Family Adventures In Michigan

When we pulled up to the lake house our eyes beamed with excitement; a cozy cottage tucked quietly on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, right in the heart of Traverse City. This was our first true visit to Michigan and we were immediately swept away by the beauty of this destination.

The crystal clear water that sat calm and serene was just feet away from the wooden deck that perched above the narrow beach. I have a feeling that I will always remember these memories of casually lounging on the deck, with a grand spread of appetizers and a glass of rosé in hand, engaged in conversation with family while the kids played in the sand and ran back and forth from the crisp water. There is something about that Michigan air, the soft breeze that seeps into your skin and dances through your hair. The cool nights remained warm enough to walk barefoot yet required jeans and sweaters as we sat around the bonfire; a few simple requirements for embracing lake life in the summer.

While there is so much to see and do in northern Michigan, we stayed close to our house and didn’t travel far from Traverse City. A few of our highlights included: a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, exploring downtown Traverse City which is painted with tree-lined streets, curb side cafes, and eccentric boutiques. And of course I can't forget the family picnic in the park where we lugged our baskets and bottles of wine and caught paper napkins in the air as the wind blew them away into the woods.

When we vacation with family we take advantage of our culinary delights and cook unique meals with local produce and fish each night, but we did manage to escape for one night out. I highly recommend Amical, a bustling bistro with a focus on French American cuisine. You will quickly feel like you are whisked away to a quaint European café where your highest priority is to sit back, relax and enjoy the fine food, spirits and atmosphere. Jonas highly recommends Press On Juice, the local juice shop that will replenish and refresh your body from the inside to the outside!

Michigan, you swayed us with your still blue waters, your subtle waves, your character and charm.
We look forward to meeting again!