Electric forests and art parks and light parades, oh RockStock...

Dreaming under the big top...

"Carpe Diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think." --Horace

So good to be back, Muskegon - and, as usual, you've got plenty going on to keep me entertained and excited about life here in Skee-Town. I had the most amazing day and night out and about the Port City area that didn't even involve big planned events, which I'll tell ya about later, but first, some of the major activities going on:

Muskegon Art in the Park, that annual downtown favorite featuring exciting street performances, yummy food, and, well, arts and crafts, takes place at Hackley Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There's really not a better event for people-watching...

Except maybe the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury (which is in Oceana County, but people go through, and often check out, Muskegon on the way to and from it), which includes a stellar lineup of national acts and brings in people from all around the country for music, relaxation, excitement, and surprises. Electric Forest also features art installations and an intricate, lavish light display by night...

If you'd rather watch a grandiose light display on water, the inaugural Muskegon Lake Effect Lights Boater Cruise will parade a group of boats through Muskegon Lake from the breakwater pier to Shoreline Inn starting at 9:45 p.m. ... This is bound to be a gorgeous new tradition...

But it's not the only exciting Skee-Town tradition to take part in: Muskegon RockStock will be going on all day, from noon-11 p.m., showcasing a bevy of local and regional talent. The festival, in its fifth year, moved from Hackley Park to Heritage Landing to fill the void left by Muskegon Summer Celebration. Tickets are only $5...

Of course, you may just want to chill out after a long, hot week. The beaches on Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake are ready for ya, and the water temperature in both lakes is perfect for cooling off and relaxing...

Once again, so happy to be back in our summer paradise. Counting my lucky stars to live in such a gorgeous, welcoming place...

See ya out living it up or slowing it down.

--Imaginer

Yes, my heart is even fonder, Muskegon...

It really is hard to be away, even for a day, especially during these months when life is a vacation whenever you get a free moment - if you take advantage of it. Of course, the great thing is, you notice the beauty and opportunities around you even more when you come back ... Several more thoughts and images of this later, but for now: Is this card not perfect for Muskegon? Really, who knows what will happen here? And while the picture is most likely that of an ocean beach, it very well could have been taken here - and how cool is that, Muskegon?! Think about it for a minute ... There are lots of things here millions of people would be awed by, not least of which are those beaches many of us take for granted. (You know you do sometimes. Okay, you appreciate it, maybe you talk highly of it, but when's the last time you've made it down there consecutively or for a good amount of time? Stopped and admired it? Really thought about it?) Glad we've still got the whole season ahead of us (before, arguably, the prettiest time of the year: Fall.)

See ya later to share views on this amazing place...

 --Imaginer

It's going to be a great week, Muskegon...

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –Mark Twain

  “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” –Henry David Thoreau

"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath." --Michael Caine

"All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today." –Indian Proverb

“Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are some really great events going on this week and into the weekend, from the traditional to the brand-new, along with the everyday beauty and excitement of summer days in Muskegon. Just remember: You never know what you might find, and while you're busy at work or at home, let these pictures of your hometown and quotes from wise people inspire you.

See ya out living the dream...

--Imaginer

It's always changing...

A pot of gold-en sand.

"Life is an adventure to be lived, not a problem to be solved." --Author Unknown

“I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.” --John Burroughs

Well, Muskegon, on my way to my destination last night, I was intrigued by the sun pushing its rays through the dark, gray clouds, and just had to go the other way – toward the beach. On the way there, I started wondering if this detour would be worth it – which, I’ve found, is futile, because you never really know what you’re going to see at the beach here…

An hour and a half later, I arrived at my destination (yes, the people in my life are used to my circuitous routes borne of my hunger for exploring the area), having taken in a stunning feature film put on by nature involving an emerald-green lake, a brilliant double-rainbow, exploding purple and pink clouds, and a sun that painted the horizon in sweeping strokes of fiery red and yellow …

Everywhere I looked, something new to see appeared, and every time I turned back around, the scene had changed… People were stopping their cars, getting out and trying to capture the frame-worthy scenes through the cool raindrops, talking to strangers about the unusual scenes: “Do you see that double rainbow? That’s really something.” “Have you seen a sunset like this? This is amazing.”

This was just one very small part of another gorgeous, exciting day here, Muskegon. It can be even better when the sun’s shining on the beach and the city during the day, illuminating the hustle and bustle of the area: sailboats, beach umbrellas and tents, flowers, and people in bright summer garb wandering around and relaxing – among many, many other happenings.

Already today, for example, thousands of people got up and ran or walked 3.1 or 9.3 miles in the 31st edition of the Seaway Run. Thousands of others patronized the (thrice-weekly) Muskegon Farmers Market. Throughout the rest of the day, Muskegon residents and visitors from all over the country will stroll the beaches, swim in the waters, check out the homegrown cuisine offerings, hike the dunes or the forests, and watch or participate in the Summer Sailstice on Muskegon Lake...

And then there will be another breathtaking sunset as people start their bonfires, set up their chairs at the drive-in, sip cocktails on patios, head out dancing, or just take it all in. If you’re looking for something to do, you don’t have to look very far. Just jump in the car, on the bike, or on foot and see where the day takes you…

See ya on your adventure.

--Imaginer

Rain and sun make emerald green water and dream-like scenes.

This guy enjoyed his front-row seat to the show...

Seeing double (look closely)...

Creating a neon rainbow...

A wrap-around mural...

The sun continued painting the sky from out of view...

It's time, Muskegon...

Pure Pere Marquette.

"Don't wait for your ship to come in. Swim out to it." --Author Unknown

Today was a very exciting day for me, Muskegon, and you'll be thrilled to hear why: The water in Lake Michigan is warm enough to swim. I did jump in after a two-mile run, but I played in the waves for more than a half-hour ... And yes, I was at the nationally ranked Pere Marquette beach.

This was the first summer day I've gotten to swim in Lake Michigan in five years, and I was thrilled to experience that familiar wonderful feeling of being in a huge, blue bath, underneath the gorgeous azure sky with some wispy white clouds ... Seeing the beach houses and dunes stretch out to the left and right from the water ... I got out, did a little workout on the beach - which felt like I had entered one of those workout videos with the gorgeous backdrops - then just had to go back in for a second natural bath ...

This was all after 5 p.m., Muskegon, soon after the sun had come out. I just love that the long summer days allow for a full day of work followed by hours of vacation in your own city. And there's no better way to describe time at a Muskegon beach than being on vacation. We often think we need to go to some exotic locale to actually be on vacation. Not true - especially not here, especially not in the summer...

On my way back from the water, I stopped to swing ... and as my view went from sugar-sand beach to sparkling waves to bright blue sky and back the other way, I had one of those moments where I realized that it really doesn't get better than that ... And people spend lots of money for a few days or weeks on a beach somewhere, and here it is in our backyard...

Think about that, Muskegon, the next time somebody says something negative about the area. Better yet, go experience it. If you have to - as I did - go explore other places, other beaches. You'll see what I mean...

The beautiful thing is, many people already get it. After my swims, I walked along the Pere Marquette concrete path and then the boardwalk ... I noticed several houses holding celebrations - one even included beer pong in the front yard. Along the path and the beach, people were strolling, running, talking, thinking - and a group of women were doing yoga right next to the lake (a real-life workout video :) ... 

There weren't many people in the water, but that'll soon change, I'm sure. It's too amazing of an experience for it not to. I, for one, am grateful beyond words to have the opportunity for a beach vacation everyday...

See ya in the water.

--Imaginer

On that group of people cheersing the sky...

Here's to some of the best sunsets anywhere...

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." --Mother Teresa

Well, Muskegon, on this absolutely gorgeous longest day of the year, I joined just over 100 other people to toast ... the sunset. I know, I know, you thought I was going to say you ... and partly, we were toasting you, and all you have to offer, including the stunning, immense, soft, sugar-sand beaches that work amazingly well as sunset-viewing platforms. We were also toasting the community, the ideas that have sprouted from interesting and forward-thinking people, and all of the natural beauty and human goodness surrounding us...

There's a lot of all of that, Muskegon - here in the city, across West Michigan, across Lake Michigan ... everywhere the sun sets. This event itself just goes to show it: One person in one town appreciates something that happens every day. She wants to show her gratitude and share the experience with her community. She reaches out to others, who pass the word along, and within just over a week, in a place that's often overlooked for the more-hyped areas, more than 100 people show up to toast the sun going down.

This is what life is all about, Muskegon. The real moments of connecting with your neighbors, appreciating your surroundings, and getting excited about what's happening around you. As for what was happening tonight, just in that one little spot on Pere Marquette beach: The waves were melodically crashing against the shore, the birds were flying and chirping overhead, the trees were swaying in the breeze, kids were laughing and playing, and people were talking about how far Muskegon has come and dreams of the future ... All as the sun set to the west.

Just imagine all of the good things that were happening along the rest of the beach and throughout the city and beyond. I know of at least one: Just a bit south of the group at Pere Marquette, at the Dog Beach (another great Muskegon offering), a canine-loving group inspired by the Toast the Sunset idea held its own celebration ... A great example of the ripple effect of doing something positive for the community.

Now that the sun's down, I toast you, Muskegon, for bringing to life yet another awesome thing that started in one person's imagination. Cheers!

See ya out enjoying the ripple effect...

--Imaginer

Another view...

And a nice surprise following the sunset.

But first, one other "Best of Muskegon" event TONIGHT...

Makes you want to toast life, doesn't it?

Happy summer solstice, Muskegon! A group of interesting and community-minded people will get together tonight at 9 to Toast the Sunset at Pere Marquette beach, just south of the bathhouse. Yes, the sunset's at 9:28 - and there'll be an announcement and a toast at that precise moment. Bring the sparkling grape juice!

Haven't you wanted to enter one of the Sun(set)day scenes, Muskegon? Doesn't the picture at the top of this blog give you a wistful feeling? Well, come on out and enjoy the sunset with a group of new friends...

I'm usually one of just a smattering of people down there for this daily momentous occasion, and once the sun dips below the horizon, I get the beach all to myself ... but I'll share it with you tonight :)

See ya watching the sun go down...

--Imaginer

Two events celebrating the best of Muskegon that you WON'T want to miss...

Photo courtesy of Lake Effect Boat Time.

Ya know, Muskegon, you’ve got a lot of great attributes, and many more potential attributes, but the best thing about you is and always will be the water. The world changes as you get closer to the coastline, whether it’s the big lake, one of the inland lakes, or the river … It becomes more serene and more exciting at the same time. Life slows down but life energy is renewed…

I’ve found that the one thing that can be difficult is actually feeling a part of this water-world if you don’t have a watercraft. Sure, you can swim (when the water warms up), but there’s only so far you can go … leaving you to wonder what it’s really like out there.

It’s amazing, Muskegon. I’ve met some very generous friends who have taken me out on the waters and it really is a different world – not just because you’re away from the everyday, the usual, the reality you’ve come to know, but because you feel a sense of tight-knit community. People always wave and greet each other, and if a boat is in trouble, there’s no question that passersby are going to stop and help … And you get a new view on life and your city (both literally and figuratively)…
 

Summer Sailstice

This Saturday, you can experience this for free - and I very highly recommend you do it. Torreson Marina will give out free sailboat rides with experienced sailors Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. as part of Summer Sailstice, an annual event celebrating the boating lifestyle. (You to need to call and schedule a time with Judi Shedd at (231) 759-8596.) This is the second local Summer Sailstice. The best part? You don’t need a boat – or to be on a boat – to enjoy the lifestyle. 

“If people want to veg out by the dunes at the Muskegon State Park area, there will be a cannon shoot-off at solar noon just before our noon,” said Roger Zuidema, creator of the local event. “It’s also really beautiful from the Muskegon Lake beach near Pere Marquette – that’s a really great place to view the whole scenario.”

The scenario involves dozens of boats sailing Muskegon Lake to celebrate one of the longest days of summer. Torreson, Muskegon Yacht Club, and Great Lakes Marina area all participating in the event, so there should be some impressive and colorful boats out.

“On any given Saturday, there’s about 95 boats out there – we’re hoping for not only sailboats, but a big show on the lake with the Sailstice,” Mr. Zuidema said.

The scene will most definitely be photo-worthy – and organizers of the local Summer Sailstice are holding a Facebook photo contest for anyone who wants to participate. Just tag your favorite photos to Summer Sailstice on Facebook.

If you’re looking for an affordable dining experience, Muskegon Yacht Club will hold an open house for the public with an buffet for just $7 per person. There also will be an open bar.

As evening descends, organizers are hoping for “a bunch of boats in the breakwater cove,” Mr. Zuidema said.

Parade of Lights

Speaking of evenings and boats, the event I’m most excited for this summer is coming up in 10 days: The Muskegon Lake Effects Boater Cruise. This will be a nighttime boat parade … and lighted boat parades are Amazing. Seriously amazing. Nighttime parades on land are so much better than regular parades – and nighttime water parades are even better…

Roger Zuidema is organizing this one, too, and he’s shooting for 20 boats … If you’ve got a boat, you can still join – and you should! If you don’t have a boat, there will be plenty of good viewing points, including the channel, the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, and The Lake House Waterfront Grille/Shore Line Inn … The boats will start at the breakwater cove near Pere Marquette beach 20 minutes after sunset and continue past Muskegon Yacht Club, Balcom’s Cove, Great Lakes Marina, and Torreson Marina to end at the Shoreline Inn. A route map will be posted on the Lake Effect Boating website.

“It’s one of those things the whole community can really rally around,” Mr. Zuidema said. “It’s the Saturday night before the 4^th of july, and we’re hoping to make that a great tradition for Muskegon.”
 

It’s a popular tradition in other cities, bringing loads of people out year after year. There’s just something about the water, the lights, the breeze, the community …

See ya there, Muskegon. But first, see ya out enjoying the Summer Sailstice…

--Imaginer

Dinner in Muskegon...

The inside scoop about some awesome events and community gatherings, and thoughts about seeing Muskegon for what it is, Wednesday...

Thanks for checking in.

--Imaginer

People dream of experiencing this one day, too, Muskegon...

As beautiful as a blue sky in its own way...

"I get my best ideas in a thunderstorm. I have the power and majesty of nature on my side." --Ralph Steadman

No, really, Muskegon. Michigan (and much of the Midwest) is famous for its thunderstorms ... and people talk about them the way we talk about the Rocky Mountains or the Redwoods or the waters of the Caribbean. In awe. With excitement. With a deep yearning to experience them...

One of the first times I told someone outside the Midwest I was from Michigan, the person's eyes got really wide and she said, "Oh, you guys have the most beautiful thunderstorms." I was taken aback. I think I cocked my head and tried to think of how to answer ... Luckily, the other person with her joined in and said, "Oh, yes, the thunderstorms..." and they continued excitedly talking about them for a couple of minutes...

Honestly, I thought it was pretty funny and that those people must have been quite strange ... Until it happened again. And again...

Later, in another part of the country, I had another laugh when I saw the first commercial touting TVs that showed "amazing pictures of thunderstorms in the Midwest." Who watches thunderstorms on TV? People who don't experience them, that's who. And there are a LOT of people who don't get to experience them ... or not in the way we do here...

The hour-plus-long thunderstorm this morning that powerwashed the city while thunder rattled windows and lightning illuminated all nooks and crannies was a pretty amazing thing ... and after years away from thunder and lightning, I felt that excitement of someone experiencing something extraordinary ... along with new gratitude (and more fear than I remember, hehe).

The next couple of days are supposed to be dry, but another thunderstorm is on its way, and we all know how fast the weather can change in Michigan ... So, either we get to enjoy a nice summer day cooled down by our big storm today, or we get to relish another awesome storm ... Either way, we win.

See ya out enjoying the beautiful weather...

--Imaginer

What will you explore this week, Muskegon?

“Today is a smooth white seashell, hold it close and listen to the beauty of the hours.” --Unknown

 

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams – live the life you have imagined.” --Henry David Thoreau

“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” --Buddha

“Reflect upon your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” --Charles Dickens

 See ya out having a wonderful week...

--Imaginer

Happy Sun(set)day/Father’s Day, Muskegon

Yes, this is your life.

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” --Albert Einstein

First off, Muskegon, this week saw several ridiculously stunning and inspiring sunsets ... The kind where you end up just sitting on the beach in awe as the sky keeps changing ...

And as for today: Looking for something to do with Dad? Assuming he likes food – and what dad doesn’t like food? – you can take him to sample the area’s culinary offerings at Taste of Muskegon, which is one of those fun activities that makes the downtown come alive. The tastes are quite good, too. And if he’s into beer, or wine, as many dads are, there’re dozens of those libations up for sampling in the event’s Taste Garden. They’re all from Michigan, and dad (and you, if you’re 21 or older) can make your own sampler with the $1 tastes … 

Taste of Muskegon has grown and improved quite a bit since its first year, which was the last time I went … The only disappointment I had was that there weren’t more of the local restaurants represented (’cause there’re several good ones that weren’t there). But all in all, a great, energetic, friendly community vibe…

In the evening, you can take Dad to a Special Father’s Day Showing of Waterwalk, an adventurous father/son story that will inspire pride in the area: It was locally filmed and produced, and it features local actors.
 

If you’re farther north, you can check out the second day of the 33^rd annual White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival, which boasts a food court, continuous entertainment, and work from over 75 artists, all along White Lake in the Goodrich Park Annex.

Or maybe you’ll just grill out in the backyard (my dad’s favorite thing to do) or have a picnic on the channel or at the beach. And maybe some fishing (my dad's other favorite :) in one of the many different varieties of water here? Whatever you do, remember that the setting doesn’t get much better … It’s up to you to enjoy it.

See ya around.

--Imaginer

A taste of a bustling downtown...

Eclectic tastes of Michigan's burgeoning craft-beer industry...

And, of course, the famous wine varieties.

What you're missing (or enjoying), Muskegon...

Yep, life is good in Muskegon.

Well, Skee-Town, Movies on the Beach Muskegon’s first event went … very well. A large, attentive, and respectful crowd of families, couples, and friends gathered to watch Back to the Future framed by the sunset. Some sat in lawn chairs, some stretched out in blankets, and some – like me – had their feet in the soft sand while watching the blockbuster that holds up amazingly well. (There’s just something about feeling the sand between your toes, you know? Like dipping your feet in the water). Organizers got some help and support from Renovate Church, which helped collect donations and give out free popcorn (Free popcorn! - from Celebration! Cinema) … The next movie on the beach will be in about a month at sunset.

There was a lull in the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park when I stopped by, but people were checking it out and getting ready for the concert that evening. And the city was abuzz with friendly people walking around, chatting with their neighbors, and hanging out. I love it when a city feels alive, with people out and about, and Muskegon Heights felt alive …

And then there was Parties in the Park, that great gathering place for Skee-Towners. I was rather impressed with the beer selection, which included craft brews from as far away as Oregon. There’s just something about a nice night in a beautiful park with several hundred of your neighbors…
 

I also happened upon a free concert by the West Michigan Winds on the Olthoff Street Stage downtown. And, of course, people were headed to the Frauenthal Center for the Miss Michigan Pageant, which wraps up today with the crowning of the new Miss Michigan. The Heights festival also concludes today with a full day of activities, including a parade, a fashion show, and a beer tent, just to name a few…

Speaking of beer, Taste of Muskegon, which begins at 11 a.m. today, will have dozens of varieties of craft beer and wine up for tasting, at $1 per sample. What better way to find out what Michigan beers and wines you like? And what more fun way to support the local economy, both city- and state-wise? Again, Michigan is known for both its beer and its wine, so you’re bound to find something you like… And about the food: There will be options from an eclectic variety of local restaurants, at $1-5 per taste. Have kids? The kids’ area is back this year. So is the Food Expo stage with demonstrations…

Up in Whitehall, the 33^rd annual White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival will feature a food court and entertainment along with work from over 75 artists. Festivalgoers can admire natural art, too: The event will take place along White Lake in the Goodrich Park Annex.
 

See ya out sampling the area.

--Imaginer

A colorful gathering.

Love the play on words here, Muskegon Heights.

I stared at this one for awhile ... love the frame.

Seriously, could this girl be any cuter?

You done good, Muskegon.

And you thought nothing happened downtown.

Flags, Freighters, Festivals, and ... Movies

Patriotic Bluffton.

Well, Muskegon, for Flag Day, I went on a little adventure around town to see what kinds of flags I could find - both patriotic and otherwise. I found lots of fun things I was looking for as well as some nice surprises, like a Great Lakes freighter...

Before I get to the pictures, I have to recommend this way of exploring your town. Pick something you'd like to see or an area you'd like to go, then just go ... It's such a fun way to not only explore your own city, but to see it in a new light. If you do it on foot or by bike, as I did, you're creating your own, natural exercise machine - and it beats the heck out of the gym, especially in this beautiful weather...

One other thing: Today, yet again, is full of fun things to do around the area. For starters, the Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park at Rowan Park and the Miss Michigan Pageant at the Frauenthal Center continue through Saturday. The Heights Festival will feature one of Muskegon's favorite pastimes: a beer tent, from 1 p.m.-2 a.m. This one will have a DJ (DJ Ray J) and host a stepping contest. The celebration also will feature a concert, All White Jazz with Sunshine Anderson, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the concert are $15... 

Around the same time (5-9 p.m.) in Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon, the weekly Parties in the Park will feature the Buster Blues Band... 

And at sunset at Pere Marquette Park, the inaugural Movies on the Beach Muskegon event will kick off with the classic "Back to the Future." The viewing is free, but donations will be accepted to offset the cost and, the organizers hope, to put on future movies on the beach. Also, MOTBM will be collecting nonperishable food and personal hygiene items for the Muskegon Rescue Mission at a time of year when donations go way down...

If you'd rather be on the water to watch a movie, the LST 393's "Movies on Deck" will show "Run Silent, Run Deep" starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster at 10 p.m. on the ship. "Movies on Deck" is in the same situation as Movies on the Beach Muskegon: Free, but in need of donations to keep it going...

I hope you take advantage of at least one of these awesome options, Muskegon, and if not, I really hope you have something better planned. It's summer in Muskegon (or wherever you are). Don't take it for granted.

See ya out living the good life...

--Imaginer

United Nations.

Something for all of us...

Scandinavian pride.

No sails? No problem. There's still colorful flags...

Gone to the beach...

At the beach...

Sparty on...

Hail to the victors...

Lakers on the lake...

Celebrating our Heritage (Landing).

Big ship, small sailboat...

Why, hello, Ohio!

Comin' through!