Holland, Michigan: True to its Dutch Heritage

30 April 201615 September 2024

As my family continues to grow, our vacations are typically based on two factors: driving distance to our destination and space for all of the kiddos. If we can find a beach (lake or ocean) and a list of fun attractions, that is also a plus. After coming up with several ideas and narrowing our search, we all agreed to spend our summer vacation near Traverse City, Michigan with an overnight stop in Holland.

I had recently visited Holland during a visit to the city’s annual Tulip Time Festival and recommended it as the overnight stop for our trip. I was impressed with the local attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities as well as its absolute charm.

Our first stop in Holland was the city’s state park. After strolling the beautiful coastline and watching the locals fish from the pier, we headed downtown for an early dinner. We could not have asked for better weather with sunny skies and a cool breeze.

The fish were biting and we saw a young boy taking his catch to the end of the dock to drop it into a bucket. Lake Michigan is full of fish including bass, trout, catfish, perch, walleye, bass as well as salmon.

On the way back from the pier, we took a closer look at the beautiful red lighthouse on the opposite side of the channel. We learned that the locals call it “Big Red” , but its official name is the Holland Harbor Light. It plays an important role for guiding the boats through the channel between Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa.

Strolling along the beach, we worked up an appetite and decided it was time to find a restaurant that could accommodate all of us. The trip into Holland did not take but a few minutes and we were able to find parking on 8^th street, the main shopping and restaurant district of town.

We decided on Crust 54 where we ordered pizza and pasta. The place was packed, but we were able to find seating for our group of six. We stepped up to the counter to order and they brought our food to us when it was ready. The Chicago Special pizza with Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers and onions was abundantly cheesy and delicious.

The sun was beginning to set and we had a little time to shop before reaching the hotel. Holland is typical small town America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has won several awards and was ranked by the well-being index as the second healthiest/happiest town in the United States. CNN ranked it as one of the top five places to retire in 2006.

Have you vacationed in Holland or live here? I would love to hear your suggestions for where to eat and shop if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation stay in Holland! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland State Park
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Holland Harbor Light
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49424
Telephone: 616 399 9390

Where to Stay:

Baert Baron Mansion
120 S. Church Street
Zeeland, MI 49464
Telephone: 616 748 1953

Where to Eat:

Crust 54 – Downtown Holland
54 E. 8th Street
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 616 394 3002

Where to Drink:

What to Read:

Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland:

The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Dutch Dancers
Nelis’ Dutch Village: landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

A Young Boy and his Fish

It’s Tulip Time in Holland!

23 April 201615 September 2024

When I think of springtime, I imagine the first blooms of delicate tulips and daffodils that burst into color against a gloomy grey sky. Hibernating through the cold of winter, these beautiful flowers signal a resounding rebirth of life that can only mean that spring is around the corner.

Since 1959, the town of Holland, Michigan has been known for its production of tulips. Growing a variety of species in a multitude of colors, Holland pays tribute to its Dutch heritage with their annual Tulip Time festivities.

Displaying over 200,000 tulips throughout the city, Holland hosts their annual Tulip Time celebration in May. Visitors come from all over the world to experience “old Netherlands customs and traditions.” The theme of the 2015 festival was “Join the Dance.” The city of Holland would attempt to break the world record for klomping, exceeding the number of people “simultaneously dancing in wooden shoes”.

Preparing for my visit, I began my research online by checking out the festival’s website. With a wealth of information, it was easy to plan my visit based on the site’s schedule of events, maps and detailed instructions for getting around town. From windmill tours to trolley rides, I was starting to wonder if I was going to have enough time exploring the charming little town of Holland.

The list of festivities went on to include Dutch dancing, parades, educational talks and tours. Most of the events were within walking distance but if I needed an extra lift to reach one of the venues, I could always rely on the hop on trolley.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching the local high school students performing the traditional Dutch Dancing. Training to become a “klomper” begins at a young age and the Dutch costumes are designed in accordance to the clothing of the Dutch Provinces.

I attended a few of the festival events and leisurely strolled the “Great American Main Street” of East 8^th Street. While there were several eateries and concession stands, I was most interested in sampling some of the locally prepared dishes at the Dutch Marktplaats. Authentic entrees ranged from Mettwurst to Maatjesharing (Dutch new herring).

After a short pause for lunch, I was looking forward to riding the hop on, hop off trolley tour of the city. With a Dutch-costumed guide, I learned more about the settlement of Holland with its historic district, downtown and city parks. My $30 ticket also included discounts to some of the local attractions including Windmill Island Gardens, the Holland Museum and Cappon House. While the trolley admission was valid for the day of purchase, I could use the discount tickets throughout the week.

There were so many venues and events to explore during the Tulip Time celebration but I had only planned one day for a visit. I could have easily spent a couple of days to enjoy the festival with more time to explore the town of Holland and had even suggested it as a stay for our family vacation in the summer. I was excited that our family agreed that this would be a fun place to explore and I looked forward to an upcoming return.

Have you attended a cultural event that was so fabulous you wanted to experience it again? I would love to hear about your recommendation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to Holland, Michigan during the Tulip Time festival and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Tulip Time
Holland, Michigan
Telephone: 800 822 2770

Tips for Your Visit: I would encourage visitors to check out the Tulip Time website (www.tuliptime.com) in advance to plan their stay during the festival. You will find that not all of the events take place on a daily basis, so checking out the itinerary may assist one with preparing a schedule ahead of time. For example, if you arrive on Friday, there may not be a parade and if you happen to attend on the day of a parade, you can purchase grandstand tickets ahead of time. The site also provides a detailed schedule of the events that take place as well as a great map to help you get around. And if you stop by on a whim, you will find various information stands throughout the enchanting town of Holland that offer assistance as well. Happy klomping!

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn Holland
12427 Felch Street
Holland, Michigan, 49424
Phone number: 855 605 0317

Hampton Inn is one of my favorite, low cost hotels and this was, by far, one of the best accommodations for this hotel chain.

Where to Eat:

Crust 54 – (two locations in Holland, Michigan)
*54 E. 8th Street, 616 394 3002

1145 S. Washington Avenue, 616 848 7787

*We stopped by Crust 54’s downtown location because it was convenient and kid-friendly. We loved the Chicago style pizza and highly recommend this as a place to dine.

Where to Drink:

What to Read:

Holland, the Tulip Town, by Randall P. Vande Water
Boats Made in Holland: A Michigan Tradition, by Geoffrey D. Reynolds
Holland, Michigan: From Dutch Colony to Dynamic City, by Robert P. Swierenga

Photo Guide for Tulip Time and Holland:

The Fields of Tulips throughout the city
DeZwaan Windmill at Windmill Island Gardens
Sunset on Lake Michigan
Polder Molen Windmill at Nelis’ Dutch Village
Dutch Dancers
Nelis’ Dutch Village: landscaped gardens, canals, carousel, brick walkways, gardens of tulips, petting farm, Carillon Bell Tower, The East Gate, Dutch houses
Windmill Island Gardens, merry-go-round, carousel, dutch dancers

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Going Back Somewhere in Time on Mackinac Island, Michigan

26 January 201631 August 2024

It was a gorgeous Michigan day when we decided to make the trek towards the Upper Peninsula. As we approached the island from the south, we could see the Mackinac Island Bridge in the distance. A massive suspension bridge measuring over 26,000 feet connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan and traverses Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. The residents of Michigan call it the “Big Mac” bridge and they refer to themselves as U-P’ers, living in the Upper Peninsula. Those living south of (or “under”) the bridge are lovingly referred to as trolls.

I had first heard of Mackinac Island, Michigan when I rented the movie “Somewhere in Time”. The production starred Christopher Reeve and was filmed on the island in the late-1970’s. When I began telling my friends that I was going to spend a week-long family vacation in Michigan, my friends highly recommended spending a day on the island.

We paid the toll to reach the upper peninsula side of the bridge and caught a ferry over to the island.

The bridge is somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The light breeze off of the lake felt great as we patiently awaited the ferry. From Mackinaw City Harbor, we boarded the Shepler’s Ferry shortly after our arrival to the pier and took the 45 minute boat ride to the island.

The ferry ride was incredibly relaxing and smooth as sea gulls flew above us and the winds began to pick up half way through the journey. In the far distance The Grand Hotel dominated the horizon and was the first structure visible along the coast.

Mackinac Island has been a popular resort town since the early 19^th century. With a quaint downtown full of shops, we arrived at the dock and disembarked, ready to explore the island.

We strolled through the downtown area prior to visiting the Grand Hotel. Admiring the yachts and sailboats in the harbor, we visited charming boutiques, restaurants and a large number of fudge shops.

We could not help but notice that there was a fudge shop on every corner, a fact for which Mackinac Island is known. According to one of the local “fudgies”, some of the shop owners have been making their famous fudge for over a century.

We had several options for getting around the island to include walking, horse and buggies as well as biking. No cars are permitted on the island, so this added to Mackinac’s charm and simplicity.

Among the historical buildings on Mackinac Island was St. Anne’s Church. Locals had congregated here since 1695, but this building, completed as we saw it today, was built in 1874.

Flower boxes adorned the windows of shops as we made our way to the Grand Hotel. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to explore the island.

We passed a few horse and carriages that transported visitors to the Grand Hotel. We continued along the path that led us to the resort, passing beautiful estates and mansions that rest along the roadway.

The approach towards the hotel was breathtaking. Sitting atop the hill, the stately resort, with its Victorian architecture, commands attention. Built in the late 19^th century, it has been a luxury vacation spot for celebrities, politicians and visitors from all over the world. Because we were not guests of the hotel, we were required to pay a $5 charge to visit.

The hotel is known for its grand porch lined with rocking chairs that are strategically placed to enjoy the scenery. We took a few moments to enjoy the scenic view from the rockers before making our way back to the harbor to catch the ferry.

We retraced our steps into town with one final view of the Grand Hotel’s horse and carriage. With our ferry tickets in hand, we couldn’t decide if we should make another fudge stop and after taking a vote, the ran to Murdick’s Fudge for a last minute treat.

From the harbor to the downtown, the fudge shops to the Grand Hotel, the self-guided tour of Mackinac Island would end up being one of the highlights of our vacation. Even on holiday it can be a rare occurrence to experience a place that maintains its charming atmosphere. And it was for this reason, that on Mackinac Island, we too most certainly felt that we experienced a moment “Somewhere in Time”.

Have you visited Mackinac Island? Did you stay overnight or visit for the day? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day on Mackinac Island and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
7278 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906 847 3307

This is the original carriage tour on the island! The tour takes close to 2 hours with six stops!

Where to Stay:

The Grand Hotel
286 Grand Avenue
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 800 334 7263

Where to Eat:

Bistro on the Green
One Lakeshore Drive
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906 847 3312

We chose this location to enjoy the scenic view of the putting course. I started with the crispy calamari, that was perfectly breaded and served with Mission Point’s signature marinara sauce. I also ordered the grilled kabob, which was served with rice and tzatziki sauce with the perfect amount of garlic.

Murdick’s Fudge
7363 Main Street
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Telephone: 906-847-3530

Mackinac Island is famous for its fudge and Murdick’s Fudge has been around since 1887!

What to Eat:

The Coney Dog from Detroit, Jackson or Flint.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale
Founded in the Upper Peninsula, the pasty is a pastry pocket with fruit filling
Mackinac Island Fudge
Apples
Cherries
Detroit Style Pizza shaped in a rectangle and baked until the edges are crispy.
Better Made Chips from Detroit
Germack Pistachios
Walleye Fish from the Great Lakes
Faygo beverages

What to Read:

The Legend of Mackinac Island, by Kathy-jo Wargin
Somewhere on Mackinac, by Jeff Adams
Mystery on Mackinac Island, by Anna W. Hale
The Remarkable Tale of Captain Kidd and the Astor Fortune, by Eugene Thor Petersen
Mackinac Passage: The Boathouse Mystery, by Robert A. Lytle

Photo Guide to Mackinac Island:

A View of Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City
The Grand Hotel as you approach the island
The charming shops on Main Street
Arch Rock on the island

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port. I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include: Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes: Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes: London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

Local Travel includes: Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans? I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information

Our Last Day in Hale

3 November 201531 August 2024

Shelly, Izzy, Erika and Gunnar would be leaving for home today and we were sad to see them go. It was an overcast day with large billowy clouds so we packed up a picnic lunch and started out for Lumberman’s Monument. Overlooking the Au Sable River, we arrived at the 14-foot statue and visited the visitor’s center before setting out for a hike.

Grace and Bennett were snuggled safe on the backs of their Mom and Dad, taking in the scenic views and eating snacks.

The sandy trail followed the edge of the Au Sable with stunning views of the surrounding water and trees.

We hiked through lush fern-filled forests where we spotted squirrels and chipmunks.

Grace had fun picking up small pinecones from the nearby fir trees.

It was time for lunch, so we found a place to have a picnic.

Grace was happy to sit on her Daddy’s shoulders so she could have a perfect view.

Grandpa posed for pictures.

It was our last moments to explore Hale, Michigan and its nearby surroundings. We thought it would be fun for one last evening on the lake and to have a small campfire for making s’mores.

After a quick swim, we took the pontoon around the perimeter of the lake to enjoy the scenery for our last night on vacation.

The sun was beginning to set and with a perfectly built campfire, we sat around and talked about the highlights of our vacation.

We laughed about how hot it had been in Hale and began planning our next adventure.

I’m not sure if Grace had more fun making s’mores or eating them.

We toasted the remaining marshmallows before putting out the fire and preparing for bed. The last night was a great way to wrap up such a relaxing day before our long drive back to Ohio.

Have you visited Hale, Michigan or Long Lake? What was your experience? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family Michigan vacation and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Four Days in Hale

27 October 201531 August 2024

We are four days into our vacation in Hale and the weather is not cooling down anytime soon. Instead of leaving the rental home to visit the surrounding area, everyone has agreed that we should take advantage of the hot weather and enjoy another day on the pontoon boat floating along Long Lake.

We woke up early and ate a hearty breakfast. Bennett entertained us with his silly faces and we loved watching him wear his breakfast on his face and belly.

Grace offered to share her mid-morning snacks of gummy bears. Soon we would be ready to make our way outside for more fun on the lawn and the deck, but not until we each had eaten lunch.

Joy made a quick lunch of sandwiches and chips from our stop at the grocery store. We ate quickly, not really feeling hungry due to the heat, but ready to take a boat ride on the lake after everyone had eaten.

After lunch, Bennett and his cousins enjoy playing with the water table. It was a perfect way for the kids (and the adults) to cool down.

Eager to find a cove to swim, Grace and Grandpa were the first ones in the boat.

I loved looking at the house from the lake. The perfect spot to enjoy our vacation the top deck was where we spent most of our time.

The water was so clear when we found a small place to anchor the boat for a swim.

Mike, Emily and the kids enjoyed some family time cooling down in the lake’s water.

Bennett was always the life of the party on our boat rides and meal times. He and Joy were having a silly conversation with lots of giggles and smiles.

Bennett giving us fish lips on the boat ride home.

Once we docked the boat, we noticed a gaggle of geese walking across the lawn.

It was a long day, but we all had such a lovely day on the lake. After dinner, the kids were ready to prepare for bedtime. The big kids stayed up a little to decide what we wanted to do the next day and agreed that some hiking would be fun. The next day would perfect for exploring nearby Hale and the Lumberjack Monument.

Have you vacationed in Hale or Long Lake, Michigan? What were some of your favorite activities. I would love to hear about your time in the north if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale and Long Lake and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

The Victorian Cafe
216 S. Washington Street
Hale, MI 48739
Telephone: 989 728 0027

We had a fun time catching up with the lovely folks here at the Victorian Cafe. We also learned that the ice cream was still soft and due to the heat was not freezing anytime too soon.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Bennett and Scott having a serious talk about Cincinnati Reds baseball.

Grace picking up stones from the bottom of the lake and putting them in her bucket.

Scott and Joy challenging each other to a game of ping pong.

Hotter Than Hale – Day Three

20 October 201531 August 2024

After sleeping in and having a carb-filled breakfast, we were all happy to spend the late morning and afternoon on Long Lake. The kids were so excited to spend time on the water, so they eagerly put on their life jackets and boarded the pontoon. My brother Mike would be captain for the day and we wanted to find a small cove for swimming.

Mike parked the boat and we carried the kids up to the house. Walking the lawn, we arrived at the stairs where we dropped off our towels at the balcony. Most of us washed up in preparation for making dinner while the boys took short naps before the food was ready.

Scott wanted to fish, so he took his tackle box and rods down to the edge of the lake where he could board the boat to throw in his bait.

Grace and Erika played in the sprinkler having a great time playing tag.

Gunnar woke up from his nap in such a happy mood hanging out with Dad. Joy spent her time in the kitchen making us a casserole for dinner while the rest of us worked on side dishes.

It was time for dinner and Erika crawled up into her seat. The kids were so hungry from playing outside and couldn’t wait to have dinner so they could play some more.

While most of us had fun taking family photos and capturing the fun moments of our vacation, Gunnar was a little less enthusiastic.

The kids were starting to wind down as the grownups discussed what we would want to do the next day. Making plans we decided that we would have one more day on the lake because the weather would be more overcast and perfect for swimming and fishing.

Gunnar was trying so hard to stay awake as long as he could in fear of missing out.

It was another amazing day in Hale as we walked down towards the lake to take in the sights and sounds. Listening to the bullfrogs and watching a family of geese swim across the water, was a beautiful ending to our relaxing day on Long Lake.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Coach’s Pizza (now Mikey’s Pizzeria Hale)
221 N. Washington Street
Hale, MI 48739
Telephone: 989 218 3333

The pizza and service is what brings locals to Coach’s Pizza. From great appetizers such as their wings to the yummy pizzas, you will want to come back for lunch AND dinner.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Day 2

13 October 201531 August 2024

It was a great day to sleep in and after breakfast, Grandma brought out the bubbles. The backyard was perfect for the children to swim in their inflatable pool and play games. Erika and Grace had a fun time blowing bubble for awhile, but the boys were more excited to watch from the deck.

I guess all of that playing wore Gunnar out as he fell asleep during lunch.

I was excited to venture out and take a drive to Lake Huron. Only 30 miles east of Hale, my sister Joy and I wanted to find a beach. The weather wasn’t really all that great for sunbathing, but we thought it would be a great change from hanging out at the lakehouse. I hopped on 65 south until we reached 55 heading east.

We arrived near Tawas City where we found a beach and boardwalk. Surprisingly, we had the place all to ourselves, even at 2:30 in the afternoon.

We walked the beach for an hour and met some friendly seagulls before deciding to make our way back to the lake.

We stopped for a few moments to photograph Tawas River.

When we arrived home, we saw Erika on the deck enjoying a predinner snack. Tonight we were having tacos.

Bennett has been fascinated with his bellybutton lately and with black beans all over his face, he looks like a silly little boy.

One of the kids’ favorite activities was the water table on the deck. Uncle Scott loved to spray the kids and watch them giggle.

Erika couldn’t resist one last swim in the pool.

Gunner enjoyed every moment of watching all of the kids run around the deck.

With the sun starting to set, the kids were also settling down. Soon it would be time for bed.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan? Stayed on Long Lake? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery
450 W. Lake Street
Tawas City, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 984 5233

You must try the Korean fried chicken sandwich made with fried chicken, aioli, napa cabbage slaw served with French fries. My sister and I split the butter lettuce salad with pork potstickers, oranges, cashews, wasabi vinaigrette and crusty bread. Yum!

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

6 October 201531 August 2024

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family. With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July. Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon. We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot. So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold. We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores. It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard. There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast. The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat. Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet. With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet. Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan. Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada. Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner. Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake. What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Hotter than Hale, Our Vacation in Michigan – Travel Day

29 September 201531 August 2024

Our family vacation began with a stop in Frankenmuth, Michigan where we decided to have lunch at Zehnder’s, famous for their chicken dinner. We took an afternoon stroll to walk off our giant portions of homestyle cooking, exploring the Bavarian architecture of this charming village. With a deep German heritage dating back to 1904, this is one of Michigan’s most visited towns offering exciting festivals throughout the year.

Within an hour and a half, we arrived at our rental house in Hale, Michigan where we would spend the next ten days of vacation. Situated on the shores of the lake, we had access to a pontoon boat and a small ramp for fishing. Grace couldn’t wait to drive us around.

After a long day on the road and settling into our rental house, we were blessed with a beautiful sunset. We sat around the fireplace enjoying the solitude as the sun slowly drifted behind the lake and tall pines.

What a beautiful way to spend our first evening in Hale after a long day of travel.

What is your favorite family vacation? I would love to hear about your travel memories if you will kindly provide them in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation in Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Walk the charming town of Frankenmuth

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 802 8323

Where to Stay:

Zehnder’s Splash Village
1365 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 330 1715

Where to Eat:

Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth
730 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 45734
Telephone: 844 802 8323

What to Eat:

Zehnder’s Fried Chicken
Schnitzel
Sauerbraten

What to Read:

Frankenmuth: A Guide to Michigan’s Little Bavaria, by Lynn Marie-Ittner Klammer

Photo Guide for Frankenmuth:

Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Frankenmuth Brewery
Illuminated Village Christmas Zehnder’s
Lager Mill
Old School House Brick