Arcadia, MI
Population: 621
A lovely town that is refreshing like the breeze off Lake Michigan. While Saugatuck before it was small yet bustling, Arcadia felt smaller than its actual population. The quiet coast and empty town streets were almost surreal. How could somewhere so beautiful be so empty? I would find the answer to that question in one of the town's two stores that still remains open.
Old Wharves on Arcadia Beach
Wharves reaching out into the lake from the past. This used to be a busy town port along the shore of Lake Michigan, but a change in trade patterns and technology moved traffic away from Arcadia and towards other parts of Michigan. The wharves stand today as a reminder of Arcadia's roots but are not forgotten, you can find some of the old wood in buildings around town.
Sue
Has lived in Arcadia for her entire life. She lives in her grandparents' house and it acts as a great reminder to what the town used to be like. Working at the Arcadia Marine and Lily Pad Gift Shop occupies most of Sues time. The building is made of repurposed materials from past structures like Arcadia High School. The counter Sue stands behind and serves ice-cream over is actually a pulpit from an old church. Her daughter and granddaughter both work at the Marine in their spare time. Sue likes having her family close and misses her husband and father, the two men responsible for most of the reconstruction in the building. The flavors on the chalkboard from the old school are updated weekly, so be sure to visit and have a scoop.
Inspiration Point
After securing my campsite for the night I wanted to checkout a place that quite a few of the locals had mentioned. A 120 step climb takes to you to the top of Arcadia Overlook, or as the locals call it - Inspiration Point. The highest point on lake Michigan, it is an absolute must stop for anyone traveling along the infamous M-22 route. Bonus if you arrive in time to watch the sun rise or set that day. The day I was in arcadia was filled with scattered clouds and mild winds. However, come sunset the wind had died out and the water was incredibly flat for as far as you could see. with the sun peaking through the now crawling clouds I thought about the miles behind me and the days ahead. I had a lot left in my 10k or Less journey, and I was now inspired to get after it harder than ever.
Day at the Beach
"It's a little overcast today" - the boy doesn't care, no more sitting still for sun lotion that's slippy cold.
"I've got sand in my shoes, now" - the boy doesn't care, he has a castle complete with a shell drawbridge.
"Do that again, and we'll go home" - the boy, Bobby, does care. He want's to stay until past the Suns' bedtime.
Arcadia, MI
One of the more beautiful stops on my journey, Arcadia left me with very mixed emotions. I was struck by the landscape and serenity I found in the town, and was surprised by the lack of people taking advantage of it. Instead of a thriving summer season, Arcadia has about 6 weeks of tourism because of its limmited support of the industry. "Not in my backyard," no one wants to be the one to budge on Town Hall issues. A move to have a large water company install pipes for larger commercial builidngs in the arcadia area was just vetoed. So I guess I felt a little melancholy. Arcadia is definitely a place I think you should visit for yourself, but do some planning. If you just show up out of the blue it's going to take some work to find the diamond in the sand dunes. Still, it's there - go find it.