We were fortunate to be able to take two great family vacations in 2016. At the end of June, we headed north to Charlevoix, Michigan. It's a beautiful town in northern Michigan - on Lake Michigan and also boasting two inland lakes, Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix. We rented a perfect little house with Greg's parents just steps from Lake Michigan and a short walk into town. The setting was idyllic and so relaxing. We didn't want to leave and can't wait to go back. Here are some of the highlights of our vacation.
- watching the drawbridge go up and down to let the Emerald Isle, a large ferry to Beaver Island, pass
- driving up to Harbor Springs to walk around the picturesque town and admire the yachts, stopping at Pond Hill Farm on the way up and then stopping in Petoskey on the way home for a picnic at lovely Bayfront Park
- renting a pontoon and spending part of a day out on Lake Charlevoix. It was very relaxing and fun to see the big houses along the lake. Davis and Greg got into the water at one point and promptly got out - brrrr!
- walking to Lake Michigan beach to play in the sand and on the playground on the beach
- walking down to the lighthouse and watching the sun set
- strolling into town and enjoying some ice cream - Davis' favorite kind is blue moon
- going to a concert at East Park, a great community area right between downtown and Round Lake. The boys were doing some crazy dancing, to the amusement of some onlookers.
- playing at the beach and picnicking at Ferry Park on Lake Charlevoix, the perfect place for the boys to play because the water was shallow and warmer and there is a great sandy beach. Davis loved being able to go way out in the water to play, and Adam had the best time playing with the sand toys. It was a great family memory.
- quiet times in our beautiful cottage, and of course making s'mores in the firepit
- crossing the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix on the Ironton Ferry
- Davis loved mini-golfing with Daddy and Grandpa in Petoskey!
- walking past the Mushroom Houses (aka Hobbit Houses) of Charlevoix, just up the street and around the corner from our cottage, and walking to the awesome public library and spending time playing in their amazing children's section on a cold and windy day
On our last night, we were privileged to attend a community celebration at East Park held (by his request) in lieu of a public funeral for Dale Boss, known as "Mr. Petunia," a larger-than-life community leader in Charlevoix. There was musical entertainment by his talented family members and a generous ice cream and dessert social. I can't quite explain it, but it was a real slice of Americana and a memory we will hold in our hearts forever.
It is hard to imagine a more perfect family vacation destination. Charlevoix has not seen the last of the Mueller family! |
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