LAKESIDE LOVE
When my husband Mark and I first hooked up back in 1971, like most young couples we didn’t have a lot of money for extras like romantic getaways. With that in mind, some of our best times were spent walking the beaches of Lake Michigan. We avoided going in the summertime – too crowded, but chose instead spring, fall and winter when all the tanned and oiled bodies were elsewhere and the beaches were at peace.
Our first stop was always Holland St Park in Holland MI, not too far from his hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. We’d drive in, find a place to park, and the sit in the car and look out over the lake. The water’s look changes with the seasons but there is nothing more visually moving than Lake Michigan in winter. The snow and ice have a raw beauty that is at once primal and overwhelming. Yes, it would be cold; Michigan winters are no joke but when you’re bundled up, coffee in one gloved hand, and your other gloved hand in his – you can’t beat it. The crisp air, the sun sparkling on the snow, and having the occasional snow ball fight made for a great way to start a to a romantic weekend.
After leaving Holland, we’d head for Port Sheldon Road and the long relaxing drive up the coast. Back in the seventies and early eighties, Port Sheldon was a lightly traveled two laner, lined on both sides with trees so tall the canopy blocked the sun. It’s a glorious drive in the spring, but simply spectacular in the fall when the trees turned red and gold. You haven’t seen autumn until you see it in Michigan. .
When Mark and I first started going doing these our drives, we’d go up in the morning and come back home to East Lansing where we were living late that same day. As our circumstances changed, we began driving up for the weekend. At first we stayed in Grand Rapids at the Red Roof Inn, in what we called the Honeymoon suite. To quote my good buddy author Evelyn Palfrey, the room was so small you had to go outside to change your mind, but we enjoyed it. We’d get up early Saturday morning head out and spend the day driving. Then as our circumstances got even better, the two bedroom suites at the Residence Inn became our base of operation. Not only could we cook there, but the fireplaces in the suites created the atmosphere for a more sensual kind of cooking.
But I digress.
Up Port Sheldon Rd, our next stop was a great little place called Tunnel Park. Over the years, the sand dunes that make up the park have been covered by homes, but back in the day, it was one of the most astonishing places I’d ever encountered because you had to walk through a cement tunnel to access the beach. From the parking lot you couldn’t see the water at all. Once inside the tunnel all you could see was the deep blue water up ahead, and when you stepped out of the tunnel there was the lake spread out in all of its glory. I often write about kite flying in my books because that was one of the things Mark and I loved to do. Nothing like sending a kite up over the water and watching it dance in the wind and Tunnel Park was one of the best places to do that.
Back in the car, and again on Port Sheldon Rd for the hour or so ride to our next stop, Grand Haven State Park. This was another hidden treasure. Taking a left onto Grand Ave you ride through a neighborhood of large homes and at the end of the street is the lake. Lake Michigan is not called one of the Great Lakes for nothing. It’s one of the largest bodies of fresh water lakes the world. If you look at a map of my state you can get a sense of just how large it is. In the off season you can sit for hours and not be disturbed. You can check out the gulls, the wind surfers and sometimes the Coast Guard cutters.
After leaving Grand Haven, we head west and north to Muskegon and the state park there. Many a time, no matter the time of day we had the huge lakefront park to ourselves. Great place to take a lunch break, fly our kites, or sit on the dunes and just be together.
An unconventional romantic getaway? You bet, but when you’re young and broke, a cheap weekend date can be the start of something memorable. It certainly was for us.
So what is your favorite romantic destination? Leave your comments below and be entered to win an autographed book from Beverly!
About the author
The historical romance novels written by Ms Jenkins highlight African/American life in the 19th century. She has 21 published novels to date.
She has received numerous awards for her works, including: six Waldenbooks/Borders Group Best Sellers Awards; two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine; a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild, and in 1999 was named one of the Top Fifty Favorite African-American writers of the 20th Century by AABLC, the nation’s largest on-line African-American book club.
She has also been featured in many national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Vibe Magazine. She has lectured at such prestigious universities as Oberlin University, the University of Illinois, and Princeton. She speaks widely on both romance and 19th century African-American history.
In 2004 Ms. Jenkins branched out into romantic suspense with the publication of Edge of Midnight. Her first, faith based, women’s fiction, Bring on the Blessings was published in Jan 09. Her newest historical, Captured is set during the American Revolution and will be available in Oct. 09.
Visit Beverly online
http://www.myspace.com/165413673
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About the book – click cover to purchase
Dominic LeVeq, the most notorious privateer ever to command the high seas, has just captured a coveted prize: a British frigate. On a dangerous mission against the Crown, Dominic should be thinking only of his ship’s safety. But the rebel captain is utterly entranced by Clare Sullivan, the stunning slave on board. Consumed by desire, desperate to have her, Dominic offers Clare her freedom in exchange for a forbidden night in his bed—a night he assures her will be most pleasureable indeed.
Clare believes that Dominic is nothing more than a seductive rogue used to getting what he wants. But she too feels a tantalizing passion between them, and so she submits to just one night of bliss. She’ll soon realize that Dominic has captured more than her body. He’s captured her heart . . . and she doesn’t want him to ever let go.
Paris, for sure. After several years of trying unsuccessfully to have a baby, including surgery and infertility treatments, we gave up. The strain was just too much, on my physically and on our relationship. So to get away from it all, we planned an anniversary trip to France. A tour of the Rivera and Paris.
We had a great time. We stayed in a luxury hotel. Walked everywhere. Hung out late at night. Dined in fine restaurants. Shopped. It was like being on our honeymoon again. No thoughts of conceiving at all. And wouldn’t you know it? A few weeks after returning home, I discovered I was pregnant with our oldest son.
Gotta get back to Paris, especially now that the baby days are behind us.
Sounds like a wonderful time! I’ve always wanted to go to Paris. Maybe one day.
Go Renee, it is a beautiful place, the museums are sight to behold. One of my children was concieved in Paris, it must be the Paris night air, because we were on a camping trip.
Beverly,
I love reading about your getaways. Sounds right up my alley. I love the water. I’ll take a walk on the beach. I love taking long drives to nowhere to see where you end up.
Claritta, I often want to just get in my car and take a long drive and see where I end up. LOL That sounds like a wonderful idea, though. You can discover some great little spots along the way.
My favorite romantic destination has to be Paradise Island, Bahamas. I could live there for weeks. I love the beautiful water and sand and just being spoiled.
The Bahamas is another place I’ve always wanted to go. Hopefully I can visit all of these places in my lifetime.
Hey Ms. Bev. … I love hearing storeis of you and Mark.. they always make me smile. Before I split with the ex, we would tell people we were going out of town on vacation. He would park the car at a lot and we would take the bus home and hide in the basement. I would get food, rent movies and we used candles and flashlights to get around at night. It sounds silly but we had a lot of fun. :-0
Cilla. Now that’s something Mark and I would have loved. Great story. That scenario may wind up in somebody’s book! Thanks for dropping us a line here B
That story brought a smile to my face also. I love hearing/reading about real, true love. So heartwarming.
Hiding out at home is definitely an idea! LOL It doesn’t sound silly at all.
When we first got married we spent our anniversaries in Odessa Mo at the kids’ God mother’s home. We called it a resort because it was out in the country and it was beautiful. So that was our romantic spot for years. I love your taking rides, I think I might start that. We have some great places to drive here in Missouri.
I love the country LaShaunda! It’s so peaceful and beautiful, with many spots just made for a picnic or night under the stars.
Being a Michigander I have never been up north that far. But when I was married our romantic getaways always included “Frankenmuth” it was such a quaint little town. On the 2nd go round I will definitely make sure Holland, Mi is on my list. Loved Holland in Drake’s story…
Me too! In her own true story and Drake’s story, you’re made to feel like you are actually there! So descriptive!
My favorite destination is St. Lucia. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon. It’s my favorite island getaway.
I love this line:
“Yes, it would be cold; Michigan winters are no joke but when you’re bundled up, coffee in one gloved hand, and your other gloved hand in his – you can’t beat it.”
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story!
Honestly for me, having the time to relax and enjoy spending time with the person I love is the part that makes it special, whether Cedric and I are home having a movie night or on vacation in some exotic local. Sometimes the romantic destination can be the sofa after a trip to Blockbuster when we’re snuggled up watching a flick together. LOL.
Most welcome sis. And the sofa’s not a bad destination either! LOL Been there, done that – lots of times. LOL B
Not a bad destination at all! Or just curled up in the bed together watching movies or listening to music.
My hubby and I married young and didn’t have a lot of money to take a “real” honeymoon. And then the baby came a year and a half later. My favorite romantic getaway was for our 20th wedding anniversary. We had the honeymoon we never had in Jamaica at a beautiful resort for couples. We really enjoyed ourselves participating in all the activities, laying on the beach in the sun, partying at the nightclub, and meeting other couples from all over. I’m so ready for another getaway!
I hope you’re able to get one soon! I’m ready for one also, and Jamaica (another dream spot of mine) sounds like just the right place.
My Favorite romantic getaway was this past April when my husband and I drove from Conn. to West Palm Beach, Fl. It might not sound romantic to you, but it was the first time in 20 years that we got to go somewere and not hear “ARE WE THERE YET?” from the back seat of the car.lol We spent my birthday on a private beach belonging to family friend. The water was 80 degrees and it was also the 1st time I ever got sunburned.lol
Sounds romantic to me!
My husband and I married young too. I was 21 and had a four month old daughter. Needless to say a few years later my son arrived. So we never had a honeymoon and couldn’t afford one. We were taking care of babies. LOL. Anyway, it was our 25th wedding anniversary and I entered a contest and won a weekend getaway to Las Vegas. I was so excited. We stayed at the Fitzgerald. We saved up enough money to get tickets to see George Wallace and he had several surprised guest: Chris Tucker and Marla Gibbs. I felt like we had just gotten married again. He had his arm around me and we were laughing and dancing, toured the strip listening to the live bands, gambled a little and just had a wonderful time. It took 25 years, but hey I’m not complaining. That was a very memorable getaway.
Such great stories and responses. Thanks everyone. Keep them coming. B
The most romantic trip my husband and I have taken was a 7 day Carribean cruise. I had just lost my job and he and I were in disagreement about what I would do next. So when we got on that ship, we were barely speaking to each other. Needless to say, the cabins are very small so if you are having issues with your cabin mate, you’d better make peace with each other quickly or you’ll be in for a miserable trip. We ended up having a great time. We had so much fun with each other. We got off the ship at every port and experienced a number of adventures. We enjoyed dressing up in the evenings, the formal dining, and dancing. All so romantic. And I had a different negligee for every night. He really liked that. LOL!! I’m thinking we should consider taking another cruise together. Maybe next year for his 50th birthday.
Different negligee for each night! i bet he loved that. Nothing liked being in a closed space to bring about closeness. Glad you two had such a great time. B
Ditto!
I have not experienced a favorite romatic destination except in my mind. Being with him could make anywhere romantic for me. If it is during the winter months, a bed and breakfast near a wooded area, if warm out beachfront where you can stroll by the water barefooted.
I have not experienced a favorite romantic getaway yet, except in my thoughts. Being with “him” would be romantic within itself.
Two scenes come to mind….if it is cold outside, a bed and breakfast locale with a wooded area and if it is warm, a locale near water so we could stroll in our bare feet.
What a beautiful story Beverly! Thanks for sharing that with us. Hawaii is definitely a romantic destination! I was there earlier this year. It’s a place made for love & romance. Just sitting on the beach or by the pool early in the morning or late at night under the stars. You can rent your own little private cabana by the beach and it’s just you & your sweetie.
But if you can’t make it to Hawaii, then you can turn anywhere into a romantic destination. It’s all in the imagination.
Walking on the beach—-anywhere. As long as my husband is with me every place is romantic.
Awww….how sweet! That’s exactly how it should be.
Wonderful Story Beverly.
For me and my husband it was trip to Gatlinburg Tenn, for our 15th anniversay. Since we always stay in a hotel when we vacation with family I though it would nice to stay at a Bed and Breakfast it just SPELL romance for me. So we stay at the B&B and it was wonderful we had our own porch and patio to enjoy the morning or evening. When we got there we was told that Breakfast was from 8 to 10 each morning, needless to say we never made it BREAKFAST…………..smiling. As with the other comment we didn’t have a lot of money but we try to come up something for us to do each year together. We love to sit in bed or in the family room in our recliner and hold hands while we are looking at a movie.
Smooches
Louise
Love the romantic getaways Ms. Bev. Your discriptions are so vivid. The most memerable is the scene referred to earlier in Black Lace. I really would love to see Lake Michigan.
For me, Raymond and I went to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We climbed Dunns River Falls and it was spectacular. I’ll never forget when he suggested we climb the falls, which looked like a mountain to me, I thought he had lost his mind. But climbing it with waterfalls cascading over both of your, the photographer posing you for pictures, sneaking kisses her and there, hands roaming–oh sorry–to many details, it was something to really put you in the mood. At that time we stayed at the Ciboney Resort. I don’t know if it’s still there, but it was the most romantic villa, with a private outdoor jacuzzi. The things you can do in a jacuzzi….Whew!
Okay, I’m going to find Raymond now…..
Hi B:
Stopping by to show some love!!!
Colin and I often went on our favorite romantic getaway – a day game to the Oakland A’s followed by a stop over at the Oakland Hilton.
Humph…those were the days.
Love ya!!
Hello Ms. Bev.,
Loved your story, for us it the one day driving get away . The third Saturday of Month is date Saturday, we leave early Saturday morning some time we make the return trip, other we spend the night have a great dinner and try to find a nice jazz club. We play silly games while riding who can spot the first limo, hearst, purple car, etc., etc. The important thing is we spend time together, no books, computers, pagers, beepers, we answer cell phones depending on who is calling.
Negril, Jamaica. It is just a wonderful, relaxing experience. My husband and I had the best time of our life there.
No romantic destination for me, yet… but, as my relationship with my bf grows, I’ll definitely be thinking of this and see where we end up