Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America…making this year our state’s 188th Birthday! Each year, Promote Michigan compiles a list of tourism and hospitality related businesses celebrating milestones like a 5th, 15th, 50th, 100th (or more) anniversary.
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Featuring profiles of 50 notable figures in Kalamazoo area history Since its founding in the early 1800s, Kalamazoo has welcomed
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As an avid outdoorsman from childhood, one of Jimmy Carter’s favorite pastimes was to enjoy all that nature had to offer. After a canceled trip freed up the former president’s weekend, Carter journeyed up to the Pigeon River Country State Forest, seeking to finally capture a trophy that had long eluded him—the ruffed grouse. The hunt was successful, but more than that, Carter and his hunting crew left with a newfound appreciation for “The Big Wild” of Northern Michigan.
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Though born out of competition, Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts quickly stole the stage as the leading toaster pastry in the United States. However, the process of bringing the product to market was full of logistical challenges. From unfrosted to frosted and beyond, this Michigan-made, on-the-go breakfast pastry has secured its place on tables and in hearts across America.
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A combination of cross-country skiing and dogsledding, skijoring—a name derived from the Norwegian word skikjøring, meaning “ski driving”—involves a person on skis being pulled behind a dog (or dogs), for recreation or competitive racing. The skier wears a skijoring belt connected to the dog via a line, while the dog wears a pulling-specific harness. The dog is motivated to run solely by responding to the skier’s voice commands.
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Many noted Michigan businesses, attractions, events and communities (including Promote Michigan, founded in 2004) are also celebrating milestone years this year…here’s a list (please feel free to share others we may have missed).
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There’s been a flutter of activity lately around the plight of pollinators like bees and butterflies, specifically the monarch, and how creating or maintaining habitats help ensure the future of these vital winged insects. In the past year, several northwest Michigan communities — Elk Rapids, Kalkaska, Boyne City, Beaver Island and Melrose Township (Walloon Lake) — have become members of a national initiative called Monarch Cities USA, pledging to protect and provide for these butterflies.
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The concept—a framed, backlit image—is simple. Yet, Helmscenes become much more than the sum of their parts once plugged in and switched on. Beloved by collectors today as ambiance-creating décor, Helmscenes transport their views to scenes near and far—and serve as physical reminders of the years in the mid-twentieth century when they were produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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The word “memoir” is the French word for memory and is a genre of literature where the author writes about his or her memories. Not to be confused with a “autobiography” which is a more historical and factual version of one’s life, from beginning to end.
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When I left West Michigan Tourist Association on August 19, 2004 to launch Promote Michigan, I was taking a leap
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When Cindy Birk was a second grader at Reid Elementary School in Grand Blanc, Michigan, she attended a Young Authors
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For as long as I can remember, reading has been one of my favorite activities – especially on rainy afternoons or while kicking back relaxing on a boat or at the beach. Over the years, I’ve found a fascination for novels with ties of Michigan – of course! As you plan your summer reading list, here are some to consider.
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Michiganders are hardy souls…they’ll climb massive ice formations, sit on frozen lakes in search of fish, craft elaborate outhouses for winter festival races and spend hours standing around outside drinking local beer with likeminded individuals braving the elements.
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