12 Underrated Places In Michigan To Take An Out-Of-Towner
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Serena Maria Daniels
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The moment has arrived. Your in-laws are coming to Michigan from out of state. You usually resort to taking them to a museum, maybe the local Applebee’s for dinner, and maybe a city park for grilling. At the end of their trip they usually wind up feeling…underwhelmed. It’s as if they’ve learned nothing about the great Mitten State.
We say, make this visit different. Break out of the mold and show them some of the places that really define Michigan. We’ve got some ideas that you might not otherwise consider for an out-of-towner to give them the authentic Great Lakes State experience. Check it out.
If your guests are coming in from either of the coasts, they'll automatically assume that they're land-locked or that a lake couldn't possibly provide the kind of beach experience they're accustomed to. Prove them wrong by taking them to Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the most beautiful coastlines in all of America.
Got a hiker in your midst? Head to Arcadia Dunes, specifically Old Baldy, where you'll encounter sweeping views of Lake Michigan. If you've got some mountain bikes, there are some portions of Baldy Trails that allow biking.
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Once you've dazzled your guests with the wonders of the lake, introduce them to the unexpected deliciousness of Michigan-made wine. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is made up of nearly 20 wineries, giving you plenty of unique tasting options.
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Many folks from out of state assume Michigan is made up of lakes and car factories. Little do many know, it's also home to the quaint town of Holland, where you will encounter acre upon acre of beautiful tulips.
Beer fans will love this. Michigan is increasingly becoming known as a hub for craft brewing. When you visit Grand Rapids, you get to sample many of these awesome beers at the many breweries and pubs. Pictured here, HopCat, known for serving up tons of craft brews and great food.
Twice a year, in spring and in the fall, many of the restaurants in Detroit change up their formats to give guests a taste of their menus. During this time foodies get to try out several courses on special prix fixe menus at discounted rates. It's a fantastic way to indulge in the huge growth in the city's restaurant scene. Pictured here, Gold Cash Gold in the city's Corktown neighborhood.
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What many folks don't know about all the fabulous new Detroit restaurants is that most of them source their ingredients locally. Specifically, you're likely to see many chefs at Eastern Market on Saturdays and Tuesdays. Show your guests an array of fresh produce, artisan food products, and interesting crafts - all in this historic, open-air market.
When you've finished chowing down, get into shape with Slow Roll. If you haven't heard about it yet, Slow Roll is a critical mass bike ride that takes place throughout Detroit neighborhoods. We're not talking a dozen or so. More like thousands. They meet at different spots every Monday during the warmer months. The ritual has created a global following, with similar rides in cities in several countries. Talk about Detroit Bike City.
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Maybe you and your guests are looking for a bit of solitude. Head to Lake Huron, where you will witness hands-down the most stunning sunrises in the state. Added plus, this lake is less frequented than Lake Michigan, thus you avoid the crowds.
Michigan State University is considered a top agricultural college. Maybe not super exciting for guests on vacation. But wait, there's more. If you stop by the MSU Dairy Store, you'll be treated to some top notch ice cream. It's without a doubt a local favorite.
The movie buffs in your party needn't jet off to Hollywood for enticing film screenings. Instead, venture off to Traverse City for its annual film festival, held every summer.
Michiganders know just what fun it is to take a trip to Mackinac Island. Rest assured, if your guests are coming from outside the Midwest, they very well may never heard of the island... Or the yummy fudge that's made there.
And there you have it. A nice primer for your visitors. We promise they’ll return home experts on all things Michigan. Tell us though, what are some of those underrated destinations that you just have to make sure your out-of-towners get to? We wanna know!
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