When it comes to nostalgic northern Michigan beach towns, my mind immediately goes to Pentwater Michigan. True to its setting, it is the most picturesque lake side village one can imagine, and it is coupled with an incredible beach on the shore of Lake Michigan, located in Mears State Park.
Pentwater was also the first ever northern Michigan beach town I traveled to as a child and its been a regular destination ever since.
Pentwater offers snap shots worthy of going back in time, like the gigantic novelty candy store, the endless window shopping opportunities, ice cream parlors, beach boutiques, and antique shops owned by neighbors- supported by weekenders.
The streets are pristine with the most gorgeous cottages ranging from tiny and magazine worthy, to gigantic and only in your dreams. You can walk on the shore of the lake taking in Yacht clubs and sail boats, or you can walk through town admiring the old time feel of it all.
Every house is littered with bright flowers, unmistakably talented landscaping, and along the pier houses have yards of white sand and sea grass, with the endless slideshow of boats and ships coming and going outside their windows.
Its enough to keep one busy for hours whether the plan is to catch the sunset at the beach with the locals or eat overlooking the marina. There is something for the beach kid at heart, just the same as there is for the more adventurous.
Its an unmistakably post card worthy destination that always seems to remind me of whats so special about Michigan in the summer time. A beach filled with tall golden grass and cascading white dunes, shadowed against an ocean blue Lake Michigan. White caps rising in the sunlight, waves glittering against the shore, with a New York style pizza slice and cheese fries just a walk away. Ahhh pure Michigan.
It explains Michigan’s obsession with their beach towns to a T.
