Sunday, August 29, 2021

Sunsets, Brewery and a Famous Boat Ride

Another Michigan State Park crossed off our list. We spent a long weekend (Thursday, August 26-Sunday, August 29) at Van Buren State Park (Site 96) in South Haven, MI and it didn't disappoint!

I got the last site in the park and I made reservations well over a month ago. The sites on the ends of each loop were nice and spacious and they were pretty secluded too, just like we like it. It was a short walk to the Lake Michigan, which provides some of the best sunsets you will ever see. 

On Friday, we headed into South Haven to check out the sites. It was such a quaint town with shops, beaches, piers, breweries and the Michigan Maritime Museum. There was plenty to do and see. 

We started with an early lunch at Clementine's. I'm pretty sure we found in the best onion rings EVER, along with an outstanding perch dinner. Since we were stuffed to the gills (get it? LOL!), we headed out for a leisurely walk around downtown to check out some shops. Since the past couple of weeks in Michigan have been unbearably hot and humid, we had to make a stop at Harbor Light Brewery to cool off and sample some of their brews. We had a nice chat with the owner and enjoyed sampling their IPA's (for Jim) and their Porters (for me). 

On Saturday, we headed for the Michigan Maritime Museum. It was another hot one and figured this would be a good thing to tour while spending some time in air conditioning. Who knew that more than half of the museum would be outdoors! Oh well, at least there was a decent breeze coming off the Black River and we took a 30-minute boat ride out on Lake Michigan on board the USCG MLB 36460. This boat is famous as it was seen in the 2016 Disney Movie, The Finest Hours, starring Chris Pine. 

Thanks to a couple of great friends for all their recommendations of things to do while we were in South Haven. It was a short 2.5 hour drive from home and made for a great weekend away.

I'm super thankful for air conditioning in my little Pod. I'm really looking forward to doing some fall camping in cooler temperatures, if it ever arrive. 

Until next time, happy camping and stay safe!


Van Buren State Park • Site 96

 The USCG MLB 36460

Aboard The USCG MLB 36460 with our
tour guide, Tara.

Jim and I
aboard The USCG MLB 36460.

The beach at Van Buren State Park.

Lake Michigan sunsets are the best!

and they never disappoint!

South Haven has some pretty
cool artwork!

This fish was made out of trash 
that was picked up along the beaches
in South Haven.