With an established history in agriculture and tourism, it’s only natural Michigan would proudly embrace an expanding “foodie” culture drawn from the public’s desire to whet the appetite with all that is local.

As winter succumbs to spring and the snow melts away, an amazing growth begins to take place on forest floors across Michigan. The moist ground is warmed by the sunshine and sprouts begin to push up through the dirt and dead leaves, alongside fallen elm, ash, poplar, aspen and maple trees. The harvest awaits in this wild edible marketplace, with fiddleheads, wild leeks (also known as ramps) and the elusive morel on the shopping list.

With agriculture and tourism as the state’s second and third largest industries, options are on the grow.

Albert M. Todd was one of Michigan’s earliest agricultural pioneers, with expansive farms in Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties. By the early 1900s, the A.M. Todd Company was the largest producer of mint in the country; their world headquarters remains in Kalamazoo.

Michigan — the Great Lake State — is a four-season camping paradise. From the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula to the outskirts of the Metro Detroit area, there is a privately owned campground, county, state or national park waiting to be explored.

Michigan’s tasty treats, bountiful beverages and wholesome snacks make for perfect gift ideas.

At age 12, Detroit native Dawn Riley stepped aboard a 36-foot, Great Lakes cutter with her family and took off on a year-long adventure to the Caribbean and back. She had already learned to sail on Lake St. Clair, becoming a member of the North Start Sail Club and commodore of the junior sailing program.

From pristine trails to rugged wilderness, from towering hardwoods to ice-laden waters, Michigan offers never-ending opportunities to enjoy cold-weather recreation.

For most of my life, I dreaded the arrival of winter in Michigan! The cold, the snow, the blowing winds and treacherous roads – I cursed them and longed for the arrival of spring, the heat of summer and the colors of autumn. Then, about a half-dozen years ago, at the urging of some winter-loving friends, I decided to step outside the warmth of my comfort zone and give the snow a chance.

This year, make the selection of your Christmas tree a real family experience, by visiting one of the hundreds of farms throughout Michigan that have kept the tradition of fresh-cut trees alive and growing.

Throughout Michigan’s wine regions, you’ll find countless lodging properties offering a variety of packages, with everything from wine dinners and guided tours to special events and unique gift baskets.