The Cherry on Top

So it's decided: Warren and I are going to move to Sleeping Bear Dunes and open a B&B called "The Cherry on Top" (because MI's lower peninsula is obsessed with cherries). We're going to build it on this tree-filled hill that overlooks Lake Michigan and the glowy, lovely dunes. Don't worry, there will be a zip line through the forest to the lake and hearty breakfasts and desserts topped with cheerful maraschino cherries. This, of course, is how we'll make our millions. Oh, and it will also be a writer's retreat! But until that dream becomes a reality, we'll have to settle on reliving the magic through photos.

The second my dear friend Kendra said she was coming to visit, I started Googling like a mad woman, which is how I stumbled across The Cherry Hut. First of all: ADORABLE!! Second of all, it has a mascot! Cherry Jerry! And yes, I would vote for him for president.

Next, we hopped into a canoe and paddled (well, mostly Warren and Kendra paddled, I lounged :) out to Lake Michigan. I mean, really? Does it have to be so ridiculously beautiful? We could have stayed there forever. We also saw what we think was a muskrat. Though it might have been an otter. 

Or a water-loving ferret.

But the most spectacular view of the Lake happened during the scenic drive. It felt like we were perched on the end of the world sitting on top of that dune. It dropped in a sandy cliff 400+ feet (essentially, a 40 story building) to the lake below. Warren decided the best idea would be to scamper down those 400+ feet. It took him 30 minutes to climb back up but was well worth it. 

We saw the Warning sign a tad too late...oops!

Yes, Good Morning America, this really is "The Most Beautiful Place in America" (caveat: if you've never been outside of the Midwest). But it is truly stunning.

Oh, and we also saw the world's largest cherry pie pan in Traverse City. Warren was super pumped. 

More on the magic of Kendra's visit later!

*PS: This trip let us sail right through two items on our 101 Things in a 1001 Days!

1     14.   Visit Lake Michigan beaches       

15.   Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes