Travel Michigan: A Day Trip to Ludington.

When folks around the world think of Michigan, they immediately envision 10 feet of snow and ice, miles upon miles of car manufacturing facilities, scary stories about Detroit and of course, the devastating effects of the recession.

Michigan is a proud state with a rich history.  I have traveled stateside U.S. as well as abroad, having been fortunate enough to enjoy landscapes of a dozen different countries.  With the soulful experience of travel as comparison, I can testify to the incredible beauty of the state of Michigan.

I wish that the State of Michigan would pull together a kick ass tourism marketing campaign as magnificent as say, California because we do have it all here.  Gazillions of lakes, sandy beaches, fishing, bed & breakfasts, festivals, art, museums, culture, cuisine, music (and lots of it), wilderness, sports, vineyards, you name it.  Michigan has something to offer you.

I am so disappointed with the "Pure Michigan" tourism website.  We can do so much better.  It needs to be visually stimulating, especially with everything that Michigan can give to you and your family.  Please look into vacationing here and go a bit beyond the general tourism sites.  Really research and get on the phone.  Talk to the locals.  They can point you towards those wonderfully undiscovered little nooks and crannies of the Mitten still unspoiled from crowds and commercialization.  You won't be disappointed.

My son and eldest daughter decided to get out of town for the day and drove 2 1/2 hours west to Ludington, a coastal community nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan.

I cannot believe that I did not take more pictures but I was really just visually and emotionally soaking up the surroundings, so thankful to just be present there.

Historic downtown Ludington is lined with eateries for every palette, boutiques, candy and ice cream shops and intimate establishments to enjoy a cocktail or two or three.  There was an outdoor vending event that offered everything from Michigan-made soaps, furniture made from wine barrels to outdoor ornaments and wind chimes crafted from lake glass collected along the shores of Lake Michigan.

We stopped at the local House of Flavors for sandwiches and the best ice cream EVER.  Cherry Chocolate Chip Amaretto.  Yum Yum.

Donni having her picture taken with local Buccaneers.  

Peyton was done swimming earlier in the afternoon, so we hit the state park beaches for more shore time before heading home to Ithaca.  The lake was like glass and you could walk out for about 100 yards or more and have it just reach your waist and still see through to your feet at the bottom.  

Do you know why I enjoy swimming in Lake Michigan?  No jellyfish.  No crabs.  No sharks.

Now I am not going to tell fibs here.  Lake Michigan can be pretty darn chilly.  But on a hot summer day and sweating it out in the sun, it is wonderfully welcoming!

Donni sporting her new beach shirt.

We had to share our space with a few feathered friends.

Physically exhausted from the sun but our souls feeling renewed, we made our way back home but look forward to our next Michigan adventure.