Glen Arbor and Grand Haven, MI
Not much is better than Michigan beaches in the summer time! We enjoyed a week in Glen Arbor, MI with my entire family before spending a few days back in Grand Haven, MI.
Overlook on Empire Bluff Trial.
After an uneventful flight from Las Vegas to Grand Rapids, we spent a night at my parent’s condo in Ferrysburg, MI. With the ever changing MI weather, we took advantage of the warm skies and spent the following morning at North Beach Park. There was a shallow, warm water area that was just perfect to play in. Unfortunately, by the time we returned a week later, it was all bulldozed away. We then headed North to meet my brother and his family!
The AirBnB we rented was in a great location in Glen Arbor. We had lots of space inside and outside and it was wonderful to see Zaina and Vivi with the kids. We spent our first day at Empire Beach. Although the water was freezing, Zaina, Vivi and I spent lots of time jumping over the waves. My bathing suit may have come down on more than one occasion…little did they know they were going to see so much of Auntie Sara this vacation!
We spent the next five days exploring the area. We did dune climbs, hikes, bike rides, beaches, and toured the nearby beach towns. While at the house, we ate and drank and discovered a new game called Kan Jam!
A few of the high points of the trip were: watching Ella climb the dunes and hike the trails without complaint. Her little legs just go and go! Miles, on the other hand, who ended up getting quite sick, wanted to be held for most of it. Another highlight was Hop Lot Brewing Co. in Sutton’s Bay. This brewery has such a great location with just as impressive beer. Last summer, Miles wasn’t interested in the sand or the waves. This summer, however, was totally different; I’m so grateful that he loved it all. We also really enjoyed the Empire Bluff Trail and an ‘off the beaten path’ Esch Beach.
After leaving Glen Arbor, we drove south back to my parent’s condo. We spent the next three days trying to get Miles to feel better. Even though he was sick, we were able to spend time at the beach and an afternoon just the two of us walking around downtown Grand Haven and enjoying the beer at Odd Sides. On Friday evening we watched a great band, Drew Nelson and Highway 2, followed by the Musical Fountain. We ended the trip in Muskegon watching on the best fireworks shows I have ever seen. We were seated almost directly under the fireworks and for 25 minutes we all stared at the colorfully lit up sky.
We were very fortunate that unlike last year, we had beautiful weather that allowed us experience more of Michigan. See you next summer!
