One of the undisputed perks of living on Michigan’s west coast is being treated to nightly sunsets that can leave you breathless. Watching the sun slowly melt into Lake Michigan is a not-to-be missed nightly ritual — especially during the summer months when that orange ball of fire is on display until well past 9 p.m. — followed by an aftershow of soft blue skies and pink-tinged clouds. While we can’t share all of our secret sunset-watching spots, here are a few of our favorites from around the Republic.

— Leah Hilton, Empire Cherry Factory

— Donna Owsley, Glen Arbor Retail

— Kenny Merica, Traverse City Retail

— Brianna Greenman, Holland Retail

— Brandy Okerblom, Charlevoix Retail