A Grand Time in Grand Haven

Last weekend we packed the suitcases, packed the

cooler, packed the car and headed north to Michigan.

I think Michigan is one of the nicest places to 

spend the summer.  The days are hot but there

is a breeze from all those lakes and the nights

are cool and great for sleeping.  The landscape 

of western Michigan is filled with fruit orchards.

We stopped at Crane's Pie Pantry for lunch.

I love a business that has been around since 1916.

And if you are eating at the pie pantry ~ well,

you have to have pie!

Finally we made it up to Grand Haven and the 

new summer home of our relatives Pat and Jim.

Grand Haven is a quintessential American small

town.  The downtown is thriving with shops and

restaurants.  This Italian provision store has been

in business since 1907.

We had a great time walking around the neighborhood

looking at all of the beautiful homes.

The homes and gardens are so well kept,

this is an area of many Dutch immigrants

and you can see their roots in how nicely 

they keep their properties.

Of course we went to the Saturday morning

Farmer's Market.

In the morning we could run to the bakery

to get treats for breakfast, there was time

for picnicing, going to the beach, doing some

antiquing, finding some local history and most

importantly time to spend with those we love.

At the end of the day we headed to the beach.

It is so nice to watch the sunset in the 

western sky.

You have to stay to watch the lights come on

on the pier.  They are on a catwalk where the

keeper can walk when the lake gets very rough

and it is impossible to walk on the pier.

A grand time!

Thanks Pat & Jim.