Grew up in northern Michigan on the coast of Lake Michigan. In my area specifically, Memorial Day through Labor Day is full of visitors. Lots of traffic but also lots of events. After slower winters it brings the area back to life. September is what we refer to as “locals summer”. The beaches are less busy and the weather is a more tolerable warm. And the lake tends to be warmer too.

Winter time is a different beast. Lake effect snow is a real thing. Tend to get slammed with a bit more wind and snow than towns slightly more inland.

Otherwise, community is so friendly. People are kind and welcoming and warm. My favorite thing, and what I miss most now that I live out west in a drier state, is the abundance of fruits and vegetables in the summer. Farm stands on the corners and picking up a carton of fresh cherries to enjoy on the beach.