Author: promotemi

Nostalgic charm meets modern flair in the art-centric small towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. For decades, these communities—located just 140 miles around the Lake Michigan coastline from Chicago—have welcomed all creative types and proudly promoted themselves as being LGBTQ+ friendly. Nestled between two of Michigan’s five federally recognized American Viticultural Areas, the region also is known for its deep agricultural roots and growing beverage offerings including wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located 45 miles away in Grand Rapids, is the closest transportation hub with service from Detroit, Chicago, and all points beyond.

Midwestern hospitality, history, and culture are found at every turn throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region – encompassing three counties (Bay, Midland, and Saginaw) and six communities (Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, and Birch Run).

October is Michigan AgriTourism month…a colorful and flavorful time to celebrate the state’s rich bounty. Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country (behind California) and its position in the heart of the Great Lakes creates the ideal “cool climate” conditions to grow more than 200 different commodities. From the tapping of the first maple tree in the spring to the harvest of the 1.05 billion pounds of apples statewide each fall, Michigan is a “Mitten of Plenty” waiting to be savored.

For Derrick Jones, the sky’s the limit when it comes to pursuing his hobby. He was just 8 years old when he began crewing on the ground for local balloon pilots in Battle Creek and, four years later, he took his first balloon flight — setting the course up, up, and away for a lifelong passion.

Nearly a century ago, the Federal Commercial and Savings Bank opened at the corner of Military and Water streets along the Black River in downtown Port Huron. Its stately facade would later house the Michigan National Bank (a name which remains boldly emblazoned on the side of the building) before being recently transformed into the latest CityFlats boutique hotel at 405 Water Street.

Michigan’s smallest village (by land area) is doing big things to enhance the community offerings for its residents and visitors alike. Ahmeek encompasses just 0.068 square miles (45.52 acres) and is the only incorporated municipality in Keweenaw County (on the Keweenaw Peninsula), sitting about three miles north of the Houghton County village of Calumet.

Michigan has many monikers – like the Great Lakes State. According to the , it is also known as The Trails State, with thousands of seasonal routes crisscrossing the state – from hiking and biking to paddling and skiing, and so much more. These various paths are so important to the state’s image that a designated Michigan Trails Week is even held every fall, this year September 17-24.

The first patented drive-in theater was opened in 1933 in New Jersey, launching a national trend for outdoor family entertainment fueled by the growing automotive industry. Over time, as many as 5,000 drive-ins operated throughout the country.

Michigan is the self-proclaimed “Great Beer State,” and July has once again been designated as “Michigan Beer Month” by the state legislature and Governor Whitmer. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate, you’ll find plenty of places to sip and sample in the Little Traverse Bay region.