Sleeping Bear Dunes

Last weekend, Eric and I headed up north for a day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes. I really wanted him to see the dunes before winter hit, and it always gets cold up there more quickly... so I thought we better head up there now before it's too late! We made the drive up from Grand Rapids, which is about 2 and a half hours or so. We headed into Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive right before sunset and made our way to stop #9 - my favorite lookout.

They removed the boardwalks, so you actually had to climb the dunes up to the top, but it wasn't too bad! Plus once you got to the top, you were able to go on their boardwalk overlook which provides the most amazing views of Lake Michigan. Plus, the water is so blue up there. It's just beautiful. It was a bit chilly and very windy, but I loved the atmosphere. It definitely felt like autumn.

From the lookout, you can see both North and South Manitou Islands. You could even see South Manitou Lighthouse very very faintly from the boardwalk! And that lighthouse is massive! You can see a photo here of me and the lighthouse. This spot is only 54 miles away from Milwaukee, but you can't actually see it because of the curvature of the earth. Neat, right? This is definitely one of my favorite spots I've ever visited in Michigan.

I spotted this top on ModCloth a few months ago and bought it right away. The bear print is so cute! I was actually planning on wearing it to Bear Cave, but we didn't end up making the trip there this summer. So I thought... Sleeping Bear Dunes works too! I'll have to remix it again next summer for Bear Cave though. ;)

---

Outfit details:

ModCloth Eye on the Ties Top in Bears
J Brand Jeans via Lucky FABB
Marshalls jacket
Georgia Three Hand Leather Watch c/o Fossil
Forever21 ring
Samantha Pleet Arc Boot c/o Wolverine