The Most Beautiful Place in America

Deciding on the most beautiful place in America is quite subjective, but Good Morning America did vote Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes as number one back in 2011. Having been there a number of times myself, I'd have to say it's definitely tops when it comes to natural beauty. There aren't many places, if any, like it. Seeing the giant dunes climb out of a big blue lake is pretty amazing. Describing these places can sometimes be difficult for me, so I hope the pictures help a little.

Sleeping Bear Dunes on a misty August afternoon

After all the years of being with my husband, we'd still not taken the time to see Sleeping Bear Dunes during any Michigan trips. I'd always wanted to take him, so we made sure to visit on our trip this summer. Plus, we purchased a National Park pass back when we visited the Grand Canyon in May. We had no excuses to not see it this time around, and I wanted to stamp our son's National Park passport as well. He's already racked up an impressive number of stamps, and it's something that will be fun to continue over the years.

My dad joined us on our trip to the dunes. We left somewhat early in the morning for the drive to Empire, Michigan. It's a little more than 2 hours from the town where I grew up, so it's an easy day trip. Thankfully one of my good friends lent us their hiking pack for the week we were in Michigan. It made for the perfect ride for our little guy. We tried him in a pack before, and he hated it. Thank goodness he actually really enjoyed riding around in our borrowed pack. We're going to have to get one for hikes in Arizona!

 panoramic shot from above the dune climb

taking a break and eating a few snacks

While everyone else took a little rest, I decided I would tackle a taller dune and try to get a glimpse of Lake Michigan. From the dune climb area, it's quite a hike if you want to get all the way to the great lake. I did get a peek at it through the mist from atop a tall dune. It was a long ways away, but I saw it. The best part of climbing these dunes is running down them so quickly that your legs can barely keep up with your body. It's fun; I promise! I must have a thing for dunes, because back in 2010 I insisted on climbing the Great Sand Dunes in Alamosa, Colorado as well. Climb on, I say!

my dad and us... glad we brought some sand toys

no joke... this is a very steep climb

After visiting the dune climb, we took a drive around Pierce Stocking scenic drive. From there, you can park in a pull off and it's a short walk to a dune that directly overlooks Lake Michigan. If you're short for time, this is a perfect spot to quickly experience some incredible views and get some pictures. We did just that.

 someone won't wear sunglasses... or hats

Pure Michigan

One day I hope to return and maybe even camp somewhere nearby. There's so much to see and do all around the Sleeping Bear Dunes, that a few hours hardly scrapes the surface. We really enjoyed our day at the dunes.

blue skies, green trees, and lots of sand

Do you have a favorite outdoor park? Even just a local one? I love getting outdoors. I think it's great for renewal and getting grounded again. Sometimes it's so easy to forget that we have these incredible places right out our front door. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Arizona, and I can't wait to return to the Sleeping Bear Dunes again!

2015 Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Guide

#findyourpark

Pure Michigan | Back Home

Last week I promised pictures from our trip to Michigan back in August. I continually find myself saying better late then never when it comes to posting pictures lately. I'm amazed at the amount of digital files we have. Maybe someday I'll get around to printing some of them, because it's nice having something you can actually see and touch in your home. That aside, I love having the opportunity to share my hometown with my husband, but it was extra special watching our son experience Michigan for the first time!

We spent some time watching the sunset from the place where I grew up. There honestly isn't a day that I don't think about the beautiful lake I took for granted as a kid. I don't think too many people had a backyard like that. Like they always say, hindsight is 20/20. I'm so glad we're fortunate enough to at least make it back for visits.

No trip to northern Michigan would be complete without a bonfire. A big storm blew threw the week before our visit, so there were quite a few downed trees. I remember losing massive trees to raging storms when I was younger. There was a night my mom packed up me, the dog, and our bird and headed into town to my grandma's house. The next day we returned to multiple downed trees lying on our roof. It was crazy. Reminds you not to mess around with mother nature.

Speaking of mother nature, you just can't beat a sunset up north! We witnessed a few spectacular sunsets. They're one of the best parts of being in northern Michigan.

We timed our visit so we could watch my dad race power boats! He builds them and races them. We're pretty proud. Chase said "boat" for the first time while we were there. Who could blame him? They are pretty fascinating and exciting to watch. Plus, they're loud. It was a little boy's heaven. He even got to sit in grandpa's boat. Those pictures will come later this week.

There were so many new experiences to be had in Michigan. Living in Arizona, we don't spend much time near water, grass, or trees. Don't get me wrong, I love our desert environment, but I think our little guy loved all of the new adventures in Michigan. Grandma bought him some fun beach toys, and we took full advantage of the water, sand, and rocks!

We all enjoyed fresh air and the outdoors. There's just something special about northern Michigan. I guess maybe you need to see it for yourself before you can really understand. Most people aren't sure what to think when you say you're from Michigan. I love when I come across someone who actually knows where my hometown is. It doesn't happen often, but it's nice to know others appreciate it too. I hope we get to visit often enough that our son will appreciate it some day too.

Our visit was filled with many firsts for our son: first time in a lake, first time driving across the Mackinac Bridge, first time watching grandpa race boats, first haircut, first time meeting some new friends, and most importantly first time seeing where mom grew up.

I have plenty more pictures to share from our trip to Michigan. I figured I'd spare you and break it up a bit. Later this week, I'll post pictures from the boat races and our trip to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore.

Happy Monday everyone!

Leaving On a Jet Plane

Our little guy absolutely loves airplanes. I don't have much experience with other boys his age, so I can't speak for any other boys besides ours. He really, really loves things that fly though! We've traveled with him by plane, I believe, 4 times now. He's a pretty decent traveler. *knock on wood* I probably jinxed us by saying that, but I swear he loves the change of scenery that comes with traveling and, of course, the opportunity to see airplanes up close.

trucks, planes, and trains... a little boy's dream

I can't pass up an #airportcarpet photo op

watching the activity below

DTW is still one of my favorite airports... and I love the fountain there

watching the train and people at DTW

one last #airport carpet shot before we head home

for the love of lines....

the tunnel at DTW... check it out if you're in the McNamara terminal

otherworldly lighting

who can resist peeking at the 747?!

All of these photos were taken during our trip to Michigan in August. I'll share more about our trip back to my home state next week! There's a lot to share.

Happy Friday!

The Grand Canyon :: aka Wow

This is incredibly indicative of my nature, but I worried about our Grand Canyon plans for weeks before leaving. We would only have a few hours there, and I didn't want to blow our opportunity to really experience the natural world wonder. I was concerned that we would have unrealistically high expectations and be disappointed after viewing it from the parking lot or a crowded overlook. Thank goodness we're only about a 4 hour drive away, so we should be able to visit again.

After our Arizona road trip and a stop in Las Vegas, we finally made it to the Grand Canyon. Everyone says it, but it really is one of those places you need to see with your own eyes. I also tend to say this about a number of places, but pictures and videos really don't do it justice. I hope my pictures do this beautiful place at least a little justice or maybe even make you want to visit for yourself!

The night before our Grand Canyon visit, we spent the night at a hotel in Tusayan, Arizona. It's just a couple miles south of the southern entrance gate. It killed me being so close to the Grand Canyon and having to wait until morning to actually leave the hotel and see it. Patience may not be one of my strengths, especially when it comes to travel. What can I say? I want to do it all and with a limited amount of time.

Driving into the Grand Canyon from the south, we were pleasantly surprised at the number of trees and how lush the plant life seemed. I guess I have no idea what we were expecting. You tend to imagine Arizona as simply a desert filled with cacti, dirt, and various other shades of brown. However, you'll find the landscape varies tremendously, especially in the northern mountains of the state. The 48th state has been surprising us since we moved here.

We drove into Grand Canyon National Park, purchased our National Park annual pass and proceeded a parking lot near the main visitor center. All along we're wondering when are we going to see this incredible canyon. We made a stop at the visitor center and gift shop before proceeding down the trail to one of the many overlooks.

We wound our way through the trees and followed signs to the canyon. I couldn't help but wonder how much further until we could see it. (Patience is a virtue.) Then all of a sudden the trees ended and, bam!, there it was. There we were standing in front of the Grand Canyon itself. I can honestly say it took my breath away. Even our 16 month old could sense the wonder of it, because he repeatedly hollered "wow" with amazement. All my worrying about where to park, hike, overlook didn't matter anymore. We were there standing in front of one of the grandest sights in all the world. It was incredible.

Utilizing all of your senses is a must when visiting the Grand Canyon. The sound of the blowing wind next to the giant chasm is indescribable. The sound masks all the noises of daily distraction. No horns honking, planes flying, or phones ringing. When the wind blows and you're standing next to the Grand Canyon, all you hear is the thoughts in your head. That can be a good or bad thing, but I think it helps you really take in the sights.

I wish we would have had more time at the Grand Canyon. That tends to be a theme when we travel. There never seems to be enough time. Such is life though. We enjoyed the little time we did have. Even the littlest adventurer among us seemed to enjoy shaking fences while shouting his amazement into the canyon.

It blows me away that we heard multiple different languages and accents while walking the canyon trails. People from all over the world stop to get a look at this wonder, and all too often we take these types of places for granted. They are right underneath our noses, and we often don't make the time to see the beauty of our own country.

Every now and then we caught a glimpse of the Colorado River down below. It's sometimes too easy to forget that a river, plenty of passing time, and the forces of mother nature shaped this place. The Grand Canyon doesn't give credit to any human for shaping, creating, building, or forging it. Man has designed and built some pretty spectacular things, but natural wonders like the Grand Canyon exist outside of man. Quite simply, it's a place to be enjoyed and experienced.

We walked a rather small portion of trail along the canyon rim, and it's shocking to think that plenty of people make the hike down into the canyon each year. I'm sure that experience is something completely different and one for the record books. Maybe some day we'll tackle the trails leading down into the canyon, but for now we have visions from atop the canyon seared into our memories. Our little guy probably won't remember our visit, but we have pictures to prove he was there.

Thanks for reading!

If you've never visited the Grand Canyon in person,

I hope you'll get to see it some day.

Sightseeing in Seattle

Back in May my cousin graduated from college in Tacoma, so we flew in from Phoenix to celebrate her achievements. This was our first time in Washington as a family. On a few occasions, my husband had briefly touched down in the state, but we were all finally able to set foot in Washington and see it from the ground.

People always tell you that the Pacific Northwest is green, cloudy, rainy, etc. You honestly have no idea until you actually see it with your own eyes though! It was truly everything people have said, but it was so much better. I'm honestly grieving the fact that we only had a few days to spend in the entire Seattle/Tacoma area. It just wasn't long enough.

Before heading off to Tacoma, we met up with my cousin in downtown Seattle. With a very limited few hours to spend there, we did what any tourists would do and visited the area near the Space Needle, the EMP (Experience Music Project) Museum, and the Pike Place Market. Total tourists we were!

Being an architecture major, I of course had to at least see Gehry's Experience Music Project. It's hard taking your eyes off of his colorful and sculptural design. It's amazing what a massive building the museum is, and you feel so small wandering around the undulating walls. The light and reflections off of the building are ever changing. We even caught a glimpse of the building from the monorail that rides right through it. I hope we get to spend more time in Seattle some day, because I really want to spend time browsing the inside and experience the music for myself. Maybe next time!

My cousin studied music and played violin in her college's orchestra, so it was especially fun getting her take on the museum and its exhibits. I'm going to need her to guide me through this monstrous museum. She did a wonderful job guiding us around Seattle for the few hours we were there.

After wandering around outside of the EMP Museum, we made our way to the monorail that dropped us off near Pike Place Market. I could have honestly spent an entire day eating my way around that place, so it pains me to say we only dropped into a couple of places while we were there. We did however eat some of the most delicious salmon stuffed pastries, mushroom stuffed pastries, and macarons.

Again, I hope to visit the Pike Place Market again after having not eaten for maybe a few days. Then I'll go wild and possibly need my stomach pumped from all of the seafood and desserts I'll eat there. I have big dreams, you guys.

I've had a change of heart (and conscience) recently, and my love for Starbucks is no longer. It's like I'm maturing and growing up or something. *yeah right* Even with my newfound disdain for the "SBux", I couldn't help but want to see the place where it all started.

Before Starbucks was busy taking over the world, they started as a little known local place right there in Seattle's Pike Place Market. It's a totally different experience than any other Starbucks store today. You can get a really nice pour over made with freshly roasted small batch coffees. The baristas provided an awesome atmosphere, and it was just fun to see where it all started.

My cousin couldn't quite bring herself to dancing with the devil, but I did enjoy a nice hot cup of Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. She provided great moral support though while I contemplated leaving before actually ordering a drink. Curiosity got the best of me though, and I walked out with my cup of coffee and souvenir mug in hand. Darn you Starbucks!

Before leaving, I obviously had to take the Instagram-worthy shot of our shoes and the worn wood floors. The entire experience is touristy, but where else will you be able to see the first Starbucks ever. You should go there at least once.

Doing the next touristy thing we could think of, we headed to the counter where they throw fresh caught fish! Actually, maybe they throw the smelly about-to-expire month old fish. I really have no idea. I can't imagine wanting to throw around my prized catch of the day though. Either way, these guys throw, and miraculously catch, heavy and slippery fish! Who knows, maybe they throw deflated fish that make for easier throwing and catching. Either way, it's a sight to see.

Before leaving the seafood counter, we scooped up a cup of their fresh Dungeness Crab with cocktail sauce. You can't beat fresh seafood! We saw a bunch of people taking a tour of Pike Place Market. They were stopped at the seafood counter while we were there, and they ask for volunteers to attempt catching a fish. That's how they get you! Only people on the tour get an opportunity like that. I'm not sure how much the tour cost, but I think I'd rather spend my money eating the fish than getting slimy attempting to catch one myself. I think we'd pass on the tour, but I do hope we go back to eat more seafood.

My cousin led us back to the monorail, and then we parted ways for the evening. We drove off to Tacoma, and she spent the night with friends in Seattle. I think we'll be back to experience more of the city some day. Like any city, it's just too big to experience in a few hours. You can really only touch on a few places with that kind of time.

See you later Seattle!

Thanks for letting us have a little taste of your city.

Come back later this week

for our visit to Tacoma!