I think this is because the island has so much to offer and there are many ways to experience it.

Many people choose to stay off the island in Mackinaw city for more affordable lodging and then take the ferry over. I think the best way to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Mackinaw Island is to stay there, so shop around to find the deals! Steve and I went opening weekend when great specials were offered and we lucked out with the weather being sunny and comfortable both Saturday & Sunday. We left on a Friday and stayed two nights at The Cottage Inn, Bed & Breakfast (two nights is ideal). It was so cozy, especially considering our first night on the Island brought very cold and rainy weather! Nonetheless, the comfy rooms equipped with a selection of games and Dvd's downstairs kept us entertained while we relaxed. While there, I was thankful for my discovery of my new favorite movie, The Blindside!

Steve, can I mention they were very accommodating and hospitable? Upon arriving they offered us a plunger for the toilet even, Oops. What a way to start celebrating right?! But really, the innkeepers were wonderful people, so kind and every morning they had a delicious breakfast prepared for us to enjoy.

Experiencing the Island early in the season allowed us free reign to everything, we felt like the only guests on the island. It was hassle free with no lines for carriage tours, bike rentals, restaurants, fudge shops, ect. We tasted at every fudge shop, which yes, you should do this. After talking to locals and with our amazing taste testing abilities voted Joanne's Fudge to be the best. What's your favorite? We brought fudge home for everyone! My little four year old friend, Jack, said "Are you going back again soon?" He was very happy I was able to have a fun getaway and was eager to have me go back, for the fudge, I know.

I would highly recommend Mackinaw Island, it can be a very romantic, peaceful getaway or a high energy, family fun event! Whatever you make of it. My mom always says, "I love to go away but I love to come home." I think this is true of wherever you visit but I'm so glad my home sweet home is here in Michigan!

Hello Autumn!

So sorry it's been far too long since my last post as I have been busy enjoying the beauty of summer in our Michigan! June - August bring the most ideal months of summer here and make our cold, seemingly long winters more worthwhile when we can appreciate the change of seasons that winter brings.

With fall quickly approaching, September 22nd officially, I must mention my husband and I have already enjoyed cider and doughnuts at Robinette's Apple Haus near Grand Rapids, MI. Watching them make fresh apple cider and anticipating a fresh, warm pumpkin spice doughnut tells me it's officially fall here. Robinette's can be a fun family activity as you get lost in the corn maze or you can enjoy wine tasting and a fabulous fall date with your love near the apple orchard. While there I was inspired to make my first ever apple crisp so I bought McIntosh apples. Surprisingly tasty and my hubby approved so I somehow feel more prepared for fall now.

Something fun to anticipate: Grand Rapids will host the world's largest Art Prize this fall, September 22- October 10. The city indoors and out will become an art contest for two weeks! There is so much to see, artists from all over the world will have exhibits in parks, restaurants, office spaces, the river.... (you get the idea). You are encouraged to explore and register to vote to support your favorite entry. Also, during this time the leaves will continue to be changing for what we can expect to be another colorful fall throughout Michigan. Did I mention I'm not looking forward to raking those leaves however?? That is one thing Michigan I can do without...

More to come... I have not even shared my crazy fun summer adventures with you yet! Summer, I miss you already!

Michigan Christmas

I realize I'm writing this in February, but it excites me more to look back an reminisce on the wonderful holiday season. Being our first newly married Christmas, Steve and I took much joy in decorating our Christmas tree, hanging our stockings, and listening to classic Christmas songs. And did I mention my husband putting up the big, old fashioned, fire hazard Christmas lights outside? Thank you, Grandma for sending them in the mail after hearing of Steve's love and apparent need of these. But first, Thanksgiving eve once Steve was on holiday break from work, we took a mini road trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan to find our Christmas spirit.

It was a few hour drive but well worth it. It was so fun to bundle up and go to this Christmas, winter wonderland. Upon arriving we first ate at the Bavarian Inn where they are known for their chicken dinners and authentic German dishes. We ate in a big family dining room that accommodates larger parties not realizing how big the inn was and that you could choose any dining room to eat in. Following dinner we spent a few hours exploring the little shops in Frankenmuth and in the Bavarian Inn. To our suprise, we spent alot of time in Rainy Cats and Dogs, a little pet shop where we bought our kitty a collar & name tag. (She has come to tolerate it now but would have preferred if we had left that in Frankenmuth I think.) They had a wide variety of shops but the most well known of course is Bronners which we saved the best for last! Bronners is a store for everything Christmas!! It is such a fun way to begin celebrating Christmas and we enjoyed picking out Christmas ornaments for our first married Christmas together as well as a tree topper. We also bought some ornaments as gifts for friends. One of my favorite sections of the store were tree's decorated from around the world with ornaments available for purchase on them. Not knowing what to expect of Bronners, I was surprised at how big it was and realized you need to devote a lot of time to see the whole store.

If you're looking for a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit I would recommend going to Frankenmuth. It can be a fun family destination or a romantic getaway with horse drawn carriages in this little sparkly town. I hope to make this a tradition and go back next year for what feels like a little far away vacation destination, surprisingly close to home! Upon returning home our kitty, Crosby, discovered she could climb our new tree and bite the pre lit Christmas lights ( Oh dear, many of which we were able to repair thankfully). Nonetheless, qe were quick to want to tear down our tree after the holidays. Luckily, she didn't break any of the ornaments from Bronners! : ) And yes, Santa also brought Crosby a little gift under the tree too.

Fall Birthday, Michigan

This past October, in celebration of the one year anniversary of my husband’s proposal we went back to where the excitement had all unfolded, Northern Michigan. This trip I felt we were better able to celebrate his 23rd birthday, whereas, last year we were celebrating our new engagement! This time there were no surprises in where we were headed, we had been anticipating going back for his birthday celebration! We arrived in Traverse City late Friday night because we started our 2.5- 3 hour drive after work. My dear friend, Amy (Aim), offered to let us stay at her new apartment in downtown Traverse for what ended up being two nights. We were grateful because not only was I thrilled to see her and her new home, but being newlyweds we don’t have the budget for lodging. Aim's place was within walking distance to downtown Traverse where we explored her new home and went to a laid back bar, Bubba’s. I’m convinced it doesn’t matter where you are but who you’re with that makes everything more fun. And sharing yummy Chicken Fajitas makes it more enjoyable too of course!

The next morning Steve and I were anxious to go wine tasting on Old Mission Peninsula, but first we tried a little French café near downtown Traverse City. Patisserie Amie, was delicious!! My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Charleston, South Carolina and fell in love with a French café there as well, now we only make French press coffee at home. Patisserie Amie,not only had an awesome menu, we shared a Croque Madam, but the relaxing, small atmosphere was welcoming. Later in our trip, Steve continued to insist that we go back instead of trying somewhere new because he especially LOVED it. I can assure you he has already put the items on my grocery list to try to recreate this menu item. Although, I can’t imagine any attempt could be quite as delicious. Someday, we would like to open our own little French Café in Grand Rapids so hopefully we can master it eventually! We have already bought a French cook book to recreate this deliciousness we continue to rave about : ) Next, I had unfortunately persuaded Steve that we had to drive to Alden, a little town just outside of Traverse City. It had been recommended to me and the brochure looked attractive but there was very little to see or do there! There were a few little overpriced shops and a nice bed and breakfastthere. We felt, we drove out of our way to use the restroom at their general store where we felt obligated to buy candy (which was still fine by us ;) and sit on a dock by Torch Lake. While the colorful drive was beautiful and I am glad to have experienced Alden, I still wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re looking for a nice scenic drive in the fall! There are too many other fun things to do in and around Traverse City.

Next, we were headed to Old Mission Peninsula to follow the wine trail. Can you tell, we LOVE wine? I’m so grateful because my husband enjoys wine probably more than I do. It was a beautiful day and the tasting rooms were very busy so a few of the wineries we drove to the location just to enjoy the view. From our experience we preferred Leelanau peninsula’s wineries because there are more and for that reason seemed less busy and the majority of them were free. As we drove up Old mission peninsula we decided to go to the Old Mission lighthouse there . This was near the wine trail and was nice to enjoy the view of the stony beach at the lighthouse. Following wine tasting, we drove to Sutton’s Bay and spent time in the cute little town on our way up Leelanau peninsula. We stopped at Tandem Ciders which is part of the wine trail , they allowed us to taste all of their hard ciders for free. This was such a nice, quaint little place, we just bought a gallon of there regular cider and took it home for Steve’s family and everyone really loved it. Apple cider is one reminder of the beauty of everything fall, which I love!

Once we got to Sutton’s Bay, there were quite a few nice shops and restaurants there; it’s just a short drive outside of Traverse. We stopped there briefly on our way to Northport and got more candy at a candy shop. Can you tell we love candy too? A lot, It’s a problem. The drive up the peninsula is along the Lake and there were a few places to stop to rest at picnic tables. We stopped and I had packed a birthday picnic but brrrr it was breezy and cold! We noticed a group of girls picnicking at a nearby table too, enjoying some wine with the scenic views. Northport was our final destination where my Grandma lives; two of my Aunties were in town also and we were able to visit with them all. We had intended to stay the night but just visited with them because Grandma had a full house that night. There isn’t much to do in Northport but it’s a relaxing, more private destination away from the busy city . We drove back into Traverse that night again to stay with Aim, which was about a 30-40 minute drive I would guess from Northport. We opened our bottle of wine we had received the year prior at Leelanau Cellars winery when Steve proposed. Unfortunately our celebratory wine had gone bad! Aim saved the day and served us her Leelanau cellars wine instead, thank you! Then we had convinced Steve to watch PS. I love you.

The next day before we went home, we had to make a stop at Leelanau cellars winery because it is our favorite so we actually drove out of our way back to Omena, near Northport again. When we questioned our wine that had gone bad during our wine tasting they offered us a free bottle to our surprise. We purchased some wine and ate next door at a little restaurant, who’s name escapes me now, but the views are beautiful as you sit right on the bay in Omena. Next we had the drive home to look forward too, if you can look forward to that? I already can’t wait to visit again. This is easily one of our favorite spots in MI so far, especially with the memories we’ve continued to make here! Yet, nothing is quite like home, which is Grand Rapids for us, home sweet home.