The Point

I was introduced to The Point this last new years when the guy and I decided to get some fireworks, a couple of daiquiri’s, bundle up and come out here. The wind cut through us coming off the lake. It was great fun to try to set off the fireworks with the wind and waves. It was nice to sit and watch as others set off fireworks in the distance.
I have been back a couple of times since, and always find it relaxing. A nice feeling of detachment comes when parked out here as you generally can get away from the noise and buzz and have a feeling of country even though you are far, far away from the country side.
A note of warning: wear solid shoes, flip flops might be dangerous due to debris and broken bottles from others visiting here.

The Point is my happy place. I can see why people like to sneak out here to kiss. It’s one of the most romantic spots in the city. What… with the beautiful lake shining all around you, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, the cute little ducks and sun slowly setting in the background? Yeah. I can see that.
Its the perfect place to fish, walk your dog, look at beautiful sailboats, be in awe of nature, unwind and yes… kiss. And it’s right in our backyard.

The Point is alright with me. A few days ago, my friend and I had the experience of getting a quick history tour of the area by none other than the fabulous Jen.
As we arrived, Jen was explaining how high the waves get and generally what happens. We were barely parked when, with seemingly pre-​planned timing, giant waves overcame the shores and crashed down on the vehicle! And, yes, we had the windows open (initially). Maybe it was the adrenaline rush from watching waves come splashing down on us so suddenly or maybe it was the combination of that plus the timing, but it was definitely a very cool experience.
It was night time so we didn’t stay long but I’m glad that I had a chance to experience it.
Sometimes it really is the simple things in life (or nature) that lends itself for awesome moments and memories. I enjoy the outdoors and watching waves, so I’m definitely a fan of The Point.

Warning: Sentimental review ahead
I realize that when many people think about The Point they think of it as a place to bring a date. It wasn’t until recently I even knew that’s what people did. I always assumed all of those cars were people fishing.
The reason I rate this place five stars, and the reason I must drive past here whenever I am close is because of my dad. My family would frequently come down to the west end area and have family meals. Whether it was Bruning’s or Russell’s, as soon as we finished we had another family tradition. My dad would drive us around the boathouses down by the yacht club then on to The Point. Once there we would either circle and leave, watch the boats or feed the seagulls.
I have continued this tradition into adulthood. If I am anywhere near West End, I must make that circuit. This has led to some truly powerful memories and it will try and share a few with you.
Back in 2005 after the flooding subsided, but long before the city allowed people back, I was in the Lakeview area. I knew that the devastation around The Point was significant, but I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. Bruning’s was gone. The yacht harbor was destroyed and boats were piled high on the road and in the harbor. The boathouses were in sad shape. Of all the damage I witnessed during that period of time, this one hit me hard. It felt like that part of my childhood was gone and I would never get it back. It still brings tears to my eyes.
Several years later, my oldest daughter had a soccer game one Saturday. Afterward we drove to West End and ate with my dad and brother. The meal was great, and when it ended we said our goodbyes. I loaded up the family and made that circuit I had learned so many years before. As I neared the point I saw a familiar site. There was my dad feeding the seagulls the leftover bread from our meal. We stopped and the look on my daughter’s face was priceless. Those photos of my dad and daughter are some of my favorite of all time. Little did I know that while I was trying to avoid being pooped on by those seagulls, I was making a lifelong memory.
That’s all the sharing for now. Just know that if I am anywhere near here, you are likely to see me driving around and reminiscing.

I’m too young to have grown up with a «lover’s lane» like you see in episodes of Happy Days, people just don’t do that any more… but don’t tell that to people who like to sneak out for some romantic time at the Point.
The Point is pretty much a small strip sticking out into the Lake, which makes it great for watching waves, especially when a storm front is moving in. Granted, you’ll be exposed to the wrath of nature, but man is it an impressive show.

We grew up calling this the Point or the Point at the Lake. Not to be confused with Sunset Point which is evidently on the other side of the lake. Yes, you went here to smooch your boyfriend (or girlfriend or whoever) on occasion but the real fun was driving out here when the waves are crashing and you can sit inside your nice warm, dry car and let the waves crash on you. OK maybe this was more fun when it was my parents’ car and I wasn’t worried about the paintjob.
I drove out here on Saturday with my nieces so they could play along the lakefront. Most of old West End is just gone thanks to a series of hurricanes and for those of us who grew up eating Sunday lunches out this way, it’s just sad. Some of the boat houses along Breakwater Drive are being rebuilt.
So while I love that this spot is still here. I was really uncomfortable letting my nieces run around because of the volume of trash on the ground. Some other families had the same notion and shared bread for them to feed the ducks that were on the marina side. The amount of rubble is considerable so flip flops were probably not the best footware.