2023 Milestone Years

Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America—making this year its 186th Birthday / Anniversary (depending on how you look at it). Here is our annual list of tourism related businesses celebrating BIG years in 2023 (if we have missed any, please email details to travel@promotemichigan.com).

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Christmas at the Holly Hotel

Christmas at the Holly Hotel was filmed last winter at the historic 1891 Holly Hotel (which sadly was damaged by the third fire in its 132-year history this past summer) by Joel Reisig of JPR Studios. Joel has been making movies since 2008 and has produced over 35 feature films with distribution deals to Universal Studios, Netflix, Showtime, Lifetime, Redbox, Walmart and others (including global reach in various languages).

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Schuler’s Expands its Hospitality Portfolio

The Schuler name is synonymous with hospitality, at least in southern Michigan. Located in Marshall, in the heart of Calhoun County, the iconic Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub (115 S. Eagle Street) has been welcoming hungry and thirsty visitors since first opening the doors in 1909. Recognized as one of the longest-operating restaurants in the state, Schuler’s remains dedicated to maintaining its roots while branching out in new and exciting ways.

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Have You Heard the BUZZ About Michigan’s Official State Insect?

Michigan’s first state symbol was the state flower, designated as the Apple Blossom in 1897. Since that time, 10 other symbols have been added to the list – from bird to reptile, gem to stone, wildflower to tree. A twelfth symbol is now under consideration in the legislature – Michigan’s official state insect! If members of the House and Senate can agree, the designation would leave Iowa as the only state in the Union without a state bug.

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Maple Syrup Weekends Celebrate Michigan’s Oldest & Sweetest Spring Agricultural Activity

Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats.

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Digital Treasure Hunting

As a freelance writer and author, I spend a great deal of my time doing historical online research. To be honest, it is this part of the process that I think I enjoy the most. It’s like a treasure hunt for information – to prove or refute details that tell one story, or another.

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