The Wandering Foodie

Though the alarm had tried valiantly, it was the ringing of the phone that actually prodded me to wake up this morning. As I shook off sleep and chatted with my friend about the day and how much I was loving the The Homstead resort located at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Michigan, he mentioned that he was on his way into the office. I smiled, secure in knowing I had no such obligation today.

Instead, I took a long shower, headed out to the park ranger station and bought a park pass. Then took my Jetta winding through The Sleeping Bear Dunes Scenic Drive Trail. I stopped to get out and take in breathtaking views of the Dunes and Lake Michigan. The freighter ships out in the deep blue, seemingly so small from where I stood they almost seemed like a mirage. I had lunch at a quaint cafe in Sutton’s Bay and then chatted with the local shop owners along the Main Street. Owners such as Shawn – whose mother runs a toy store that took me back to my days working at the toy store in my hometown; Kelly – folding beautifully colored t-shirts in a store called Bay Wear; and Karen, who makes, mixes, and brands her own exclusive line of Sutton’s Bay Spices.

This is what happens when you take off and let go. Cell data is spotty up here. Work email still comes through and it is piling up. But I’m not checking it. I’m on an adventure. I’m out exploring. I’m eating great food and getting to know interesting people.

I’ve gone on vacation. I’ve gone Pure Michigan.