Charlevoix, Michigan: Where Magic Meets Nature's Splendor

 Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the charming town of Charlevoix in Michigan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, architectural marvels, and outdoor adventures. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Charlevoix, including its iconic Mushroom Houses, historic lighthouse, picturesque City Park Beach, and the serene Fisherman's Island State Park.

One of the most unique attractions in Charlevoix is its collection of Mushroom Houses, whimsical structures designed by architect Earl Young. These extraordinary homes, inspired by the region's natural landscape, feature organic shapes, stone exteriors, and enchanting details that resemble fairy tale dwellings. Take a stroll through the streets of Charlevoix to marvel at these architectural wonders that seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural beauty.

Standing proudly at the entrance of Lake Charlevoix, the historic Charlevoix Lighthouse is a testament to the town's maritime heritage. Built-in 1948, this picturesque lighthouse offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and serves as a beacon of history and charm. Explore the nearby museum to learn about the lighthouse's fascinating past and maritime stories that shaped the region.

With its pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, City Park Beach is a haven for beach lovers. Spend a relaxing day basking in the sun, building sandcastles, or taking a refreshing swim in the inviting waters of Lake Michigan. The beach also offers amenities such as picnic areas, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts, ensuring a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Just a short drive from Charlevoix, Fisherman's Island State Park awaits nature enthusiasts with its tranquil beauty and abundant wildlife. Spanning over 2,678 acres, this natural paradise offers scenic hiking trails, perfect for exploring dense forests, marshes, and sandy dunes. Capture breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the observation platform or embark on a fishing expedition in one of the park's serene inland lakes. For those seeking solitude and connection with nature, Fisherman's Island State Park is a must-visit destination.

Charlevoix is not just about its natural wonders; it also offers a vibrant culinary and shopping scene. Explore the downtown area, lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and local shops, where you can find unique treasures and souvenirs to cherish. Indulge in delicious cuisine at waterfront restaurants, savoring fresh fish and local specialties, complemented by breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

Charlevoix, Michigan, is a destination that effortlessly combines the magic of architectural marvels, the allure of pristine beaches, and the serenity of nature's retreats. Whether you're exploring the whimsical Mushroom Houses, capturing the beauty of the historic lighthouse, enjoying a day at City Park Beach, or immersing yourself in the tranquility of Fisherman's Island State Park, Charlevoix offers a delightful experience for every traveler. So, pack your bags, embark on an unforgettable journey, and let Charlevoix weave its spellbinding charm around you.

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Unveiling the Best Activities in Pensacola, Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Pensacola is a favorite beach vacation destination for many families for good reason. I have never had a vacation strictly to Pensacola, but rather use it as a stop over point for trips father down into Florida. We usually wind up spending a day there on the way down and then stop again on the way back home. I find it to be more of a peaceful laid-back beach town than a busy party place. It gets a little crowded in the middle of Pensacola beach area, but go out a mile or so in either direction and you get to enjoy solitude.

Check out some of our favorite adventures below!

The Beaches

Pensacola Beach is popular for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters. In fact, the beaches in the Pensacola area rank as some of the top beaches in the United States. Navarre Beach is my favorite and is usually lively without being crowded. Fort Picken is the place to go if you want miles of beach all to yourself.

Fort Pickens

This 1834 pentagonal historic United States military fort is located at the west end of Santa Rosa Island. It is named after American Revolutionary War hero Andrew Pickens.

After visiting the fort, enjoy some of the 10 miles of gulf and bay beaches leading to the fort. It's also one of the few places in the Pensacola area to find seashells. 

Address:

1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Hours:

8:30 am - 6 pm   daily

Admission:

$20 per vehicle

Big Lagoon State Park

This Park is a 705-acre located on the northern shore of Big Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Activities such as bird watching, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking are available. Strolling the long boardwalk and crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon are some favorite activities. Be sure to walk up the observation tower for a view of this amazing park!

Hours:

8am to 6pm daily

Admission:

$5.00 - $10.00 per vehicle, depends on number of occupants

Address:

12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507

Pensacola Lighthouse

This 1859 lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  A climb (177 steps) to the top will reward you with one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. It is located on an active military base (Naval Air Station Pensacola), so you will need to show proper identification for yourself as well as any other passengers who are 18 or older at the check point.

Admission:

Adults $7.00

Children 12 and under $4.00

Seniors 65+ $4.00

Military $4.00

Hours:

9:00am–5:00pm Daily

Address:

2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32508

Snorkeling

Pensacola Bay Snorkel Reef (Escambia County Bay Snorkel Reef)

• Located approximately 50 ft. off shore in Park West, just before the entrance of Fort Pickens. Great for beginner snorkeler.

Pensacola Beach Reef

• The reef is located 500 ft. off shore in Park East and attracts a wide variety of marine life.

Gulf Breeze Zoo

The zoo is small, but has a nice variety of animals and it is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Hours:

9 am – 4 pm daily

Admission:

Adult (13-64)      $20.95

 Senior (65+)      $19.95

 Children (2-12) $16.95

 Under 2               FREE

Address:

5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

Historic Downtown Village

Located close to the Pensacola Bay, the Historic Pensacola Village consist of 27 properties in the National Register Historic District. Eleven of these properties are open for tours.

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday       10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Admission:

Adults   $8

Seniors 65+, Active Military & Dependents           $7

Children (3-14)  $4

Address:

120 Church Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Happy Travels! 

Mysterious Lighthouse - Biloxi, Mississippi

Isn’t it amazing how finding out the story behind a place makes you look at it totally differently! I have been to this lighthouse several times over the years and have just thought of it as a rundown area and nothing else. I’ve always been fascinated with the lighthouse, but the area around it had a lot to be desired. After my most recent trip, I started to wonder why it was there. I found out that it was part of the President Casino Broadwater Resort. The resort was opened in 1939 as the Broadwater Beach Hotel and closed shortly before it was destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Now I can see it as a beautiful piece of history! :)

The sunsets from there are beautiful!

It's also a great place to visit with some of the locals. We meet a family that were catching blue crabs. They showed us how the traps worked and  invited us to their crab boil. That just goes to show how friendly the people are in the Biloxi area.

Address:

2110 Beach Blvd

Biloxi, Mississippi 39531



Happy Travels!