Promote Michigan Blog

July is National Ice Cream Month…and here in Michigan, its big business! Hundreds of shops and parlors operate around the state, scooping up sweet treats to cool you off on those hot summer days! Did you know that Michigan ranks #5 in the nation for ice cream production? That’s a fact worth celebrating – each and every day this month!

For the past dozen years or so, I’ve been a treasure hunter – seeking unique Michigan travel items to decorate my home and office. From postcards and vintage maps to weathered road signs and license plates to books and board games, I’ve found some great items – each with a story to tell.

April showers bring May flowers…and in Michigan, that includes tulips, apple and cherry blossoms, dogwood, trillium and other spring wildflowers, among others. Rich in Native American heritage and lore, there are actually more than 40 varieties of trillium, which blanket the forest floors for a brief few weeks each spring.

Michigan is lucky enough to have plenty of places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day – and the arrival of the spring season – throughout the month of March. Whether you’re on a quest for the best Irish stout, are seeking a heaping helping of corn beef and cabbage or are looking for a pot of gold at the end of the parade, look no further than Pure Michigan for some great Irish-themed ideas!

If you haven’t heard, I’m having a long-term love affair with Michigan! I love everything about the Great Lakes State – the two (+) peninsulas, four seasons and 83 counties. I love the people, places and products that are made here. I love the stories and songs. I love the history and the opportunities for the future. To celebrate the month of Valentine’s Day, it is fitting to share some of the romantic get-aways, restaurants and attractions that I think you’ll LOVE to explore (this month and beyond).

A good friend of the Michigan tourism industry, Joe Breidenstein, always said that there’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothes! In remembrance of that wise man, here are some great Made in Michigan wearables to help keep you warm on these beautifully blustery winter days (and nights).

My favorite holiday tradition is giving the gift of Michigan to family and friends. The catalog of “Made in Michigan” products is growing daily, providing countless opportunities to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list. Giving always makes me smile…but giving a gift crafted by one of the dedicated people of Michigan just means so much more.

You either believe in ghosts – or you don’t. Right? I guess, I personally believe in the theory of spirits – and if nothing else, the stories are exciting to share.

Autumn has always been my favorite season! The vibrant colors – reds, oranges, yellows – mixed with the cooler days and the aromas of the harvest. As a kid, I loved fall – because it mean it was time to return to school (yes, I realize how crazy that sounds).

We are fortunate here in Michigan to be surrounded by the Great Lakes – with mile after glorious mile of sugar-sand beaches and quaint coastal towns, waiting to be explored. You know, they say that in Michigan, you’re never more than six miles from a body of water or 85 miles from a Great Lakes. Take a look at some of Michigan’s most noted – and sometimes hidden gems – when it comes to beaches and lakes!

In my opinion, July is the most “American” month of the year! Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet, right? The heat of summer is upon us and I love it…turn it up (those that complain are typically those that are also surprised when it snows in winter…we live in MICHIGAN, remember)!

Summer is the perfect time to get out and explore Michigan – and this year, I vow to cross 12 items of my “bucket list” of activities. My challenge to you…is to do the same. Come up with a list of places you’ve never been, things you’ve never done, foods you’ve never tried – and then set out on the open road to discover (or rediscover) this great state in which we live!