The World Of Cherries!!!

True North 

Traverse City Tops the List!

Traverse City has always been a place where my friends and family have always like to vacation at every year. It is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region. The population was 14,674 at the 2010 census, with 143,372 in the Traverse City micropolitan area. Despite its modest population, Traverse City functions as the major commercial nexus for a seven-county area totaling over 2,700 square miles. The Traverse City area is the largest producer of tart cherries in the United States. Near the time of cherry harvest, the city holds an annual week-long Cherry Festival in the first full week in July, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The surrounding countryside also produces grapes and is one of the centers of wine producation in the Midwest. Tourism, both summer and winter, is another key industry. The Traverse City area features varied natural attractions, including freshwater beaches, vineyards, a National Lakeshore, downhill skiiing areas, and numerous forests.

National Cherry Festival

This festival is something I would recommend to anyone once in their lives to come see. The National Cherry Festival, held during the first full week of July every year, is drawn for tourists to Traverse City. The festival features parades, fireworks, an air show, election of festival royalty, live music, a pie-eating contest and cherries. It is estimated that the Grand Traverse region produces up to 360,000,000 pounds of cherries annually. The largest variety of cherry produced locally is the Montmorency cherry, or the "pie cherry". Other cherries grown in the region include the Ulster, or sweet cherry, and the Balaton, a cherry situated between the Montmorency and Ulster in terms of color and taste.

The Traverse City State Park

We stayed on this campground which has about 250 campsites. It's located three miles east of downtown on 47 acres including a quarter mile beach on the Easst Bay arm of Grand Traverse Bay. There are over 50 wineries in the Traverse City area. Most offer free wine tasting. Traverse City is located at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula wine region.

Shopping

Traverse City's central business district is located along Front Street downtown. Another major shopping district is on US 31 southwest of town, where several big box stores are located, as well as two shopping malls, the Grand Traverse Mall, anchored by Target, JCPenney, Macy's, and the Preferred Outlets, a factory outlet center. Another mall, Cherryland Center, is located on Garfield Avenue on the south end of town; this mall features Kmart, Younkers, and Sears. The shopping environment is just like if you were at home.

The Traverse City Film Festival

This was a very interesting festival my family and I went to while we were here. I am really into plays and movies and thought this was a great festival for a wide variety of reasons. It was founded by filmmaker Michael Moore, which takes place every summer. The six day event presents independent films and documentaries, as well as discussion boards with directors, actors and others involved with the film industry. In 2007, the film festival acquired the historic State Theater for year round screenings. The Festival of the Senses, a city wide festival with events designed to stimulate all five of the senses, occurs in the fall. Th festival features art exhibitions, music and theater.

 



 A View That Is Indescribable 

Ludington State park is partically an island, as it sits nestled between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, lower Michigan's largest artificial impoundment. The park boasts over 6 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Here you will find lofty sand dunes, virgin stands of evergreen and hardwood trees, soft, sandy beaches, and an extensive network of hiking, skiing, biking, and canoe trails. Ludington has 373 campsites that are heavily used from May through mid-October. The park's education and interpretive programming is very popular and offers slide and video presentations, and live programs that can give you a better appreciation of the wildlife, geology, and history of this unique area.

Wildlife Viewing

This site offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities from its extensive trail system. There are more than 18 miles of hiking trails, with an additional 12 miles of cross-country ski trails. Walk the Skyline Trail for some spectacular views of high dune ridges and Lake Michigan. Hike the Lighthouse Trail to Big Sable Point Lighthouse to sample a bit of Michigan's maritime history. Perhaps the most unique trail here is the canoe trail. Brochures at the visitor center show you how to make a unique passage along the bayous and inlets of Hamlin Lake's shoreline. Slip silently down this trail early in the morning for a high probability of viewing herons, egrets, waterfowl, deer, and other animals along the water's edge. The Sable River, which flows from Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan, has some open water year-around. This makes it very attractive to waterfowl from November through January.

Entertainment 

The Ludington area offers numerous ways to keep you entertained during your vacation. During the summer season, they have festivals and art shows that are fun for the entire family. "Family Night Live" in downtown Ludington is held several times each year and the Mason County Fairgrounds is home to many events, including horse shows, the Western Michigan Fair, and various races. The Mason County District Library offers special programs for kids, and West Shore Community College entertains audiences with theatrical productions and concerts all year long. When the sun goes down, the fun doesn't end. Head to one of the local establishments for live music while you enjoy your favorite drink. Karaoke and laser light shows are featured at select places. Discover for yourself the wonder and magic of Ludington.

Night Life

Tiki Lounge & Night Club- come enjoy your favorite drinks in the exotic Polynesian atmosphere of the Tiki, Ludington's premier nightclub. Dance the night away to the laser light show and music videos featured on 10' screens. The Tiki is conveniently located in downtown Ludington, inside the historic Stearns Motor Inn. Call for current schedule.

Coupons & Specials
Who doesn't like to save money? With economic times the way they are, every penny counts. Ludington area businesses understand, so they offer vacation specials and coupons to save you money on food, fun, lodging, personal services, and more. Visit there website, view the great offers, print your discount, and start saving today!

Ludington State Park

• Address 1: 8800 W. M-116
• City: Ludington
• State: Michigan
• Zip Code: 49431
• Phone: 231-843-2423
• URL:www.michigan.gov/dnr

 

Come explore Michigan's finest most amazing Island

Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. Its real Victorian image is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents, maintaining bluff cottages in original state. Families, especially children, love their relatively new found "mobility", exploring the historic, natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park, honored by National Geographic as one of the ten finest in America. The events on Mackinac Island is highlighted by the Annual Lilac Festival, climaxed with one of the largest "All Horse Hitch" parades known. The American Bus Association has designated Mackinac Island's Lilac Festival as one of the nation's top 100 tourist attractions.
The residents are warm and friendly, even during the Island's brief but unique winter holilday and cross-country season. Prices are best in winter, spring, and fall, of course, but the enjoyment level never fails to put new prespective into the concept of relaxation. When you step off of the Island Ferry Dock, its like living in a Victorian village. You have to beware of houses, bikes and people stepping off of carriages, enjoy the downtown hustle and bustle of the early 1800s but don't miss the beauty of the Island's interior and peaceful lakefront perimeter path. Once you've visited the beautiful Island, you will find that it is your Island, too.

Getting Here

Most people get to Mackinac Island by first driving to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and then taking a ferry. Others arrive by either plane or private boat. I experienced my first time going to Mackinac Island this past weekend. When we arrived to get on the ferry to take it from Mackinac City to Mackinaw Island, I was shocked on how clear blue the water is. I have never seen such clear blue water before, so this was an amazing scenery for me. We decided to take the Sky Line ferry instead of the Arnold Transit because of the rooster tail the water made from the speed of the boat.

Attractions/Hotels

There were many fun and interesting things to do on Mackinac Island. We rented a bike and rode around the island or you can also hire your own horse drawn carriage. For the history buffs there we walked around Fort Mackinac and did the guided carriage tours. Also, there are plenty of great reasons to overnight on Mackinac Island. Many of the accomodations capture the essence of the Victorian era in tastefully decorated rooms and surroundings. Your evening may include a romantic dinner at one of the islands outstanding restuarants or perhaps a peaceful walk to enjoy the peace and quiet. The nightlife is always fun too for those wanting entertainment. Staying on Mackinac Island is truly part of the overall experience and should not be missed. We stayed at the Pink Pony hotel which was right now the water and connected to a restuarant/bar. The experience was breathtaking and would definitely come again.

Lilac Tree Hotel

Shops and Services

They  have a variety of shops for clothing, suveniors, and fudge. I would say my favorite shops their was the fudge. Murdick's Fudge was my favorite. They have art galleries that you can take home a painting or photograph from one of the islands many artists. There was a great selection of restuarants and pubs on the island. You can rent bikes and electric wheelchairs for only 25 dollars for an hour. You can have weddings and receptions here. We seen a wedding going on when we were there. I think that is the most beautiful place to have a wedding. They also have island photography and florist too. There are such great services and shops that could keep you busy for a whole day. It's an experience of a lifetime. I can't wait to have children so they can enjoy such a great island and what it is all about and how it began!

The view from the ferry!

A historical building

View from Fort Mackinac

Victorian Home

Apartments

A Roller-coaster of Summer Fun

I've decided to blog about summer hot spots in the Detroit Metro Area. I thought this would be a good topic to talk about because most people that live here tend to book summer vacations in other places. Michigan can be deceiving, but if you explore around, you will see beautiful places that will catch your eye.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park


Ever since I was little, my family and I have booked vacations outside of Michigan until this past summer. We decided to do something different and visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. It's located in the Upper Peninsula near Newberry and Paradise Michigan. Tahquamenon is special in many ways. One little known fact is that it is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi, with Niagara being the largest. The beauty of this area is a must see when you are making your travel plans. Within the state park you will find many activities such as birding, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing, camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more. The areas wildlife abound and by chance you may see black bear, whitetail deer, moose, and other wildlife. Visit the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub & Camp 33, which is located within the State Park at the Upper Falls. You will enjoy fine dining and micro brewed beers from the north. Camp 33 also has a unique gift shop with fine art, jewelry, souveniers, etc. Tahquamenon River Boat & Wilderness Tour info can be found at The Toonerville Trolley Train and Riverboat tour website.

The Brewery and Pub is nice for young adults to hang out. The focal point of all structures is the fire. Any camper needs a fire that they can enjoy in all seasons. It's a nice week or weekend gateway with family and friends with many outdoor activities.

















                                             Boyne

Boyne is another vacation spot that I have enjoyed with family and friends. Boyne is the perfect all-inclusive Michigan summer vacation getaway offering a myriad of outdoor and indoor activities for you, your family, and your friends. Boyne has 11 challenging golf courses, 33 award-winning restaurants, tennis, breathtaking views from scenic chairlift rides, swimming, shopping, nationally acclaimed dinner theatre, fishing, boating, biking, and more. Whatever interests your family, Boyne is sure to have the fun filled summer time activities for them. There is Young State Park which is a summertime destination, located a little over a mile from downtown Boyne City. It's large, sandy swimming beach on Lake Charlevoix is a great spot to cool off during the summer and watch the sunset. The park has winding nature trails through a pine forest for hiking. Young State Park has three campgrounds, a boat launch, and a pristine inland lake, called Mirror Lake. For campground reservation information, visit the DNR's web site.
          
                                           Young State Park in Boyne City

Whiting Park is a family camping spot on the west side of Lake Charlevoix. The park has a sandy swimming beach, volleyball court, ball field, playgrounds and picnic spots. See the Charlevoix County Parks site for current camping rates and reservation information. Whiting Park also has two buildings and pavilions that can be rented for gatherings.

                                              Whiting Park in Boyne City

Get Wet at Avalanche Bay
 In the Summer it's always very hot. Why not get a little wet at Avalanche Bay. It's a Mountain Lodge that opened a few years ago, which has been a huge success. While the weather outside is never predictable, the weather inside the water park is a constant 84 degrees with plenty of water! All ages welcome, there is something for everyone. The little ones have their own area of safe water play and bigger kids can jump on the water slides. For those wishing to stay dry, there is a balcony that overlooks the entire park. An arcade, snack bar and sitting area provide everything you need for a whole day of fun. The water slides are a blast, the Lazy River is great fun, but the Rip Zone is the hit of the entire place, The Rip Zone is Michigan's first surf simulator.Like most of the thrill-seekers do, grab a boogie-board for your first go. However, for those with more guts, try the standing surf board. It's harder than it looks.