Maybe we are biased because we were born and raised but Michigan is absolutely beautiful in summer. If you have never been we highly recommend going and exploring what the Great Lakes state has to offer! This list includes the obvious idea which is jumping in and enjoying a swim, or watersports in one of the 10,000 lakes throughout the state. 

Located in Detroit, MI Eastern Market is one of the oldest urban markets in the nation. Yet even though it has been around for so long there are so many Michiganders who have never made the trek to visit! From fresh produce, to homemade food, local jewelers, artists, flowers, and so much more there is something here for everyone to enjoy. 

Tip(s) Don't forget to bring your reusable grocery bags or some type of wagon. This makes carrying your purchased items a lot easier. Also, make sure not to put all your eggs in one basket and just get small samples to share with your friends/family this way you can taste more cuisine!

People are always so surprised when we talk about the plethora of things Michigan has..this including sand dunes!

Here is a list of our favorite ones.
-Sleeping Bear Dunes
-Saugatuck Dunes
-Silver Lake Dunes
-Arcadia Dunes
-Grand Sable Banks and Dunes

Tip: Some dunes allow you to ride your own off roading vehicle, or there are so many tours around that make for such a unique, fun experience!

You may be thinking are the Tahquamenon Falls worth the drive?! Yes, yes, yes!! They are breathtaking. The environment around it makes for the perfect upper peninsula summer weekend destination. There are plenty of hiking trails, water activities, and scenery to enjoy. The beautiful amber water color is caused by tannin leached from the surrounding trees in the swamps drained by the river.

Tip(s) Bring your water shoes as you will want to take a dip in the water after doing a hot summer hike. Be careful if you are brave enough to cross as it is slippery, and the current can be strong! Also throughout your hike you will want bug spray!

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state...must be due to being home to the 5 Great Lakes haha! Each lighthouse is unique in it's history, and the image it provides. We gathered up a few of our favorites, although hard to choose since they are all beautiful!

-Big Sable Point Lighthouse
-Grand Island’s East Channel lighthouse
-William Livingstone Memorial Light

-Holland Harbor Lighthouse
-Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Tip: Lighthouses are tall a trick we learned along the way in order to best capture it with your phone is to flip your phone upside down, place phone on ground, and take a picture! If you happened to try this trick, show us how your pictures turned out!

Traverse City is made up of two peninsulas that were formed due to glaciers. For those that are unfamiliar with the Northern Michigan climate it actually provides perfect temperature for wine making. With this being said Traverse City is a great place for those who want to experience Midwest winetasting. Traverse City is not only filled with wine but also has many local craft beers and breweries for you to try. Traverse City is also home to our earlier post Sleeping Bear Dunes making it possible to hit two items on the bucket list! If you happen to be here June or beginning of July the city is known for hosting their National Cherry Festival filled with entertainment for the entire family! 

Tip: If you do plan to visit Traverse City especially for the National Cherry Festival, make sure to book you hotel room/AIRBNB in advance as rooms fill up fast! 

Moving to Reno, NV we have really learned to appreciate weird things such as custard because every state is completely different. You honestly don't realize how unique some things are that you have become accustomed to until you move out. Every time we go back to Michigan to visit our families, and friends we ALWAYS make sure to stop at least once and get ourselves frozen custard...even in those frigid winter months!

Some of our favorite small town custard places we have been to include

-Wally's Frozen Custard (they also have frozen custard pie TRY IT)
-Erma's Original Frozen Custard
-TC's Custard Cones
-Bob-In Again

Have you tried custard before?! Do you have a favorite spot we didn't list that we need to make sure to stop next time we travel to Michigan? Let us know! Want a good memento to remember your Michigan trip? Click the picture below and display a beautiful wooden epoxy sign to show off to your guests.