Southwestern Michigan Retreat Supplies A Solace, of Sorts

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

The images contained within this post all were taken last week — with my brand new Samsung Galaxy A13 I might add — during a four-day visit to beautiful and scenic Southwest Michigan, just hours from our home in Chicago, but far enough away to provide a much-needed break from work and daily life.

What’s more, the trip provided an opportunity to disconnect somewhat from all the unfortunate developments (at least from my perspective) that have taken place within our nation in recent months, developments that assuredly will sharpen the schism between right and left, somewhat validating the growing belief that the democratic process — the bedrock of this nation — is irreparably broken.

Yes, we spent valuable quality time visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Grand Rapids and two nights in a quaint hotel perched along the Black River in relaxing South Haven; as noted from the images here, stunningly gorgeous Midwestern summer weather punctuated by clear blue skies and warm temperatures was prevalent. 

Yet television reports and digital messages on my new handheld made it challenging to disassociate news emanating from the White House, Capitol Hill and the U.S. Supreme Court from enjoying the simple pleasures of life in late June. 

There’s no need to expound upon the specifics. If you’re following news disseminated by reputable media organizations, you are aware of the serious issues facing the nation during this election year.  Draw your own conclusions and vote your conscious. 

All I ask is that the next time we venture out of town, the vitriol, the vindictiveness, and the vehement rhetoric so pervasive today will have subsided significantly. Ah, one can only remain positive when confronting obstacles. 

Now, enjoy these five visuals.

The pond at the Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is a truly world-class living museum. We especially enjoyed the Japanese Friendship Garden.

The Southshore Concert Band, a volunteer group of musicians, performed a wide range of classic Americana songs on a flawless evening in South Haven’s Riverfront Park. My favorite was “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town).”

A view of one of the many marinas along the Black River in South Haven. Downriver, I visited the Michigan Maritime Museum, which is being expanded.

An orchard at the Dutch Farms Market just north of South Haven reflects the area’s agricultural prominence.

We gathered with other visitors for the sunset from the South Beach lighthouse in South Haven on the longest day of the year in 2022. A truly mesmerizing and tranquil moment.