Beach Weekend

Last weekend I had the opportunity to head back to my hometown of Holland, Michigan. After running 15 miles Saturday morning, I spent the rest of the weekend at the various lakeshores around Holland.

Growing up so close to a giant body of water has definitely shaped who I am and what I appreciate in life. Coming back to the lake every year restores a part of my soul and helps me reconnect with the beauty of the world.

Saturday night some friends and I hit up Lake Michigan for the sunset and a beach fire. It was perfect.

After a night of beaching, we stopped at China Kitchen and devoured some fresh, hot doughnuts.

Sunday morning I went with some family to Boatwerks restaurant, a great eatery right on Lake Macatawa (which feeds into Lake Michigan). In the summer, we drive the boat right up to the patio and enjoy burgers and beer in the sun.

I enjoyed a delicious Boatwerks lunch of the house salad that contained greens, candied pecans, dried cherries and gorgonzola cheese.

Followed by a delicious portabella and red pepper panini with a side of chips and grapes.

With the unseasonably high temps, the trip back to Ann Arbor was a breeze. I left feeling refreshed and restored. It's amazing what a weekend at the beach will do for the spirit.

Have you hit up the beach yet this year?