Traverse City, Michigan
If you've seen it, it helps summarize our many trips to Traverse City (minus the dead aunt).
Shoreside Inn... where we stayed.
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Don's Drive In... where we ate.
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Doug Murdick's Fudge... where we snacked.
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And snacked... and snacked... and snacked...
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Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf... where we played.
Good ol' Fred's (circa 1988)...
For as long as I can remember, my family and I traveled to Traverse City and stayed at the Shoreside Inn. Sadly, in 2010, the Shoreside Inn was shut down and razed to make room for a park. (Yea, don't get me started...) Another family favorite was Don's Drive In - home of the best burgers and malts known to mankind. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf saw my Mom "throw" many games just so none of her kids would finish last. (Saintly, yes?) It was also home to the greatest comeback in putt-putt history, but I don't want to talk about that - go ask my brother. No trip to Traverse was complete without a hearty pound (or two, or three) of Doug Murdick's Fudge. I credit this place with teaching us how to "shave off" a splinter of additional fudge without the owner of that particular wedge noticing.
Good ol' Fred's (circa 2008)...
Check out my rock fort from 1986!
Here I am in 1986 with my brother, sister, and long-time friends, the Barkeys. (Pictured left-to-right: brother Nate, Ben Barkey, Kurt Barkey, me, and sister Sarah.)
The sand at Fred's had to have been the most manicured stretch of beach in America. And somehow, after watching Larry rake the beach for a half hour, I always felt really bad about stepping on it...
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The water was always crystal clear, no matter the weather. For many years, this particular buoy served as our "boundary" of how far we were allowed to swim. (Just ask my Mom about the year I rowed across. Wait. Don't.)
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"The Swans" - the mascots of Shoreside Inn (and nibblers of Sarah's feet).
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There were always plenty of signs around Shoreside Inn. Not all were followed...
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Every morning we'd wake up to this view from Room #9.
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As children, this shoreline seemed to go on forever. As adults, it was just as fun.
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How do you beat this view? I'll go ahead and field that question... you can't.
Ah, the row boat. So many memories. (Again, don't ask my Mom about me rowing across the East Bay... with my sister in tow on a paddle board.)
The campfire was a place we all enjoyed. The banter, reminiscing, and reflection that took place as the embers burned the night away is something I’ll always cherish.
It was like clockwork to see everyone gather to watch the sun go down on the East Bay.
My Grandparents (on my Dad's side) lived in Traverse City during my lifetime. Part of our excursion up north was visiting them in the evenings. Their house was immaculate, and all of us were amazed at Grandpa’s rock wall along the water. Their passing has, understandably, been hard on everyone. However, the memories made with them – and the new ones we make every year – shows the importance of spending time with family. Without a doubt, it has made our vacations immortal.
And so we pass the "Traverse Traditions" on to the next generation...
The Lakeshore Resort...
...will become Fraser's "Fred's".