I wish there was something I could do to buck my little state up. In my limited power all I can do is write a sort of letter of recommendation on my blog. So, here’s what’s great about Michigan and why you should plan to go there (or stay there) for your next vacation.
First of all, as every native Michigander can tell you, when people ask you where you’re going for vacation, you can show them on your hand. Even if you’re going to the Upper Peninsula. You just hold up one hand as the mitten, then place your other hand above it, thumb pointing down, to establish that it’s the U.P.
Michigan doesn’t have flashy tourist spots, and that’s part of its charm. You won’t find out-of-control spring breakers on our beautiful beaches or drunken women flashing their tits at Mardi Gras for a string of plastic beads. You won’t be overrun by anklebiters screaming to see a fake princess or some guy in a mouse suit.
The most obvious tourist spot in Michigan is Mackinaw Island, the shooting location for the film Somewhere in Time. Open to tourists in the summer season, Mackinaw Island is famous for two things, fudge and lack of motor vehicles. While you can get Mackinaw Island fudge (and the ice cream of the same name) in other places in Michigan, it’s not the same as wandering the main street of the island and watching it being made. You can ride horse drawn carriages on the island or rent a bike. You and a pal can even get a tandem and try your hands (or feet) at circumnavigating the island for a workout of eight miles and beautiful views of Lake Huron. The island also has historical Fort Mackinac and a butterfly museum.
The other areas of northern Michigan are best visited in fall when you can experience the yellows, oranges, and reds of the trees. During your “color tour” a few places of interest include Petosky, where you can purchase jewelry and other trinkets made from the petosky stone, our state stone, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national park that was recently voted the most beautiful place in America. It’s a good workout too if you climb to the top of the dunes.
Two of my favorite places in the north are lesser known small towns. Stop by Benzonia to Gwen Frostic’s printing press. Gwen Frostic was a Michigan artist who sketched nature and wildlife. Her sketches are reproduced on stationery and other gifts available at the shop in Benzonia. It’s a peaceful, nature-respecting environment, and sometimes you can watch the presses at work. On your way south from Benzonia, stop in nearby Beulah at the Cherry Hut where you can feast on their nationally recognized cherry pie (much better than the stuff they serve at the Twin Peaks café in Washington state; trust me, I’ve had both) or purchase cherry jam, cherry cookies, cherry salsa (my favorite) or chocolate covered cherries. You can get cherry products in Traverse City too, but they’re more expensive and not any better quality.
Also in the fall, try one of our many cider mills. I’m most familiar with Uncle John’s Cider Mill near St. John’s on M-46. You can watch the apple press and enjoy fresh apple cider, either cold or hot, and fresh donuts. My favorite to eat in the fall with cider is their pumpkin donuts but they also have cinnamon, powdered sugar, and cider flavors.
Frankenmuth is a town that can be enjoyed all year round but is probably most fun leading up to Christmas. Frankenmuth is home to Bronner’s, the largest Christmas store in the world. You can get every kind of Christmas necessity there, from ornaments to nativities to lights to advent calendars. They have ornaments from all over the world and you can get personalized ornaments as well. In addition to Bronner’s, Frankenmuth has several interesting shops and restaurants that are German themed (as you may have guessed from the town’s name). My favorite is the Cheese Haus, where you can get locally made cheeses of various kinds from regular cheddar, to chocolate cheese. There are free samples so you can try the chocolate cheese before you buy. At least try it! Also explore the Castle Shops where they have a bakery with delicious fresh-baked goods.
If you find yourself in the middle of the lower peninsula, go to Midland and check out the Dow Gardens and Midland Arts Center. They’re right next door to each other and an interesting, laid back, inexpensive way to spend a day. Better yet, go on the first weekend in June for the Midland library book sale and art fair. These take place in the parking lot of the Midland Arts Center and are a great chance to pick up books for cheap, wander through art booths, and eat a gyro which is offered at one of the food stands.
While we’re on the subject of annual events, close to my heart is the Alma Highland Festival. Held each Memorial Day weekend, the festival offers a 5K run, a parade, Highland dancing and games, arts and crafts, food and all sorts of things Scottish. Don't miss the massed bands, which is an assembly of pipe and drum bands from all over the Midwest and Canada marching across the Alma College football field. They fill the entire field and when I hear them play "Scotland the Brave" I get goosebumps.
In the Detroit area, you can visit the Henry Ford Museum where you can see the chair Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated, the bus Rosa Parks made her stand for civil rights in and the Oscar Mayer weinermobile, among other things.
Grand Rapids offers Meijer Gardens, Holland is a little Netherlands, U.S.A., Battle Creek is the home of Kellog’s cereal, and Ludington and Frankfort offer beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan.
There are more things to do and places to visit in my great state, of course. I didn’t even mention the beauty of the Upper Peninsula for example. For more details or ideas, check out www.michigan.org. If you have a favorite Michigan destination you’d like to recommend, please comment on this post.