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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,
Not surprisingly, our 12 things to do in Michigan in December, includes a lot of holiday-themed events, and also other uniquely Michigan fun. Dec 1; 7-8; 14-15 Dickens Festival – Holly Holly truly comes alive every Christmas season with the nation’s oldest and longest running Dickens festival. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit unique shops,
As fall colors fade, this month presents a lot of opportunities to walk a popular trail, stroll an empty beach, and enjoy the quiet moments before the skiers and snowmobilers come out in throngs. Fun awaits at our 12 things to do in Michigan in November. Nov 1-2 Holiday Artists Market – Traverse City Do you or
The year’s cookiest holiday is becoming more and more popular. Each year, new ideas, décor, and attractions arise. However, most of these uniquely autumn 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
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
We're just starting to experience crisp cool air, but crisp, fresh apples on the other hand, are already available. Michigan is the nation's third highest apple-growing state, behind only Washington and New York. USApple estimates that our farmers will produce over 28 million apples this year, so chances are there's an orchard near you. September and October
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the country and enjoy autumn. There’s the brilliant gold of the Aspens in the Rockies. You can watch the morning mist reveal a cornucopia of color in the Smokey Mountains, or drive through an abundance of beauty in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. All are incredible, but no autumn destination
Kids are heading back to school. Cider mills are opening for the season. The lush greens of summer are just beginning to make way for fall color. This month is filled with fun activities that embrace one season or the other. Here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in September. September 6-8 Arts & Apples
I recently lost my father. He lived to a ripe old age of 86, and yet, in the end, his passing came quickly, and caught my brother and I a bit by surprise. Fortunately, my dad and I had spent more time alone together since my mom left us a year earlier. We had in depth conversations
Kids are getting out of school, boats are filling our waterways, blue skies are becoming a common occurrence again. Let’s get out there and enjoy the summer we’ve been waiting for, starting with our 12 things to do in Michigan in June. June 6-7 Old Town Saginaw Art Fair – Saginaw Set on the historic riverfront, which
Whenever I find myself traveling north along the Lake Huron shoreline, I find it nearly impossible not to stop and admire the Tawas Point Lighthouse, especially if I've got time to climb up for the incredible view. The structure itself has become quite weathered by time. Fortunately, a recently completed restoration project is bringing back the shine
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 2 Lighthouse Grand Reopening – Tawas After extensive
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
Spring is finally here, as illustrated by our 12 things to do in Michigan in April 2024. Let’s get outside and have some fun. April 7 All Things Detroit Day – Detroit Whether your an entrepreneur looking to sell your wares, someone who loves to shop, or just looking for some family fun, head to Eastern Market
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, celebrate the end of winter, or welcome spring, our 12 things to do in Michigan in March 2024 has something for you. March 1-April 30 Butterflies are Blooming – Grand Rapids This winter may not have been as harsh as those of the past, but it still meant months without
Depending on where you live, our state may just be starting to look and feel like a winter wonderland, or it's been that way for quite a few months. Either way, it’s time to get outdoors, especially in the Yoop, and enjoy these 12 things to do in Michigan in February. February 1-4 Michigan International Auto Show
One of our nation’s greatest treasures is our national parks system. These federally protected lands are filled with unrivaled beauty and an abundance of recreational opportunities. While well worth it, accessing these parks can be a tad pricey, ranging from $25 per vehicle for a one-time visit to $80 a person for an annual pass to access
Some of the state has seen warm weather and rain, while other parts are blanketed in snow. Whichever you prefer, we’ve got something for you to enjoy in our 12 things to do in Michigan in January. January 5-7 Fire and Ice Festival – Detroit It’s both wintery and medieval, so it’s sure to provide some uniquely
To most locals, it simply isn’t fall in Michigan until we’ve visited a cider mill. Of course that unbeatable combination of cider and donuts is a huge part of the draw, but I think it’s more than that. There is something about the setting as well, that nourishes our souls while the other stuff fills our bellies.
Pumpkins are filling patches, apples are filling trees, so it’s time for our 12 things to do in Michigan in October. This month is a treasure trove of fall splendor. Oct 1-31 (weekdays only) The Hunt for Reds of October – Leelanau Peninsula What a wonderful time of year it is to soak up yellow, orange, and
Move over Mighty Mac, there’s a new bridge in town. Well, nothing is every going to replace my love for the Mackinac Bridge, but Boyne Mountain’s Skybridge Michigan does have a few aspects it can laud over the old grandad, namely, that you can walk across it all year, as opposed to only Labor Day. Plus, the
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
The state’s harvest is in full swing this month, and there are plenty of events that offer scrumptious tasting opportunities. That, and good old fashioned summer fun. For your consideration, here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2023. August 4-6 Buy Michigan Now Festival – Northville We’re starting our list close to home.
