Wisconsin may be known as the land of Cheeseheads, but that doesn’t mean it’s cornered the market on making or selling cheese, glorious cheese. In fact, it should come as no surprise that a state with well over 1,200 dairy farms, there is in fact, a Michigan cheese trail. If you are a cheese lover, then this
Kids and their teachers are ready to leave school, cherry blossoms are popping, and boats are starting to hit the lakes, so summer is right around the corner. Get an early start on your fun in the sun with our 12 things to do in Michigan in May. May 1 Season Opener – Mackinac Island Have you been
As most of us know, sometimes the Easter Bunny needs a little help to meet his basket quota. After all, he doesn't have that great team of elves that Santa has. Whether you are one of the kind souls who pitches in for him at this time of year, or just a lover of all things sweet,
Each year, Santa seems to start visiting towns earlier and earlier, but this time I’m happy about it. If you are too, and want to start harnessing the Christmas spirit, attend a celebration. Your own community may be hosting a sing-along, tree or street lighting, or a parade, but if not, these are some of the best
Maybe it’s because I grew up near an outdoor shopping mall that featured a Salvation Army band playing every Christmas, not just a bell ringer, but I love an open-air holiday market. One of the best ways to find creative gift ideas is to shop pop-up markets filled with local goods. Plus, the brisk air, hot drinks,
If you’re going to find yourself in a grocery store buying food to entertain family and friends this month, you are certainly not alone. Most of us tend to eat more during the holiday season, so it stands to reason more money will be spent on food and beverages. An upside to all of that indulgence is
Whenever Halloween rolls around, I find myself thinking back on all the warnings from childhood about how bad all that candy is, especially for your teeth. Sure, there were alternatives like fruit and nuts that could be healthy, but aside from making a house very unpopular to trick or treaters, it still wasn't candy. There were some
At this time of year, you can find them for sale around nearly every corner. That’s because we love Halloween, but also because Michigan farmers grow nearly 80 million pounds of pumpkins each year. You can carve them, roast the seeds, toss some in a smoothie, make soup, and a myriad of other things. Of course, lots
The year’s cookiest holiday is becoming more and more popular. Each year, new ideas, décor, and attractions arise. However, most of these autumnal opportunities have been around for decades. Have some harvest family fun, or get your spook on, with these uniquely Michigan Halloween traditions. Pick Pumpkins from a Patch Whether you’re decorating the whole house for
There are so many ways to enjoy fall leaves in Michigan. Take a walk through the woods, and smile as a leaf picks that moment to drop in front of you. Drive one of our many winding roads and marvel at the colors as they run alongside. Occasionally you’ll happen upon an open area where the palette
It may seem counterintuitive, but most Oktoberfests are actually held in September, in keeping with German tradition. The original fest in Munich was a wedding celebration that took place over five days in October 1810, hence the name. It was so much fun that it became an annual tradition, which grew in size and length. Eventually they
As trips to beaches give way to cider mill visits, the craving for the fruits of one of Michigan’s fastest growing industries naturally increases. In recent years, hard cider has become a quintessential component of our craft beverage industry. Stop by a hard cider tasting room, and you'll find it's just as much fun as seeking out
If you’ve never heard of, or been to Dixboro, I’m not surprised. It’s a bit off the beaten path. Actually, more accurately, it’s got a very beaten path called Plymouth Road, running right through the center of it. But if you blink, you could miss this tiny hamlet. It is just northeast of Ann Arbor. The history
Michiganders wait all winter for the opportunity to fire up the grill again and enjoy hot dogs, burgers, chicken, ribs, steaks, fish, and just about anything else we can think of. Any of those items can be fine on their own, but the right enhancements can really take your backyard barbecue from an ordinary meal to an
They say the best thing isn't owning a boat, it's having a friend who does. Whether you are that friend, or just someone who longs to spend summer hours out on the water, it’s time to hop aboard a Michigan boat. Luckily, there are some incredible options in unique destinations. Tall Ships There are few sights more
All too often, travel and adventure books are written by people who have spent minimal time in an area. While that might present an interesting visitor’s viewpoint, I’d much rather get my tips from someone who has deep local roots. That’s what makes these guides for Michigan travel so much fun. They were all written by local
The merry month of May brings us daffodils and tulips, warm nights that hint of summer, and an excuse to sip and savor local wine. It’s Michigan wine month and we’ve got lots of ideas on how to celebrate. Host a Michigan Wine Dinner If you love to entertain then this is a wonderful theme. Design a
There are so many ways that we can all work together to improve our environment. Reducing energy usage, chemicals, and items headed to landfills are definitely among the easiest. Here are some Michigan-made home products that will help you do all three. Dryer Balls Traditional dryer sheets may reduce static and soften fabric, but they also pose
There are few floral spectacles across the state that rival the beauty of Holland, Michigan during Tulip Time. The annual festival celebrates not only one of spring’s most magnificent blooms, but the Dutch heritage of the region. Whether you manage to venture to Holland for that famous fest, or just drop by any time if year, it
The arrival of spring in Michigan is a welcome relief for all those eager to leave the snow behind, and especially for foodies, who long to revel in the tastes of the new season. The desire for one such culinary treat literally sends ordinary people foraging in the woods. Traditionally late April to early June is morel
Lakes are beginning to thaw, flowers are sprouting, and eggs are hatching. There are so many little joys in life that harken the arrival of spring. It’s a lovely time to get out and take a stroll, and an especially nice time for a weekend away. Here are some Michigan destinations that are particularly magical this time
Some people listen to a rodent in Pennsylvania to determine when spring is coming, while others count days on a calendar, but for those of us who endure the cold and ice of a long, albeit beautiful Michigan winter, it’s calendar be damned. We know sure signs of spring when we see them, and most bring pure
Let’s face it, even to those who love it, winter takes a toll. Cold air whipping across your face, mounds of snow to remove, and ice threatening to trip us up, are just a few of the drawbacks to this time of year. They are also among the many reasons why we sometimes need to take a
There is perhaps no more prestigious honor in the restaurant world than to be acknowledged by the James Beard Foundation. Today, there are several chefs and restaurants in Michigan with reason to celebrate. The foundation has announced its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists, and Michigan, particularly Detroit, is well-represented. National Semi-finalists Outstanding Restaurant: Selden Standard,
Longer, darker days seem to be a good time to enjoy slow-sipping darker beers like porters and stouts. Winter is less about an ice cold, refreshing beer, and more about coziness and comfort. Fear not, even a novice beer drinker can likely find a porter or stout they will enjoy. We’ve identified some of Michigan’s best porters
