A question and a challenge for you, Muskegon…

Good place to plan an adventure ... and to catch a glimpse of the Lake Express.

"A man's interest in a single bluebird is worth more than a complete but dry list of the fauna and flora of a town." –Henry David Thoreau

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.”  –Frank Herbert

If you’ve been anywhere near Muskegon Lake or Lake Michigan, chances are you know the Lake Express has started its season. The familiar toot of the horn, the bulky blue-and-white shape out on the lake, coming closer, until you can see the people on deck, waving …

I spot the Lake Express!

When they set foot in the Port City, many of these travelers want to check it out. Where would you tell them to go, Muskegon? Besides Pere Marquette? What would you tell them to do? And please don’t say go to the mall or a chain restaurant. Nothing wrong with those – they serve a lot of people, and they often do it well – but Milwaukee has bigger malls and better chain restaurants. What does Muskegon have that Milwaukee doesn’t? That Detroit doesn’t? Even Chicago?

This is just a very rough list, but here are a few things, mostly between downtown and Pere Marquette:

• PJ Hoffmaster State Park
• Muskegon State Park
• Mia & Grace
• Curry Kitchen Indian Cuisine
• Century Club shops
• Continuity
• Sun, Wind & Rain
• Lake House Waterfront Grille
• Dockers Fish House
• Getty 4 Drive-in

What about downtown Norton Shores? Muskegon Heights? Roosevelt Park? Where would you direct someone in those areas? And while we’re at it, when’s the last time you’ve been to any of the places I mention?  I ask because I know how easy it is to develop a pattern and stay in it day in and day out. I myself haven’t spent much time in Norton Shores or Muskegon Heights since I’ve been back, and they both have much to offer.

So, here’s my challenge to you, Muskegon: Think about a handful of places you’d tell an out-of-towner to go, then make plans to go to one yourself. Preferably one you haven’t visited in awhile, or, even better, at all. Not only will it give you a new experience, it will make you a better tour guide for when someone asks something like, “So what’s so great about Muskegon?” … or, when fresh off the Lake Express, you're chosen to answer, “What should I check out here?”

And yes, I’ve been asked these questions, and yes, they get harder the longer you live here (or anywhere) and the more time accrues since you’ve explored your city. And, yes, I’m taking my own challenge. See you somewhere new...

--Imaginer