My Five Favorite Places Near St. Joseph, MI

Though this blog is about traveling the world, I think it's also important to travel around in places nearby.  Believe it or not I'm sure there's many places around your community or surrounding states that are a lot more exciting than you might think.  You might pass by every day without thinking a thing of it.  Here's a five places I like to visit in St. Joseph (my hometown) and surrounding places I'm able to drive to:

Jess and her dog at Rocky Gap

1. Rocky Gap Beach - It's a beach not too many people know about in St. Joseph, MI.  Living in a tourist town for the most part of the summer, it's nice to have a beach that's not completely packed for the entire month of July.  I often spend my mornings there in the summer whether it be running or walking my dog.  Technically dogs aren't allowed but no one ever checks (shh don't tell my secret!).

Photo from: http://www.heraldpalladium.com

2. The Bluff - Downtown St. Joseph, MI overlooking the fountain, carousel, and of course the ever beautiful Lake Michigan.  I love to grab some frozen yogurt after a long day and sit on the swinging benches and watch the sunset.  One great thing about living on the west coast of Michigan is the sun sets over the lake . . . so you could say St. Joseph's almost like California! (Then again, not quite).  It's especially beautiful in the winter when they have the annual "Light up the bluff" lights on and a giant Christmas tree.  What's better than tacky holiday lights right?

Photo from: http://greatlakescruising.wordpress.com

3.  Mackinac Island - Want some fudge?  Though Mackinac Island may be known for it's fudge, the island itself is beautiful with it's charming historic downtown, not to mention the views.  If you ever get the chance I would recommend traveling there.  I haven't been there since I was younger but I remember riding bikes around the entire island, and ferry rides are always fun.

Photo from: craftsanity.com

4.  ArtPrize - It's basically a giant art show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Local artists create anything from large sculptures, interesting paintings, or my favorite of this year the wooden cube carved with a laser, which is show to the righ.  If you're nearby or don't mind taking the trip it's going on right now, so I would take the time to check it out.

Jess and two friends at the Bean.

5. Chicago, Illinois - One of the best places to shop and get food in my opinion.  I always enjoy spending the day in a big city exploring or maybe even catching a concert.  Typically though I spend my day shopping and walking around the parks (my favorite is Millenium Park with "The Bean").  My favorite way to get there is by riding the train around the southern edge of Lake Michigan.






If you're ever nearby any of these places, I would strongly encourage you to check them out.  There's so much just in the places around us.  Who says you have to get on a plane to explore new places?