Author: promotemi

Michigan’s tasty treats, bountiful beverages and wholesome snacks make for perfect gift ideas.

At age 12, Detroit native Dawn Riley stepped aboard a 36-foot, Great Lakes cutter with her family and took off on a year-long adventure to the Caribbean and back. She had already learned to sail on Lake St. Clair, becoming a member of the North Start Sail Club and commodore of the junior sailing program.

From pristine trails to rugged wilderness, from towering hardwoods to ice-laden waters, Michigan offers never-ending opportunities to enjoy cold-weather recreation.

For most of my life, I dreaded the arrival of winter in Michigan! The cold, the snow, the blowing winds and treacherous roads – I cursed them and longed for the arrival of spring, the heat of summer and the colors of autumn. Then, about a half-dozen years ago, at the urging of some winter-loving friends, I decided to step outside the warmth of my comfort zone and give the snow a chance.

This year, make the selection of your Christmas tree a real family experience, by visiting one of the hundreds of farms throughout Michigan that have kept the tradition of fresh-cut trees alive and growing.

Throughout Michigan’s wine regions, you’ll find countless lodging properties offering a variety of packages, with everything from wine dinners and guided tours to special events and unique gift baskets.

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, and nearly two dozen of these 117 beacons are rumored to be haunted, most by dedicated light keepers or members of their families. Following are a few stories that wash upon their shores.

Simply marvel at or set sail yourself aboard one of Michigan’s majestic ships.

Picture yourself lounging lakeside, with your toes dug into the wet sand and the waves lapping at the shoreline. Above you, the sun radiates. In front of you, a glorious lake reaches for miles and miles before disappearing into the distance. To your left and right, the beach extends beyond sight. This is summer along Lake Michigan.

It’s a lesson we can all afford to learn in today’s fast-paced world…how to relax, get away and recconect with nature. On almost any given day, fly fishing can teach us just that.

Wanted: Lighthouse keepers. Must be in excellent health, able to climb stairs, work long hours and have a passion for history. Paid daily in surprises and sunsets.

Is there such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen? Lori and Mike Venturini, owners of the Munro House Bed and Breakfast in Jonesville, don’t think so. In fact, 14 cooks is what they normally host for their Chef Night private parties.