Pure Michigan Travel - Tours Highlights

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.