Pure Michigan

Amidst all of the drama of bad weather, we had a family vacation planned for Memorial Day weekend. We debated whether we should go several times, especially since our power was still out. Ultimately, Lee left the decision up to me, and I decided we should go. It would be our only chance this summer to get away + we needed to get away.

Our vacation was planned for St. Joseph, Michigan – a quaint little resort town on Lake Michigan. Its twin city is Benton Harbor, which I had heard of several times before but soon learned has lost its luster and small town appeal. We left Bloomington Friday night and stayed about ½ way in Lafayette; then we reached our final destination Saturday morning.

When we arrived, we explored the bluff area overlooking the lake, which also housed some historic markers and items. Amelia needed a nap, so we checked into the hotel, and once she was done we headed back to the bluff area. This time we ate what is possibly the best pizza I had ever eaten at a local pizza place in the St. Joseph Amtrak station. The station is made up to look vintage and was very cool. Then we headed to the Silver Beach Carousel. Silver Beach Amusement Park sat in a nearby location from 1891 to 1971. The amusement park left, but last year, St. Joseph wanted to recreate that magic, so they installed a beautiful indoor carousel. The girls had a lot of fun!

On Sunday we explored downtown St. Joseph. Along the streets are 40+ concrete painted animals that each tell their own story. Taylor’s favorite was the Cash Cow that sat in front of the bank and had dollar bills glued all over it. After another nap for Miss Amelia, we took the girls to the Curious Kids Discovery Museum and Discovery Zone. Amelia loved the water tables! Then it was back to the hotel for a night in the pool.

On Monday we visited the beach at St. Joseph, which was amazing. The sand was so soft, and the girls had fun scaring the seagulls, getting their feet wet, and playing around. On our way back to Bloomington, we stopped at Fair Oaks Farms. It is a dairy farm in northern Indiana that families can visit. We went on a bus ride tour of their farm – straight through a barn - , got to see two calves being born, and watched a very interesting rotating milk station. Amelia liked the “moo cows”, and I think us and Taylor all learned something we didn’t know.

All in all, it was a nice family trip, and I’m glad we decided to go. Even if we don’t go on a large or expensive trip, I will always cherish the memories we make. Happy Summer to you all!