Warren Dunes and Rte12 – Sand and Sandwiches Part 2

As the sun began to lower in the west, part 1 of our annual day trip to the Warren Dunes, Michigan was coming to a close. It was time to take down the beach umbrellas, fold up the towels and brush off the sand. Our group was quite okay with that because the second leg of the trip was about to begin with a drive down Rte 12 toward our first sand-free meal of the day.

Warren Dunes day trip Part 2: The Sandwiches

Our dining destination at Redamak’s Tavern is an annual stop and a predetermined, agreed upon decision, no negotiations; however, between our next meal and the dunes, Rte 12 is plentiful with other sites and stops that would keep most anyone captivated for hours, if not days.

Let me just add that in my opinion, the coolest thing about Rte 12, also known as Red Arrow Highway,  is that although it runs perpendicular to the shoreline of Lake Michigan, there is a buffer of land between the two. Whomever plotted the proximity of the route to the edge of the shoreline was brilliant. In most locations, Rte 12 is located at least 1/2 mile back from the shore.

Meaning that there are miles and miles of  picturesque sand, grass and tree lined beaches that have been saved from roadways and commercial development.  Get a great view of this here.

That being said, a leisurely drive down Rte 12 has it’s own attraction even without a view of the beach.

With lots of charm and very little neon, lake house, cottage style architecture shows itself off along the way in the form of shops, wineries, restaurants, galleries and much more.

Here is just a small showcase of sites that we came upon on Rte 12:

We always try to make it to this fruit and vegetable stand just outside the state park.

Sometimes we’re too late, and the stand is closed for the night.

But n’ere  there be a lack of interest in the parking lot by way of a vintage 1957 Chrysler New Yorker Airport Limo.

Proof that independent meat markets still exist,

meanwhile homesick Chicagoans need not fear in these parts.

Michigan does Barb-B-Que? It sure does…

Antiques shops o’ plenty

Coffee and tea house…I don’t think I saw a Starbucks, hmmm?

Don’t forget modern-n-charming as in this beach house, road side shop.

See the story about Sojourn and this building.

Oh, by the way…

that weathered wood you see

is just the look I was going for on my sun bleached and weather stained over-the-sink window shelf!

Built like a brick house…back when they still built brick houses.

Enter Redamak’s,

Enter neon…

First come first serve…

Order a famous burger… or not…

There is always a sandwich on the menu, too.

Your choice and sand-free guaranteed.

Thank you for stopping by!

If you missed Warren Dunes Part 1, check it out here.

More helpful links for travel in Southwestern Michigan

Beachtowns

Year round Activities and Attractions

And don’t forget we have a giveaway going on!!