I talk a lot about my life in Chicago, but I rarely talk about my life before moving to the Second City. I was born in Detroit, but can’t remember anything about my life there because my family moved to Canton, Ohio, when I was two. Then, in eighth grade my parents delivered the sad news that our family was moving back to Michigan, this time to a small town called Jackson. I started a new high school in a place where I knew no one – I’d only met one person in my class because she was a neighbor. If you remember your high school experience, it was tough enough just going through those four years. Imagine adjusting to a new school and being the new kid. I left Michigan behind for college (I attended the University of Dayton in Ohio), but returned again for a journalism job in a tiny town south of Battle Creek. I’d never even heard of it despite it being 60 miles away from where I went to high school.
By the time I moved to Chicago, I answered “Where are you from?” with whichever answer was most convenient – Ohio or Michigan. And truthfully I always feel like more of an Ohio girl until I go to an event like the one I was lucky enough to attend recently with Pure Michigan, the tourism board for the state. The event reminded me of how many good things Michigan has, and brought up some happy memories from my time in the state. Keep reading for a run-down of the top events for each season and some semi-embarrassing photos from me in Michigan!
I miss Michigan most in the fall. The town I lived in during my first job was rural
and there were gourds and corn for free picking at every turn.
Pure Michigan is beautiful during all seasons, and it’s so large there’s always something new to explore! Here are some of the best events I know of or learned about at the event to mark on your calendar:
Fall
ArtPrize 10 (Grand Rapids, Sept. 19-Oct. 7) – For as long as I live in the Midwest this event will be on my bucket list. I haven’t been to Grand Rapids in years, but the city is having a renaissance and ArtPrize is one of its biggest events. This is the 10th year of the public arts festival so it’s sure not to disappoint.
Bright Walls Mural Festival (Jackson, Oct. 4-9) – This is the inaugural mural festival in my hometown. My friends are actually helping put it on, and I think it sounds awesome! I have a wedding this weekend or else I’d be there to watch artists from across America paint beautiful wall art in downtown Jackson.
Michigan vs. MSU NCAA Football (Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Oct. 20) – I usually don’t like football, but these rivalry games are an experience. I’ve actually only seen a Michigan football game at the Big House (UofM’s stadium), but my husband – a Spartan – assures me games at Spartan Stadium are epic.
The Szink Christmas card to announce our new hometown of Jackson, Michigan.
Winter
Winter Sports (Cadillac) – I have to be honest, I’m a bad Michigander because I’ve never skiied! That’s not to say I don’t like the cold or snow, though. And I hear Cadillac is an amazing city for winter sports because it has one of the highest vertical drops in Northern Michigan, with 34 ski runs, and trails for snowshoeing, trail running and fat tire riding.
Northern Lights (Marquette) – It’s a dream of mine to see the northern lights. I thought I had to go all of the way to Alaska to fulfill it, but I recently learned recently that all I have to do is go one state over. There are plenty of cities to stay in to see the Northern Lights, but when researching it Marquette kept topping the lists.
Spring
Michigan Maple Syrup Weekend (Statewide, March) – You haven’t tasted amazing until you’ve had fresh maple syrup. There are many ways to get your hands on a bottle, but I think a festival for the treat is a great way option. When I was an editor at a small town newspaper I got to follow the Rotary Club in their maple syrup collecting and actually enjoyed learning all about the process.
Holland Tulip Festival (May 4-12) – This is another Michigan bucket list item. I can’t think of much that sounds more beautiful in the state than rows of Tulips. It’s blogger paradise, no?
Summer
National Cherry Festival (Travis City, June 29-July 6) – Traverse City is such a picturesque town, you should try to make it there at some point, and it doesn’t even have to be for cherries. And when you do go, be sure to have a cone of Traverse City Cherry Island Fudge ice cream in your hand. It’s one of my favorite flavors.
Faster Horses Music Festival (Brooklyn, July 19-21) – Brooklyn, Mich., is usually a quiet town near where I grew up in Michigan, but for one weekend it’s quite crowded with country music fans. The music festival holds some great and impressive acts for the small town.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Ludington, summer long) – I have good memories of my mom taking my family and grandparents to Michigan sand dunes. They’re impressive to see and a real workout to walk up. This is a beach town, so there’s also much more to do besides the dunes.
Although I consider myself an Ohio girl, writing this post reminded me just how much I am who I am because of Michigan. And I can’t wait for my trip in early October to explore a whole other part of the state I’ve never been to – the Upper Peninsula. Steve, a high school friend and I are road tripping to another friend’s wedding. Can’t wait to see the beautiful fall colors of up north, definitely something else to add to your list.