Tag: Chicago

Exploring the Coastal Gems of Lake Michigan

Stretching across four Midwestern states, the 1,600-mile shoreline of Lake Michigan is an expansive playground for beachgoers seeking white sand, rolling dunes, and iconic Great Lakes views. Unique among its fellow Great Lakes for being entirely within the United States, Lake Michigan borders Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. While the lake’s cool waters rarely climb above 73 degrees Fahrenheit, the scenery and outdoor activities more than compensate for the brisk swim, according to this travel blog article from Travel + Leisure. From serene boardwalk strolls to adrenaline-pumping dune climbs, Lake Michigan’s beach destinations offer something for every kind of
traveler.

On Michigan’s eastern shore lies Holland State Park, a picturesque blend of soft sand and Dutch-American culture. The park’s dual beaches and accessible boardwalks offer close views of the striking Big Red Lighthouse, a 19th-century beacon that’s among Michigan’s most photographed landmarks. North of Holland, Tunnel Park offers a literal passage through the dunes, while Kirk Park features trails, bluffs, and even an off-leash
beach area for dogs.

Adventure and relaxation converge at Silver Lake State Park, which stretches across 3,000 acres of beach, dunes, and forest. In addition to a tranquil swimming area and scenic trails, the park is home to a 450-acre off-road vehicle area, the only one of its kind east of the Mississippi. Nearby, Mac Wood's Dune Rides offers thrilling guided dune tours. Visitors can also climb the Little Sable Point Lighthouse for panoramic views of the shoreline.

A crown jewel of the region, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore spans more than 70,000 acres and boasts the largest freshwater dune system on the planet. With seven public beaches, including Platte Point Beach, and several scenic overlooks, this park is ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet contemplation. Certain areas allow for beach fires, and several beaches are open to leashed pets, though seasonal restrictions are in place to protect the habitat of endangered piping plovers.

Among Lake Michigan’s beloved inland destinations, Ludington State Park offers not one, but two lakeside beaches—one on Lake Michigan and another on Hamlin Lake. In addition to its iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the park includes dunes, marshes, and forestland. Nearby Stearns Park features accessible amenities and free Wi-Fi, while Buttersville Park offers a pet-friendly beach and campgrounds.

Further south, Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph, Michigan, invites visitors to enjoy volleyball, kayak rentals, and postcard-worthy views of North Pier lighthouses. The park’s location at the mouth of the St. Joseph River adds to its allure. With beach wheelchairs available in summer and amenities like outdoor showers and picnic areas, Silver Beach makes accessibility and comfort a priority.

In Illinois, Rosewood Beach in Highland Park has been transformed by a restoration project into a modern lakefront retreat. With a boardwalk, glass-walled interpretive center, and a designated swimming area, it’s a serene getaway just north of Chicago. Nearby Moraine Park features walking trails, a sculpture garden, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.

On Wisconsin’s western shore, North Beach in Racine spans 50 acres with live music, volleyball courts, and a long walking path along the Lake Michigan Pathway. The beach includes wheelchair mats to improve access, and while pets are prohibited on the sand, the beach remains a popular summer hangout.

In Indiana, Indiana Dunes National Park features nine beaches along the southern edge of the lake and more than 50 miles of hiking trails. West Beach is a standout for its showers and seasonal lifeguards, while the Dune Succession Trail and Lake View Beach offer top-notch scenery, especially at sunset.

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Top City Hotels in the U.S. According to Travel + Leisure Readers

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks for readers’ opinions on various travel related subjects. Those opinions are then used to create “Best” lists to guide readers when planning a trip. One of those categories is Best City Hotels, and this year’s top winners did not disappoint.

Readers were asked to choose their favorite city hotels based on certain characteristics, some of which are location, amenities, facilities, and overall value. Here are the top winners, according to this Travel + Leisure article.

The Lowell, New York City

Located in the heart of Manhattan on the Upper East Side, The Lowell has easy access to the posh shops of Fifth Avenue, the major fashion houses of Madison Avenue, and the calming retreat to nature that is Central Park. This is one of the main reasons the hotel is so popular with travelers. Of course, the luxury the hotel provides doesn’t hurt either. Established in 1927, The Lowell has a timeless elegance and grace that is perfectly reflected in its gold, cream, and white color scheme. The Lowell is small for a New York hotel, with just 74 rooms and suites across 17 floors, but many visitors preferred the cozy atmosphere this creates. The hotel even boasts wood-burning fireplaces, which are pretty rare in New York, landscaped terraces overlooking the city, and afternoon tea in the Pembroke Room.

The Loutrel, Charleston, South Carolina

The Loutrel, named for the famous landscape architect Loutrel Briggs, is a 50-room contemporary boutique hotel with a prime location just outside of the residential historic district of Charleston. The hotel just opened in November of 2021 but has already made quite an impression on travelers. Paying homage to Briggs, who designed about 100 private gardens in the area starting in the 1920s, the hotel outfits every corner with greenery and flower arrangements. Rooms are clean and minimalist with floor to ceiling windows. The rooftop terrace is the crown jewel of the hotel, and guests can expect to be wowed by the views of the historic French Quarter any time of day or night.

Pendry Chicago, Chicago

Located in the 1929 Art Deco Carbide and Carbon Building, Pendry Chicago is a contemporary boutique hotel that offers luxury comforts and impressive city views. The rooms are elegantly decorated in black and white, an aesthetic that is fitting for the time period it honors. Customer service is the hotel’s specialty and concierges famously keep on top of guests’ needs through texting. The hotel also houses many popular restaurants and bars, such as the French restaurant Venteux (French for “windy”), the cocktail bar Bar Pendry, and the rooftop bar Chateau Carbide.

 Riggs Washington D.C., Washington, D.C.

The Riggs Washington D.C. is a city hotel located in the building that used to house The Riggs National Bank. It is one of the last remaining Romanesque Revival buildings in the area, and the architecture makes quite a statement. Regular roomsfeature statement wallpaper and upholstered headboards designed by the firm Voutsa. There are also four suitesinspired by four First Ladies that each have fun and unique details. The hotel has guests covered for food and drink with Cafe Riggs, a restaurant that’s open all day, and Silver Lyan, a bar housed in what used to be the bank’s vault. The hotel also has a prime location in the Penn Quarter-Chinatown area, making shopping, dining, and museum visiting very accessible.

These fine city hotels offer the best in luxurious accommodations, delicious food and cocktails, and guest services sure to make anyone feel spoiled. They also have prime locations with killer views. According to Travel + Leisure readers, travelers should not miss an opportunity to check these hotels out for themselves.

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