Serving New Buffalo, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, South Haven, Fennville, Glenn, Douglas, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Muskegon

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Red and Yellow Tulips
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Perhaps the truth depends on a walk along the lake. -- Wallace Stevens

Those of us who spend time along the shores of Lake Michigan know there is such a thing as a ‘lake effect’. Whether heading south from Saugatuck-Douglas down the coast to Chicago, or turning north from Holland to Muskegon and points beyond, the lake is never far away. Even on the most hectic day, it is possible to tap into the sense of well-being and tranquility that seems to surround the vast clear lake that the Ojibwa called mishigami, or ‘great water’.

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photo: US National Park Service
Lighting the Lake: The Apostle Islands Lights

Time is money, and taking a shortcut through the 22 Apostle Islands has been a challenge for ship captains since the 1800s. In this issue of Lake Effect Living we explore the lights that allowed safe passage through the dangerous waters to the ports of Duluth and Ashland.

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photo: Huckleberry Railroad
Christmas Trains in Michigan

Take your family on a short excursion to Santa Land by rail.

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Christmas Tree Farms

Time to get your fresh cut Christmas Tree from one of these farms in southwest Michigan.

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Art Galleries Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Feed your aesthetic sense with a visit to one of the art galleries in the Lake Effect Guide.

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Wineries and Vineyards of the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Curl up by the fire and keep warm this winter while you enjoy a fine wine from one of west Michigan's great wineries.

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Skiing West Michigan

Time to get out and get some exercise while the snow lasts in west Michigan.

December days are short, but they begin to grow longer in January. Be on the beach at the right time to catch a beautiful southwest Michigan sunset. Like snowflakes, no two are alike. Use our Beaches and Sunset Times pages to make sure you don't miss out.

Don't forget to check out the
Calendar of Events for December and January. There's always something happening on the lakeshore.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs
are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.