9 Things To Do When You’re Feeling Homesick For Michigan
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
If you’ve moved away from the Great Lakes State, it’s nearly impossible not to miss your beloved home. Michigan is truly special, and there’s nothing more bittersweet than having such a fantastic place to miss when you’re away. If you’re feeling an extra dose of homesickness for Michigan, here are nine unique ways to cope.
We Michiganders sure do love the water. Even if you live in a largely landlocked area, we’re sure you can make your way to an inland lake or pond. There’s something unbelievably calming about sitting along the waterfront, and if you ignore the salty air, you can even pretend that the Pacific Ocean is Lake Michigan.
Head over to YouTube and watch a long string of these fantastic commercials, each of which will probably make you tear up a bit. Every Michigander knows that there’s something special about a Pure Michigan ad, and seeing stunning footage of some of your favorite Michigan locales might help you cope with the desire to be back home.
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You might be ridiculed by your non-Michigander friends, but we’re sure you’ll have fun paying tribute to your home state by asking for "pop" at a restaurant. Sure, the server might give you a few strange looks, but at least you’ll have the chance to pretend you’re temporarily back in the Great Lakes State!
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Heading to Target? Go ahead and call it "Targets." Making your way to Wal-Mart? Say "Wal-Marts" instead! Michiganders are notorious for adding an "s" to the end of words that don’t necessarily need it (think "Meijers"), but that’s never stopped us. When you’re in the mood to reconnect with your Michigan roots, bring some of your favorite diction mannerisms to your new home.
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The next time you’re in Michigan, stock up on Vernors — and keep it stored in your new home for when that homesickness strikes. Sure, Vernors is typically reserved for nausea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t drink a bit of it with dinner. The flavors of home can be comforting, and you’ll be grateful for a little taste of Michigan.
Ah, Michigan. As much as we love you, we have to admit that driving along your roads isn’t the most peaceful experience. Our state is notorious for potholes, so there’s a certain familiarity in traversing ridiculously bumpy roads. When your homesickness hits an extreme level, just venture out and drive along some pothole-infested streets! It’s the most unpleasant yet effective way imaginable to deal with your desire to be back in Michigan.
Who says you can’t make your own pasties when you’re hundreds of miles away from the Upper Peninsula? Find a great recipe online, grab a few ingredients, and start cooking — your final product might not match the pasties you’re used to up north, but they’ll help you reconnect with your Michigan roots.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Michigan State, the University of Michigan, the Detroit Tigers, or even the Lions, we’re sure you’ve got plenty of clothing items to represent your favorite teams. Dress from head to toe in your favorite sport-themed garments and hit the streets of your new town — you might even spark conversations with other Michigan transplants in your city!
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The only real way to assuage your desire to be back in Michigan is to actually plan a trip home. When homesickness seems impossible to deal with, it’s time to prepare for a journey back to the Great Lakes States. Scour the internet for flight deals, calculate your drive time, and reach out to friends back home — you’ll be driving past a "Welcome to Michigan" sign in no time.
Tell us, Michiganders: how have you dealt with homesickness throughout the years? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below.
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