Blogs
Tips for taking photos in winter from a Michigan photographer
- Joshua Nowicki
Winter is one of our favorite times to be outside. The crisp air, the way that the snow blankets everything, the peculiar ice formations along the lakeshore and the delicate beauty of individual snowflakes are from another world. We aren’t alone in that feeling. Thousands of visitors pass through Southwest Michigan each year, many of them taking photos in winter. Whether it's walking along Lake Michigan, hiking a trail, climbing a snow-covered dune or driving along a quiet country road, you’ll delight in discovering places to photograph the beauty of winter in Southwest Michigan. You don’t have to be a professional either! While we did speak to one to get tips, anyone with a camera and an interest can take photos easily. Here is what Southwestern Michigan Photographer Joshua Nowicki had to offer to get started.
Where to cross-country ski in Southwest Michigan
Picture a peaceful winter scene from a movie. You’re under the frost-lined branches of the trees above you and canopying the trail ahead. As you glide on the packed snow under you, more fresh flakes are delicately falling all around. Do you recognize the film? There might be several guesses, but the correct answer is not from a movie. Instead, it is part of the script for your next vacation. Here, you can be the main character in your own winter wonderland, enjoying one of our popular winter silent sports. Read on to find where to cross-country ski in Southwest Michigan.
Find refreshing non-alcoholic drinks along Southwest Michigan’s Makers Trail
You don’t have to drink craft alcoholic beverages to have a good time at our over 40 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries along Southwest Michigan’s Makers Trail. Whether you are the designated driver, celebrating Dry January, abstaining during your pregnancy or prefer not to drink alcohol — our Makers offer some delicious mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Visit St. Joseph’s frozen lighthouses
Stunning. Majestic. Jaw-dropping beautiful. Magical. These are some words you will say as you gasp at the sight of the St. Joseph North and South Pier lighthouses and catwalk drenched in ice on Lake Michigan. While Nature’s amazing sculptures are temporary, seeing them in person even once will leave an impression that will last for decades.
Best ice skating in Southwest Michigan
Several winter sports invite us to stay active in the cold months, but in some Southwest Michigan rinks, you can enjoy one of them year round — ice skating. Whether you need to shuffle through your first few steps or prefer to take off with a firm accelerating push, a fresh sheet of ice is waiting for you in more than one Southwest Michigan location. Both indoors and out! So, grab your skates, or rent them, and experience the best ice skating in Southwest Michigan. Then try some of the extra fun activities these rinks have to offer.
Best outdoor winter tasting experiences in Southwest Michigan
- Erika Anthony
Forget about hibernating this winter. Our Southwest Michigan wineries, breweries and distilleries along our Makers Trail offer warm, indoor places to taste craft beverages, each with unique ambiances. But what sets several stops along this Trail apart is tasting delicious hot and cold drinks in Mother Nature’s picturesque outdoors!
Best last-minute Christmas gifts in Southwest Michigan
Holiday shopping days are flying by “like the down of a thistle,” but there’s no need to panic. There is still time to get your last-minute holiday shopping done. The local shops are here to help. Our festively decorated towns along Lake Michigan and scattered throughout our countryside make present gathering fun. And we’ve gathered everything you need to know to find the best last minute Christmas gifts in Southwest Michigan. Read on and start planning your shopping route!
