Featured Articles

Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state, at nearly 120. Dating back to the early 1800s, these towering beacons protected the often dangerous shorelines and aided ships of all shapes and sizes as they made their way through the freshwaters of the Great Lakes. Those who were charged with staffi ng these lights played a pivotal role in the state’s maritime history and their stories linger on for generations interested in the romance of life by the inland seas.

The east shore of Lake Michigan, which stretches from Berrien County north to the Straits of Mackinac, is the largest freshwater dune system in the world. With towering sands that rise several hundred feet above the lake, there are countless locales to soak up the sun during the day and then watch it set across the western horizon as night falls.

With its blend of fresh water and creative talent, Michigan’s craft beer industry is taking the state and the country by storm. Ranking fifth nationwide in breweries — already over 130 and counting — the Great Beer State is a burgeoning market for unique brews.

As winter settles along Michigan’s shoreline, festive harbor towns welcome holiday shoppers seeking unique gifts.

Built in 1925-1926 on the highest point overlooking Gull Lake, the W.K. Kellogg Manor House near Battle Creek and Kalamazoo is one of the most stately homes in Southwest Michigan. The 32-acre site — with its caretaker’s cottage, boathouse, authentic Dutch windmill, lakeside pagoda, carriage house and a greenhouse with a potting shed — is surrounded by expansive gardens where special events are held during the warm-weather months.

As founder and president of Promote Michigan, Dianna Stampfler is one of the state’s most passionate cheerleaders. The Plainwell resident has more than 20 years of marketing and public relations experience. She also is a newspaper and radio journalist and is active in a number of tourism organizations. Among her clients is ShowSpan Inc. so expect to see her in action this month at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival.

Grown in a rich array of hues, poinsettias lend elegance and warmth to winter décor, while their colorful star-shaped bracts — according to a 16th-century legend — symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.

Mixologist Rob Hanks of Reserve Wine and Food in Grand Rapids prides himself on his creative concoctions featuring locally produced spirits. Last year, his passion paid off when his “Shipwreck Rum Punch” was recognized as 2012’s top pick in the New Holland Artisan Spirits “Art of the Cocktail” competition.

Scattered throughout Michigan, high-end motor coach and RV resorts are popping up to welcome travelers who want to relax in the lap of luxury. Many also offer options for lot ownership. Providing gated access, well-apportioned amenities and classy services, these communities are the seasonal homes for those on the go.

Following the Erie Canal’s completion in 1826, Lake Michigan’s Manitou Passage between the Manitou Islands and mainland was the most direct course for commercial schooners and leisure steamers sailing between Chicago and the Straits of Mackinac.

One of the best things about summer in Michigan is gathering around the campfire with a group of family or friends — enjoying song, stories and s’mores!

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour route is the culmination of innovation and hard work by visionary Jack Morgan of the Michigan Department of Transportation. Just 14 months after Morgan introduced his Circle Tour concept in 1987, agreement to designate and fund it was reached between the governors of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. In 1998, the route was mapped and signs were posted along all 1,100 miles of Lake Michigan’s shoreline.