twenty three: living like locals

Fun fact, my bachelor's degree is in Hospitality and Tourism Management and my nickname is Guidebook Gail. I love touring and visiting different towns and cities so much so that when friends came to visit my area I offered them my house, left for the weekend and wrote out a 2 page list of recommendations. (I'd do the same for you.) 

Today's Blogtember challenge: A guide to your city! Share some of the hot-spots and hidden gems of where you live.

My first tip: Come in the summer! My town is a summer tourist destination and pretty much closes down between October and May. In the off season you can bike, run or drive for miles without ever passing another person.

If you come to visit you must...

Climb the Sand Dunes
Whether by foot, on all fours (it is HARD!), by 4 wheeler, jeep or in a dune buggy, the dunes are incredible and so unique. 

Visit the Lighthouse and Beach 
It's right on Lake Michigan and you can even climb to the top, the views are spectacular! In the winter the lake freezes over and you can climb on the glacier structures, it's such a cool feeling. I've witnessed a proposal and wedding on this beach along with countless of breathtaking sunsets.

Eat Some Local Produce
If it's spring you better believe we're eating some deep-fried asparagus because you'd be in the asparagus capital of Michigan! If you're really lucky we could go to the Asparagus parade. We love stopping by all the road side stands to get fresh peaches, cherries, asparagus, blueberries and other goodies in summer and fall.

I could go on about some hidden local foodie spots with apple turnovers, blueberry crisp, juicy burgers and the best ice cream around but what really makes my town so special is the outdoors. By bike, foot, snowshoe, jeep or cross country skis we would have fun exploring. 

Have you ever visited West Michigan? If not, you should. You will love it.