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If you’re craving an adventure filled with stunning natural beauty, mouthwatering eats, and unique experiences, look no further than the western shores of Michigan. This past weekend, we embarked on a refreshing getaway to some of the area’s most captivating locales, and we can’t wait to share the highlights with you.
The quaint lakeside town of Ludington was our home base for the weekend. We checked into the delightfully eclectic Summer’s Inn Motel. From the brick exterior reminiscent of a cozy ranch home to the tranquil koi pond and waterfall in the courtyard (right), this place oozes laid-back charm. After fueling up with a tasty hot breakfast included in the price, we were ready to dive into our West Michigan explorations.
After checking in to our hotel, we ventured north to Iron Fish Distillery, a true gem nestled amidst the forests and lakes of Thompsonville. This unique establishment grows its own grains and crafts exceptional spirits imbued with the essence of Michigan’s great outdoors. Their Michigan Woodland Gin, in particular, captures the aromatic magic of the state’s woodlands in every sip – an ideal souvenir for those seeking to bottle the Pure Michigan experience.
Back in Ludington, we embarked on a beloved local tradition: the invigorating two-mile hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse within Ludington State Park’s sprawling dunes and woodlands. Despite the cloudy skies, the solitude and natural splendor made for a rejuvenating escape. We also paid a visit to Stearns Park Beach, where the mercurial Lake Michigan reminded us of its raw power, with crimson flags warning of treacherous currents one day after granting us a serene swimming opportunity the previous afternoon. Shortly after our visit, most of Ludington State Park closed for a year-long renovation, opening back up in July 2025.
Our weekend reached new heights (quite literally) with an exhilarating dune ride at Mac Wood’s Dune Rides in Silver Lake State Park. Strapped into a converted truck with panoramic views, we embarked on a thrilling 45-minute journey over the towering sandy slopes, our knowledgeable guide regaling us with insights into the area’s rich history and ecology. At just $25 per person, this off-road adventure was an absolute steal and a must for adrenaline junkies visiting the region.
We capped off our West Michigan escapades with a sublime lunch at the architecturally stunning BlueWater Grill, where the farm-fresh fare and serene lakeside setting provided the perfect denouement to our action-packed weekend.
If our tales have piqued your wanderlust, start planning your own western Michigan getaway today. With its blend of natural wonders, culinary delights, and one-of-a-kind experiences, this corner of the Great Lakes State promises memories that will linger long after your return home. Lace up your hiking boots, grab your sense of adventure, and get ready to go, see, and explore!
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
Chianti Classico is the beating heart of Tuscan winemaking, with strict regulations ensuring these wines maintain their distinctive character. Crafted with a minimum of 80% Sangiovese and up to 20% of other approved varieties, these reds offer a consistent backbone of cherry, leather, and earthy notes. Yet, each producer imparts their unique fingerprint, resulting in delightful variations on a classic theme.
We meandered through the cobblestone pathways and charming squares of the hilltop town of Taormina (top), we were transported to a bygone era filled with history and culture. From exploring the ancient Greek amphitheater offering panoramic vistas of Mount Etna to browsing the quaint local shops brimming with artisanal treasures, each moment was a discovery of Taormina’s captivating past. The tour not only provided a glimpse into the town’s rich heritage but also allowed us to savor authentic Sicilian cannoli and marvel at the architectural wonders that dotted our path. As we traced the footsteps of generations past, our walking tour of Taormina left an indelible mark, weaving together moments of awe and admiration for this timeless Sicilian gem. You can book your 
The first stop on our tour was at Viera de Sousa, a 5th-generation family-owned and operated winery, growing grapes on 4 quintas in the Douro Valley. The current generation running the winery are women which is uncommon in Portugal. Here we learned a lot about the difference in Portuguese wines. Traditional Port is a sweet, fortified wine made of a blend of grapes (common Port Wine grapes include Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (AKA Tempranillo), and at least 50 others). White port is typically more fruit-forward and less sweet than other port varieties. Tawny Port is aged at least 2 years in barrels before going into the bottle and typically has flavors of caramel and nut on top of the fruit flavors. Ruby Port is fruit-forward, sweet, and meant to be drunk young. After the wine ages in a barrel for two years, a sample can be sent off to the Institute of Douro and Porto Wine for an assessment, and if a wine is of high enough quality it can be declared for a Vintage where it will be aged in bottles for at least 15 more years. Therefore, Vintage Port is the most expensive and distinguished wine of the Douro Valley. At Viera de Sousa we sampled some of their still wines as well as a white port (which I had never had before), a Tawny, and a Ruby. Their wines were wonderful and their ports were very different than the mass-market port we have in the U.S.
