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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,
After the past couple of years we’ve had, I’m really looking forward to basking in the joys of the holiday season from start to finish. 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
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 2022. Nov 1-13 Living Lights – Grand Rapids As the weather
.“We go along the coast, most delightful and wonderful. Nature has made it pleasant to the eye, the spirit and the belly.” French fur trader and explorer Pierre Esprit Raddison wrote those words in his journal as he traveled through what is now Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. What he was seeing, was our beloved Pictured Rocks. These formations
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
The year’s spookiest holiday is becoming more and more popular. Each year, new ideas, décor, and attractions arise. However, these uniquely Michigan Halloween traditions have been around for decades. We’ve been cooped up too long so get out and embrace some old favorites or try something new. Pick Pumpkins from a Patch Whether you’re decorating the whole
Pumpkins are filling patches, apples are filling trees, so it’s time for our 12 things to do in Michigan in October 2022. 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,
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
There is no question, the automotive industry has really changed in recent decades. New vehicle releases used to only take place in the fall, but now they can happen virtually any time. Gas-powered vehicles are rapidly on the path to extinction to make room for electric vehicles. Advancements in technology have changed everything from how we get
Ask most anyone in Michigan what the number one tourist destination in the state is and they’ll likely answer “Mackinac Island.” The Straits of Mackinac and surrounding areas are beautiful no matter the time of year. It's been a popular place to travel since humans inhabited the Great Lakes region. The mainland northwest of the island, St.
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 nearly 30 million apples this year, so chances are there's an orchard near you. September and October
Labor Day doesn’t mark the end of summer, we’ve still got weeks of mild weather and fun events ahead. Get out and enjoy flowers, music, art and more at our 12 things to do in Michigan in September 2022. September 2-5 Detroit Jazz Festival – Detroit For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated
This month is all about locally-grown and locally-made, from candles to cars and mint to music. We’ve highlighted some of the coolest in our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2022. August 5-7 Buy Michigan Now Festival – Northville Admittedly we may be biased, but this event is our favorite of the year, and it
There are so many wonderful experiences to have in Detroit, especially in the summer. Most people who enjoy the city have at some point shopped Eastern Market, taken a stroll along the riverfront, watched a sunset from Belle Isle, taken in a Tiger game, and/or biked the Dequindre Cut. Those are all wonderful things to do. If
We are definitely in the heat of summer now, where boats and barbecues abound. Fun can be found nearly everywhere. Naturally, we’ve highlighted some of the coolest in our 12 things to do in Michigan in July 2022. July 1-31 Breath of Michigan World Record Attempt – Dearborn This month Michiganders of a unique opportunity to learn
With the unofficial start of summer behind us, fun is rising like the temperature. Here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in June 2022. June 1-5 JumpstART – Kalamazoo Kalamazoo kicks its summer off by embracing the arts. Previously known as June Jubilee, this extended weekend is chock-full of art, music, food, and fun in
May has been proclaimed Michigan Wine Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the official proclamation, Michigan's wine and wine grape industry contributes $5.4 billion in economic impact. That includes a whopping $253 million in tourism spending. It also supports more than 47,000 jobs. That makes it an industry worth honoring, and let’s face it, there are
The cold has come and gone all spring so far, but we’re finally heating things up with our 12 things to do in Michigan in May 2022. Flowers are blooming, boats are reappearing in our lakes, and a month of delightful experiences awaits. May 6-8 Glass Spring Fling – Dearborn Thankfully, the talented folks at Glass Academy have
Once upon a time, Frankenmuth was a relatively ordinary little hamlet in Saginaw County that had been founded by German settlers. That is, until local businessman William “Tiny” Zehnder had an idea. He wanted to add atmosphere to what was then Fischer’s Hotel, by adding Bavarian Architecture. The idea took hold in the late 1950s, and before
If R&B group, TLC had ever visited the Upper Peninsula, I suspect they would not have been able to keep telling us, “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls.” Surrounded by fall color, on a hot summer day, or frozen solid, there is never a bad time to see a waterfall. Yet, spring is undoubtedly a special time to explore
The weather may not be fully cooperating yet, but spring is in full swing with our 12 things to do in Michigan in April 2022. Whether you’re more excited about Easter fun, dance parties, or beer at the ballpark, there’s something for you. April 8 Tigers Opening Day – Detroit It took a little while to get
Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats. This year, 24 members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (spread out throughout
Our 12 things to do in Michigan in March 2022 focus on food, flutters and frivolity. March 1-April 30 Butterflies Are Blooming – Grand Rapids One of the most welcome signs of spring returns. The conservatory at Meijer Gardens heats up to welcome butterflies and winter-weary guests. You’ll feel like you’re in Florida with 85-degree temps and
Hugging the Lake Superior shore for a resplendent 42 miles, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most precious gems. There are waterfalls to explore, trails to trek, and incredible vistas in nearly any direction. The area welcomed a record 1.2 million visitors in 2020. Naturally that raised some questions about care and safety. Consequently, an
Our state is a winter wonderland for a little while longer, so get out and enjoy these 12 things to do in Michigan in February 2022. February 3-6 Michigan International Auto Show – Grand Rapids After a year of interruption, this popular showcase of available vehicles is back. Visitors will find trucks, SUV's, crossovers, hybrids, electrics, luxury
