Muskegon. You must get to the beach. Now. And you don't want to miss these events...

Come on in...

Well, Muskegon, I have a confession for you - well, actually, two confessions: 1. I haven't been writing too much lately because I've been spending my free time outdoors, most of it at the beach, and 2. I realized I had only been swimming a few times up until this week. 

Number 2 is a tragedy, Muskegon. There truly is nothing better than a summer day at a West Michigan beach, and Pere Marquette is the best of the best. Muskegon State Park ain't bad, either. Or Hoffmaster. Or any of 'em around here. For four years, I sorely missed Lake Michigan and the gorgeous shoreline throughout the summer - and I didn't even grow up here. I remember, the first summer I got here, going to the beach every single day, even if I only had an hour before it got dark. My roommate, also from another place, and I would leave parties to go swimming at the beach, then come back...

We just could not understand people here who didn't bother to get to the beach at least a few times a week. Then we met people who hadn't been there yet well into July ... and then August. This was dumbfounding. So, you can imagine my shock at realizing July was getting ready to wrap up and I hadn't been swimming more than a few times - and I hadn't even made it to the beach every day, or every other day sometimes...

Muskegon, I'm here to implore you: Spend more time at the beach. Treasure it. Build sandcastles (still on my list). Play volleyball. Wrestle the waves. Throw a Frisbee. Walk out on the pier. Or just lay out on your towel, soaking up the sun, listening to the breeze, and watching kids of all ages play. Just get down there. Feel the inspiration of this awe-inspiring place. Go as the sun starts its journey into the horizon and you'll be completely in awe...

Don't let August happen without getting to the beach, Muskegon. You'll regret it. Trust me. Take it from someone who's gone without for several years, or take it from someone who grew up playing sand volleyball in front of the bowling alley and swimming in the community pool (both fun enough, but nothing like here, and both not free): It's a one-of-a-kind experience you shouldn't take for granted...

Saturday night at dusk, you can watch the classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off right on Pere Marquette beach, put on by Movies on the Beach Muskegon. For free (with donations appreciated). This was an awesome experience last month, and it'll be bigger and better, literally - with a bigger screen and better sound - this time around.

If you'd rather watch a movie on a boat, you can do that here in Muskegon, too. Friday night, the LST's "Movies on Deck" program will feature Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest. Also at dusk. Also free with donations appreciated. Both events offer the chance to catch a magnificent sunset before enjoying the fruits of Tinseltown. If you're not a movie person, you can enjoy one of the patios of the restaurants around town, or build a bonfire, or check out the farmer's market, or ... go to the beach.

See ya in the waves or on the sand.

--Imaginer

The beach is always inviting, no matter what time of day...

Rolling hills...

You can enter this painting...

Prefer Muskegon Lake?

How about somewhere more secluded?

Even better than the movies.

Happy Sun(set)/Last Bike Time Day, Muskegon...

There is no better track...

Or romantic backdrop.

Clouds dancing and coloring.

Bike Time!

That's right: Snowboarding started here - only it was called snurfing.

Let this breathtaking and unique place inspire you. See ya around...

--Imaginer

Bike Time! And Movie Time ... And Roller Derby Time...

 

So, Skee-Town, Muskegon Bike Time begins today - it's so popular and so fun, there's an extra day this year! It's such a fun time when all the gorgeous motorcycles descend upon downtown and ride out through the area...

For those who prefer two wheels - and want to try out something new and unique - the Lakeshore Misfits, the area's new roller derby team, is looking for new skaters. Adults and children. No experience necessary, and they have skates and helmets you can use. The next practice is at 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday. The group practices every Wednesday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Roller Fox and every Saturday at 10-noon at Central Park in Spring Lake. Cost is $5 per practice ... There are four coaches, and they're getting the members ready for competitions starting in the beginning of the new year. It's great exercise, lots of fun, and a great way to meet new people ... and almost none of the 12 current members knew each other before joining, so no worries about being the newbie!

If you're looking to kick back and enjoy yourself outside in this summer weather, the White River Light Station is hosting "Up" on the lawn at dusk Friday night. Like Movies on the Beach Muskegon next week, this event is free and a wonderful way to have fun with your neighbors...

See ya out enjoying another beautiful weekend...

--Imaginer

Happy Sun(set)/Freighter Day, Muskegon ... Breathtaking week behind ... BIG week ahead...

It just doesn't get better than this.

So, Muskegon, there's heaps of fun and interesting stuff going on this week, which I'll tell you about throughout the week - but first, some pics from yet another spectacular week of sunsets, and a freighter against the painted sky backdrop...

The Muskegon sky sure knows how to paint...

and the land (and water) offer a perfect foundation.

Big boat, big sky.

A fiery canvas in Grand Haven...

...and one in Ann Arbor...

...and in the Port City.

A more relaxed Skee-Town scene...

And another with the clouds on fire.

An otherworldly display...

...and one shining a light on our Heritage (Landing).

Have a wonderful evening and week, Muskegon.

--Imaginer

Movies, dancing, parties, volleyball, hikes...

Come join the fun...

So, Muskegon, it's a weekend without any major festivals, but there's still plenty going on, starting now :) Parties in the Park happens until 9 tonight, and it's free. This really is a great way to socialize and enjoy the perfect summer weather we're experiencing, and it's become so much more meaningful without Summer Celebration...

Later on, following the sunset the LST's "Movies on Deck" program will show the classic movie "Casablanca." "Movies on Deck" is also free, but donations are appreciated.

Not to be forgotten, the Getty 4 Drive-In has the usual four choices of New double-features, and tonight is "Free Poster Night." Every ticket will come with a random movie poster, and some lucky movie-goers will win a food prize at the concession stand or movie tickets for future showings...

If you're looking for a classy dance experience,  "Fashionably Fridays," a weekly event at Traxx Nightclub, begins at 9 p.m. "Fashionably Fridays" features drink specials and is geared toward the 25+ professional crowd. If you'd rather go downtown, Club Envy provides the largest dance floor and big screen in Muskegon...

Saturday and Sunday at the beach, the Midwest Professional Volleyball Association (MPVA) hosts the Muskegon Open. The fun begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday...

If you'd rather observe nature, the Gillette Nature Association at PJ Hoffmaster State Park will hold a "Colors of Nature Hike" at 10:30 a.m. and a "Forest Fairies Hike" at 1 p.m. Both excursions are free...

I just love that there are so many eclectic free and cheap things to do ... Muskegon isn't just a pretty face, and thank goodness.

See ya anywhere from the forest to the club...

--Imaginer

It's a new, cooler week, Muskegon...

"The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path." --Jim Rohn

"Flowers grow out of dark moments." --Corita Kent

"If the world was flat, I'd probably swim off it." --Author Unknown
 

"Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Second Week of July! See ya around.

--Imaginer

Happy Sun(set)/Sun(rise)/Beach Day, Muskegon

"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused." --Rainer Maria Rilke

Hey, Muskegon, first of all: Thanks for being cooler than inland Michigan ;) Also, the big, beautiful, clean beaches are most appreciated on these hot days.

Speaking of the beach, if you missed Pilates with Mandy yesterday, you can still get in some meditative exercise at beautiful Pere Marquette: Beach Yoga, run by Be Alive & Well’s Barbara Badolati, takes place at 6-7:15 p.m. on the grass near the Coast Guard Station (yes, it’s technically on the grass, but it’s right next to the beach :) Cool cloths will be provided, and a special dinner treat by Barbara’s sister Jill, a professional chef, will follow. Barbara is another warm, welcoming instructor who makes all levels feel at ease. Donations are appreciated.

It’s hard to fathom any kind of exercise in this weather – besides swimming – but it really is cooler by the beach, and if you get too hot, you can just jump in the water. Of course, the best times to be active are at the beginning and end of the day. And if there’s any question whether sunrises on the Sunset Side are worth getting up for, just look at the picture above.

Still not convinced?

How about now?

Now?

I know you are. But I know you’re also looking for a picture of the sun transition this area is famous for. So, here ya go:

And one more:

See ya by the waves.

--Imaginer

Inspiration for a Friday - and some more unique events...

Great (if hot) day for a ride...

Muskegon, meet Mr. Guy (No, really, that's his last name :). He and his daughter are bicycling across the U.S., from Oceanside, Oregon to New York City, New York. They're from Kentucky, flew into Portland, Oregon, journeyed to the left coast to see the Pacific Ocean, then hopped on their bikes for a two-wheel tour across the northern part of the country...

The Guys were impressed with the beauty of the Midwest and surprised by all the bike trails they encountered. They were on "greenways" throughout much of Wisconsin, which went a long way toward making their trip in triple-digit, humid weather bearable. They're camping along the way, with their gear in the B.o.b. packs on the back of their bicycles. Today, they pedaled out of town on a bike trail that will take them across most of Michigan ... something they were very happy to learn about here in Muskegon, after arriving via the Lake Express High Speed Ferry...

In the meantime, they stopped at Brooklyn Bagels to fuel up, and were welcomed by the locals, who struck up conversations with them and gave tips on where to go and what to see in Michigan...

You just never know who's passing through - so it makes me so happy that Skee-Towners made the Guys' brief experience here both informative and memorable. On my forays about town recently, I've seen several South Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Florida license plates. And Texas plates - they're everywhere. Alaska's been represented, too, along with California. Whether they're on their way somewhere else or have discovered our beautiful corner of the world, I've been happy to see many of them head down to the beach and spend some time there...

Speaking of the beach and the uniqueness of Muskegon, I've got another fun event to tell you about: Pilates with Mandy. This happens at 9 a.m. Saturday on the beach! Forget the exercise tapes or the TVs at the gym where you have to watch other people enjoying a beautiful setting ... Join a group of your neighbors at your own Muskegon beach! The class costs $7. I talked to Mandy briefly today and could tell she's very enthusiastic, motivating, and welcoming...
 

Saturday evening, Red Lotus will host "Three Way Street, Sara Azriel, Katie Beaman and Gabrielle Schaub Live at Red Lotus Gallery," a concert featuring three very talented musicians, under a big tent outside. Three Way Street is an indie-folk group made up of local musicians Andrea Mathews, Jeff Baldus, and Bradly Rose. Sara Azriel is a singer, songwriter, and pianist whose music blends jazz, folk, pop, indie, and soul; Katie Beaman, a singer and songwriter from Whitehall, is an area favorite; and  Gabrielle Schaub is a singer and banjo player who specializes in indie-folk cover songs. The objective of the concert, which costs $5, is to support local musicians, so additional artists may perform as well.

Up in Whitehall, the Howmet Playhouse kicks off its 2012 Fine Arts Festival this weekend with the play The Nerd at 7:30 p.m Friday and Saturday nights. This classic comedy tells the story of what happens when a socially awkward man, Rick, who saved the life of a young architect, Willum, in the Vietnam war, shows up at a dinner party at Willum's and never leaves. Tickets are $14 in advance and $18 at the door.

These are just a couple of Muskegon's unique offerings for the weekend that I happened across. Keep your eyes and ears open ... You never know what you might find.

See ya on your adventure.

--Imaginer

Wonderful stories of entrepreneurial Fun (and beauty)!

'Twas the night before the Fourth of July, and all through the city...

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

Well, Muskegon, I must say, I’m impressed. This fireworks fanatic was ready to use her imagination if the first grassroots Fourth of July display didn’t quite reach the bar set by Muskegon Summer Celebration … Turns out, it blasted right past it. A 25-minute show with a great variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and sounds … Love the ones that make a whizzing sound while showering the sky at the end…

I do not have any pictures, as my Droid decided it needed a day off, but if you were anywhere in the Muskegon area, you would’ve heard the sounds of fireworks, and if you looked outside, chances are you saw the sky lit up … We didn’t even have to wait for the Heritage Landing display to see some big boomers, and the show didn’t stop 25 minutes later … It just migrated to the neighborhoods around the city. I know it’s a bit scary, and some regulations probably are needed, but I enjoyed the most-likely-one-time Fourth of July fireworks citywide show in surround sound and sight … Seriously, everywhere you looked, colorful blasts were painting the sky…

There also was a huge, orange moon lighting up the city … and I heard the sunset was amazing (no surprise there).  I missed it to stake out a good spot, and in the process, watch the 360-degree fireworks show going on around me…

So it’s the weekend and what now? Well, you can choose your own adventure on the amazing beaches, in the life-affirming woods, on one of the gorgeous bike trails, at a friend’s bonfire or at one of the local nightspots … or you can join Indiana Jones on his last crusade on the LST 393. (Who else is loving the idea of an Indiana Jones movie involving the LST?) The LST’s “Movies on Deck” will bring you the exciting sights and sounds of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade right after this:

Yeah, this is a good movie preview.

An awesome movie classic right after a gorgeous sunset over the water? I’d say that’s a good follow-up to the fireworks and orange moon … And a good sequel to the Movies on Deck experience (which happens every Friday) would be this:

Not a bad theater ... So big!

That’s right! There’s another Movies on the Beach Muskegon event scheduled for July 28, so mark your calendar – and go and vote on which movie you’d like to see at MOTBM’s Facebook page.

The best part about all these events – other than the fact that they’re awesome and unique and community-focused – is that they all started with one person’s enthusiasm and love and hard work for Muskegon - and imagination! - and the group of equally enthusiastic and loving and hardworking people each of these people inspired to help make them happen. County Commissioner Bob Scolnik led the effort to raise over $27,000 for the fireworks, with generous contributions from community members and the Community Foundation for Muskegon County; Bob Garretson of Waddel & Reed spearheaded the downtown Muskegon planning and investment firm’s underwriting of the entire “Movies on Deck” 2012 series; and Muskegon resident Kerry Halloran dreamed up “Movies on the Beach Muskegon” and brought together a local church (Renovate Church), performing arts center (Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts), the City of Muskegon, the community foundation, and a host of people who Love Muskegon to make it happen…

Kinda makes you wonder what cool thing you could organize, doesn’t it? Just writing that paragraph got my wheels turning … For now, we can all just enjoy these events (for free! though donations really will help) and be thankful we live in a place with such innovation, thoughtfulness, caring, and community spirit…

See ya at the movies.

--Imaginer

Happy Independence Day, Muskegon

Patriotic love.

Skee-Town-area residents have gotten all sorts of creative with their patriotic displays. Here is just a smattering of the arrangements that made me smile:

Independence porch.

Kite flag!

Star-spangled banner.

Tinseltown.

Stars and stripes coloring the sky, as Old Glory stands tall.

Have a wonderful 4th of July, Muskegon. See ya at the fireworks tonight...

--Imaginer

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow in Muskegon...

A natural watercolor of pastels, and bright whites and yellows, and dark greens...

So, Skee-Town, you just never know what treasures you're going to find on the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail ... It'd been awhile, so I spent a good hour and a half in-line skating it Monday night. Among the highlights: Another in-line skater in a full referee uniform, from head to toe; a guy with a large backpack just shuffling along, singing to himself - he appeared to be lost but not to care one bit; several serious bicyclists; a guy smoking a cigar while helping his wife fish from her star-spangled lawn chair; one group of high school boys having a discussion about life in a circle on their bikes and another group skipping rocks on the railroad tracks; couples and families of all kinds out getting exercise; and - my favorite - a guy marching through the middle of the creek by the B.C. Cobb plant...

Everyone wore a big smile as I passed, or they said hello (or both!) ... Everyone. This his how it always is, but it never ceases to make me want to spend as much time as I possibly can on the path ... and this is just the human element. I'll share the nature aspect in photos here...

In the meantime, I'm dreaming about one of my favorite things in the world: Fireworks! Sooo excited Muskegon will have a Fourth of July fireworks show this year, and thankful for county commissioner Bob Scolnik putting the show on the road to Heritage Landing, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and local donors providing the funds to make it happen, and the Fruitport Lions coordinating it. Once again, one person got the ball rolling, and others joined in and worked together to make a wonderful community event happen. These are the best kinds of stories...

The fireworks start at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, and you can get down there as early as 7:30 p.m. In the meantime, hopefully you can get to one of the lakes for some swimming before or after work, then enjoy another evening watching the natural fireworks of the sunset or taking in some $5 movies at the Getty 4 Drive-In (Tuesdays are bargain nights! Whoo-hoo!) or at an inside theater if the heat is getting to you. And might I suggest a stroll or ride on the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail? ;)

See ya out enjoying the Third of July...

--Imaginer

Wildlife...

Still life...

This way to...

The moon!

And another peek at that sunset...