Pure Michigan Travel - Attractions Highlights

Cabin on the lake in Lake Michigan

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:49:55 GMT

Staying at Crooked Lake is so nice. 6 Cabins are on Crooked lake , Sandy beach, great fishing lake , Playground for the kids, relaxing, peaceful,and friendly. We have our family reunion there .It's perfect , take all 6 cabins and the whole family gets to spend time with each other. It's location is in Clare County. It's just a short drive ,they have , snowmobile trails across the road, boats, bait shop, snowmobile rentals, their cabins are completely furnished . I just have to bring my clothes ,food . It makes a vacation very affordable . They have something for everyone.

Pure Michigan Thanksgiving Traditions

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:27:04 GMT

The joyful holiday season kicks off the weekend before Thanksgiving with lively parades, colorful lighting displays, sales and bargains to launch the gift shopping season, and a month-long series of festive events in big cities and picturesque small towns across the state.

Everyone Loves a Parade

Santa will be busy making Thanksgiving weekend appearances across Michigan. Make sure to find out where and when to join in the holiday festivities. >more

Gift Wrapped Fun

Head out early to snag bargains and revel in the holiday spirit. Shoppers will enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays throughout the remainder of the season. >more

Seasonal Glow

The season sparkles with entertainment and enjoyment. Check out these lightshows and displays. >more

Festive Events

Many of Michigan’s museums also participate in the festivities as they host holiday related exhibits and events. >more

Take Off for Turkey Time

Many restaurants and hotels offer special rates and packages to make it easy to treat yourself to a holiday getaway in Michigan. >more

Deer Widows Weekend

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:34:53 GMT

Weekend Deals

Grab the girlfriends and get pampered. Enjoy spa treatments or an evening out, at a reasonable price with these deals. >more

For Scrapbooking and Shopping Divas

Engage in a hunt of your own, with a target of money-saving bargains. Or plan for a weekend of memory saving as you enjoy the scrapbooking weekend. >more

Plenty to See and Do

From shows to wine tastings and art exhibits there is something for everyone. >more

Zip Lining at the Howell Nature Center

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:16:22 GMT

To end a busy Halloween Weekend, I took my seven year old son, Darryl, along with my friends and their kids ziplining at the Howell Nature Center. I saw a family on TV ziplining in Hawaii, and I wondered if ziplining was offered here in Michigan. The Howell Nature Center allows the public to go ziplining on select weekends in the Summer and Fall. It turned out to be a great adventure for everyone and a whole bunch of fun. The kids loved it and as a adult, I can say I have not had that much fun in a long time. The experience of flying through the trees is like not nothing else I can describe. The Howell Nature Center's zip line is 500 feet long and goes over a pond. Each ride is only $5. You have a make a reservation for your party in advance. I think this is definitely one of the lessor known Michigan gems.

Fall in love, Michigan

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:01:34 GMT

This is my new blog where my husband and I are exploring Michigan and it's beauty as newlyweds. Tuesday October 20, 2009, I got to share in my husband's 23rd birthday with him this past weekend. Being high school sweethearts we have spent previous birthdays together celebrating. This year was special because I got to celebrate with my HUSBAND! We celebrated by going back to beautiful northern Michigan where Steve proposed to me the same weekend, a year prior. So take some tips away guys...: ) Steve had borrowed a GPS and insisted that I could not know where we were going for our weekend road trip, I was advised to dress warm though! I assumed we would of course stay close, in Michigan, but there are so many great places I had considered that we might be headed to! Where do you think he took me when we left from Grand Rapids??? The drive was especially beautiful because the fall colors were in peak last October! After a few hours we were near Traverse City. Once I realized where we were, he took me to a nature trail on a small lake outside of Traverse City. We unpacked our picnic blanket under a thick woods of tall trees with beautiful rays of light shining down on us. Next, we headed up to the Leelanau Peninsula where he took me to an amazing wine trail ( we were both 21 and excited to be able to partake!) Not only were most of them free to taste (being cheap college students) but the views of vineyards and the surrounding water was gorgeous. There were so many to visit we didn't even see them all! Our favorite winery became Leelanau Cellars which allowed us to try as many tastings as we wanted as we overlooked the beautiful bay in Omena, MI. Needless to say we bought a bottle of Baco Noir to celebrate next year. It's already been a year and again we traveled North this year to celebrate my husband's birthday and one year since his proposal! Oh right, how he proposed!! ... After being bundled up for beautiful Michigan fall weather, wine tasting, and picnics (with our special picnic backpack- an essential for travel!), we hiked along a trail in Northport, MI ( I'm not a hiker, so these were short trails fortunately) to a beautiful overlook where he bent down on one knee! He was brave because he had never been to that sight before but in northern Michigan EVERYTHING is so pretty! Following his proposal just before the sun was about to set we headed to a nearby lighthouse in the state park down the road where we continued to celebrate his proposal with a gorgeous sunset! The only complaint would be the terrible phone service up north, although by then everyone had already known that I would have a fiance when I arrived home I think ( Steve got excited) ! Next, off to Grandma's house in Northport to stay for the night... Traveling is even better when you have family and friends to visit and adventure through life with. More to come on our most recent adventure Up North in celebration of hubby's 23rd birthday! I love road trips in Michigan, the spectacular views are enough to make for cheap entertainment!!

Fall for Mazes, Orchards & Hayrides

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:52:32 GMT

Spiraling corn mazes have been cropping up in farming communities across Michigan--just for the fun of it--since the early 1990s. Most mazes boast elaborate designs that can only be seen from an aerial vantage point. The trails that form the design are actually wide footpaths that have been cut by hand or machine through the field of 10-foot high corn stalks.

To make navigation more challenging, many mazes are built around themes and incorporate puzzles with hidden clues and checkpoints along the route. Visitors flock to corn mazes, usually found on family-run farms, for a challenging and entertaining outing suitable for all ages and abilities. The larger or more intricate mazes can involve wandering miles of twists and turns and may not be suitable for young children, so many farms also offer smaller mazes formed by hay bales for little ones.

In addition to multiple mazes, you'll often find entertainers, pony rides, snack bar, games, crafts and other activities to round out your visit to the farm. You might hop a hayride to a pumpkin patch, or join a pumpkin-carving contest.

For an eerie excursion try a maze that is open at night. Be sure to bring a flashlight as mazes aren't lit and can get very dark and spooky, whether they are "haunted" or not. Mazes generally operate Friday through Sunday during September and October, but some close in early November. Make sure to check for hours, group rates and special events. Izzi Farm in Ira Township is known for its clever annual themes.

Here's a run down on some other really neat corn mazes that you'll want to check out:

Many farms and mills around the state host fall harvest festivals, cider-pressing and craft demonstrations and a potpourri of kid-friendly activities that promise great family fun. For a complete list of Michigan farms and mills, click here.

For a complete list of locations to find that perfect pumpkin or where you can go to pick your own produce, check out our Farm Markets section.

My Favorites

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:12:33 GMT

As a devoted Michigan traveler, here are My Favorites:

- Vacation location in Michigan: Grand Haven, Michigan, an idyllic fishing and recreational and camping town on the shores of Lake Michigan--the stroll along the boardwalk to the historic lighthouse is breathtaking. The evening sunset is spectacular! And there's nothing better than the soft, soothing sands along the beach!

- Appetizer: the barbeque meatballs at Win Schulers in Marshall, Michigan--melt in your mouth. Four generations of family members have been operating this historic restaurant since 1909. First class service and exceptional food are just some of the reasons this epicurean delight has withstood the strains of a changing economy.

- Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton (Dearborn) ambience and personal attention are the hallmarks. The Ladies and Gentlemen of the hotel as they are called provide some of the best guest service on the planet! And having won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice separates this prestigious hotel from the other wanna-bes.

- White bean chili soup: Kirby Grill in Grand Haven--soup so good your knees will buckle when you taste it.

- Summer vacation: Mackinac Island with lunch at The Grand Hotel. The Hotel boasts the world's longest porch. No cars allowed on the Island just horse drawn carriages. The aroma of fudge and equine droppings fill the air but travel there in June for the lilac festival for a nostril treat!

- Pizza: Buddy's in Detroit

- Amusement Park: the Michigan Adventure Park in Muskegon takes high honors and a ride on the roller coaster Shivering Timbers is spectacular. Over 60 rides and attractions and a spectacular water park with 20 wild water rides.

- Michigan restaurant: The 1913 Room at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. This is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in our state and the service and the menu selections are first class. In 2008 it won that distinction for the seventh time.

- Canoe trip: the White River in Montague, Michigan. The site of blue heron taking flight, ducks swimming frantically away and startled deer racing through the grass and the occasional muskrat swimming in the river provide memories that will last a lifetime.

- Golf course: Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan. Panoramic views of northern Michigan foliage and firs and well manicured fairways.

- Romantic getaway: the Betsie Bay Inn in Frankfort, Michigan. Rooms are outfitted with hot tubs, saunas, canopy beds, and wood burning stoves. Perfect getaway for married couples and if you weren't married when you arrived, you will be when you leave!

- Snack: the Pronto Pup Stand in Grand Haven has been delighting hot dog aficionados for over 60 years. Grab a couple of doggies and then stroll along the boardwalk. And then settle in for the Musical Fountain at dusk along the Grand River.

My Pride is Showing

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:32:22 GMT

Last week a friend of mine from New York City came to visit, and I did my best to show her the wonder and splendor that is Michigan. We visited a casino (and drove past 3 others), rode past Ft. Custer, toured the restored capitol building, looked over Little Traverse Bay from Petosky, ate at Big Boy's, lived at the Alpenfest, visited Ft. Michilimackinac, photographed the Mighty Mac from the Lake Huron side, saw Grand Rapids twinkle in the night, went to the Michigan Historical museum, saw deer run across the road, and worshipped at a great church. Touring the Great Lake State in ths way renewed my zealous love for all that Michigan is. As you roll through the hills of northern I-75, it is reminicent of North Carolina. Viewing the marshy inland lakes, you can see a little Florida Everglades there. Atop just the right hill on M-32 you feel like you're in Tennessee. I'm pretty sure the idea for California's PCH came from the vistas of the UP's Hwy 2. And the Brooklyn Bridge has nothing on the majesty of the Mackinac Bridge. We're not as corny as Kansas, but we've got plenty of sugar. (Sugar beeets, that is.) A little bit country, a little bit Kid Rock & roll, a little Memphis and a whole lotta Motown; we got 4H and soul. If you're thinking about vacationing somewhere in America, make it Pure Michigan. Its a package deal of many places rolled into one.

AuSable Fall Color Riverboat

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:26:30 GMT

I just leared about a great new way to experience Michigan's fall colors ... and its just a short 3-hour drive from my home in Hartland, Michigan. The AuSable Queen Riverboat (near Oscoda) runs 2-hour tours from May into October. The view is unique - the captain's commentary is informative & corny and sometimes even funny. And since somebody else was doing the driving, I was free to relax and enjoy the scenery, the wildlife and the company of my traveling companions.

I think the surpirse October 2007 heat wave delayed the color peak a bit this year. More color would have been a bonus, but even the subtle changes looked stunning from the water. I will definitely do this trip again in 2008!

Seeking Rembrandt? Check Out Michigan.

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:30:35 GMT

Over the Labor Day Weekend, I traveled to Detroit and Ann Arbor ostensibly to take in their art museums. As someone who usually goes to places like New York, London, and Paris for art, I was surprised when a Google search for Rembrandts took me to the Detroit Institute for the Arts site. But this is what I wanted to see and after e-mailing my colleague, a Michigan native, she highly encouraged me to check out DIA **as well as** U of M's art museum in Ann Arbor. I did find a number of Dutch masters at DIA and Rembrandt drawings at the UMMA. She also suggested a number of places and sights she thought I'd find interesting. I am not your ordinary tourist, but the kind of person who would take in the unusual and be willing to, for example, witness the changes of Jefferson Avenue as she drove west to east to the Grosse Pointe area. As part of social commentary, I found this fascinating and indicative of American history. She told me about Corktown with its some sort of revival via young artist and alternative types who have brought new life to an otherwise blighted area. (It also helped that there was an NPR feature on this side of Detroit.) I took this suggestion also and found a charming bistro that also grew vegetables in their gardens. I was also treated to that Midwestern hospitality at a charming inn in Ann Arbor, which took care of me, met my rather complicated dietary needs, and provided an overall lovely ambience in which I, as a stranger to that community, could relish. (I wasn't after all, going to a conference or taking my kid to college.) As for the art, I found that neither my colleague nor the DIA site was exaggerating about these institutions. There is a wealth of resources here and it does seem to match DIA's claim that it is one of the most important museums west of Philadelphia. The museums are not expensive therefore making art accessible to a lot more people than what you would find in the usual places. Because they are not so crowded, there is also space and time for visitors to really see the works and appreciate them without having to jockey for viewing space.

Fly fishing for a chinook salmon in Michigan is truly amazing!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:16:32 GMT

The circle of life of a chinook salmon near Michigan is truly amazing! They complete an extraordinary migration, often over hundreds of miles, to return to the exact tributary where they were hatched, to spawn and complete their life cycle. Chinook salmon, are the largest of Michigan salmon species. The state record is a whopping 46 pounds 1 ounce but they average around 12-14 pounds. This is the same average weight of most Chinook found in Alaskan waters. My son and I personally got the opportunity to witness salmon spawning while fly fishing the Pere Marquette River, in Baldwin Michigan, with Mike Marsh of Marsh Ridge River Guide Service. During the spawning process, the female salmon lays on her side and use her tail to dig a hole and lay her eggs. She then chooses a male salmon to fertilize them. And then they both guard their nests for approximately four days to insure predators don’t eat the eggs. This is why it is “very important” that fisherman try not to capture the females nesting on the gravel beds or their eggs will die and less salmon will return in the following years. Try to catch the males only if near a gravel bed – they can usually be found in nearby shaded areas, and not too far away from the females currently nesting. Our guide, Mike Marsh, was very knowledgeable about a chinook salmon and kindly explained, in detail, their circle of life. My son and I learned that a chinook salmon’s life, marked by both tenacity and transformation, represents one of nature’s most unique journeys. They are also very challenging and fun to catch. I highly recommend that you learn more about Mike Marsh by visiting his website and reserve a fishing trip. He is U.S. Forest Service Permitted for The Pere Marquette River (The PM River), The Big Manistee River, The White River, The Little Manistee River and The Pine River. Circle of Life of a Chinook Salmon: Chinook salmon lay eggs in nests, called redds, excavated by the female. After a female salmon lays eggs in the redd, one or more male salmon may fertilize the eggs. After fertilization, the female buries the eggs by lifting gravel upstream of the redd onto the eggs. Chinook salmon die after spawning, completing the circle of life. The bodies of the salmon provide nutrients to the river ecosystem to help young salmon grow. When the eggs emerge, they are referred to as “alevins” or yolk-sac fry. Alevins remain in the gravel where they survive by absorbing the nutrients in their yolk. As baby Chinook salmon grow, they become fry. Fry wiggle out of the gravel and move to areas with little current near shore. Fry feed on small insects and crustaceans. Young chinook salmon migrate downstream to the estuary anytime from immediately after they emerge from the gravel to after rearing over 1 year in the river. The majority of young Chinook salmon migrate out of the rivers in the spring months. As young Chinook salmon prepare to enter the great lakes, they go through a physiological process called smolting. During smolting, many physiologic processes prepare them for life in the marine environment. After Chinook salmon enter the great lakes, they grow rapidly on a diet of other fish. Eventually, as fully-grown adults, they find their way back to the rivers. Chinook salmon generally spend 1 to 4 years growing in the great lakes before they return to the rivers to spawn. Some may stay in the great lakes 5 or more years. Once back in the rivers, chinook salmon will migrate upstream to an area very near where they were born. When home, chinook salmon will find a suitable location to spawn and complete their life cycle. By Sherri, operations manager of Hess Lake Rentals

The Winning Hand

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:37:17 GMT

Think blazing slots and table games, the hottest restaurants and sizzling nightlife--this super line-up of food, high stakes and glitz is sure to keep temperatures rising at Michigan's newest casino.

With the grand opening of FireKeepers Casino just a few weeks ago, things have gotten plenty hot around Battle Creek. How hot exactly? Think blazing slots and table games, the hottest restaurants, and sizzling nightlife. The casino showcases a 107,000 square foot of gaming floor featuring Las Vegas-style gaming with more than 2,680 slot machines, 78 table games, a 70-seat live Poker room and Bingo. FireKeepers also includes five distinctive restaurants, multiple lounges and entertainment venues. The stunning $300 million facility is located in south central Michigan, along Interstate 94 at Exit 104.

Michigan's casino offerings continue to expand with recent developments, property enhancements and added amenities. You'll find big deals and great packages at a number of casinos around the state, including the ones listed below:

Greektown Casino Hotel - Convenient to Detroit theaters and sports venues.

MGM Grand Detroit - Contemporary art fills the luxurious Detroit casino and hotel.

MotorCity Casino Hotel - Stainless steel, glass and brilliant lights reinforce the Motor City theme in Detroit.

Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel - Eco-friendly, reflecting pools and waterfalls, natural light and 50-foot ceiling, near Traverse City.

Feeling lucky? Then you'll want to try your hand at some of our other great casinos. Here's a partial list to get you started...

Bay Mills Resort & Casino, Brimley
Island Resort & Casino, Near Escanaba
Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo
Kewadin Casinos, Upper Peninsula
Lac Vieux Desert Resort Casino & Golf Course, Watersmeet
Little River Casino Resort, Manistee
Odawa Casino Resort, Petoskey
Ojibwa Casino Resort, Baraga
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mount Pleasant
Saganing Eagles Landing Casino, Standish

For a complete list of Michigan casinos, click here.

Foggy Afternoon on the Cold Lake

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:34:14 GMT

Walking the forest path from Hurricane River to Au Sable Point on a foggy day, then hiking back via the rocky shoreline offers a spooky experience and a good way to walk off the effects of a whitefish sandwich and pale ale from Lake Superior Brewing Company in Grand Marais. This stretch of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is different from the dramatic cliff-dominated shoreline to the west, but is very dynamic and interesting. Glimpses of boulders and slabs of colored sandstone are glimpsed through the trees along the flat, 1 ½ - mile path that begins at the mouth of Hurricane River and ends directly behind Au Sable Point Lighthouse. Once at the Lighthouse, scrambling down the hillside to the beach offers a view to the east of the curving, 5-mile expanse of Grand Sable Dunes looming in the foggy distance. Heading west back toward the river mouth, the shore starts out sandy but then gives way to smooth beach stones followed by large multicolored rocks and boulders. A rock ledge separates the beach from the woods above and draining water trickles over the shelf and out from its face. Beneath the rocks are multiple layers of sandstone slabs in various red, yellow, and brown hues. Centuries of ice and crashing waves have created unusual textures in these slabs. Holes have been worn through in places creating pockets holding smaller stones. The layered rock is decorated with swirls of red and yellow, and strange round nubs stick up here and there along the otherwise smooth surface. The remains of the shipwrecked Mary Jarecki, a freighter that strayed off course in the fog and ran aground in 1883, are located along this stretch of Lake Superior. My imagination, over-stimulated from reading of horrifying tragedies along this stretch of frigid lakeshore while doing research for an essay on Great Lakes shipwrecks, pictured these remains very clearly (and irrationally). In my mind a decayed but recognizable hull rose out of the sand at a perilous angle, complete with intact weather-beaten crow’s nest (do freighters have these?) bearing the ragged skeletal structure of an ill-fated mariner. Is that too much to hope for after 125 years? Surprisingly, it turns out that no one died in this particular shipwreck and what is actually visible today are oak beams with iron pegs partially buried in the sand and underwater. At the sound of the foghorn I looked up over the misty lake and spotted another ship slowly creeping along in the murky distance. The sudden eeriness of the moment made up for any disgruntlement I had been feeling over the lack of washed-up treasure or hastily-scrawled last words carved into driftwood. If the weather had been warm and sunny, the experience would not have been nearly as perfect. For more photos: http://nasunto.blogspot.com/2008/03/foggy-afternoon-on-cold-lake.html

Pure Michigan Apples

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:23:05 GMT

You might not know it but you probably have been enjoying Michigan apples on your dinner table for years since 60% of the crop is used for commercial products like applesauce and pie fillings. With a projected harvest of 26 million bushels of Pure Michigan apples, this year will be one of the largest in recent history.

It’s time to visit Michigan for Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Gala -- the top three favorites of the 14 varieties grown. Farmers can barely keep up with the demand of the newest apple in the barrel, Honeycrisp, with a sweet, juicy and crisp tantalizing flavor. It’s no wonder that the Apple Blossom is Michigan’s official flower. Plan your apple picking visit by checking the Michigan Farm Market & Agricultural Tourism Directory for where to go and when.

All those apples make for great apple cider, pressed fresh at cider mills across the state with many open through early November. Most mills offer on site bakeries and activities for the entire family – u-pick orchards, hayrides, corn maze fun and more. Take home a gallon or two, and load up on fresh apples for pie and applesauce-making, or for just plain good eating.

Dazzle friends, family and guests with these all-time favorite apple recipes from the Michigan Apple Committee.

Touring the UP

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:40:26 GMT

My husband and I married on Sept 22. We toured the UP for our honeymoon. Having grown up in lower Michigan it was a real experience to be able to go to the higher side of the state. We started our trip by staying on Mackinaw Island for the night. The view on the ferry was unbelievable. We took the ferry to Mackinaw Island and stayed in the Chippews Hotel. We spent the night walking the shops and dining and then returned to the hotel to sit in the hot tub overlooking the lake. It was absolutely breathtaking. The next morning we woke up and went to Fort Mackinac on the island. We toured that and had a great time going back in history. We also rode a tandem bike around the side of the island until noon when we boarded a ferry back to the mainland. We arrived and immediately went to Colonial Michilimackinac. That was great seeing the cannon fired, and the musket demonstrations. Next, we preceded onto the Castle Rock, always a great way to spend time, but a little taxing on the legs. The view is amazing though. Next we went to the Mystery Spot for fun, and it was. Everyone should do this just to be able to say that you have. We then took our trip to Newberry. While a quaint town, it literally contains a prison, IGA, and Timber Charlies along with the Newberry Falls Hotel. Which is a little like the shining. :) We took off from Newberry and went to Taqhmenom Falls, also better known as Heaven on Earth The trail was fabulous and the falls spectacular. The natural beauty will never,ever be topped. The best part is at the lower falls you can rent a boat for 3 dollars and paddle around the falls. We then headed to Munising to experience an underwater glass bottom shipwreck boat tour. That was great. Later in the day we took the boat tour along Picture Rock Lakeshore. It was a great trip and alot of fun. We also drove along the lakeshore ourselves. A recommendation would be to stay in the Holiday Inn-Munising. It sits on the top of the hill at the edge of town overlooking Munising Bay. It is also brand new and fabulous on the insidee. After two days in Munising we headed to Ontanogan to the Porcupine Mountains. The most beautiful site that I have ever seen. You must walk the interpretive trail for miners. It follows the route of an old copper mine along a gorge. It is simply breathtaking. Really there are no words to describe it. Other points of interest include Sea Shell City in Cheboygan, and any signs you see for scenic overlooks. There really is no other place like the Upper Penisula

Mackinac Island

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 01:37:20 GMT

I have lived in southern Michigan my entire life, and vacationed at many different Michigan destinations, But if you are looking for a peaceful time away from city life, Mackinac Island is the place for you, after several day trips there, my wife and I decided to spend a long weekend on the Island, we had the most amazing time, I would recommend it to anyone, I would also recommend that you bring a bike, you can rent them on the island, but it is about $5 per hour, vs. $7 for the ferry boats to bring your own over. There are so many things to see and do that horse carriage ride doesn't get you to, but the carriage ride is pretty neat in it's own right, the carriage drivers are pretty knowledgeable with the Islands history, but you miss the middle and backside of the island and several other sightseeing opportunities. Such as the Battle field of 1814, British Landing, the West Bluffs, along with the rest of the Islands natural beauty. Being that we stayed over Labor day weekend, we traveled back to Mackinaw City on Labor Day for the annual Bridge walk, which we have done a second time now, that too is pretty amazing if you are up for a 2 hour walk and aren't too scared of heights. This was a very great weekend and I will most definitely return for another stay.

Mackinaw City; Place of History

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:08:30 GMT

I went to Mackinaw City for the historic 50th anniversary bridge walk, and discovered this area has a long and fascinating history, a destination for people since at least 650AD when Native Americans cane to the straits to fish and left remains of Hopwellian (mound builders) pottery. The story of the varied people and how they got there is told along the historical pathway that winds through the town and along the ever changing green-blue-gray waters of the straits, as well as at two better known destinations, the lighthouse and fort. The path tells tales of the first Europeans who paddled about 50 miles a day, sleeping under their canoes at night and living off lyed corn with pork and a soup of dried peas as they canoed from Montreal to the straits and beyond to obtain furs. Along the pathway you will also learn about Alexander Henry, the first Englishman in the area who awoke one morning to discover he had spent the night on a pile of human bones, and Chief WaWaTam, who befriended him because of a dream. Just west of the Mackinaw Bridge stands the restored fort, built in 1715 by the French to protect the fur trade. The fort has been occupied by the French, the British, and the Chippewa Indians. The British era of the fort is recreated today as the voices of men and a few women mix with the stomp of boots and the firing of muskets. Odors of gunpowder and open hearth cooking fill the air. British soldiers could be fugitives or convicts (but not Roman Catholics). They had to be at least 5’4”; however, sometimes shorter men were accepted if they promised to grow. They also had to have at least 4 teeth. Visitors have the chance to lie in the bunks soldiers slept in (minus the bedbugs and lice), try on a redcoat, and experience the “black hole” where prisoners were kept. There are restored quarters of officers, enlisted men (married and single), and fur traders. I was surprised to see a pink brocade sedan chair and a pool table in the commanding officers house, as well as copies of verses he wrote about his experiences. Outside, heritage plants fill the gardens. A reenactor gave us herbs to smell while she described their use. Wormwood (which stunk) was made into a tea to treat parasites, Bible leaf Plant was put in books to prevent bugs from chewing on the pages. The often turbulent water of the straits has claimed many ships, including the first steamship to try to cross the straits. Maritime history is told along the path and continued in the Mackinaw Point Lighthouse tour. Built in 1892 as a duplex, one side of the lighthouse is now furnished as it might have been around 1910, including a gramophone playing popular music of the day in the sitting room. The lighthouse keeper and his family were responsible for keeping the light lit and keeping up the property. “Utmost neatness” was demanded by the lighthouse service; there were prescribed duties for both the keeper and his wife. If all was not in order when inspectors arrived (unannounced), the keeper could be reprimanded or even dismissed. Another duty of the keeper was to be “courteous and polite” to visitors and to show them around the lighthouse. With its unusual location in a village, this lighthouse got more visitors than most. For many visitors today, the highlight of the tour is the four story, 51 step climb up the circular stairway to the top of the tower. The last eight feet of the climb are on an eleven rung ladder and through hatch. Until the light was electrified, the keeper had to carry 5 ½ oz. of kerosene up the ladder to light the 4th order Fresnel lens, which is still on display. From the tower, visitors look out to the Mackinaw Bridge who’s towers, 552 feet above the water, eliminated the need for the lighthouse. Visitors learn the impact of tourists to the area even before the bridge was built. In the 1880, Mackinaw City had nine passenger trains a day and a railroad hotel fit for the “most fastidious epicurean tourist”. During the early days of the automobile, it was a popular destination for private auto clubs. The need for a bridge over the nearly 5 miles of water between the upper and lower peninsulas existed for a long time. In the early days of automobiles, it cost $40 to one way for cars to take the railroad ferry across. By the early 1950s, during deer season there could be a ten hour wait for the auto ferries. Various ideas were put forth, including a floating tunnel and a set of causeways and bridges from Cheboygan to Bois Blanc, Round, and Mackinac Islands, ending in St. Ignace. In 1954, construction of the suspension bridge began. Using six million rivets, 750,000 tons of concrete and steel, and 42,000 miles of wire, the bridge was completed in 1957 just in time for deer season. Over 4.5 million vehicles use the bridge each year, along with cyclists during the Dal Mac ride just before Labor Day and pedestrians on the annual Labor Day walk.

Wanigans and River Rats

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:44:28 GMT

Although I was aware of Michigan’s lumbering heritage, I had no idea of the unique role of the river and the men who worked the river until we stumbled across Lumberman’s Monument, a beautiful little spot along Michigan’s Au Sable River. During the lumbering years, logs were floated for miles down the river to the nearest saw mill. “River Rats” accompanying them, breaking up log jams along the way. This dangerous journey in the roaring river could take days, so the men ate and slept along the river banks. WE saw a reproduction of a floating kitchen and general store, called a “wanigan”, followed the log “herd”, providing food and supplies. Often, the volume of logs was so large lunches were floated from the wanigan, at the end of the logs, to the men who were at the front of the log drive. I was fascinated by some of the Lumberjack’s lingo. The expression “easy as falling off a log” originated because of the danger of falling into the raging river while standing on logs to guide the “herd” or break up log jams. Other descriptive terms include “firecrackers (beans) and “red lead” (catsup). A short trail takes you to a beautiful sand dune overlook. Logs were marked, then slid from the top of the dune into the river. Locals told my children how they rolled down the dune into the cold water, so remember a swimsuit. Lumberman’s Monument is located on the River Road Scenic Byway off M65, about 14 miles west of Oscoda.

A Lovely Michigan Drive

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:09:25 GMT

I went for a drive in Oceana County this past fall. Beautiful photos... beautiful places.

Tigers vs. Indians, 9-2-09

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:33:46 GMT

We celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary with our daughter, Kelly, at Comerica Park. Kelly really liked the hot dogs!

Living on Mackinac Island in the Summer

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:27:17 GMT

I write a daily blog about living on Mackinac Island during the season. We bought a place on the island last summer, and this year came up in May. We will leave November 1. I think a link to this blog might help anyone who wants to come visit the island. It has great pictures, and you will really get a feel for what island living is all about. There are also descriptions of some of the more popular (and some pretty well-kept secret) attractions. The blog. Thanks! Brenda

Beacons Beckon

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 12:50:35 GMT

They're called the Sentinels of the Inland Seas and Michigan has more of them than any other state in the country. Over 115 lighthouses dot the 3,200-mile shoreline of Michigan's two peninsulas, strategically placed to serve as aids to navigation, to warn boats and ships of hazards such as reefs and shoals, as well as to indicate entries to harbors.

Tall, conical, square or octagonal in shape, lighthouses are unique in their design and to their locations, whether on a sandy shore, a breakwall, or a natural or artificial island. While some lights are still active, many of these beacons now serve as seasonal museums, bed & breakfast inns, photogenic subject matter and symbols of the past that are Pure Michigan.

Lighthouse Sampler

From the oldest light to the most recently renovated, each light has a special story to share. >more

Island Lights

Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is dotted with islands. Many are home to lighthouses that are open to view or visit. >more

Touring the Lights Fantastic

An excellent way to take in many lights is on a tour designated for that purpose. >more

Superior Sleepovers

Fall asleep to the Pure Michigan sounds and solitude only a lighthouse can offer. >more

Volunteer Keepers

Programs are in place, at several Michigan lighthouses, for guests to become a volunteer lighthouse keeper. >more

Diving

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:30:52 GMT

The Great Lakes contain some of the most well preserved shipwrecks in the world due to the cold water. Scuba diving and snorkeling on them is great fun! And thanks to the invasion on Zebra mussels and the like the visibility is usually good to great! Wrecks are also good for fishing. The fish like the hiding places that wrecks have to offer. There are many wrecks attainable for recreational diving and snorkeling with charters if you don't have your own boat available in most of the coastal towns. There are plenty of technical wrecks as well. There are 12 Underwater Preserves in Michigan, with a 13th proposed, with web information available about the wrecks and their locations (GPS). Some of the wrecks have moorings on them, some don't. Check it out.

Italian Roots, Michigan Soil

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Written by Laura Kurella.

It's no mistake that wine is often described using musical terminology because when it's good it flows like a song, and if the average wine carries an occasional note of flavor then St. Julian's Heron line is best described as a complete song!

The maestro behind St. Julian’s highly awarded melodic trio is none other than David Braganini, current president of St. Julian’s - the oldest and longest-operating winery in the State of Michigan. Founded in 1921 by Braganini’s grandfather, Mariano Meconi, the Heron trio was orchestrated by Braganini in an effort to offer a cleaner, refreshing alternative to wine connoisseurs.

“Wine aficionados love variety and, as such, are always looking to sink their tongues into something new. We’ve orchestrated our Heron line to deliver a crisp, clean taste that wine drinkers seem to be appreciating more and more.”

He said. “The Heron line is unique in that each wine is expertly tuned using a superb selection of both fine wines and crisp, refreshing juices that are then carefully orchestrated into a symphony of flavors designed to dance across the tongue and leave the palate longing for more.”

An added bonus to this line is that it is a blend of alcohols and non-alcohols, creating a superbly flavored lower alcohol alternative for those occasions where less alcohol is desirable. “Its naturally lower alcohol content and luscious fruit flavor appeal to a broad spectrum of wine lovers” Braganini said, “making it an excellent accompaniment for all occasions.”

Braganini said his father Apollo was the inspiration behind the line. “I have always had an affinity for the Heron, and though it may sound strange, these birds remind me of my father so it seemed only fitting to name the line after them.”

Complementing St. Julian’s impressive list of more than 40 wines is another newer label, Braganini Reserve, which is a line of drier style wines that are polished, elegant and bursting with vibrant characteristics. This line is due in large part to Braganini’s mission to improve his wines through a more careful selection of the best modern and heirloom grapes, such as the Cabernet Franc - an heirloom French that is just one of the many special varieties he now uses in his line of finer wines that among others include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Riesling, Traminette, Meritage, Chancellor, Merlot and Syrah as well as the impressive sparkling Chardonnay, Blanc de Blanc.

Daughter Angela, who is in the process of learning the business from her father, shares her father’s enthusiasm for the business and is proud of yet another Heron product they have recently developed. “I’m really exciting about the new vodka we’ve created,” bubbled Angela. “It’s made from grapes and we’re calling it Grey Heron.”

Angela said that their first batches are not very big, which means it will be available in limited amounts. “Just give us a call and we’ll let you know if there are quantities available.”

Today the St. Julian Winery is one of 11 wineries that make up the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA). The St. Julian Winery has been very instrumental in the creation and advancement of the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail, a project designed to improve Michigan’s tourism and economy.

For more information about St. Julian, Braganini products, locations and tours, or to shop online, visit www.stjulian.com and plan a visit to Michigan's most history-rich winery and one of its many tasting rooms soon!

WINE TASTING ROOM LOCATIONS

Paw Paw
716 S. Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
Phone: (269) 657-5568
Fax: (269) 657-5743
Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

Frankenmuth
127 S. Main St.
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Phone: (989) 652-3281
Fax: (989) 652-9884
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

Parma
2110 N. Concord Road
Parma, MI 49269
Phone: (517) 531-3786
Fax: (517) 531-3649
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

Dundee
119 Waterstradt-Commerce Drive
Dundee, MI 48131
Phone: (734) 529-3700
Fax: (734) 529-3779
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

Union Pier
9145 Union Pier Road
Union Pier, MI 49129
Phone: (269) 469-3150
Fax: (269) 469-5044
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday Noon - 6:00pm

Travel Michigan has received permission to reproduce this article.

Charity Island Dinner Cruise

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:27 GMT

My boyfriend and I took the Charity Island Dinner Cruise last summer, and I just can't stop thinking about the wonderful trip we had! The cruise to the island was perfect with very few waves and everyone on the boat was so friendly as we all got acquainted. We were served vegetables and dip, and we had brought a bottle of wine. When we arrived, the history presentation by Bob Wiltse was so informative and entertaining. The dinner was fantastic. I had the perch and my boyfriend had the beef tips. The atmosphere and the fellowship made it the most enjoyable meal. Karen Wiltse gave us all a tour of the lighthouse keeper's house and made us feel like we were all friends and family. The scenery was awe-inspiring and the host and hostess were so dear to everyone. The return trip home was timed to the sunset as we were served coffee and cheese cake. I keep telling everyone what a great trip it was and just wish everyone could experience it. I plan on returning every summer and this summer we are getting a group of our friends to go with us. This sunset dinner cruise is Michigan's best kept secret. If you do nothing else this summer, take this trip. You will absolutely love it!

Lighthouses of Michigan

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:25:10 GMT

Lighthouses of Michigan I have taken three trips to Michigan in the past five years. My favorite was an Elderhostel sponsored by the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Bob and Pat Hogan. It was a Lighthouse Tour where we visited 22 Lighthouses. We met in Muskegon where we stayed the first two days. We traveled by bus going to Petoskey for the next two nights, and then to Cheboygan for a night. We then returned to Muskegon for another night. Of course, along the way, we visited many Lighthouses and had presentations by a number of experts. The places where we stayed were: Holiday Inn Muskegon harbor; Perry Hotel, Petoskey; Best Western River Terrace, Cheboygan. Some of the great meals we enjoyed were at Boondocks in Glen Arbor, Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, and a great dinner at the Perry hotel in Petoskey. It would take too long to tell of all the Lighthouses we visited or the details of all we saw. Just to tell of one lighthouse, Old Mission Point near Traverse City, is on the 45th parallel that is halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. It was built in 1870 and deactivated in 1933, and is pictured here.

ALL ABOARD

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:39:14 GMT

We used our granddaughter, Dellaunna, as an excuse to ride the Poplar Express. Leaving from the steam institute in Owosso we rode behind 1225, the steam engine which was the model for the Polar Express movie. Our destination was the North Pole, of course. This was not any staid train ride, it was a real adventure. Yes, they served hot chocolate on board, like they did in the movie. Well, ok, not exactly like they did in the movie. We were encouraged to walk through the train, visit the refreshment car and souvenir car, and even step out on the platform of the last passenger car. As we passed a couple of Michigan deer, we thought we must really be getting near the North Pole. Once at the North Pole there was entertainment, food, Santa Claus, and some amusement rides. My granddaughter is a girl after my own heart; other than a brief pause for pizza we spend our entire time in the amusement section. When we boarded the train to return to Owosso, we each found a bell on our seat; and we were all able to hear them ring. Back at the steam institute we enjoyed model trains and other railroading displays. I discovered one of the models had been donated by the family of a doctor with whom I once worked. This trip is so popular, tickets for next year will go on sale in January. Log onto www.mstrp.com for more information

St Ignace is a GEM

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:27:16 GMT

What a thrill to see Pere Marquette's gravesite, eat a pasty, climb castle rock, devour sticky buns from Freshwater Foods Bakery, picnic at Bridgeview Park on whitefish pâté, explore the Mystery Spot, hang out in Totem Village, chat with locals and tourists at the weekly wine and cheese festival, meander through St Ignatius Church (St Ignace is named after St Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of Pere Marquette), walk out the pier to Chief Wawatam's loading spot, chow down at The Driftwood and The Galley and check out all the history of the area in Fort de Buade. And to think, St Ignace is the third oldest (continuous) city in the United States. Accommodations were wonderful both at the Best Western Harbour Pointe and the Moran Bay Motel. Wifi is abundant in the UP!

South Manitou Island

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:09:23 GMT

We took the Manitou Transit Ferry from Leland (Fishtown) out to the South Manitou Island, located in Lake Michigan. The water was very calm that day, there and back. We did the day trip. White feathered clouds filled the beautiful blue skies and made great reflections on the water. From the dock on the Island, we hiked the shore line to the Lighthouse. From my picture, you can see it is very well maintained. It still sits on the shoreline guiding ships and inviting folks to come visit the simpler days that have gone by. The next trip to the Island, we will be staying a few days to explore more of the gifts it has to offer and experience the rustic life.

Wonderful Summers Up North in Michigan

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:08:35 GMT

I am an Ohio girl and my husband is a Michigan boy. We met in Texas and immediately after we were transferred to Grand Rapids Michigan. I was excited about starting a new life in Michigan, but not at all ready for everything it had to offer. Grand Rapids was a beautiful city with so many things to do. Then my husband took me up north. That was all it took. I have been in love with the U.P of Michigan since then. We have been to Mackinac Island several times and we have always enjoyed it. We have also been to Whitefish Point and the beautiful lighthouse they have. We have walked along the beach area they have and brought home a few rocks that washed up on the shore. We were lucky enough to spend our 23rd wedding anniversary on Mackinac Island this past August. We took our children along and spent two lovely nights there. Our children are so in love with Michigan, they look forward to our visits there. Our youngest that is 10 years old says, “It’s not summer until we go up north.” I tend to agree. Look for us this summer….see you there.

We Can Call Her - Mackinac

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:10:29 GMT

When my 2 grandson's were ages 7 and 5 respectively, I was finally "allowed" to take them on a month long RV trip to my home state of Michigan. I had always taken a months leave every summer and headed north to Michigan with my own girls.. now it was exciting to share all my Michigan memories with my grandsons. We loaded up the 22' travel trailer and full size conversion van with 7 dogs, 4 parrots, 1 cat and 2 grandsons. Our first stop was "home" to Port Huron to visit family, then up to Lakeport State Park for a few days enjoying the beach & campground, then to Croswell to experience the "Swinging Bridge", then on up to Gaylord to "Call of the Wild", then Mackinac City touring the fort before crossing Mackinac Bridge to St Ignace. We always stay at Castle Rock Camppark, (my favorite campground). Super folks, beautiful campground, beach, playground and wonderful base location for all Mackinac has to offer. We stayed at Castle Rock Camppark for 2 weeks (never long enough!) visiting Mackinac Island, the Soo, climbing Castle Rock, visiting the Indian Village, Mystery Spot, then it was time to head south again, stopping in Port Huron again this time at the Port Huron KOA with all it's "kid" activities. Had a family cookout and took full advantage of all the KOA had to offer. Ofcourse along the way we sent postcards and made calls to the boy's Mom so she didn't worry and knew they were well. Too soon it was time to pack up and return to Illinois. Remember that morning all too well, during breakfast I told the boys it was time to head back to Illinois & their Mom was missing them. What sad faces!!! Brandon, the 7 year old, sad in silence for what seemed the longest time, then looked up at me with a bright smile and said.... "we can call her". It was SO difficulty keeping a straight face as Brandon was SO serious. Neither of the boys wanted to leave. Through the years our annual trip to Michigan was always the high point of each year, visiting many lighthouses, beaches, campgrounds in our travels. The "boys" are now 17 and 15 and we still talk of all the exciting times at Mackinac & Michigan.

Fun filled Motor Trek Weekend

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:34:59 GMT

We arrived early Friday (6/19) and went to Detroit Science Center to experience the Star Trek Exhibition. It was really cool. We drove around downtown Detroit seeing the sculptures and buildings. It was great to be back home. We toured Hitsville U.S.A.(Motown Museum) and loved seeing everything there on display. Saturday we toured the Greenfield Village seeing awesome sites like Edison's work place, the glass blowing and many others. The Motor Muster car exhibit was in full swing. So many cars to see it was hard to be sure to see all of them and the regular exhibits all in one day. The following day (Sunday 6/21) we toured The Henry Ford Museum and the Rock Stars, Car and Guitars exhibit. We were blown away. I am a school bus driver and thought it was so cool to see the first school bus. We are truly amazed that someone could be so forward thinking that they preserved so many wonderful things for generations to come to view. Lots of memories of growing up in the 60's and 70's while we went through the decades section. I would recommend these places to anyone and everyone. We are hoping that maybe some year in the future we could enter our own car (1974 Dodge Charger) in the Motor Muster exhibit. It would be an honor for us. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

My kids still talk about this trip

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:12:40 GMT

As a kid I went to the UP to visit family. Those relatives are gone now; however, I wanted to share the experience with my own kids. My grandmother and I took my kids to the Keeweenaw Penisula one 4th of July. Besides visiting the old family homestead outside of Baraga, we went to Copper Harbor, Brockway Mountain Drive, and Fort Wilkins. We took in the South Range 4th of July Parade, it was awesome! I'd never been to such an incredible parade. On the way back, we explored the Seul Choix Point lighthouse and the Cut River Bridge area. We stayed at the Harbour Pointe in St. Ignace, a fantastic place for families. Naturally, no visit would be complete without taking a trip to Mackinac Island. My kids still talk about all they saw and did on this trip. Can't wait to go back.

Across the Mighty Mac

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:58:13 GMT

Whenever we get the opportunity, we love to go to the Upper Peninsula. As soon as I -75 takes you to the exit at the welcome center, you know you have come to a special place! The rock formations that greet you are beautiful! A word of warning to newcomers, you are going to be referred to as "fudgies!" If you don't know what that means, be sure to stop at one of the several fudge shops while you are there. Then you'll know what I mean! My family and I always park our R.V. in St. Ignace. In this day and age, you need to conserve fuel whenever you can! But that is your choice. We make day trips to the Soo, to watch the ships go through the locks. Then we go around Whitefish bay, always stopping at the many turnoffs, so the boys can run around after being cooped up in the car. You can go to Whitefish point to see the lighthouse, and museum. But be sure to turn and go see the Tahquamenon Falls. Wherever you go in Michigan, it's sure to be an unforgettable experience

New Buffalo Michigan

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:31:14 GMT

My wife and I spent three days in New Buffalo, Michigan. We went to see the Four Winds Casino to compare it with the New MGM casino in Detroit. We found the Four Winds to be very beautiful. The food was great at the buffet. There is a lack of machines for the amount of guests that were there on Friday and Saturday nights. The diamond in the ruff that we found was the motel that we stayed at. We were not sure at first if we had made a good choice by picking Rodeway Inn at 18830 LaPorte Road. But when we got there we found that it had changed its name to SUPER INN. Then we really wondered. We checked in and found the manager a very friendly person and we were given a new room on the west side of the building to find a wonderfully clean and large room with a king size bed and a very large bathroom. Also included was a refrigerator and a microwave. Most of all the price was 1/2 of what the other two hotels in the immediate area cost. This motel was 1/2 mile from the entrance to Four Winds Casino and 1/4 mile from the exit of I-94. We went into New Buffalo and found a very nice town. We ate at Rosie's Cafe where the towns people were very friendly. We drove around town and found a very large Harbor area and a very nice Sand Dune beach. We went to church on Sunday at St. Marys at the Lake. What a beautiful church. The Choir was a treat to listen to. I recommend a weekend visit and say hi to the towns people.

Simply (Pan)Fishing: For the Kids

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Written by Dan Donarski, a professional outdoor and travel journalist.

Oftentimes it seems we adults get wrapped around the axle when it comes to fishing. We "need" the newest graph, the best rods and reels, the wonder baits, the biggest fish and, of course, to accomplish all this, a boat. I received a lesson from my kids a while back. And it’s a lesson that can be re-taught to each of us within a 30 minute drive from anywhere in Michigan. All you need is a lake, river or pond.

The boat wouldn’t start when we got to the bay. Karen didn’t seem to mind. "That’s OK dad, we don’t need the boat. We’ll just fish off the dock. The dock will be fine."

Eric agreed. "Yeah dad, we’ll catch fish off the dock."

Fishing off this dock in years past has been worthwhile. Karen and the neighbor’s little girl caught a mess of nice yellow perch last summer in late August. Earlier in the summer she caught bullheads, white perch and more than one sheephead gave her quite a struggle.

On the way to the cottage we bought bait, candy, hooks, candy, bobbers, candy, sinkers and no, not more candy, but those Cheetos fried to a crackly-crunch. Oh yeah, and some soda pop. (Mom, the Supreme Ruler of the Free World, was out of sight.)

We arrived at the cottage late in the day, full of promise. Karen ran down to the water.

When she returned her expectant expression was softened to resignation if not dejection. "Dad, come look at the water. It’s green."

It was certainly green. That pea soup algae didn’t look inviting.

OK, dad, I thought, gotta come up with something quick or it will be an awful long week. "Karen, remember when I’ve told you that bright light sometimes makes the fishing real bad and cloudy days and early mornings are often better than at noon because it is not so bright? Well, kiddo, this pea soup will help keep the water dark so we might even have better fishing."

"Really?"

"Sure, kiddo. You bet." (I hoped.)

It was my job to mind the rods while the kids went for candy or pop or Cheetos or all three. It was also my job to keep Eric from performing crude, rock-tossed autopsies on a few dead carp that he found along the beach.

We even caught fish. Sheephead were numerous, as were perch. Eric did come up with the best catches. One evening he brought in a channel catfish. One morning he found himself attached to his ScobbyDoo rod while a 4½-pound smallmouth found itself attached to it, too.

On the drive back home to the Soo I told Karen that she was right, that we did catch fish off the dock.

"I like the dock. You never know what is out there. It’s simple, dad," she said. "You don’t have to worry about rocking the boat or anything. It’s simply fishing."

Right again kiddo.

Pan fishing, fishing off the dock, or off the bank, or even from a boat is simple. You need a rod and reel. Nothing fancy mind you, a simple outfit will do. Six pound line is just fine, four would be even better. Hooks in the No. 8 or 10 sizes. A few split shot and a bobber. For bait a dozen worms or crawlers, maybe some wax worms. That’s all.

Well, not quite. When fishing with kids it is absolutely vital that you fish somewhere where the kids are going to catch fish. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but it isn’t. This fishing excursion isn’t about you catching fish; it’s about the kids catching fish. Size doesn’t really matter. They just want something tugging on their line and feel the fish while they reel it in.

The best banks or docks will be those that allow you, or them, to cast the line into four feet of water or more. Set the bobber three feet above the bait so the bait goes to a foot or two off the bottom. There is no need to be in water more than six feet deep. There will be fish there if there are any weeds at all.

If you do have access to a boat, look for water in the eight to ten foot range. The edge of a weed bed is a great place to anchor. Bobbers here are optional. Simply have the kids let the weight go down to the bottom and then reel in a foot or two of line.

Bluegills, pumpkin seeds, crappies, perch, bullhead and a host of other species are just waiting for your kids to send them down some food.

One more thing, bring a bit of patience and snacks.

Hot Spots
(These areas may not have the biggest fish in the water, but they will produce panfish for you and the kids.)

Southern Lower

Big Portage Lake, Jackson County
Click here for Jackson County fishing info

Kent Lake, Oakland County
Click here for Kensington Metropark info

Mona Lake/Muskegon Lake, Muskegon County
Click here for Muskegon State Park info

Northern Lower

Spider Lake, Grand Traverse County

Cooke Dam Pond, Iosco County

Lake Cadillac/Lake Mitchell, Wexford County
Click here for Lake Cadillac/Lake Mitchell fishing info

Upper Peninsula

Fortune Chain of Lakes, Iron County
Click here for Iron County fishing info

South Lake/Big Manistique Lake, Mackinac County
Click here for Manistique Lakes area fishing info

Prickett Dam Backwater, Baraga County

Travel Michigan has received permission to reproduce this article.

Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes... What Fun!!

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:07:08 GMT

My son had so much fun at the sand dunes, he had to out-do me. We tried..(ok I TRIED, he won) climbing the sand dunes at the dune climb, and he was only 3-1/2 years old. I gave up about 1/2 way up the sand, he made it at least 3/4 of the way up; and I think he only stopped because I gave up! What a trooper he is.

Beyond the race

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Written by Julie Royce with permission from Michigan BLUE Magazine.

Hosted by Detroit-based Bayview Yacht Club, the now 85-year-old Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race tempts thousands of visitors to Port Huron’s shores come July--yet reasons to venture here begin long before the starting cannon’s crack and continue long after the showy sails are but specks on the horizon. Here on Michigan’s Sunrise Side, visitors will find they can shoehorn a summer’s worth of activity into a long weekend.

Ever since the Sauk and Ojibwa canoed the connected waterways of Lake Huron and her rivers, the water has demanded center stage. Today utility melds with pleasure. While ocean-bound freighters the length of two football fields navigate their heavy cargos through the St. Clair River beneath the soaring Blue Water Bridges connecting Michigan to Ontario, the picturesque Huron Lady II offers narrated charter cruises, including one to the starting line on race day. And while shipwrecks beckon bold divers from below, dropping a fishing line from above over the side of a small boat remains as popular today as a century ago.

The Great Lakes Maritime Center, at the juncture of the Black and St. Clair rivers and heart of the globe’s largest inland shipping route, attracts freighter watchers with coffee, doughnuts, comfortable chairs and panoramic views of river traffic; fans can also listen in here to what’s happening via onboard radios. Outside, indulge in a salty snack from the French Fry Truck, a frosty concoction from the Ice Cream Trailer, or fresh flowers and produce during farm market hours.

More maritime treasures emerge at any of Port Huron’s five intriguing museums:

Explore shipwrecks, discover how to build a schooner and step into a pilot’s house as it looked in the early 1900s in the Carnegie Center’s Marine Gallery. This must-see stop also unveils the Blue Water area’s engaging nautical legacy.
The Thomas Edison Museum showcases the life of Port Huron’s favorite son. It occupies the Fort Gratiot Depot that provided employment to 12-year-old Thomas, who hawked newspapers and snacks on the Port Huron-to-Detroit runs between 1859 and 1863 to finance the burgeoning costs of his experiments; the clever lad had marked every vial “poison” to discourage tampering. Recreation of his chemistry lab, printing shop and interactive displays await.
The Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, commissioned in 1944 at a cost of nearly $1 million, participated in “Operation Crossroads,” the first test of an atomic bomb’s effect on surface ships. The Bramble later served a distinguished career of search and rescue, icebreaking, and law enforcement throughout the Great Lakes. Decommissioned in 2003, visitors now board the Bramble at the Acheson Ventures Seaway Terminal. Here they also can board Acheson’s 154-foot topsail schooner, Highlander Sea, for learning excursions, tours, day and overnight sails.
The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Michigan, serves as sentinel for one of the busiest waterways in the world. Climb her stairs for a sweeping view of the St. Clair River’s entryway to Lake Huron.
Finally, tour the floating Huron Lightship museum, docked at Pine Grove Park. During its working days it displayed a light at the top of its mast and anchored in spots too deep, expensive or impractical to construct a stationary lighthouse.

Even Port Huron’s galleries indulge the local obsession with water: Don’t leave without a stop at Studio 1219. Started by a “Cool Cities” grant to nurture budding artists, Studio 1219 displays (for both your visual enjoyment and potential purchase) the artwork of more than 100 local artists.

Meanwhile--downtown amongst myriad boutique shops including home and garden accessory trove Weekends and memorably scented BackYard Soaps – Cap’n Jim’s Gallery focuses on maritime art and lore. By race week, Cap’n Jim Clary will unveil, in an acrylic original painting and giclee prints, a near bow-on view of the world’s only seven-masted schooner, Thomas W. Lawson, constructed in 1901.

While in town, be certain to ascend the 188 steps of the McMorran Tower to the observation platform for an aerial view of the Blue Water Bridges--as well as the race’s starting course.

Doing so will undoubtedly work up your appetite. Courses of another kind can be found high atop the Port Huron Office Center in The Fogcutter, which serves up renowned waterfront views in addition to fresh seafood, choice meat cuts and variety of other fine dining fare in a casually elegant atmosphere. Other local favorites include The Black River Café, a welcoming bistro with inventive offerings such as perch tacos, heirloom tomato trout with risotto cakes and omelet croissant sandwiches; The Vintage Tavern – Cheers meets Wolfgang Puck with a splash of Napa Valley – for flavorful items including teriyaki salmon, afternoon wine flights and unique brews served indoors or out overlooking the Black River; and the culturally, musically, culinary hip Raven Café, located in a Civil War-era building, for live entertainment and creative fare.

To learn more, visit www.bluewater.org. Michigan-based writer Julie Royce has authored "Traveling Michigan's Thumb" and "Traveling Michigan's Sunset Coast" (Thunder Bay Press).

Michigan BLUE Magazine, Michigan's Lakestyle Magazine, is published bi-monthly by Gemini Publications. Lisa Jensen is the editor.

Travel Michigan has received permission to reproduce this article.

O'Leary Donates Paint for Renovation of REO Town's Reach Studio Art Center

Tue, 26 May 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Eastside business owners David and John O’Leary are providing enough paint to cover the 6,000 square foot Reach Studio Art Center in REO Town as part of a renovation project.

Reach us a non-profit art center that’s been open since 2003. The exterior paint is peeling and in need of repair.

“No major renovations have been done since that point,” says Reach Outreach Coordinator Jessica Swisher.

In 2008, 732 young people and 251 adults participated in Reach’s programs.

Through their company, O’Leary Paint, the O’Learys have donated enough paint to give the studio a much-needed makeover. From 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday May 30, dozens of community volunteers will paint Reach, working in three-hour shifts to ensure the building is finished by the day’s end.

O’Leary got involved with the project after talking with a member of the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, who mentioned that Reach needed help with a renovation.

“It’s such a worthwhile cause,” David O’Leary says. “It’s an easy one to get behind. We’re lucky to have people like this in the community. If this isn’t a worthwhile project, I don’t know what is. It didn’t take a lot of selling.”

The rain date for the project is Saturday, June 6. For more information, click here.

Source: Jessica Swisher, Reach Studio Art Center

Ivy Hughes is the managing editor of Capital Gains and can be reached here.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Story Courtesy of http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/

Preservation for Economic Development

Mon, 18 May 2009 06:00:00 GMT

The restoration of the Globe Trading Company building in the East Riverfront District of Detroit took another step forward recently when the State of Michigan recommended it be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. There is still a lot of work to do before reconstruction begins, but it is a good example of how DEGC appreciates the potential economic development value of vintage buildings.

DEGC works as the staff of the Downtown Development Authority, the Economic Development Corporation, the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and in partnership with private developers who put their own funds at risk to generate new lives for older buildings.

Over the last six years DEGC has facilitated brownfield tax credits and other incentives to help save and restore well over 100 vintage buildings. The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been effective working with developers to generate incentives that will help pay for site cleanup and other preparations for turning obsolete, vacant or underused buildings into new uses.

Our downtown façade improvement program also offered matching grants for owners of older buildings who were willing to share the costs of permanent enhancements to their exteriors. We also helped move the Gem Theater and the Elwood Bar and Grill to make room for Comerica Park.
When DEGC supports a building restoration or adaptive reuse, it is based on a solid business plan and available financing. Unfortunately, many buildings have been vacant for too long, leading to conditions that make their redevelopment economically difficult, especially given current market conditions. In some cases, older buildings downtown have made way for new market-oriented developments like the Compuware's world headquarters, One Kennedy Square and the soon-to-open Rosa Parks Transit Center.

Cities evolve, taking the best of the old and the new. These challenging times call for creative thinking for all kinds of development projects. DEGC stands ready to work with those interested in taking on that challenge and investing in Detroit.

Olga Stella is the vice president of business development for the DEGC.

Story Courtesy of http://www.modeldmedia.com/

Finding Lexington Michigan

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:48:25 GMT

The Friday, we were to visit, and discover Lexington, dawned bright and sunny. A trip to the gas station was in order and with the soaring gas prices I was happy when husband Larry said, "We can get there and back on one tank of gas." He was right!@ It was only 75 miles from our home, in Saginaw Township, to the Captain's quarters Inn. You can visit their websiste at www.cqilex.com. Imaginme my surprise, when after only a 75-mile ride, we fopund ourselves in completely different surroundings and the feeling of stepping back in time. the whole atmosphere was of a friendly small town from the past. Tree lined streets, with well kept lawns and flowers enhancing every yard, welcomed us. There was a sling breeze blowing and a relaxing feeling took over. We found our B & B had a great location, within walking distance to the beautiful downtown, harbor, beach, tennis courts, shopping, concerts in lakeside park, a woderful new theatre and close to a 36-hole golf course. To top everything off, we found the prices here were VERY reasonable. The most expensive ticket at the theater, to enjoy Steinway Artist, Steve Hall from California, was $25.00! A nine foot Steinway Grand was shipped from Detroit just for the occasion! Our Sunday brunch, complete with prime rib, at the 36 hole golf course club house was only $8.95! The Landing restaurant dock side was a delight and don't miss shopping at Angel's Garden. We loved our visit and would highly recommend the Captain's Quarters Inn. Pat and Ron Cutler, your hosts, will make you feel right at home and can help plan your visit. They know everything about Lexington and the surrounding area. Jill and Larry

Cruise Old Mission

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

By Christiana Schmitz with permission of MyNorth.com

A lovely, languid drive along Old Mission Peninsula; the hilly green finger of land that divides the east and west sides of Grand Traverse Bay;is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. From the base of the peninsula, follow Garfield Road north out of Traverse City, then head left on M-37, also known as Center Road. Brake for the tasting rooms of the half-dozen Old Mission wineries to pick up a bottle of vino for dinner, then swing by Fox Valley Gardens Farm Market (231-883-8337) for in-season fruits and veggies as well as honey, fresh cut flowers and maps of the peninsula. Cut across Wilson Road and cruise the coast, turning right on Nelson Road for a captivating detour: latticework branches intertwine overhead, shading a sun-speckled lane that skirts one of the peninsula’s many orchards. This hidden two-track will bring you back to M-37, and a left leads you to Peninsula Market (14111 Center Rd., 231-223-9500) for picnic provisions like sandwiches and cold almond cherry chicken salad.

Follow the signs to the eclectic Old Mission General Store (18250 Old Mission Rd., 231-223-4310), where shafts of sunlight illuminate a happy clutter of penny candy, coon caps, antiques, toys and more. Ask owner Jim Richards about the history of this store: the first outpost between Detroit and the Straits of Mackinac. Nab a few more goodies for your picnic, then head north to Lighthouse Park at the very tip of the peninsula. Here’s the spot for a sweet sunset picnic: beach access, a lovely lighthouse and curling sand paths calling you to the water. Make your way to the old metal swing set nestled in the sand, take a seat and let the swing’s soft creaking fold into the sound of the evening waves.

MyNorth.com, the vacation site of the North, is refreshed daily by the staff of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine. Deborah Wyatt Fellows is editor-in-chief.

My Granddaughter Got Worn Out!

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:40:13 GMT

My three year old granddaughter, Dellaunna, got worn out at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. Really. Her first fascination was the child size gate into the children’s garden. I didn’t see it, but she did, and went in and out several times before we could get her to the next attraction, a fountain and statue (of course you could get wet in the fountain!) Another water feature, very welcome on a hot day, was a large replica of the great lakes where children could sail boats and build bridges out of tinker toys. The children’s garden appeals to a wide age range. Grandma enjoyed looking at the map inscribed in concrete around the “lakes”. Dellaunna wasn’t too interested in the sensory garden yet, an area emphasizing the five senses, but Grandpa was. Our next major stop was the giant sand pile, where there were fossils to uncover, conventional sand toys, and a child sized backhoe to operate. Then it was on to the tree house, a fantastic array of platforms and connecting bridges inhabited by denizens like giant spiders. While Grandma read about the insects and birds, Dellaunna ran the bridges and scrambled from platform to platform. Children’s fun doesn’t end with the children’s garden. We walked the boardwalk and wooded path to the farmhouse yard, where children enjoy such chores as pumping water, hanging clothes, or painting a fence. When Dellaunna finally wore out gathering eggs, Grandpa was sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch and Grandma was learning to play hoops on the lawn.

Bike Bois Blanc Island

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Emily Betz Tya with permission from MyNorth.com.

Start your island day on the mainland, at Cheboygan's State Street Coffee Company (211 W. State St., 231-597-9575) for a cappuccino and croissant. Buy a bag of roasted cashews for the ferry trip to Bois Blanc Island, a quiet Lake Huron hideaway only eight miles away. The Plaunt family has run their Plaunt Transportation passenger ferries out of Cheboygan for more than 75 years (412 Water St., 888-PLAUNTS). Take your car across if you wish—reservations required—or book passage for your bike. There are no rentals in Cheboygan or on the island.

On the 40-minute trip over, set your sights on the freighters plying the Straits, and a glorious view of the Mackinac Bridge.

Debark and set out: The winding dirt shore road that circles the secluded 12-by-6-mile island is a flat and easy bet for biking. The speed limit on the island is 25 miles per hour everywhere—a blessing for bikers—but still watch for cars wending around the bends.

Three miles east of the ferry docks, find Bob-Lo Tavern (231-634-7100) for chef-owner Barb Schlund's spicy dill pickle spears and a Bob-Lo Burger, topped with shredded slow-cooked ham. Before an island treat of fried ice cream anointed in Kahlua, sneak in a round of shuffleboard on the vintage board in the bar.

Another mile east, take a dip at the beach between Rosie Point and Snake Island. Locals named it Snow Beach, as it's one of the only sandy;not rocky shores on the island. Dry out in the sun before circling back the way you came past the island woods filled with chicory, ferns, Queen Anne's lace and black-eyed Susans. End up at Hawk's Landing (231-634-7375), a restaurant, gas station and general store within sight of the ferry docks. Pick up some Bois Blanc paraphernalia and a treat (owner Missy fixes fine apple pies, strawberry shortcake and banana splits to meet the whims of the islanders), then head to your ferry home. Most days the last ferry from the island leaves at 5 p.m. and the Plaunt family runs a tight ship.

MyNorth.com, the vacation site of the North, is refreshed daily by the staff of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine. Deborah Wyatt Fellows is editor-in-chief.

Bike Beaver Island

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

By Elizabeth Edwards with permission from MyNorth.com.

Whether you come by air or sea, Beaver Island's 60 square miles of beautiful terra firma beg exploring. The quiet back roads that wend out of Beaver's only hub, the village of St. James, lend themselves to mountain biking (fat tires are a must for the island's miles of clay-gravel roads). Bring your own bike, or stop by Lakesports' Paradise Bay Gifts and rent one (231-448-2166). Once your wheels are turning, set your sights on the picturesque 46-foot Beaver Head Light on the island's south end. There, you'll climb the circular wrought-iron staircase for a big blue lake vista. You might turn around before you make it the full 18 miles (remember, you'll need to ride back to St. James to catch your ride to the mainland). That's okay, the spectacular tapestry of forest, rocky shoreline and dune beaches you pass along the way are a destination unto themselves.

Stoke up for your ride at Dalwhinnie Bakery and Deli (231-448-2736), where everything from the bread to the bear claws are homemade. Pack along a ham and cheddar on cheese bread for a beach picnic. As you head south on King's Highway, take a moment to stop into the Old Mormon Print Shop Museum (231-448-2254) to learn about this island's rich history—and why the road is called King's Highway. (Hint: Beaver Island once had a king.) Pick up Elizabeth Whitney Williams's book Child of the Sea. The author grew up at the Beaver Head Lighthouse in the 19th century. Now get pedaling. You'll want time to lounge on the beach by the lighthouse and let Williams's book make this beautiful spot come alive.

Getting to Beaver Island: The 32-mile flight over Lake Michigan from Charlevoix is less than a half hour (Island Airways, 800-524-6895; Fresh Air Aviation, 888-359-7448). The ferry the Emerald Isle takes two hours (888-446-4095), but the payoff for the extra time is freshwater spray on your face. For island lodging info contact the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce (231-448-2505).

MyNorth.com, the vacation site of the North, is refreshed daily by the staff of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine. Deborah Wyatt Fellows is editor-in-chief.

Bike Mackinac Island's Interior

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:00:00 GMT

By Katie Holland with permission from MyNorth.com .

There's much to be said for the traditional shoreline ride around Mackinac Island (877-847-0086). Lake Shore Boulevard, the eight-mile main loop, is, after all, Michigan’s only state highway that’s absolutely automobile free. But bikers can also steal away into the forest for quiet trails. Just be prepared for some heart-pumping hills.

For a woodsy escape, ride up the center of the island, past Fort Mackinac, to Garrison Road. Be ready to pop the kickstand and ramble around historic sites; along the way, you'll come across old stone-walled Protestant and Catholic cemeteries, Skull Cave and the battlefield-turned-golf course, Wawashkamo. Garrison Road dead-ends at Lake Shore Boulevard, where you’re treated to a panorama of the spectacular five-mile Mackinac Bridge that links Michigan' Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

Pedal along toward the island' southwest lobe to spot some of Mackinac Island's most famous features. Arch Rock, a stand of fragile brecciated limestone, is instantly recognizable and a popular photo-op. Several winding bike trails and carriage roads, most of them paved, lead back to another famous limestone tower: the pockmarked and craggy Sugar Loaf, a ritual burial site of the island's early Native American inhabitants, juts up 75 feet into the air at a horseshoe in the pathway.

QUICK BITE: Try Mary' Bistro for relaxed dining at the west end of Mackinac Island's historic downtown. Think chicken potpies, and sirloin with horseradish sauce and grilled bananas. Grab a seat on the back patio to watch the rooster-tailed ferries zip in and out of the harbor. 906-847-9911.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Established as a national park in 1875 (second only to Yellowstone), Mackinac Island State Park became Michigan's first state park in 1895. Eighty percent of the island is still parkland.

MyNorth.com, the vacation site of the North, is refreshed daily by the staff of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine. Deborah Wyatt Fellows is editor-in-chief.

The New UMMA

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT

$41.9 million dollars and 53, 000 extra feet later the U-M Museum of Art reopens with an around-the-clock meet and greet that brought out a whole lotta love... from Ann Arborites, that is.

And what's not to love? The museum has undergone a major restoration, doubled its collections space, added galleries, class rooms, public programming, a curatorial research centerand a 225 seat auditorium and café.

It's more than doubled the amount of its collection (18,000 pieces collected over 150 years) on display and rededicated itself to becoming a cultural anchor for not just the university but the city of Ann Arbor.

Click on the YouTube video below for the unveiling.

Story Courtesy of http://www.concentratemedia.com/

Volunteer to be a Lighthouse Keeper This Summer

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association is accepting applications from anyone interesting in living and working in either of their two lighthouses located in northern Michigan

The first opportunity is at the St. Helena Island lighthouse; which is located 8 miles west of the Mackinaw Bridge. Positions are open to singles, couples and families; however any children must be at least 8 years of age to participate. Volunteers will be transported by boat from Mackinaw City to St. Helena Island and will spend their entire tour of duty on the island before being returned to Mackinaw City. Duties run the gamut from painting, sanding, cooking, washing dishes, dusting, hand-pumping and carrying water, serving as a tour guide, and clearing brush and weeds. Volunteer keeper openings are available from mid-June through mid-August, with tours of duty ranging from a minimum of 5 days through the entire two month period, based on the volunteer’s availability. The fee for this great opportunity is $75.00 per person to cover transportation to and from the island, and $12.00 per day for food and incidentals. Housing opportunities are varied and dependent on any groups which may be scheduled on the island during your chosen volunteer period. An experienced volunteer keeper will be in residence at the lighthouse throughout your stay to provide training and direction.

According to Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association Executive Director and lighthouse historian Terry Pepper, while there are a number of lighthouses which offer volunteer keeper programs elsewhere around the Great Lakes, St. Helena offers the only opportunity to experience life on a pristine undeveloped island living life exactly as it was live at the end of the nineteenth century. No electricity, Internet or television, water pumped from a well by hand; nothing but nature's glory and star-filled skies.

The second volunteer keeper opportunity offered by the Association is at the Cheboygan River Front Range lighthouse, right in downtown Cheboygan. According to Pepper, the experience of serving as a weekend volunteer keeper at the Cheboygan River Front Range light offers a unique combination of staying in a historic riverfront lighthouse while enjoying all the amenities of a bustling downtown area. While there is a small kitchenette for the keeper's use, most of the volunteers end up eating their meals at some of the area's restaurants, a number of which are within easy walking distance of the lighthouse.

Two volunteers (couples or good friends) will share a bedroom at the lighthouse at no charge while providing an enjoyable and hospitable environment for visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Since volunteer Keepers will work in pairs, you will be free to swap between gift shop and tour duties as you see fit. Keepers will also be responsible for building and grounds maintenance throughout the day. This may include sweeping down buildings, mowing the lawn, trimming grass, changing light bulbs, etc. There will also be special projects from time to time - ranging from carpentry, light demolition, painting, etc., depending on the individual keeper's skills and abilities. There is no charge for volunteering at the Cheboygan River Front Range lighthouse, however volunteers must be GLLKA members in order to participate.

For additional information on volunteer opportunities at either the St. Helena Island lighthouse or the Cheboygan River Front Range lighthouse, call the Association at 231-436-5580 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, or by email at info@gllka.com

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association is a registered 501(c)(3) Corporation dedicated to preserving Great Lakes lighthouses, the stories of the valiant keepers who served at them and developing the next generation of preservationists.

Our Indian River Michigan experience

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:33:31 GMT

This past August, I took my family on a short vacation to Indian River, Michigan. We traveled there So that I could compete in the Top 'O Michigan marathon nationals powerboat races. The races have been an annual event there for nearly 60 years. We had a fantastic time! Everything there was beautiful, the town, the weather and the waterways! The racing event was a huge success! The town is very supportive of our racing organization and marathon racing event. I recall racing through the rivers and seeing nice folks lining the shores. Everyone was cheering and waving! It was great to see such great support. While in Indian River, My family and I visited the Cross in the Woods sanctuary. It was a spiritually touching experience that I would recommend to people of all faiths. Whenever my family experiences a wonderful place such as Michigan, I joke around with my wife that perhaps we should move there. And this trip was no exception. As we traveled through the state and took in all the natural beauty, I started in again: "I dunno sweetheart, maybe we should move up here!" I would say. I wonder if my wife knows how much I really would like to relocate our family Michigan? We all look forward to our next Michigan experience.

Updated Sun Theater in Grand Ledge Attracts New Shows, Younger Crowd

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:00 GMT

The Sun Theater in Grand Ledge has undergone an internal and external makeover.

“We’ve really made a big change in terms of the things that we’re doing now in addition to movies,” says Chuck Pantera, owner of the Sun Theater. “We’ve has some concerts, a battle of the bands and many music shows.”

The Pantera family owned the theater from 1989 to 1999. In 1999 they sold it to another family who then made some major renovations including putting in new seats and updating the screen and sound system.

In September 2008, the Panteras took the theater over again and decided to move beyond movies and create more of a community gathering space.

Pantera’s daughter, Emily Pantera, is working with local community college and high school students to create a short film festival.

“We wanted to get people back into the theater to watch their own works,” she says.

High schools from around the state have also showed interest in these film festivals, which Emily hopes will become a staple at the theater. Emily says she’ll talk to any group who has an idea for theater. The Pantera’s hope to update the theater’s façade in the upcoming years.

Feb. 22, the Sun Theater will host Echoes of Pink Floyd, a Pink Floyd tribute band that will play live music while the Wizard of Oz plays on the Sun Theater’s screen.

Source: Chuck Pantera, Sun Theater

Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.

Story Courtesy of http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/

Travel blog visits Detroit, leaves impressed by architecture, music and the people

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Acclaimed travel blog, gadling.com, visits Detroit and does a good job at discovering the city.

Excerpt:

But the Motor City, the land of the Model T, Motown and Madonna (and other famous musicians too numerous to mention) isn't just an empty shell. Nearly a million people still live here, for starters. As startling as its collapse is the fact that the city continues to move on as if things were almost normal. For sure, this is a place of grand ruins, hopeless politicians, monstrous mansions and grinding poverty, but somehow it all just works. Sometimes just barely. Sometimes surprisingly well. There simply isn't any place like it. Not in the Rust Belt, not in the Midwest, not anywhere.

Even as times get tougher, there are so many reasons to drop in on Detroit. You can come for the music, for the art, the bars, the history, the cars. Come for the gambling, or the grand architecture. Don't be surprised, though, if you leave most impressed by the people.

Some of the most genuine folks you'll find anywhere in the country live in Detroit. Sure, the streets may appear mean, but mostly, the people are anything but. So, talk to strangers. Ask them questions about the city. Find out where they like to go drinking. Don't worry about coming off like a crazy person – around here, that can often work to your advantage.

Read the entire article here.

Story Courtesy of http://www.modeldmedia.com/

The Omnivore's Detroit: How to Find Kinder, Gentler Meat

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:00:00 GMT

A New Yorker cartoon shows two sharks in the water. One has a foot dangling from his jaws. "I'm eating more locals," reads the caption.

When it comes to eating, lots of Detroiters are going local, too. Yet, while veggies are in abundance much of the year (OK, unless you totally love root vegetables, maybe not so much right now), what about meat? After all, this is not just the vegetarian's dilemma; it's the metro Detroit omnivore's puzzle, too.

The good news: It's actually quite easy to consume locally grown meat, raised on small farms and often in methods that would make folks like "The Omnivore's Dilemma" author Michael Pollan smile.

More good news: Local farmers say they are seeing an increase in demand for meat and eggs grown locally, and especially those raised with more natural, eco-friendly methods.

What's it matter?

There are many good reasons to seek out producers of local food, and not all of them suggest you wear cork sandals, eat buckwheat, or have named one of your children after an act of nature.

In fact, some of the best reasons sound almost -- gasp -- fiscally conservative.

Maybe you want to support the local economy and Michigan farmers. The "buy local" movement tells us that if we spent $10 a week on Michigan products, the state economy would gain $36 million every week. If the real payoff is even half that, that's still not too shabby.

And maybe you want to decrease the country's reliance on petroleum. If your blueberries have to get a passport stamp before hitting your cereal bowl, it's obvious the energy cost of that meal is significantly more than eating berries grown down the road. (Maybe it's time to think about the real cost of eating fresh blueberries in Michigan in January, but I digress.)

There are other reasons, too, that skeptics may find too granola-ish to consider, but basically boil down to this: Is there a better way than a food system that is so automated and impersonal it's nearly impossible to trace the origins of the sandwich you ate for lunch back to the field where it grew?

But that brings us back to our dilemma: What's a girl who likes a perfectly grilled steak now and then or her eggs with a side of bacon once in a while to do?

All around Detroit, thankfully, we have many options for eating locally produced meat. Your best bet? Find a farmer. How? Easy: a farmer's market or the Internet.

Online bounty

Flash back to a few days before Thanksgiving. A local woman -- let's call her Clare Ramsey -- decides she wants a locally raised, free range, happy turkey on her table. Eastern Market Saturday has passed, and may not have helped, so she turns to Google. She finds far more producers of turkey within 100 miles of the Motor City than she's ever imagined.

And many farms actually have Web sites. (Those of you who knew this already, sorry, but it was news to a city kid who can't come up with answers to her young daughter's questions about agriculture, like, "Do chickens eat flies?")

Getting back to that turkey: She likes the sunny, bucolic farm pictures posted by Sunshine Meadows Farm in Ortonville in northern Oakland County. It's a small family farm. She thinks she sees the animals smiling. The problem: The turkeys have been reserved since October. No dice.

She finds the same "try us next October" response at several other farms, including Harnois Farms near Pinckney, where John Harnois lets his turkeys roam around the wooded farm until the big day gets near.

She ultimately finds a turkey, this one raised at Roeske Farms in Hartland, about an hour northwest of Detroit, near M-59 and US 23. Patricia Roeske's farm is blanketed in snow, and in cold months when the local farmer's market is closed, the family runs a store out of a huge unheated garage attached to her house, complete with industrial walk-in coolers to keep the meat fresh.

Patricia hasn't always been a free-range hog and turkey farmer. It just kind of happened. It's actually such a beautiful supply and demand story it'd make an Econ 101 a little misty eyed. "We had a lot of people requesting some of our meat, because that's how we always raise our meat for ourselves," she says. Then Hartland started a farmer's market, and the Roeskes, whose kids are big into 4-H, decided they could make this into a business. "We've got the property, and we're already doing a few, so we thought we might as well do more. It just got little a bit bigger," she says.

The turkey was huge -- over 19 pounds – and cost about $50 -- maybe about twice as much as an average store-bought one, but not too much more than an "organic" or "free-range" bird at a fancy grocery store. The results were divine, and the fresh bird had less icky gooiness than a previously frozen fowl. Clare slept well that night.

The T-day scramble also revealed this fabulous site -- Eatwild.com. It features all kinds of purveyors of grass-fed meat, many in this region. It's a great resource, especially if you can't for some reason go the super easy-peasy route for finding local meats: farmer's markets.

The markets

Todd Wickstrom, owner of Heritage Foods USA (a web site that supports small farms' products) and part owner of Corktown's new Mercury Coffee Bar, is as picky as it gets when he buys meat for his businesses and his home. His best suggestion for home chefs is to find a farmer, and visit the farm if possible, but at least talk to them at the market.

"People are dying to know the source of their food and where it comes from, and the farmer's market allows people to have a direct relationship with the people who are growing their food," Wickstrom says.

Detroiters are blessed with a farmer's market that's open year-round. And even on the coldest of cold January days, Eastern Market has many, many options for the discerning carnivore.

One eye-catching vendor is Johnny Gyergyov of J & M Farms in Allenton, MI, in northern Macomb County. He says he raises "happy hogs," and his signs portray cartoon swine looking quite chipper.

It turns out Gyergyov's another accidental farmer. A former autoworker and city kid, he had moved his family to the country in the '70s. They started raising animals -- just a few -- and then got "the farming bug." Gyergyov invites people to stop by the farm and see where the hogs grow. He keeps them free of antibiotics and hormones. He takes his meat to a USDA facility for processing. At Eastern Market, he sells other products like sausage, chickens and beef. The prices are competitive to what you'll find at a meat counter at the grocery store, and sometimes better.

At Eastern Market, you'll also find a great number of egg producers -- many of whom regulars may only know as the "bee guy" or the "potato guy." But don't be afraid to ask them how they raise their birds -- or their real names. And if the eggs look multicolored and multisized, that's a good thing, people.

A scan of other area farmers markets also shows some good producers (staunch Detroitists cover your ears). Royal Oak's Farmers Market, for instance, offers a handful of meat vendors.

Gary Otto hauls his free-range chickens from Middleville on the west side of the state about twice a month. He sells many different cuts, and even smoked chicken and a particularly tasty chicken breakfast sausage that beats out most pork versions I've sampled from local vendors.

Otto is a fourth generation poultry farmer. He used to run a more standard, tightly packed factory farm as a producer for a big U.S. company, but it never sat well with him. He says he won't go back to that type of production. "I decided if I was going to do this -- raise chickens -- I was going to do it differently," he says.

Elmer Miller also drives a ways to sell at the Royal Oak market. The farmer from Up North in Marion offers grass-fed beef -- something not easy to come by. (Most U.S. cattle is "grain-fed," meaning usually fed corn, which according to Pollan's book, is not the preferred bovine diet.)

Miller also sells pasture-raised chickens and "natural" pork. Asked what natural means, he says free of antibiotics and hormones, and with pigs given the freedom to do what pigs are meant to do -- wallow in the mud, move about as they please, etc. If you think this is what every pig gets to do, you might want to read the aforementioned book.

When cows, chickens and pigs are allowed to grow in a more natural setting, and given the freedom to exercise and move about, it "changes the flavor of the meat" for the better, Miller says. I believe the guy. He wears suspenders. I bought a big roast and it was great. I slept well that night, too. Some of his beef prices are higher than grocery store averages -- about $6 a pound for most cuts, including ground beef.

Miller says he sees more customers seeking out his products. "The public awareness of the food system has made people look around for better options," he says.

And in Detroit, options abound. Finding them is as easy as taking a few minutes, going to the Internet or market, finding a farmer, and asking a few questions. Oh, and if you are looking for a Thanksgiving turkey, it's probably not too early to get your order in.

Clare Pfeiffer Ramsey is editor of Model D. Send feedback here. If you have more tips on Michigan made food items, send those along too.

Photos:

Gaier Farms, based in Armada, MI, offers quite the variety.

Daniel Bucu is a second generation pig farmer. The Bucu's have been selling their meats in Eastern Market for over 45 years.

Brown eggs from J & M Farms in Allenton, MI

Turkeys - courtesy photo

Johnny Gyergyov of J & M Farms

Hog - courtesy photo

Unless noted, All photographs by Detroit Photographer Marvin Shaouni
Marvin Shaouni is the Managing Photographer for Metromode & Model D.

Story Courtesy of http://www.modeldmedia.com/

Rent-a-Farmer concept started by Ferndale resident

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 07:00:00 GMT

You can rent a table and a car and a pony so why not a farmer, too? Thanks to Ferndale resident Trevor Johnson you now can. Through Rent-a-Farmer, the business started by Johnson, he hopes to change the way we think about food, keeping it local and less stressed, and ultimately healthier.

Unfortunately, there is no rent-to-own option.

Excerpt:

That's where Johnson comes in. He's looking to carry a new food revolution on his 24-year-old shoulders, educating people about the food they eat, where it comes from, why it's grown the way it is.

He wants to help people to "foster that food revolution in their front and back yards."

To that end, Johnson has started his own business called "Rent-a-Farmer," which offers clients the chance to use the expertise of real farmers to help them grow fruits and vegetables in their back yards. "This is not about going back to the farm," said Johnson, who graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in horticulture. "It's about bringing the farm back to us."

Read the entire article here.

Story Courtesy of http://www.metromodemedia.com/

Winery visit

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:25:14 GMT

We recently visited the Sandhill Crane vineyard near Jackson, MI, for the first time. We tried all the wines offered, and loved almost all of them, which is unusual for me and my husband. We even bought several bottles of red wine which we *never* drink, but really enjoyed at Sandhill Crane. The staff were very friendly, and generous with the wine tasting, which was really nice. They also had several unique blends which were wonderful. I highly recommend this winery.

Take Your Best Shot

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:20:46 GMT

Congratulations to Judy Churchill of Cheboygan for submitting 'Bridge of Fog' to the Pure Michigan Photo Contest. The photo was chosen as the People's Choice Award Winner for the Summer 2008 Pure Michigan Photo Contest. Judy received the Tropics of the North Kayak Ecotour package.

Every season travel prizes will be awarded for winning photos selected by "People's Choice" for the most online votes.

Enter the Autumn Contest Today! Michigan makes it easy to fall for autumn, the most colorful of its four seasons. With more than 19 million acres of forest, the annual display of reds, golds, oranges and yellows wash across the state. It is a spectacular sight and truly a Pure Michigan experience. Entrants can upload up to five images a day, absolutely FREE! Send your prize-winning autumn shots today and win great travel prizes. Entries for autumn can be uploaded until December 29, 2009. Enter now!

Holland Tulip Time

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:12:41 GMT

My husband and I made a quick weekend trip to Holland Michigan during 2008 Tulip Time just to view the beautiful farms and fields of tulips. The weather was beautiful on Saturday, and we got lots of great photos at the Veldheer Farm. We also ate at the Queen's Inn Buffet where there was both old style and modern Dutch food. The food was great and a great value too. On rainy Sunday we ate another great lunch at the Wild Hog Barbeque before heading for home. We had bought a few bulbs to plant and definitely loved our trip. Holland Tulip Time is a wonderful Michigan destination!

Northern Exposure by Byron Goggin

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 GMT

(This article first appeared in the November/December 2006 issue of Michigan BLUE Magazine and is reprinted here with the permission of the writer and MichgianBLUE Magazine)

If you’re ready for an adventure that takes you off the beaten trail, head for one that’s gone to the dogs.

Learning to mush sled dogs across the Upper Peninsula in 20-degree weather may not be everybody’s ideal travel excursion.

But I happen to produce a television program that features outdoor adventures that families can enjoy together — activities that are a bit off the beaten path, maybe, but aren't so extreme as to preempt the average viewer from considering getting off the couch to try them.

This is how I discovered Iditarod racer Ed Stielstra and his wife, Tasha, who are sled dog mushers in McMillan. Their business, Nature's Kennel, and passion, breeding and raising dogs to run the Iditarod, are found less than one hour from the Upper Peninsula's scenic Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

From first snowfall through early May, the Stielstras (who own just over 100 adored and enthusiastic canines) conduct dog sledding adventures for the general public. You can take a two-hour ride with them from their kennel in McMillan; you can also catch sled rides from them at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs on most winter weekends. Or if you have an adventurous spirit; Ed and Tasha will teach you to drive your own five-dog team.

Equipped with the right attitude, a little training and a willingness to immerse yourself in the challenges and elation of an Iditarod participant, you're ready for a 25-mile, overnight trek through rarely seen wintry regions of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

My two-day, overnight excursion began at 8 a.m. with greetings and breakfast at the Stielstras; McMillan home and kennel. Our group, at the maximum of six. then headed out for our first sled driving lessons. We learned how to harness a dog and drive the sled before embarking behind a guide along a three-mile practice loop. After lunch at the Stielstra home, we packed our own hobo dinners of meat, potatoes and vegetables in foil packets for cooking later over a campfire. Then we broke apart to each meet our personal team of five dogs.

Mine, Hairy, Dill, Jack, Feta and Violet, included overactive players who couldn't wait to hit the trail. These guys are all wired to run, noted Ed, who was the ninth musher to register for the 2007 Iditarod. The ones who get left behind get pretty upset (Maple, lying pitifully on his doghouse, head on paws, illuminated that sentiment).

For me, the challenge of learning something new is always enjoyable. Ed, Tasha and their guides spent a significant amount of time with guests, teaching us how to properly harness the dogs, hitch them to the sleds and fashion them with booties, if needed. They also demonstrated what to do if we slipped off.

Hooking up the team and leaving the kennel are probably the most intimidating parts of the whole trip. There is no slow acceleration, there is only go! It's a balancing act that entails a little adjustment and a short practice run. Physically, it isn't difficult at all: 70-year-old women and 12-year-olds have made this trip, including winter camping, which is surprisingly warm. (Participants on our run were shedding layers after our first long trip.)

Transforming from timid, uneasy spectator to confident, excited participant is an exhilarating process, and our trip was more than I imagined. The trail system gently wound through an endless array of pine forests, inland lake shorelines and serene, open fields. Frost glinted on various leaves and thistle stalks lining the trail. Once running, the dogs quickly quit barking. The silence was amazing.

As quickly as the day started, it came to an end: Meeting the love of your life on a dinner date and talking for hours straight through until dawn comes to mind as a similar experience. Winter camping is less romantic, unless you can appreciate that you are experiencing exactly what mushers do at an Iditarod check point.

Ed earned 46th place in the 2006 Iditarod. The ultimate dog sled race, stretching from Anchorage to Nome, is equivalent to driving from Detroit to Atlanta in sub-zero weather with minimal food, safety gear, one big gun, the unpredictability of an Alaskan winter — and good odds for an untimely demise if you or one of your dogs gets hurt. The indescribable bond between musher and team is the fuel that drives their spirit on the frozen trail. Survival depends on each taking care of the other. This deep simplicity emerged as we anchored the sleds, removed the dogs from their leads, checked them for bruised or cracked paws, supplied hay for sleeping and fed them their evening meal.

The camp consisted of a rustic outhouse and two tents: one for the guides, one for the guests. Ours was a canvas-walled enclosure outfitted with basic bunks and a steadily burning wood stove that kept the interior 40 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature. It was no Sheraton, but there was real joy in cooking our self-made hobo dinners over a blazing campfire, while sharing hot cider, coffee and stories from the day's journey.

Bundled on the bunks in insulated sleeping bags, fleece hats and, in some cases, long johns (although I was completely comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt), sleep came easily and quickly for everyone.

A haunting, wolfish howl shattered the silence at dawn, followed by another, then a dozen more. Soon the cacophony of yelps, barks, dog chains and banging tin pans enveloped our camp. We were greeted by sun just cresting jack pine and birch, and the smell of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and coffee wafting from a crackling campfire.

The dogs were yelping in excitement, another run lay ahead. Adrenalin closed in. None of us could wait to leap into the wind and onto the winding trail leading home.

Byron Goggin hosts the Emmy winning Wild Weekend. Lisa Jensen is editor of MichgianBLUE Magazine.

Family Getaway

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:29:00 GMT

My family decided take the last of the season trip before the winter hit. We went up to Tippy Dam State Park. What a nice quiet place to go. This picture is looking from camp out at the back side of the water Sept. '05. The family has been coming up here for over 30 yrs. and now we bring our children.

Day Drive

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:16:38 GMT

My husband, little one, and myself like to go out shopping and driving the back roads on the weekend. While driving the back roads around Frankenmuth, I spotted this old windmill standing out in the sunshine on wonderful October afternoon. I had my husband pull over to side of the road and back up so I could take this picture. I have found it handy on our little day drive adventures to always carry my camera since I never know what will catch my eye or what event I would like to capture and make a precious memory.

Howell Nature Center

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:42:05 GMT

I planned a Mystery adventure my family (two kids - 11 & 15) and my sister's family (kids 13 & 15) to the Howell Nature Center. It was time to get out of our comfort zones. I planned zip line rides and rock climbs. Everyone had the best time! They were all quite excited to do something different and fun. The helpers were fabulous! They were quite helpful and encouraging when do the rock climbs, especially for the four adults. I would highly recommend everyone to make reservations and give it a try. It will be worth your while no matter where you are driving from. It took us about an hour and fifteen minutes to get there, but it was worth the trip. Everyone wants to go again. Plus the rates are quite inexpensive. Out of four stars they deserve five stars!! Make your reservations now! You don't want to miss out on the fun!

Kayaks and a King

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:45:56 GMT

I love Lake Michigan, I love history. So I jumped at the chance to go to Beaver Island, the only place in the continental US to have had a king. I ended up falling in love with both the islanders and the island. When we arrived, no one looked askance when we said we wanted to walk the mile or so to our motel. I knew this was my kind of place. A woman saw us hunched over on the ground hunched over and stopped to ask if we were alright. Yes, we told her, we just trying to identify a flower. She said the “toy lady” would know. A few minutes later she came back with the name of the flower. I don’t remember the name, but I remember the kindness. We experienced Lake Michigan in a new way, learning to sit, paddle, and steer a kayak with Ken of Inland Seas. We kayaked to a remote point on the island, ate a picnic, then held our kayaks together and Ken unfurled a big kite. The wind propelled us back to the harbor while we watched the stars come out. We rented a car to see more of this beautiful island. At the south end, visitors can climb the 209 steps of the old lighthouse. Close by there is a sandy beach and swimming in Iron Ore bay. To see how dramatically a beaver dam can affect the surrounding area, we went to Sand Bay and walked the 15 to 20 minute trail over boardwalks to yet another beautiful beach. The trail goes through a marshy land of flowers and ferns (and mud!), some of it in perpetual twilight because of the thick vegetation overhead. We found mention of King Strang throughout the island, and the historical museum has a large exhibit on him. Strang, who founded a Mormon colony here in 1846, declared himself king in 1850. According to legend, he was assassinated by two followers whom he had had horsewhipped. Their offense? Their wives had dared disobey King Strang’s dress code. “We are not sure that is the real reason for the assassination”, Joyce, the museum docent, told us, “but people think it is a good story to tell the tourists”. Whatever the reason, the assassins were regarded as heroes. However, shortly after the deed Mormons were run off Beaver Island. We spent 2 hours talking to Joyce, a wealth of information on island history. Beaver Island- a place of beauty, beaches, history, and wonderful people- we want to go back!

National Rocketry Competition

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:33:11 GMT

For 7 days of the national meet in Delton, Michigan a rocket was leaving the ground at an average of one every two minutes. Thousands of flights to determine the finalist in the International fly off to see who flies in Spain next year. 131 contestants, from 31 states, compete to determine the national winners in 4 age divisions. Saturday was packed full of events starting with the international fly offs to hundreds of high power sport flights to a visit from the Detroit Science Center's Dr. Freeze, to a telescope party and night flight rocket launch. This was the 49th annual nation meet for the event called NARAM-49. This is the 50th year of model rocketry. The last time the national meet was in Michigan was in 1980 when NARAM-22 was held in East Lansing Michigan. Randy Boadway from Comstock Park was the Contest Director. Randy has been involved in rocketry for more than 30 years of his life. He competes with the West Michigan section SMASH and has been President of that group for the last 2 years. SMASH consist of about 40 members from the South West side of Michigan. About half of the members are kids under 18. Randy Boadway says, there is no better hobby than rocketry to bring the family together for a day of outdoor fun. Be careful, rocketry can also be safe and educational. After all, this is rocket science. The national event forces many competitors how to be good at many types of unusual rockets. One of the events was Helicopter duration where the rocket goes up as a rocket and transforms into a helicopter when returning to the ground. Other events included spot landing where you need to land the rocket as close to the mark as possible. There were two glider events this year C Rocket Glide Duration and A Boost Glide Duration. Other events included B Egg Loft Altitude, B Streamer Duration, C Scale Altitude and Super Roc Altitude. For more information on rocketry go to www.nar.org. For more coverage on NARAM-49 go to www.naramlive.com. For information on next years event go to www.naram.org. For information about SMASH go to www.homestead.com/smashnar500.

The Grand Hotel lives up to it's name

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:45:53 GMT

We were fortunate to experience staying at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with our two sons, our daughter, and their families. We will always remember the good times we had there because we were able to share it as a family. We sat on the longest porch in the world to enjoy the wonderful view. There is so much to do there. We went swimming, road bikes around the Island, walked into the town, and took carriage rides. The staff at the Hotel are there to please you. The Hotel itself is beautifully maintained. The food was delicious. It indeed is a lovely place to spend your vacation. We have been there several times and we hope to go back again. Sincerely, H. Marie, Monroe, Michigan

Skipping Rocks

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:45:26 GMT

Where do you vacation to meet the needs of a 16-year-old, 13-year-old and 19-month-old? And do it without breaking the bank? (Who can afford five airline tickets these days?) Why Lake Charlevoix, of course. There is a age gap between our kids, as we're a blended family. We love spending time together, but it can be a challenge to keep everyone occupied. We spent a wonderful week in a condo in East Jordan, right on the shore of Lake Charlevoix. The beach, water and of course skipping rocks, provided of entertainment and relaxation for all of us.

Tawas Point State Park 2007

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:07:00 GMT

We usually camp on the West side of the state. This time however, we tried the East side. We went to Tawas Point State park - beautiful! The facilities were CLEAN, which is one of the most important aspects to me! The water/beach was also clean and just beautiful. The lighthouse is an enjoyable walk down very nice paved trails. The playground was large enough to keep all the kids occupied and there was another on the other side of the park. We will certainly return next year!

The New Detroit

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:31:00 GMT

Living in Rochester Hills, Michigan our family has always loved traveling to the great city of Detroit! Traveling to Detroit is so exciting because every time we visit Detroit there is more improvement in the city. I wished I lived there! We tell all of our friends and family to see the difference in Detroit. It is truly a city reborn.

Jadyn's First Skate

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:29:57 GMT

We took our 3 year old daughter to the Winter Sports Complex. She tried ice skating for the first time! She fell quite a few times and the staff offered her a training bar which really got her excited. She did not want to get off the ice. It was such a wonderful facility. I highly recommend anyone to bring their family here. My husband tried the luge and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our family then tried snowshoeing. The scenery was absulutely amazing. It was so peaceful. We all enjoyed our trip to Muskegon. We look forward to coming back in the near future. There is so much to offer here that any age group will have a great time.

The South Haven Experience

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:23:14 GMT

Every Father's Day Weekend, our family goes to South Haven, Michigan to celebrate family. In addition to the wonders this area naturally has, they have a festival with live bands and Dragon Boat Racing all day. We start out the day uniting with more family and enjoying a picnic lunch. Following lunch and laughter, it is time to go to the top of the South Haven Lighthouse for an overview of Lake Michigan followed by the beach for activities from sand castle building to rock skipping to wave jumping. After a day of exploring, we retire to a nearby campfire and let the night wind down.

W. W. Lodge Family Time

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:30:55 GMT

Having family and friends with us at the Lodge brings such joy into our lives. Watching the kids try and catch frogs, minnows, and fish along with all the other simple outdoors activities is very refreshing. Taking time to sit and talk and learn about what our famiy's dreams and joys of life are is reassuring. We had an egg toss, scavanger hunt, and splashing contest. Watching the waves gently roll into land, listening to the loons, and following the eagle's search for fish brings such peace into our hearts. The W. W. Lodge really allowed us to rest, relax, and renew at an affordable price.

Lighthouse Festival 2007 combined with Last 2007 Sailing of the Badger

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:55:35 GMT

I've been coming to Michigan since 1961 before I started school. My aunt migrated from Louisa, KY to Detroit in the 1940's, then went on to open Clegg's Fine Foods, a restaurant in Elk Rapids in the mid 1950's, and our first trip north was to visit them. From then on, I was hooked, and I've made 2 or more pilgrimages to all parts of Michigan every year since then. Of late, I've taken a liking to making the final crossing of the season on the SS.Badger. Its very nostalgic, and I've learned that a good deal of its passengers intentionally ride on that occasion every year. This past year I combined that trip with my first ever Lighthouse Festival visit. I've visited many of these same lighthouses before, but it was much more fun doing it in late fall, just before they closed for the season, when the weather was so crisp and beautiful, and the colors of the leaves and sky were in such bright contrast. I met the last keeper of Old Presque Isle, a lady whose husband is said to haunt it. We stood out on the pier about a mile away by a local marina and restaurant at 9:45 watching, and indeed there were eerie lights in the old lighthouse! Very strange! In addition, we met a wonderful lady at Tawas Pt. whose father had been one of the last keepers there, back in the late 1950's. Also, we toured around the Thumb, the last remaining portion of Michigan I had never previously visited. I plan to go back there and explore some more this summer! I enclose a picture of me standing with the last keeper of Old Presque Isle during the lighthouse festival. If you are able to combine a visit to the Lighthouse Festival with a last sailing of the year of the Badger, perhaps I'll see you there!

Impression 5

Thu, 29 May 2008 19:05:14 GMT

My granddaughter Dellaunna needed to burn some energy, the weather outside was awful; Impression 5 Museum in Lansing was the perfect solution This is NOT a museum with rules like "Quiet Please" or "Do Not Touch". At this hands-on museum, children use their muscles as well as their minds, and the 5 senses really are all engaged in exploring a myriad of subjects; broadcasting, water, sound, the heart, color, to name a few. There are exhibits for a range of ages. A room for smaller children is furnished with toys such as small slides, a water table, a kid size kitchen, and puzzles. In one corner is a separate, padded area for those not yet walking. Many of the exhibits appeal to a wide range of ages. My husband likes the electric trains downstairs Four year olds have their own way of exploring. Dellaunna was fascinated that she could lift herself off the ground (pictured). Later, she will be interested in the pulley system that made it possible. The facts of air pressure don't interest her yet, but launching the bottle rocket (using air pressure) sure does. For now, she is more interested in making noise than learning the science of musical instruments, but her mom is interested in the science. Impression 5 is a great place for kids to have fun, burn energy, explore, and even learn things. We usually spend about 3 hours there.

Slot Magic

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:41:56 GMT

Soaring Eagle was one of our stops and we dropped a few coins but had a wonderful time, where are other casinos located in Michigan, as we plan to travel there in second week of June 08. Thanks, happy new Year......

Editor's Note: For other casinos in Michigan, go to: Michigan Casinos.

Good experiences

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:40:00 GMT

I'm happy to report my wife and I have travelled all over Michigan checking out the various casinos and have found them all affordable and fun with lots of caring faces and special smiling faces abound everywhere...We know they want and care about our business! Thank you Michigan!

Michigan's Beautiful West Coast

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:23:05 GMT

My partner and I love to take road trips. Most of the time we head South with Chicago as our main stop. With the price of gas our destinations have changed, and we decided to go North along the Coast of Lake Michigan. We never knew there was such beauty so close! Not having a map, we just headed north and tried to stay as close to the shore as possible. A little tricky sometimes, and we had to do a little back tracking but it was well worth the effort. We took our time and made our way all the way up to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Stopping in the quaint villages and towns for meals and lodging we met a lot of friendly business owners that gave us great info on places to see. Among our favorites were The Blue Slipper Bistro in Onekama. Onekama is a quaint Harbor village on the shores of Portage Lake. We ate at the Blue Slipper on the way up and made sure we made it their on the way back down. I highly suggest trying some of the local wines.We decided to stay in Onekama that night and the waitress recommended the Travelers Motel just down the street. The motel was a cute lodging stile motel. The owners were extremely friendly and the room we stayed in was nicely decorated and very clean. It did not seem to bother them in the least that we were a gay couple. In fact, we felt very comfortable once we seen their (=) sign on the door. ( Equal rights) We also loved the view at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course. However we felt the food was overpriced but I guess you pay for the view with was spectacular. Another favorite town was Frankfort. We stopped an A & W for lunch. It was like the old days when the waitress comes up to your car! A lot of cute shops there, and we shopped the rest of the afternoon. We will be headed up again soon as my partner wants to stop at a place we saw along the way( can't remember exactly where ) and get a 4ft wood carving of a bear!

winter of lighthouse at Grand Haven State Park

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:12:39 GMT

Lighthouse at Grand Haven State Park. Bathing in sunset!

Grand Rapids Women's Chorus takes a Michigan Apple break on the front porch of Khardomah Lodge

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:02:30 GMT

The Michigan Apple Growers "Check In to Michigan Apples" campaign interested Khardomah Lodge management enough to purchase HoneyCrispe apples from the Grand Haven Farm Market and invite it's September 29-30 guests - the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus - to participate in this "guests eating Michigan Apples" photo op. The GRWC traditionally kicks off its season with a practice session/business meeting each year at Khardomah Lodge in Grand Haven, Michigan. GRWC Director, Lori Tennenhouse is 2nd from left in back row. Gayle Gerig, Khardomah Lodge Manager, took the photo "in celebration of apples, music, and guests who enjoy the lodge".

New Year's at the Straights

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:06:59 GMT

Having been Petoskey KOA seasonal campers for the last eight years, we are always itching to get up back up North by Christmas time. We heard about the Comfort Suites in Mackinaw City having great rates and a water park and had one our of best New Year's ever. Our accommodations were a 2 room suite that slept 8 and three nights was LESS than one night at Great Wolf Lodge. The water park is much smaller, but I think our kids enjoyed it more! A must see is a trip to the Tahquamenon Falls. If you think they are pretty in the fall, you should see them with the snow and ice. Then a drive across Lakeshore Drive and a walk across the beach at Pt. Iroquois. We were very fortunate to see a freighter right in front of the lighthouse! Continue on into Sault Ste. Marie and we ended up seeing four more freighters. The locks don't close until early January, so the die harders can watch in the snow! The next day we discovered a fabulous black diamond tubing hill in St. Ignace called Silver Mountain with a $5 lift ticket and no lines! Even Mom and Dad had a blast! There is plenty open in Mackinaw City to stroll through shops and several restaurants open to choose from and I'm told the hotel rates in Mackinaw City are even better in January & February. We can't wait to go back next year!

Comming back after 10 years

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:23:19 GMT

I came back to MI after 10 years of being away. What a great time! I saw the Tigers play, was able to walk through Ford Field, went to all the casino's. Also enjoyed the Farmer's market, eating in Greek Town....and just sight seeing downtown. I was just amazed how inviting, and clean the city has become. It was just a all around great time. I'm already making plans to come back.

Mackinac Island - Even more beautiful than the stories I've heard

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:49:23 GMT

My husband, my mom, and I went to Mackinac Island for one night at the beginning of September. My mom and I had never been, and my husband had been but hadn't had the opportunity to stay on the island overnight. The first part of our trip was a jet-powered Starline Boat ride to the island. The boat ride alone was a great time! It was so beautiful to see the Mackinac Bridge from that perspective and also to see the island from enough of a distance to take in its true beauty! They definitely don't have anything like this in Oklahoma! Once we got off the boat, we walked right across the street to the Lakeview Hotel where we stayed for the night. This hotel was absolutely adorable and the staff were so pleasant! The hotel is an original structure that's just been added on to through the years. In fact, when the hotel was first built, it was right on the water...thus the name. Now, a line of shops and the boat docks are across the street so it's not exactly a "Lake View" anymore! :0) It's amazing. And no motor cars! Everything is done by horse and carriage. Actually, we were told when we checked in to sleep with our windows up so that in the morning, we would be awakened to the gentle sounds of the city waking up for the day. You could look out and see the day's grocery shipment being unloaded at the dock onto one of the carriages for delivery to the various business AND residents...and the clopping of horse hooves...it will rock you to sleep at night and gently wake you up the next day - it was just so peaceful - no hustle and bustle of the city life. We even had the opportunity to walk up the hill and look at the Grand Hotel - what a MAGNIFICENT place. It was like something out of the movies. As soon as you step in, the whole experience takes your imagination back in time! And there is no way to get around buying at least one "slice" of fudge! It is, after all, something the island is famous for! With only a one night's stay, we were exhausted from all of the sightseeing and yet so relaxed from the way of life that is Mackinac Island. It is more expensive to stay right on the island, rather than boat back and forth from Mackinac City. However, even if you stay for just one night, like we did, you won't regret it.

What A Great State!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:01:07 GMT

When I first saw the tv advertisement about seeing Michigan, I asked my wife and kids if they wanted to check it out, am I glad they said yes. My family and I have been around the world, and nothing seems more friendly, relaxing and just down to earth than in good old Michigan. Last labour day weekend we got to experience the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge walk. We came up for a week and never felt like leaving. We went to Traverse City, and fell in love with the town. I even ended up becoming a member of the Mackinaw Brew Pub. If you ever get the chance, there is a store in Cheboygan that sells everything under the sun, I forget the name of it, but it is just off the main drag. We have met so many great people, it's sad to always leave and head home. We love it so much that my family and relatives plan to make it a yearly event going to Michigan and doing the famed bridge walk. As it turns out, my Mom told me that she and her father crossed the bridge 50 years ago when it first opened, and that it was a memorable moment crossing on foot 50 years later. There is not enough room on this page to talk about all the great places to go to, so my advice is to hope in your car, bus, train or plane and go see what an amazing place Michigan is, I know we will always come back every year.

Skating in Campus Martius

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:28:15 GMT

If you haven't experienced it yet, ice skating in the heart of Detroit at Campus Martius Park on a snowy winter evening or weekend is a wonderful experience. My husband and I took our nieces and nephews during CHristmas. There were more people there than Central Park!

Fun Trip With Granddaughter

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:38:17 GMT

Two years ago,we took our ,then,6 year old granddaughter along. We spent one night in Saginaw. Took her to Bronners. She was amazed by it. Then went to Macinaw City for 2 nights.Took her to Macinac Island,where she enjoyed the horse drawn rides and the fort. We took her to the fort on the main land side,too where she got to participate in one of the skits they put on. We saw a car just like ours parked at the fort lot. Later the same car was parked right beside our at our motel. Had a wonderful time.

fantastic farm

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 13:36:52 GMT

I used to live outside of Iron Mtn, MI when I was a kid. We lived on over 460 plus acre farm. The name of the farm was the E-BAR-D Ranch back in the 60's and 70's. It was about 5 miles from Lake Antoine. There was so much fruit to be had. Hundreds of apple trees of different sorts. Raspberries, blackberries, choke cherries. We had deer by the hundreds and many people from the town that would drive out just to feed the deer. If the place still exists you need to visit it. It was an place to visit.

Southwestern Michigan Wine Trail Event

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:46:32 GMT

This is an absolute must for a wine enthusiast! The vineyard owners are great, the food and wine pairings are fabulous. The wineries are a close together and the springtime drive in Michigan is a breath of fresh air after the long winter. My husband and I have made it an annual event, something we both enjoy immensely. We always go home with several wonderfully divine and affordable bottles that we spend the rest of the year enjoying. (See this wine trail details, click here).

to wonderful to explain you must see to

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:47:06 GMT

you must see to understand all the sites EVERY season is extreme, from the bountiful snows of copper country to the auto factorys in detroit. the hospitality of the people of this great state is unblemished. we all should be glad that this state is part of our union. YOURS TRUELY, one great state to another

Ghosts and Ghouls at Greenfield Village

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:54:08 GMT

This was probably my best Halloween ever. My daughter persuaded me to dress as a gypsy, and three generations- my husband and me, our son in law, and our 4 year old granddaughter went to Greenfield Village to trick or treat. Elaborately carved jack-o-lanterns illuminated a path thru the dark village, haunted by specters such as the grim reaper, a wailing woman, and the headless horseman (with his horse). To collect our treats from the weird denizens, we crossed a covered bridge from which spooky fog was emanating and passed many eerie sights including skeletons giving a concert in the bandstand (they were playing the bones, of course), a pirate ship with raucous pirates, a haunted cemetery, and some flying brooms. I saw the village in a whole new light.

getaway/b&b's/wine

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:25:57 GMT

South Haven is centrally located to easy driving to several wineries. We've been coming to the area for three years now, and each time we try to visit a different winery on the way to our b&b. Our favorite so far has been Fenn Valley not only for the varitiy of wines but also for the scenery in the fall. We have been lucky enough to be on the fall wagon tour two years in a row. The information gained by listening to the ventner himself has added to our enjoyment of the wines we've bought and enjoyed in our home. Just north of South Haven is a new winery just opened in August.It is McIntosh winery specializing in fruit and berry wines.They are new enough that the server has time to give you one on one attenion answering the many questions we had about the wines we were tasting.This was a different experience from Round Barn Winery in Baroda. There we were served by a young lady who had only been on the job a day and couldn't answer most of the questions we had. To her credit she did try. The wines there were very good ,they were just too busy to give you that attention you expect.We also stopped at Tabor Hill again we were served some excellent wines and we had the pleasure of having lunch at the resturant at the winery.Well worth a return visit. Next year we hope to add a few more wineries to our trip half the fun is the fact that it is a easy drive to so many in the area and still have time to enjoy the beach and the local resturants and still have time to enjoy the pleasure of the b&b.

Our tour of the State of Michigan

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:07:26 GMT

This August, my husband, Doug and I, along with our three year old daughter, Elizabeth, visited Michigan. We go on a big road trip for 2 weeks every August and try to see new states each year. We are from Southern Missouri, right on the Arkansas line, so we had not seen many northern states. After watching Modern Marvels, on the History Channel, where they build the Mackinac Bridge, my husband suggested we travel to Michigan to see it. I really did not know what to expect, was I pleasantly surprised! Michigan is so beautiful and the summer weather is wonderful. We came in on the south west corner and traveled all the way to the Upper Peninsula. We stopped an had picnics at several of your Roadside Parks, the nicest I have ever seen. We visited the Navel Museum, saw the Lakes, bought cherry pie at a roadside stand, and of course, crossed the Bridge. I can't brag on the Roadside Parks enough! They are all so nice and shady, with nice, clean restrooms. We had the best time picnicing and feeding seagulls. Elizabeth loved feeding the birds and she loved going across the bridge and seeing the Great Lakes, something not many kids from our area have done. I can honestly say that Michigan is one of my favorite places. We will be back! Thanks for the memories! Doug, Michelle, and Elizabeth

Michigan north - Good place to visit

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 15:20:00 GMT

I heared that michigan north is the best place to visit for fall, when i went for visit i found it's amazing .. more than my expectations. Gaylord is the perfect fall color escape place.