Saturday, August 14, 2010

SOUTH HAVEN

One of my favorite place to visit in Southern Michigan is South Haven, a charming little resort town on the banks of Lake Michigan. But before I take you along with me on our trip earlier this week, I wanted to show you some pictures that I caught of the Blue Heron that is hanging out more and more in our area of the lake. You can just make out his silhouette on the shore.
And here he is standing on top of the shore station. I think he looks majestic. I love how these great creatures walk with those long spindly legs. Beautiful. Now, on to South Haven...
We stayed at The Harbor Inn, as we always do, although I did spot some Bed and Breakfasts nearby. Our location is still the closest to the shopping and restaurants in town that make this such a great place to spend time. This is a picture of part of our room, not entirely because we had already dropped our bags and whatnot on every available surface. I like to keep our room tidy so that packing up is easy, but The Husband is the opposite. It's easier to see what he has to pack when it is lying all over the floor.
This is a view from one of our windows. I took the picture right through the glass. The dock is adjacent to the Inn and you can pass much time watching the sailboats float up and down the river that the Inn sits on.
Also attached to this dock is the Old Idler, a big old boat no longer in use except as a restaurant. We have eaten here a zillion times and it is always a treat.
We started our afternoon off with drinks and the most delicious crab cakes.
Strolling through town I took a few pictures, but as usual, the camera became cumbersome when I started buying things, so back in the room it went.
And this is one of the most favorite things I bought, a nice big beachy picture for the master bedroom at the lake. I'm still working on giving it that seaside look. This reminds me of Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard. two of my favorite places to visit.
I also found this beautiful reversible runner. I have seen some coordinating napkins here in town that would be great inspiration for a tablescape. I bought some sand dollars and starfish to scatter about. I can almost smell the ocean. ;-D

And finally, this lamp is going on an end table that I am getting ready to paint white as soon as I am done with this post. The glass is a soft silvery blue and reminds me of a lantern. I fell in love with it and it is finally motivating me to paint the old table. I'll do before and afters.

So these are the highlights of our two day trip and we really had a good time. South Haven is close enough to take day trips and I have to do that because I didn't cover all the streets with their charming shops. Next time!

Our vacation here at the lake ends tomorrow when we return to Chicago. I miss my kids and house, although it is hard to believe after all of the peace and quiet and relaxation we have had here. I want to thank everybody for their sweet comments about the lake and our life here. It seems you can all identify with the way I feel when I am here and I love all of the compliments the lakehouse has received. What a great group of ladies you are! :-)

59 comments:

My Grama's Soul said...

Good morning Blondie......What great pics you have shared with us today. Aren't little lakeside villages the
best. With the sweet little items you purchased your lake house is going to be dream.

Can't wait to see it when you have spruced it up with your new things.

Xo

Jo

Terra said...

That is just exactly the kind of town I like to visit. The floating restaurant and the sailboats outside your hotels window, and crab cakes too. Thanks for sharing this, and the photos of the heron.

PAT said...

Looks like a great place, Jane.

I love your new lamp. I should have J look at the picture. I have a candle lantern just like your lamp's base. I wonder if he can make a lamp from it.

Happy Weekend!

Theresa said...

WOW Jane, I love your pictures of your trip! I ADORE that picture that you purchased for your master bedroom at the lake! I can't wait to see it hung on the wall:)

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend! HUGS!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Jane what a beautiful post my friend...I just love the lake and that picture and the table runner would look great in my sunroom ha ha!! I would love to see this quiant town how much fun you must of had...now on the the hubby thing girl I won't even share pics of what it looks like around Len's tv chair...I kid you not he has bookes stacked up to the table ha ha!! I'm the neat one in the house...He is just a slob from the word go ha ha!!

Glad to see your having a fun summer my Dear friend...wished I was there with you...Have a GREAT weekend girl...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Pondside said...

Hi Blondie - I love that we've both posted about herons this week - they are fantastic creatures, aren't they!?
Your new lamp is definitely a winner and I look forward to seeing it in its new home.
Enjoy your last days at the lake - it sounds like it has been a perfect holiday.

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Love the little village, so pretty! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
XO
Kristin

Helen said...

Hi Blondie! I am off to Minnesota and Gull Lake soon ... you have made me even more anxious to get started!!!

Olive said...

Jane, that is a lovely place. The picture you bought is beautiful. After two weeks away I am always ready to see my home and family just like you. hugs♥olive

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely place! I am in love with your new lamp! It is fabulous!
Hugs,
Penny

Sarah said...

Jane, this looks like a lovely spot to visit. Glad you have enjoyed your time at the lake. I'll be eager to see the updates once you finish adding your new finds. Thanks for sharing all these photos. ~ Sarah

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane.....Every good thing must end....vacations included but sometimes it is nice to get back home. Your little trip sounds so nice and the pics did remind me of Cape Cod too!~Hugs, Patti

Heaven's Walk said...

Hi Janie! I'm sooo glad that you both had a great time in South Haven! Hubby and I moseyed through the streets there yesterday after having lunch on The Idler, which is our fav place to eat, too! In fact, we parked right in front of The Harbor Inn, and I told Hubby that you had stayed here during the week. LUV LUV LUV your picture AND your new lamp! Really awesome! Hope that your transition back to reality isn't too harsh....Just hang on to the lovely memories of your vaca! :)

xoxo laurie@heavens-walk

Nancy's Notes said...

What a charming little place to visit and what awesome photographs too! Great post!

Nancy

Lori E said...

What a great place to be. I like the signage in the town. Oh and that lamp is fabulous. The perfect choice for a beach house.

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a wonderful trip and gorgeous photos to show for it. But then it's always nice to get home too, isn't it?
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Lovely pics.I have never been to Michigan.Looks so cozy.

I know exactly what you mean by missing home.Doesnt it seem we love to go away but when its time for home we cant wait,lol.Home is the best.

Happy Sunday Ahead!

Marigene said...

I love little lakeside towns, they are so friendly. The blue heron is such an interesting bird, we see them often here at the lake about a 1/4 mile from the house.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I'm so glad that you are having a wonderful vacation. I love the heron photos. They hangout here quite often, but they always amaze me with their gracefulness.

Love the beach print and the runner. That lamp is really sweet.
It will look good on your newly painted white table.

hugs
Sissie

Donna said...

South Haven looks like a wondeful spot! Love being by the water....and looks like you had some great food too. Love all your treasures, your house will look charming with the new additions....love the placemats and lamp! What a fun time!!!

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, I love your pictures that you have shared with us during your vacation. South Haven looks so peaceful and a perfect place to spend some time. We stayed in Southern Missour at an inn which was right on the water. I didn't realize how much of our room was over the water until we took a boat ride out on the lake. It was fun to watch the boats, water skiing and parasailing which I probably didn't spell right. The restuarant also gives a wonderful view I bet. Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing all the wonderful pictures. Your Missouri Friend.

Paula@SweetPea said...

I'm so glad that you've had such a nice, relaxing vacation. I see a Blue Heron flying down the creek every now and then while I'm running. They are so big and prehistoric looking! I usually have to stop to admire its grace. Be sure to show us the lamp when you finish with it.

shabbyfufu said...

Hi Jane.....looks like you are embracing summer and enjoying life! My hubby is originally from Michigan and I have gone up to visit his extended family. So many beautiful areas to see. xo~Janet

koralee said...

Sooooo lovely..I love visiting new places. I love crabcakes...

Thanks for visiting me the other day..your images are amazing today. xoxoxo

xinex said...

Hi Janie, What a picturesque place. I looks very relaxing, just the kind I like to visit, especially with shops all over. And speaking of shops, you brought home lots of goodies. I love them all and they perfectly fit yout lakehouse. I have taken another project so I might have to put the painting studio in the back burner for a while. But do you remember seeing a white trailer parked at the end of driveway before the iron fence? Behind the fence on that side is where we want to put the studio. It will be facing the house to create some kind of a courtyard so the arbor, pool and gazebo can be viewed from the porch of the studio. I still have my plans but I'll wait a while and get my other project going first. I'll email you about it cause this comment is getting too long...Christine

Debbiedoos said...

Looks awesome Jane....our kinda vacation. Thanks for sharing great pictures and info with us. Have fun.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

What a lovely place to visit!

Welcome home!

stefanie said...

oh what a perfect lamp!!!
as for that heron...I hate those evil guys, I have had them sneak in the early morning and eat my fish.

Melanie said...

I have always heard that it is beautiful in Michigan. I have never been there but the water pictures are gorgeous. Safe travels home.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Janie,
So glad you have had a great time on vacation and got to rest and relax. I love your lamp and runner :)
We will all be glad to have you home :)
xo
Robin

Suzann said...

I am officially jealous.

WOW. I love everything and I cannot wait to see the lamp on top of the white table.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
What a great trip girlfriend! I love the place you stayed and the beautiful lake which happens to be one of my fave's too!
And I just adore your new tablerunner and placemats!
They are just wonderful and will make a great beachy tablescape!
Have a great week my friend,
(I just posted pics of Katie's baby shower. Come by and see when you can.)
Hugs,
Cindy

Sue said...

I'm really glad to read this post. We love Michigan and have been driving up a few times a year the past 3 years. We loved Petosky and we have been to Traverse City (love it) several times, but it is an 8 hour drive for us. We've thought about trying one of the areas just barely into the state. I've read about New Buffalo and St. Joseph, but maybe I should check out South Haven. We would love to find someplace we could leave here early in the morning and be having lunch with a water view!

Anita Diaz said...

I LOVE that lamp!! My outside light fixtures are similar, and I love them. Thanks for stopping by for cake!

Sue said...

I need to get out on the water~ have always been one to love the mountains! Your trip certainly has been fun for you. Getting back home to the daily grind is inevitable, though. Don't be a stranger, Janie. hugs, Sue

P.S. I forgot to bring my ugly roosters out to play for the rooster party! I had a plan, but time got away from me. They are going to develop a complex hidden away inside that bureau drawer of mine! LOL

myletterstoemily said...

i'm so sorry your lake vacation is ending.
it seems like such a fun, beautiful place

what lovely purchases! i especially love
the nautical lamp.

Urban Farmgirl said...

Jane I am CRAZY about that beach picture. It is simply fantastic! From one beach love to another...I am super jealous!

~mary~

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
This little town looks like a place that I would just love...so cozy! That lamp is very neat looking...can't wait tosee how your table turns out!

Blessings,
Linda

From the Old InkWell said...

Looks like a lovely place. Never been to Lake Michigan. I love herons. They are such graceful creatures. Love your first pic of the heron. Great shot!

Cass @ That Old House said...

Whoa, gorgeous!!!
My daughters and I were in Michigan last week, for my niece's baby shower -- we stayed in Livonia. I have never seen so many golf courses in one place!

We drove up from Pittsburgh, and we were close to the lake, but couldn't see it from the highway and didn't have time to explore! next time - as I know we'll be going back after the babies arrive. Twin boys!
Cass
PS -- LOVe the runner!

Cass @ That Old House said...

Whoa, gorgeous!!!
My daughters and I were in Michigan last week, for my niece's baby shower -- we stayed in Livonia. I have never seen so many golf courses in one place!

We drove up from Pittsburgh, and we were close to the lake, but couldn't see it from the highway and didn't have time to explore! next time - as I know we'll be going back after the babies arrive. Twin boys!
Cass
PS -- LOVe the runner!

Debbie said...

Hi Jane! I LOVE all of your pictures of your vacation. What great little towns down there on the big lake.
That lamp and table runner will fit right in at your lake house!
Leaving must be bittersweet. Will you be going back for Labor Day?
We've had so much company this year...and I don't mind at all.
Did you get the table painted?
Have a safe trip home.
Hugs,
Debbie@houseatthelake

Anonymous said...

Hi there! What a beautiful place to visit. I reallllly love that lamp too :) have a great one my friend!

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Jane! It looks like you are having a wonderful time! Love the shots of the heron! I hope you are having a great week!...hugs...Debbie

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hey Blondie! I just love that new lamp! I agree it is so nautical looking! I cannot wait to see the before and after pictures when you get it set up. Very nice picture and tablerunner too! Love the heron also, such beautiful pictures! I know you are ready to go home but I sure would have a hard time leaving.

Anne Marie said...

great trip - and we enjoy that area so much - we had super good friends with a house on the beach in Sawyer - so it was so fun visiting them and going antiquing!!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Oh also meant to say that restaurant/bar on the boat is wonderful. The place you stayed at reminds me of a great little place we visit in SC called Shem Creek! Fun times right!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great town! I'd love to stay by the water ~ any water. One of my favorite family vacations was a rental house we took in Maine on a lake. It was wonderful ~ and we all actually agreed that it was wonderful {from hubby to the teen daughter and pre-teen son at the time}. I love that runner ~ that is my favorite way of doing a nautical look.

Sharing with Sherri said...

Hi Jane!

I'm so glad you stopped by! It was great to hear from you! Your message gave me a big smile and chuckle! (I also left you a response on my post).

I really enjoyed your photos of your little vacation, looked sooo fun and relaxing. I've always dreamed of having a home on beach and decorating it with a beachy theme! I loved the things you bought, and can't wait to see what "magic" you do with them at your lake home!!

Have a wonderful day!
Hugs, Sherri:)

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Hey Jane! We LOVE South Haven! I will always remember it as the first beach my youngest would walk on the sand & get in the water (he was a stinker & never wanted anything to do with it until then!!) Our Grandma's cousin still lives there & we love to visit her & her boys & their boats! Thanks for taking us along to see some of the sights we've missed (we'll have to keep them in mind when we visit again!)
Have a super week!

Julie Marie said...

Hello Jane... trying to get caught up with my favorite blogs after my surgery last week... what a beautiful place! And of course I love the Heron, so magnificent! xoxo Julie Marie

The Charm of Home said...

Really nice finds Jane. I love your lake house. This looks like a really relaxing time. Thanks for stopping by. I will post that butternut bisque soon.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane, I totally understand the feeling you have at the lake. Although I live on a lake I have that feeling at the beach....just totally at peace! We have a Mr. and Mrs. Heron that live here with us. I love to see them standing on the end of the dock. They never let me close enough for a great photo though. I keep working on it! Loved all your photos. xo Lynn

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Love south Haven...
Glad you had such a wonderful visit.
Loved the photos!
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,
Ooooh I love that painting of the beach and fence. I love seeing those fences at the beach. It sounds like you had a wonderful rest at your lake house. When you talk about it, I can picture the sunsets. When we lived in Canada we vacationed at Lake Huron, on the other side of Michigan. The sunsets took your breath away.

Love the idea of painting that lamp. Can't wait to see the after photos.

When you have two homes, you must always be torn between where you want to be. I think if I had a lake house I would surely not want summer to end.

Karen

Barb said...

Hi Janie, love your pictures.

I have to tell you a funny...when we first moved to the lake...I watched a blue heron swallow a fish; quite a long process. I couldn't eat for two days..made me totally sick. Ha. I surely laugh at myself now.

Such soothing views!

Hugs, Barb

Signing Out said...

Jane, what a beautiful place! If I went there, I wouldn't want to leave. The inn looks fabulous, and I bet the waterfront dining is absolutely the best.

I love all your seashore finds, too. Can't wait to see how you use them in a tablescape.

Jane

Anonymous said...

Hi, I just started reading your blog :) I love your pictures of South Haven. It looks like you had a wonderful time! xo

Beth at Aunties said...

I have so enjoyed visiting with you at your lakehome.
I love flying over Lake Michigan and seeing the boats, docks and hoems that lie tucked into the many alcoves and shores. Your home makes me feel like I have actually been on thr groud visiting and taking in all the rich ambience. What fun treasures you found on your trip. Your table will look beautiful when finish.
Enjoy a safe trip returning home and pray all is well there.

~♥