Michigan is a wonderful place to visit on vacation. While some of its cities may enjoy more of a notorious sort of fame than this state would like (Detroit and Flint both being prime examples), the fact of the matter is that there are many fabulous places to visit in the state of Michigan. The following is but a brief listing of the many options for those looking to visit Michigan:
-Ann Arbor-
This beautiful, cosmopolitan college town is the home of the University of Michigan Wolverines. It’s located a mere hour’s drive away from Detroit and is home to a thriving art community, as well as several different music festivals. At any time of year Ann Arbor is a great place to visit.
-Greektown-
Detroit has gotten a lot of bad press over the years, leading many to shun the idea of choosing this city for a travel destination. After the Superbowl, World Series, and Final Four all took place, however, it seems that many people have gotten the news that Detroit is on an upswing. And, of all the different places to see in Downtown Detroit, Greektown is probably the most enticing. Minutes away from Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Joe Louis Area, this area hosts a vibrant nightlife and the best Greek food you’ll find anywhere in the U.S.
The U.P. is beautiful, pristine, American nature at its best. Nowhere else on the east side of the United States will you find more undisturbed natural beauty. The camping opportunities are second to none, as are the boating ones. From hiking to rock climbing, fishing to spelunking, the Michigan’s upper peninsula has it all.
The Grand Rapids area is an idyllic Midwestern metropolitan scene whose population is growing steadily. In fact, a little known fact is that the American Pie films were all based on East Grand Rapids as the background. Downtown Grand Rapids offers many attractions and architectural marvels to entice the potential traveler. This city also features several renowned microbreweries, as does its neighboring city of Kalamazoo, half an hour to the south, which is the home of Bell’s Beer and Western Michigan University.
-East Lansing-
East Lansing is the home of the Spartans of Michigan State University. It has several unique shopping districts and a healthy year-round community, unlike some other college towns that die down during the summer. The reason that so many Spartans choose to live in East Lansing during the summer? It’s a fun place to be. Which is precisely why it’s worth a visit.
-Mackinac-
For those of you who don’t already know, the second “c” in “Mackinac” is pronounced as if it were a “w.” Which doesn’t really matter, since you won’t be able to pronounce anything while your face is stuffed full of this island destination’s legendary fudge or hand-stretched taffy. Mackinac, which is a historic community that has been painstakingly preserved, is a snapshot of American history caught forever. There is no auto traffic on the island, with the main forms of transportation being bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, and good old walking. All in all, this leads to a relaxed, less-hectic pace that is perfect for those trying to get away from it all.
You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a sunrise over Traverse Bay. This is, hands-down, one of the most naturally beautiful locations in country, let alone in the state of Michigan. Visitors can enjoy the areas beaches and boating, during the summer, or skiing and snow-mobiling during the winter. The absolute best time to visit, however, is in mid-summer, for the cherry festival.
