Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Saint Joseph, Michigan

I get excited when I know we're going to Saint Joseph, Michigan. It's just a town that's always nice to visit when the weather is nice outside (and hurrah! the weather is nice outside). Our favorite part of it is just below the bluff, where the sugar sands of Silver Beach are so enticing we'll make our way down there even if we don't have free time until it's dark.

Silver Beach in St. Joe, MI. has THE best sugar sand around!

Last weekend we had a wedding to attend (which was very nice!) in St. Joe, and after the reception, we made our way to the beach. To get there, you walk the brick-paved streets, listen to live music (there were college-aged kids playing when we went down there Saturday night, and on Sunday morning there was an older gentleman playing guitar at one end, and an older lady playing violin at the other; walk down a ton of brick stairs; pass a gorgeous carousel; splash in the ground fountains for kids; stop at the big play park; and finally relax at your final destination...beautiful Lake Michigan.

The view offers the water, parallel piers, the working lighthouse, and a lot of great looking boats...just to name a few things, but the sand on the beach is what blows me away. It's that super soft, flawless sugar sand that just makes your feet h-a-p-p-y. Everyone notices it too, because it's just that awesome.


On the other side of the pier (we drove to get there) is Tiscornia Park. The sand there is nice, but not as nice and there are no restaurants or other places to happen into it (it is just the beach), but you have the great pier access and a far less populated beach, if that's what you prefer. I like both sides of the pier equally well.

The working lighthouse at the end of the pier.

The pier is nice to walk out on, and there were a few people fishing. Hubby took a selfie and later put it on his Facebook. His cousin noted on the picture that he'd been one of those guy out there with a fishing pole. If we'd have walked a few more feet we'd have come across him!! That would have been awesome. :)

Not only do they look alike, but that day they were dressed alike too. :)
I spotted a couple of really good looking fellas on the pier & had to snap a picture. ;)

On our way out we weren't in beach clothes but we still took about an hour or so to play in the sand.

On our way out we didn't have swim clothes on, but we did stop for an hour or so to play in the sand. You can't be a kid, be on the beach, and not play in the sand. That would just be plain torture. ;)

We had a good time, like we always do when we visit. If you're ever in the area, a stopover in St. Joseph is always a good idea. There's entertainment aplenty for young and old alike, and it's got a nice, laid back resort feel to it that's really hard to beat.

219 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh this looks like an amazing place Rosey. I love that pier that leads to the lighthouse! Beautiful.

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    1. I love the lighthouse too. Everything about that beach makes me happy (thought the water could be a little warmer ;) ).

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    2. the light house has to be my favorite part. I do love the water

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    3. I love the lighthouse too. :)

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  2. Sounds like a great place to spend a vacation. It's obvious that you and your family had a wonderful time there. :)

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    1. Thanks for reading. We really did have a good time!

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  3. That does look like an awesome spot indeed. Make your feet happy huh? Never knew sand could do that lol

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    1. Happy Feet! Hey, that's a kid's movie (no copyright infringement intended). ;)

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  4. What a lovely place to make some happy memories and celebrate love too. I have a favorite area of Michigan, well two really TraverseCity and Interlochin. If our retirement plans come true we will be Michiganders ( my hubby is from the UP) xo

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    1. I haven't been to either. I know huby's been to Traverse City and his parents go there from time to time. I'll get there some day. :)

      And I hear the UP is gorgeous!

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  5. Wow Rosey, that looks so nice there! Thanks for sharing your time you had with the family. Have a nice day.
    Julie

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    1. Thanks for reading, Julie. And nice day wishes to you too. :)

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  6. Looked like so much fun. We have a wedding to go to this weekend, but it isn't not he beach and further north and west of us (about 2 hours away). Just hoping for beautiful weather now for the bride and groom :)

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    1. 'tis the season for wedded bliss. We have another coming up soon too. :)

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  7. Looks like a great place. My daughter is in Ann Arbor. I'm guessing it would be a good drive for her to get there.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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  8. Oh wow that does look like a fun place! I bet the wedding party got some great photos there. Your photos are great to!

    We stop by a place called St. Joseph, Missouri often. It to is nicknamed St. Joe.

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    1. They didn't get married there, we spent the night in the city so we could explore the beach after the wedding and the next day. :)

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  9. It looks lovely. I have never been to the midwest, ever, and Michigan is someplace I would love to visit someday!

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    1. Michigan's pretty in the Spring/Summer/Fall. Lots of cool places to visit. I bet your family would like Mackinac Island!

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  10. Well, if you get sand in your shoes, take them off and you did just that. What a lovely day to frolic in the sand and sun. I bet the little guy really enjoyed it.

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    1. Barefeet in the sand makes me happy (if the sand's not too hot). ;)

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  11. I'd love to visit here too, but I live in California so it's a long way to travel. Oh well, I got to go with you.

    Have a fabulous day. :)

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  12. That is so pretty! I wonder how far of a drive it would be for me....going to Google it now :)

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    1. If it's not too far, the weekends are the best time to go, I think. Though there's probably less people during the week. ;)

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  13. I live about an hour from St. Joe. It's so pretty there!

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  14. this looks beautiful and so relaxing..I love beaches but really love beaches with added beauty.

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    1. They take such good care of Silver Beach. I really like it there. :)

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  15. That looks so pretty. We have never been to Michigan, but the beaches look lovely there. So far the only beaches we have visited have been in Florida and Washington (we live in North Dakota, and are originally from Missouri, so no beaches anywhere close to either of those areas!).

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    1. I love Florida beaches. I haven't been to Washington, N.Dakota, or Missouri! I'd love to visit each one of them though. In fact, I'd love to visit all of the states at least once.

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  16. This look amazing,we love spending time at the beach,The kids like picking up different shells to use for craft projects.

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    1. You know, now that you mention it...there were no shells there on either side.

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  17. I've never been to Michigan but your pics almost look like it could be in New England! Would love to visit someday!

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  18. That's my home town! I'm totally guilty of taking it for granted too. I actually avoided those beaches because of tourists. I went to a little one near my house that had oodles of beach glass to collect!

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    1. If I lived there, I think they would have to drag me daily off of that beach. :) We lived in Palm Beach for 18 years though and never saw the Keys or the Everglades. I regret missing both now that we've moved. ;)

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  19. I love the photos! They really look great and the place looks great as well!

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    1. St. Joe is nice to visit!! One of my 'sort of local' faves.

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  20. Looks so nice and peaceful! Those are some really great photos!

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    1. Thanks! It is peaceful...mostly. The racing boats came through though and they were pretty loud!! Gorgeous boats, but loud just the same.

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  21. Beautiful pictures! I haven't met a beach I didn't like.

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  22. Great photos. I love the tranquility of them. Enjoyed my visit.

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  23. I'm almost middle aged and still have never seen a lighthouse in person. #landlocked So awful, and this is SO beautiful!

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    1. My son married a lady whose family searches the US for lighthouses. I think that's cool. :)

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  24. I love the working light house--looks like a lovely place.

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    1. I loved it at night, and in the daytime. Totally different lighthouse perspectives...both very cool! :)

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  25. So you came to Silver Beach and didn't tell me!? Pft to you ;) I do love going to Silver Beach, though it tends to get really crowded in the summer. We love walking around the little area in front of the beach too. The shops are always fun to browse through, and the art they display is really neat!

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    1. Well, you're in Indiana!! Are you close to Silver Beach? Never mind, I'm sending over an e-mail. :)

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  26. I've never heard of it, but I LOVE lighthouses- what a great trip!

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  27. I love when we get to walk in areas and listen to live music. I love the views of the beach - so beautiful. Sounds like a great day.

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    1. I like live music too. I imagine New Orleans has live Jazz and Jamaica has live Reggae. I'd like to go hear both!

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  28. Michigan really is beautiful. And as the days get longer, they seem to be super long there. I remember one summer the sun didn't set until well after 10pm!

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    1. You're right! When I talk to my family or friends in Florida, and we're outside late, it's already dark where they are sometimes!

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  29. I've never been to Michigan but these photos are really beautiful. We actually traveled to Chicago last year and had a wonderful time.

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  30. Such pretty photos! And I agree. You can't be on a beach/in the sand and NOT play in the sand.

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  31. What a wonderful place - thank you for taking us along.

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  32. This looks like such a beautiful place to visit! I'd love to take my family.

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    1. Our first beach time of the year, and I was h.a.p.p.y. :)

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  33. This looks SO SO fun!!! I want to go - Summer is the BEST!!

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    1. Summer is the best. You'll get no arguments from me. :)

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  34. What a lovely spot. I love the water! The sand on the beaches sounds splendid.

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  35. It looks really great Rosey... and I agree you cannot go to the beach and not play in the sand, very important :)

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  36. Only been to Michigan once (Detroit) and have been wanting to go to the Upper Peninsula someday.

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    1. I've been as far up as Mackinac and that's it. I'd love to explore the UP too, I hear it's gorgeous.

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  37. I've never been to Michigan, but if I ever get to I'll put St. Joseph on my itinerary. It looks like the pier would be an awesome place to visit.

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    1. There are two piers, and they're parallel to one another, so if you're standing in the distance, they look like one. It is very cool, and a place I highly recommend. :)

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  38. Yay for finally having nice weather! I have been to Lake Michigan a few times and I love the beaches so much.

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    1. The lake's still pretty chilly, but who cares it's beach season, woohoo!! :)

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  39. Very beautiful place. I will have to visit amazing destination.

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    1. I love a nice beach, and they took good care of those two, for sure!

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  40. We totally love visiting Silver Beach!! It's one of our favorite "staycation" places in the summertime!

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    1. Well we must be neighbors, so I'm waving at you. :)

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  41. What a gorgeous place! It looks so relaxing.

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    1. It is, I could have stayed there for a lot longer than we did, that's for sure. :)

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  42. Wow that does look like an amazing spot to go. Really pretty view.

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    1. I saw some winter pictures today when I was looking for info on the lighthouse, and oy!!! I'm glad it's summer! :)

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  43. Everything sounds like it would be wonderful to explore

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    1. It's hard to go wrong with a pretty beach. :)

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  44. That looks like a marvelous trip!!!! How funny that his cousin was there!

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    1. I know! I wish we'd have run into him. We saw him the day before, but that would have been cool too. :)

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  45. What a beautiful looking place, I love the seaside, wish I could more myself :) x

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    1. I wish we could too, it's a few hours for us to get there.

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  46. Looks like an amazing place. I love lighthouses and photography on the sand!

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  47. Replies
    1. Thanks, Janelle. That beach is really pretty!

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  48. Is the pier for public excursion or do you have to pay any entrance fee to get into the waters?

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    1. On the side in the first picture, parking and entry is free (and though I like both sides, this is the nicer of the two to me).

      The other side (in the last four pictures) is free to access, but it's $5 for all day parking.

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  49. I love the pictures!! have never visited the area but it is on my to see list!

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    1. There's lots of fun to be had right in the immediate area too. It's a nice place to visit.

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  50. I have visited the area and it is always so pretty and the people are nice. I love it in the fall

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    1. I haven't been in the Fall, but that is a pretty time of year in Michigan so I imagine it does look wonderful there too. :)

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  51. What a great spot! I love the light house, it's just beautiful!

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    1. Lighthouses are cool! My son married a gal whose family travels the US looking for great lighthouses. :)

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  52. That really looks like a great place to visit. Great pictures.

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  53. so pretty! i love lake Michigan. we are planning to take the ferry across this summer for a weekend trip

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    1. The ferries are so nice to me. I was sad to see the one in Sandusky (Ohio) go. I'm glad there's one that comes to MI!

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  54. So gorgeous! I would love to visit here!

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    1. If there's a nice beach, I'm very happy to go. :)

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  55. that first shot brings memories flooding back of "our" lake we grew up going to in new hampshire. i love it <3

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    1. I'd love to get up that a'way and explore a bit!

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  56. It looks like a great place to visit. And I love the lighthouse. I have a "thing" for them.

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  57. You will have to make a pit stop at my place I'm not to far at all from there. I live in Otsego Michgian you'll have to look me up when your there and we can talk nerdy blog talk :)

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    1. Someone who will understand (and appreciate) blog talk. Hurrah! :)

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  58. The beach looks amazing! What is sugar sand? - Jenn @ The Rebel Chick

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    1. It's super soft make-your-feet-happy sand. :)

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  59. Saint Joseph, Michigan- Oh how amazing! I would love to visit someday!!

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    1. It's been raining non-stop since we got home. I guess we picked the right time to visit. :)

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  60. Looks like a gorgeous day. I stopped in St. Joes once when I was a teenager. Pretty nice place!

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    1. My hubby was reminiscing about his teen years while we were there. :)

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  61. I'm drawn to coastal areas because of how scenic, serene and peaceful the seaside feels.

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    1. I love coastal areas too. The views are unbeatable!

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  62. Wow this is an amazing place that not a lot of people know about..Gorgeous photos too!!

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    1. Thanks for the visit, Leira. It was a really nice visit.

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  63. St Joe looks like an amazing place. A little sand play is always fun!

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    1. Perfect time of year too, Betty. Not too hot yet. :)

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  64. Really beautiful. I love lighthouses and after a trip to the northeastern coast, I started collecting lighthouses. Michigan is a beautiful state!

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    1. Michigan is beautiful three seasons of the year. ;)

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  65. I grew up in Michigan and had never heard of this place. Sounds and looks gorgeous!

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    1. My husband grew up there and has family there still. :)

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  66. Rosey that beach looks just beautiful, and I know beaches ;)

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  67. Hi Rosey .. love the photos and to know that you had a very happy time after the wedding ... and obviously you can't go to the beach and cancel the sandy play! Good games paddling in and out too ..

    Lovely - cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks, Hilary. Always happy to see you visit. :)

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  68. I have never been to Michigan, but I've heard it's awesome! It's also not too far away from us compared to other states.

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    1. Wisconsin is next to us, and hubby's been but I haven't. I'd like to get over there to visit. I'd also like to get to New England...but that's a little further away. :)

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  69. Beautiful, beautiful photos! I need a vacation!

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  70. Look like a great place! We aren't too far from Michigan

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    1. Michigan's sure got a lot of pretty places to visit when the weather's cooperating (i.e. NOT winter). ;)

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  71. What a beautiful place, I'll have to keep it in mind for a vacation spot maybe.

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    1. It's a nice area. We like to take mini vacays there every once in awhile. :)

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  72. That pier looks so pretty. I love old lighthouses!

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  73. Wow, a beach and a lighthouse! This looks like a perfect place for a family visit!

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  74. What gorgeous pictures. So serene. The perfect spot for a family vacation

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    1. It's a nice break from day-to-day, for sure. :)

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  75. How gorgeous! I haven't been up to that part of Michigan since I was a kid. I am hoping to take my kids back up for a weekend this summer!

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    1. I'd like to go even further up north...I hear the UP is stunning. :)

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  76. This looks so beautiful. We have a sailboat docked up on Lake Michigan and try to spend as many weekends as possible there!

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  77. In the Midwest, there aren't a lot of sandy beaches with beautiful landscapes so it's fun to hear about ones I've not known about before.

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    1. On the Ohio coast, where I spent my childhood, the water was too rocky (Lake Erie) to swim in much (though we were kids and made due anyway). It's nice to have these open smooth bottom beaches so close by here in Michigan!

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  78. What a gorgeous place! I'd love to visit St. Joseph in the future :)

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  79. This looks like an amazing place! I love that lighthouse in the background

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    1. Lighthouses add a nice charm to the scenery, I think. :)

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  80. Beautiful photos of an amazingly beautiful location. I never think of Michigan except with snow! It has been years since I have been there. If I ever make it back there I will certainly check this place out.

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    1. Winter is so long here I forget how beautiful the other seasons are...and then they roll around and I'm happy again. :)

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  81. Gorgeous pics! Never heard of sugar sand before. Excited to get to go to the beach soon myself. :)

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  82. Wow! It looks beautiful there! My family and I go to Sardinia, Italy every summer (and although the beaches in North America will never compare!) this looks like somewhere my husband (who's from Italy) would appreciate!!!

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    1. I've been to Italy, but not Sardinia. I've seen pictures though, and it does look gorgeous!

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  83. What a beautiful place. I wish we had more light houses were I live, but we don't have any out herein the desert. I'm always dreaming of a coastal getaway though.

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  84. So pretty. I love going and looking at lighthouses, they seem so majestic to me.

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    1. I've never been inside of one. That might be a fun thing to do with the kids this summer!

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  85. Your pictures are so lovely! I would love to visit Saint Joseph some day. I've heard wonderful things about Michigan, though it's not a state that I would have considered a vacation state (until recently!)

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    1. Mackinac Island is an AWESOME vacation spot in Michigan...no cars allowed, just horses, bikes, and by foot. It's very dreamy!

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  86. I live in the U.P. of MI and all of Michigan is gorgeous. Of course I may be a lil bias.

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  87. What beautiful photos! Looks really great!

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  88. Sounds like a very nice place.

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    1. I'm so happy the weather's nice and we can get out and about again. :)

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  89. Wow what beautiful beach pictures, looks like an amazing time.

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    1. It's fun to go to the beach!! I wish we were going again today. ;)

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  90. Beautiful pictures. The sand is so different than what I'm used to here in Florida

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    1. It does have a different feel from the sand in Florida. :)

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  91. Im interested in seeing sugar sand! We have a lot of beaches here in Massachusetts, but nothing tropical or totally amazing.

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    1. Just the same, I'd love to make my way to your coast. I hear there's a lot of pretty over your way (and a lot to do!).

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  92. I just showed your post to my husband and he said "it looks like the perfect way to spend the day". It's more than the beach....it's the feel of the place.

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    1. It does have a nice feel. It's very laid back and relaxing to be there. :)

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  93. What beautiful views. I need to get to a beach stat!

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  94. We spent last weekend in MI for a wedding too!

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    1. 'tis the season (for graduations and weddings). :)

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  95. The pictures are gorgeous especially the one of the lighthouse. I would like to visit that beach someday.

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    1. I like the lighthouse too. They're nice at night too, w/the light going.

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  96. We have a place very similar to this nearby- It's called Port Dalhousie-
    So hello, from Ontario! :)

    Stopping by from Awesome Bloggers.
    Alysia from;
    www.mydomesticdish.com

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    1. Waving back from the other side of the border. :)

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  97. What a beautiful place to visit. It looks like a quaint town!

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  98. You really make me look at Michigan in a new light than what I hear other people say.
    What a beautiful spot!
    And yes, beach clothes or not, I'd want to play in the sand :)

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    1. She's got 'er good points, especially when it's not winter. ;)

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  99. So beautiful and we are looking for places to take our family next summer. I was thinking south... but who knows where we will end up

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    1. I'm always thinking south when it's cold. In the warmer weather, I'm content up here. ;)

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