[JGatti]

I've had this idea brewing in my head and decided this forum would be a great place to start. What I'd like is for people to post about what they feel are great things in Michigan. I'd like you to post the place or activity and a little story with it if you would. Here are some idea's I'd like.

1-Great cities and little towns you have visited. What was so special about it? Why did it leave such a lasting impression?

2-A good restaurant. Can be either a little place near your home or a place you found in your travels in Michigan. Name and city located.

3-A fun place for food and spirits. Everyone has stumbled across one or more of these. While camping, snowmobiling or you have a regular place up north that's fun and lively. Can also be local there are no limits.

4- A great business. It can be any kind of business. If you know of a family owned place that just goes that extra mile for you or it's customers I'd like to hear about them. No matter what they do. Restaurant, Bar, Car dealer, whatever. No matter what they do please share them here and let us know why they are so special to you.

5- Family activities or locations. Water parks, Zoo's animal petting farms, anything to do with family. Parks, mountain bike paths anything.

6- Just great get away idea's. Canoeing, where to rent and what river's you enjoy. Golf, skiing etc.

This is just an outline, feel free to add to it if you feel I have left anything out. Michigan has had a bad rap for too long. Help show people the great things about the state with a built in map at the end of our arm.

[dianeeileen]

Spending time in Ontonagon MI, spending time on the beaches of Lake Superior and looking for agates and going to the Porcupine Mountains to see Lake of the Clouds. Eating Pasties at Syl's Cafe. Driving Brock away drive, eating ice cream in St. Ignace and viewing the Big Mac. Watching the sunset over Lake Superior from Township Park in Ontonagon MI. Diane

[MI-IRISH]

oberon...started pouring today...stuff is better than that bottled water they call bud light....best thing here,oberon....goes down smoother than that concrete cure known as miller lite

[Crustedfilth]

the fishing and hunting is second to none.

[OneSweetWorld]

Steelhead out of Lake Michigan during a morning run...best times ever. Now I fish the Gulf of Mexico...

[unclejake21]

The clean air!!! I can breathe here compared to other places Ive been. Lots of lakes to fish on. The amazing sunsets on lake Michigan the are pretty darn close to the west coasts sunsets. Medium sized towns like Marquette and Frankenmuth. Local wines are some of the best i have ever had and like MI-Irish said... local beer here actually tastes good.

[Crustedfilth]

Originally Posted by unclejake21

The clean air!!! I can breathe here compared to other places Ive been. Lots of lakes to fish on. The amazing sunsets on lake Michigan the are pretty darn close to the west coasts sunsets. Medium sized towns like Marquette and Frankenmuth. Local wines are some of the best i have ever had and like MI-Irish said... local beer here actually tastes good.

ahh yes the Leelanau wineries. Bunch of fine establishments and always a good time doing the wine tasting tour up there.

[Bydand]

Believe it or not, some of the best BBQ I have ever had is right here in Michigan. Been ALL over the Country and have tried all the "best" of different regions BBQ's and "Ronnies Ribs" in Ludington beats them ALL hands down.

Great place to relax after a day at the beach with some excellent food is the "Sportsmans Irish Pub" in downtown Ludington. known as just "Sportsmans" to locals.

Been East, been West, been North, been South... best place to raise kids and make friends that will last a lifetime is right here in Michigan.

Fresh water fishing is second to none, and hunting is great as well. Hiking and camping abound in fantastic locations and the entire state is just an outdoor persons dream come true. A short drive from anyplace will put you on some great water for recreation or some good land for relaxing.

[michmoldman]

Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of lake Michigan. Walking the shores of lake Superior looking for agates among a trillion beautiful rocks. fishing on the Au-Sable river but mostly just enjoying the amazing beauty. Floating down the Shiawassee river in my hometown catching 20+ inch smallmouth and 30+ inch pike on a hot sunny day. Walking a trail in one of our many incredible forests and checking out the wildlife.
(I will add a thousand more things later)

[Wulf67]

The roadside fruit and vegetable stands with the freshest and tastiest products
A summer thunderstorm rolling in from Lake Michigan
Cherry tree blossoms in spring after a long winter
Relaxing on a deserted beach and going for a swim in a clean freshwater lake
Getting excited crossing the Mackinac bridge every time
Spectacular fall colors
The changing weather
Camping on the nicest, cleanest and safest campgrounds with many friendly people
Windsurfing on Torch Lake
Many great rivers and lakes for boating and kayaking