A Pure Michigan Summer, An Overview

*Michigan is home to our tribe and we love it so, especially summers.  When we decided to head to Australia for a year, we did not think twice about our departure – we would leave once we were able to soak in all of our summer favorites.  I will be writing about all things Michigan and other amazing places to travel in the US over the coming weeks and months – all as a way to stay connected with home and to inspire you, my readers (all 10 of you – haha – Hi Mom and Dad) to get out and explore! 

#PureMichiganSummers –
Nothing is more glorious than summer in the Great Lake State

Bias may play a role in the above statement, but honestly, Michigan summers are divine!  Being a native Michigander, I have a deep appreciation and love for the warm summer breezes, the refreshing cool waters, the endless opportunities to enjoy being outside running through trails, riding bikes, and exploring all the cute little towns and beaches Michigan has to offer.  As a child, I wished for nothing more than to have endless summer days of playing in sprinklers, going swimming in Higgins Lake, and building forts in the woods.  As an adult, I rearrange everything in our schedules to make sure we can have endless summer days (or at least as many as we can) – being teachers is a perk!  Seriously, if you know our tribe, you know we pack in every ounce of goodness summer has to offer!  If you haven’t experienced a pure Michigan summer, you may need to start planning for Summer 2018.  Be sure to check out a taste of what you have missed by reading this entire post and the other Michigan posts to come!  If you live in MI or have visited during the summer, well, I know you’ll be back for more.  Feel free to continue reading and comment on your favorite Michigan summer pastime – I am sure there is much more for this tribe to explore!  

Catch the sunrise over beautiful, chilly Lake Huron.  Play a while on the shore and then drive 3.5 hours across the state to glistening Lake Michigan.  Enjoy the golden hues of the setting sun while you sip on some [eafl id=”1304″ name=”Traverse City Wineries” text=”Traverse City wine”].  There is something magical about Michigan sunrises and sunsets – breathtaking in every way and something that will beckon you to the Great Lakes’ shores as often as you are able.

White sandy beaches, giant sand dunes, and rocky shorelines stretch for hundreds of miles along the coast of Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.  These shores are perfect for an evening stroll, searching for a coveted Petoskey Stone, or dipping sand-covered toes into the refreshing waters.

Crystal clear fresh blue waters, found in almost every county, teem with trout and bass.  Michigan is the water lover’s playground.  Enjoy one of the many rivers, inland lakes, Great Lakes, or streams while boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, waterskiing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, or kite surfing – or simply sit back and enjoy the sounds of the lapping waves on the shore.  I read once that you are never more than 6 miles from a body of water in Michigan – wow!

Splash pads, public beaches, and neighborhood pools, alive with laughter and squeals of summer fun, beckon multi-generations of families and communities to join in the joy of cooling off from the heat.

[eafl id=”1305″ name=”Michigan Campgrounds” text=”Campgrounds”] brim with novice and avid campers enjoying the smell of smoky fires and sticky marshmallow fingers – and dirt covered toes of children (and adults) who run through dusty roads chasing balls and puppies.

Playgrounds saturated with children creating worlds other than their own while jumping, swinging, spinning, hanging, and maneuvering through these metal mazes, are one of the best parts of summer in Michigan for families.  Parents and other adults secretly wish they fit on the structures so they could chase and run and create as well.

Lush green forests provide adventurers and nature lovers with endless trails to explore, hike, or mountain bike.  The canopy of tall oaks, Michigan maples, evergreens, and spruce trees creates a welcomed break from the heat of the summer sun.  Michigan forests (the largest state forest system in the USA according to the DNR) are havens for native wildlife like white-tailed deer, rabbits, coyote, black bear, eagles, and owls.

Farmers Markets are the epicenters of Michigan’s summer harvest celebration.  A rainbow of nutritious bounty fill these markets throughout the state with mouth-watering fruits and vegetables ready to pleasure all who taste – peaches, apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, raspberries, kale, lettuces of all varieties, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs galore, sweet corn, kohlrabi, carrots, potatoes, peppers, and beets.  Locally sourced beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and cheeses are also some of the best you will ever taste!

Food, glorious food!  Late afternoon picnics in family filled parks are one of our favorite summertime treats.  Smoky, sweet, delicious smells of a good ‘ol backyard BBQ fill the summer air most nights of the week.  Friends and family do not have to have a good reason, other than hunger, to gather and share in a feast of grilled burgers, steak, chicken, hot dogs, and grilled veggies.  Please, do NOT forget to bring the watermelon, the freshly made salsa (thanks to the Farmers Market), chips, baked beans, and potato & pasta salads!  OR if you do not want to cook, find yourself a local food truck. They pop up in many small towns and large cities because food out of a truck just tastes better (sometimes)!  These food trucks are a sign of warm weather, sunny days, celebrations, and summer goodness.

Ice cream shops, found in almost every town, are the epitome of summer in Michigan.  Many boast “Michigan’s Best Ice Cream” – you be the judge.  There is an endless supply of the creamy goodness in the summer.  We have many creameries in our state that offer creative concoctions, some using local fruits and dairy.  Even on chilly, grey days (yes, we do have them in the summer) people will line up at their favorite shop and wait for a hot fudge sundae, Mackinaw Island Fudge on a homemade waffle cone, Chocolate Monster in a cup, Blue Moon in a cake cone, or Vanilla dipped in chocolate.  When asked my favorite ice cream, this Michigander won’t be able to name just one!

Festivals for [eafl id=”1308″ name=”Cherry Festival” text=”cherries”], [eafl id=”1309″ name=”Lilac Festival” text=”lilacs”], and [eafl id=”1310″ name=”Asparagus Festival” text=”asparagus”] (funny, I know!) among other arts, foods, and entertainment abound.  These festivals are the epitome of summertime in Michigan.  Communities celebrate an abundance of food, creativity, and humanity while indulging in good, good things.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day you will find celebrations, fireworks, and festivals throughout our great state!

Quaint towns are the heart of Michigan.  Offering mom & pop shops, little trendy boutiques, restaurants owned by generations of locals where even the strangest of strangers are welcomed with a cup of joe and a hello.  These small towns create a lasting impression on all who visit.  Many offer surprising niches – did you know Leland has its own little village called Fishtown?  Check out my friend Marta’s blog over at MackinawRoad to learn more about Fishtown and other quaint Michigan towns!

BERRIES!  Michigan summers offer a plethora of fresh, beautiful berries that you can find at local grocery stores, farmers markets, and at farms where you can even pick your own!  One of our tribe’s favorite activities is going berry picking – multiple times!  Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and even blackberries are OH SO YUMMY!

Somewhere in the state, an outdoor concert plays nightly – lasting into the cool of the evening.  When the sun has long since set, listeners sway to tunes while they sip on ice-cold brews (probably made in Michigan).

This is a [eafl id=”1366″ name=”Pure Michigan” text=”Pure Michigan”] Summer.

Coming Soon – Check out more Michigan posts for a deeper look into some of what this great state has to offer in the summer and in other seasons too!

Disclaimer – this post may contain affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I may receive compensation!  Cheers!