+

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Close
HomeNewslettersNextShare
  • Home›
  • Life›
  • news»
  • I grew up vacationing at the Jersey Shore. After visiting a beach on Lake Michigan, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed lake life.

I grew up vacationing at the Jersey Shore. After visiting a beach on Lake Michigan, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed lake life.

Gabi StevensonSep 10, 2022, 16:46 IST

I had a great time exploring the dunes and trails at Oval Beach on Lake Michigan.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

  • As a Southeast Pennsylvania native, I grew up taking beach trips to the Jersey Shore.
  • After I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2021, I wanted to visit a beach on Lake Michigan.
Advertisement

As a kid, I visited the Jersey Shore for day trips and overnight stays.

My visit to Long Beach Island in 2020 was one of my last trips to the Jersey Shore before moving to Michigan.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

My mom and I decided to take a trip to Oval Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan, near the sister towns of Saugatuck and Douglas in June.

Even the sky looked more blue above Lake Michigan.Gabi Stevenson/Insider
Advertisement

It was a windy day on Lake Michigan, so we ditched our umbrella when we arrived.

After my first day at Oval Beach, I made a mental note not to bring any large towels next time.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

While I hung out in the water and on the beach, I noticed differences from the beaches at the Jersey Shore.

The waves at Oval Beach were smaller than the waves at the Jersey Shore, even with the wind on the lake.Gabi Stevenson/Insider
Advertisement

After swimming and relaxing for a few more hours, we decided to walk over to the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area.

This little nature preserve gave us a better view of all the beaches along the coastline.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

By the time we left the beach, we were ready for dinner. While exploring some of the neighborhoods near the beach, we stumbled across the Douglas Root Beer Barrel.

The Douglas Root Beer Barrel stuck out like a sore thumb among the houses in the neighborhood.Gabi Stevenson/Insider
Advertisement

I ordered my hot dog with lots of toppings and a side of potato salad.

After a day of playing in the sun, it was nice to stock up on some yummy summer foods.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

Before heading home for the day, we stopped at Wade's Bayou Memorial Park in Douglas.

I saw similar sculptures to this one as we drove around the Saugatuck-Douglas area.Gabi Stevenson/Insider
Advertisement

Not all my souvenirs from the beach were good — I found lots of dried duckweed stuck to my skin when I got home.

I brought some souvenirs back from the beach by accident.Gabi Stevenson/Insider

Although it was different from the nostalgia of the Jersey Shore, I was so happy I got to experience life on the lake for a day.

I was able to go to Oval Beach one more time before summer ended, but my first trip was my favorite.Gabi Stevenson/Insider
Advertisement
You are subscribed to notifications!
Looks like you've blocked notifications!
Next Story
We compared every aspect of first-class train travel in the UK and the US. Neither ride felt worth the higher price tag.
Trending News
Popular Categories
Trending Right Now

Copyright @ 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.