Round We Went - Last Stop Southwest Michigan

Last Stop - Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Took a the ferry back to Mackinac City, drove south along the east coast of Michigan with a detour to see Sleeping Bear Dunes. Then made our way to Whitehall which was our home base for the last two nights before making a leisurely drive home to Chicago with a few stops along the way in New Buffalo and Michigan City. Full trip overview here.

After we docked in Mackinac City, we packed up the car and made our way south. Our first stop was to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. It took us about three hours to drive there and when we arrived in Glen Arbor, the closest town, we were ready for lunch. We noticed Boondocks right away with it's huge deck, lots of umbrellas and better yet, it was packed. The food didn't live up to the ambiance, but it was enough to sustain us during our visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes. We needed the energy because we were about to climb the dune. It took a lot longer than we thought because Isabelle liked to stop and play in the sand. Why wouldn't she? It was a giant sandbox to her! From the top of the dune we had a clear view of Glen Lake and the surrounding area.  We were high up - about 150 feet above the parking lot at the first plateau and about 300 feet above at the second plateau. It took a lot to keep Isabelle from running down to the bottom and once again I was more worn out than she was. I heard "Come on Mommy" a few times.

On the way up!

Resting at the top.

Time to head back down.

Sand angels!

After our climb we shook off the sand and hopped in the car. We still had a 2 1/2 hour drive to Whitehall, where we were staying our last two nights. When we finally arrived at the Lakeside Inn Resort, it was getting close to dinner. So we quickly checked out our room and unpacked the car. Our room was on the second level and was fairly large. The bathroom could have used some updating, but the screened in porch more than made up for it.

Checking out the view - tip toes!

For dinner we tried to go to Harbor View Grille in Whitehall. It was a Friday night and the wait was long, so we decided to try the local fish fry at the Lake Eagles Auxiliary 3124, part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. The fish was good, but the view and the band were even better!

Isabelle was more into the band. They played Phish! Tom was a happy guy!

They next day started with a continental breakfast at the resort and since it was too cold to take a dip in the outdoor heated pool, so we decided to hop in the car and check out Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland. I remember going here as a kid and I hate to say this, but it didn't live up to my memories. It was a bit tired and the on again, off again rain probably didn't help. Although, since it is geared for kids, all that really matters is if Isabelle liked it - she did!

First time on a carousal. Look at that posture!

She loved seeing the animals.

Choo Choo!

She went back for more!

After visiting Nelis' Dutch Village, we decided to drive over to Saugatuck. It's a popular weekend destination from Chicago and we had heard great things about it. It has tons of cute shops and restaurants, so our first stop was finding a place for lunch. I honestly don't remember the name of where we ate, but it was located right along the docks and we sat outside so Isabelle could see all the boats go by. After lunch we checked out the shops and grabbed some coffee to go. 

Isabelle fell asleep on the drive back to Whitehall, so we just kept driving. We ended up a few miles past the resort at White River Light Station. Tom and I each took turns checking out the lighthouse.

Lake Michigan and White Lake are connected by this channel.

Cloudy day.

After Isabelle's nap we decided to once again try Harbor View Grille - going early worked and we were seated fairly quickly. Dinner was delicious, but we could tell that Isabelle needed to burn some energy, so we went back to the resort and she took over the playground. The sun also finally came out!

"Welcome to my home."

Future rock climber?

Perhaps one of my favorite photos.

That evening Tom and I relaxed on the screened in porch while Isabelle dozed off. The next morning was a slow start and we eventually packed up the car and made our way to New Buffalo where we had lunch and went to an art fair. It was a great way to celebrate Father's Day!

Tom wearing his Father's Day gift from Isabelle.

Our next stop was Michigan City to see what the outlet mall had to offer. Turns out it isn't that close to the highway and there is a nuclear power plant next door.  Not exactly a comforting sight. It was getting late so we went in literally two stores and left. We made it back home to Chicago in time for dinner and Sunday evening traffic. Some things never change!

We had a wonderful vacation circling Lake Michigan!

Circle complete - Chicago!