Meet Eve Wierzbicki! Eve is the founder of Dig the Dunes and the person behind all those Facebook, Instagram & Twitter posts you see each day. Eve has lived near Lake Michigan most of her life, and couldn’t imagine being away from it. While her profession is marketing, her passion is getting out on the trails, finding local eateries and breweries and sharing it all with you. Eve’s goal is to make sure that everybody gets out to the beach in the middle of winter at least once to experience the peacefulness, stillness and magic of a frozen Lake Michigan.
What brought you to the dunes? My family bought a summer house in Long Beach when I was young. In 6th grade I moved here full time. Left to go to IU in Bloomington and then spent about 15 years in Chicago before moving back.
How long have you lived here? I’ve lived in Ogden Dunes for 12 years.
What is your favorite thing to do in the area? Anything outside. I love the beaches and trails from Whiting to deep into Michigan. I love to explore new areas and find new adventures. Walking my dog, trail running, hiking, x-country skiing…just getting outside puts a smile on my face. And I do like to enjoy a good craft beer at one of our many great breweries in the area!
Tell us a secret about the dunes. Climbing to the top of a dune and looking out at the water is one of the best places to be. During any season. Once you reach the top on a clear day and take it all in, it puts everything into perspective.
Give us your top three “hidden treasures” (restaurant, shop, trail, beach, event…really anything!)
a) The Tap Room at Burn ‘Em brewing. I’ve been drinking their beer since they started, but finally got over to the tap room just last week. It’s small, but has a great feel, great people and great beer!
b) Central Ave Beach. Unfortunately, Central Ave. is closed right now, but hopefully it will reopen next season. To me, that beach is so unique. I love the high dunes and all the rocks. I also love that it’s dog friendly! Aside from the beach there are some great trails in that area. Standing at the top of a Central Ave dune is a view you won’t want to miss!
c) Glenwood Dunes (formerly Ly-co-ki-we) for cross country skiing. This is my favorite spot to ski in the area. There are several trails to take – flat ones as well as slopes and turns for the more advanced!
What would you like to teach people about the dunes? I hope with DigtheDunes.com, I am teaching people about the dunes. I want them to know where all the trails are, the best beaches and how and why the dunes are here. We have so many wonderful things here — from people, to places, to events. I wish I had enough time to share it all!
Anything else? I just want to thank everyone for following and supporting Dig the Dunes. I couldn’t do it without you. All your kind words keep me going! I am going to be working hard over the next year to revamp the website, continue to grow my directory of local places and collaborate with others to bring you some great blogs and more events! I also want to remind you that there are many ways to support DigtheDunes.com. Join our directory, promote your event or organization with a banner ad, or simply buy a t-shirt or art from some of our great local artists!
—