West End Beach is convenient. It is just a minute or two walk from downtown. The sand is fine, and the beach is a few feet below the level of nearby West Grandview Parkway, so traffic noise is minimal despite how close it is to the road. The water is great for swimming, and the [...]

Esch Road beach, in Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, is always a delight. I’ve made the short trip from Traverse (about 30 miles) in all seasons. Summer is obviously my favorite. Sunday, I made the short trek. Because of the wind Saturday afternoon and night, Lake Michigan was alive with wave action Sunday. It was terrific! The [...]