Me and Rachel at the start line before the Bayshore Marathon started

It’s easy to get caught up in our day to day routines to the point where we put off things that we really want to do. One of my pressing goals has been to explore more of Michigan. This goal started even before moving to Detroit was a reality. Michigan has so many tourist destinations that involve exploration, adventure, and relaxation. I’m always down for all three and I look forward to doing them, but I’ve been so distracted by my other commitments that I have not allotted time to travel the state. This weekend reminded me that I need to get out more!

Rachel and I after the race with our race medals!

Rachel, my running buddy who is also a Challenge Detroit fellow working at GM, and I traveled to Traverse City. For the better part of five months we have been training for a marathon. Together we ran the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City. The route is much to be desired as it winds along the shores of the East Grand Traverse Bay. We received welcoming support from residents in the area with signs of encouragement, applause, and even water and Advil. Rachel and I finished the race among other tired runners and mustered the strength to explore Traverse and all it had to offer. Even in the short time we were there we accomplished a lot!

Chateau Grand Traverse Winery, I

Chateau Grand Traverse, II

We stayed right outside the start and finish line at the Northwestern Michigan College which was a great perk! We didn’t have far to go to rest and relax after a physically demanding 26.2 mile run. That was smart planning on our part! After we cleaned up we drove over to the beach at Clinch Park. We were surrounded by families and children of all ages. They have a marina, kayaking, a picnic area, and a splash pad. After spending some time on the beach, we headed out to the Old Mission Lighthouse. Before we reached the lighthouse we stopped off at the Chateau Grand Traverse, a winery nestled in the Traverse City hills and surrounded by rural Michigan. We sampled a few wines, met a new Detroiter like ourselves, and finally made our way to the Old Mission Lighthouse. Our trip was not absent of gorgeous views, Saturday couldn’t have been more perfect!

On Sunday we took a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and hiked throughout parts of the park. Due to the holiday weekend families occupied the forests and beaches in the area. I had a moment of reflection standing atop Sleeping Bear when I realized how much I appreciate living in Michigan. Our long, dark winters and lingering rainy spring days are merely the painting brush that guides us into late spring and summer.

The Traverse City Shore

It was beautiful, the whole weekend made the training and drive worth it. The trip reminded me that I need to travel and explore more of what Michigan has to offer. The state has something for everyone from water sports to hiking, resting and relaxing on the beach shores, or visiting small towns that have great food, conversation, and spirits. If you’re looking for a great vacation spot, I highly recommend heading up to northwestern Michigan, it won’t disappoint!