May has been proclaimed Michigan Wine Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the official proclamation, Michigan's wine and wine grape industry contributes $5.4 billion in economic impact. That includes a whopping $253 million in tourism spending. It also supports more than 47,000 jobs. That makes it an industry worth honoring, and let’s face it, there are
The cold has come and gone all spring so far, but we’re finally heating things up with our 12 things to do in Michigan in May 2022. Flowers are blooming, boats are reappearing in our lakes, and a month of delightful experiences awaits. May 6-8 Glass Spring Fling – Dearborn Thankfully, the talented folks at Glass Academy have
If R&B group, TLC had ever visited the Upper Peninsula, I suspect they would not have been able to keep telling us, “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls.” Surrounded by fall color, on a hot summer day, or frozen solid, there is never a bad time to see a waterfall. Yet, spring is undoubtedly a special time to explore
When I was a little girl, the Easter Bunny always seemed to have a partnership with Sanders, as was reflected in my basket. I was a Detroit kid, so naturally that made sense. Luckily, our favorite furry friend of spring seems to have an excellent relationship with several companies throughout the state. In case you’re looking to
Poliomyelitis. No one has been diagnosed with it originating in the United States since 1979, yet people still suffer from the effects. Before the 21st Century, the disease, more commonly known as polio, was dreaded. Most cases occurred in children aged six months to four years old. The fear of this disease caused many people to stay
The weather may not be fully cooperating yet, but spring is in full swing with our 12 things to do in Michigan in April 2022. Whether you’re more excited about Easter fun, dance parties, or beer at the ballpark, there’s something for you. April 8 Tigers Opening Day – Detroit It took a little while to get
Each year, the Michigan Notable Book (MNB) list features 20 books. Each is about, or set in, Michigan, or written by a Michigan author. They are published during the previous calendar year. Selections include a variety of genres, both fiction and nonfiction . They appeal to many audiences and explore topics and issues close to the hearts
Snow is melting. Waterfalls are thawing. Maple sap is flowing. These are all among the many joys of springtime in Michigan. As the weather warms many beer drinkers find their tastes moving away from the brown ales, stouts, and porters of winter and toward the wheat and fruit that transitions us into summer. These 5 delectable spring
Each spring, as the days get longer and the temperatures begin to rise, Michiganders head out into the woods to take part in the state’s oldest agricultural activity…tapping maple trees for sap to be turned into mouth-watering maple syrup, candies and other sweet treats. This year, 24 members of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (spread out throughout
Our 12 things to do in Michigan in March 2022 focus on food, flutters and frivolity. March 1-April 30 Butterflies Are Blooming – Grand Rapids One of the most welcome signs of spring returns. The conservatory at Meijer Gardens heats up to welcome butterflies and winter-weary guests. You’ll feel like you’re in Florida with 85-degree temps and
Hugging the Lake Superior shore for a resplendent 42 miles, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most precious gems. There are waterfalls to explore, trails to trek, and incredible vistas in nearly any direction. The area welcomed a record 1.2 million visitors in 2020. Naturally that raised some questions about care and safety. Consequently, an
Applications for Renaissance Venture Capital’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) UnDemo Day® are now open. Early-stage companies seeking capital in the next 18 months are encouraged to apply. UnDemo Day is a virtual extension of Renaissance’s biannual event that connects regional startups with hundreds of venture capital funds from around the country. It will be held Wednesday, April 27,
When people hear the term skyscrapers, they usually think of the Empire State Building or the Willis Tower. These properties shoot up over a thousand feet, and stand out among the majestic skylines of New York City and Chicago. However, the early buildings that were considered skyscrapers, while impressive and beautiful, were only between ten and twenty
Our state is a winter wonderland for a little while longer, so get out and enjoy these 12 things to do in Michigan in February 2022. February 3-6 Michigan International Auto Show – Grand Rapids After a year of interruption, this popular showcase of available vehicles is back. Visitors will find trucks, SUV's, crossovers, hybrids, electrics, luxury
Our 12 things to do in Michigan in January 2022 are centered around the great outdoors. It’s time to embrace our winter wonderland. January 11 Gallery Chat: Michigan Arts & Artists – Grand Rapids No matter the season, Michigan is home to majestic landscapes, intriguing communities, and talented artists. During this Gallery Chat at the Grand Rapids
In the years before the Civil War, the Underground Railroad was key to helping slaves find their freedom. This railroad was a network of roads and homes that slaves used to reach northern states and Canada. Michigan was a key state in this route, especially for slaves coming up from Kentucky. Before the 1850s, if escaped slaves
Not surprisingly, our 12 things to do in Michigan in December 2021 is all about the holidays. Whether you long for lights, songs, or shops, we've got you covered, and then some. Dec 1-18 Dashing Through the Snow – Marshall How about an original theatrical production to put an extra spark in your holiday fire? This show
Christmas trees are a popular symbol and decoration for the holiday season. The tradition began in Germany and was brought to America as early as the 1830s by German settlers. They were made popular in 1846 by Queen Victoria of England and her family. Michigan and nearby Chicago had many German settlers living there in the late
Kresge Arts in Detroit will award 20 fellowships and 10 Gilda Awards to artists of all career stages living and working in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Kresge Artist Fellowships are $25,000 no strings attached awards, plus professional development support and the creation of a short film highlighting the artist’s work. Fellowships and Gilda Awards will be
Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that 16 communities were awarded a 2021 Recreation Passport grant. The Recreation Passport grant program started 11 years ago. It aims to boost visitation and funding for Michigan's state parks as well as local, community parks and trails. This year’s grants include a total investment
Lights are going up, shopping is on everyone’s list, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Enjoy some special time with family and friends, perhaps at our 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2021. Nov 1-15 IllumiZoo Wild Hues – Grand Rapids Zoos take on a completely different demeanor as night begins to fall. Crowds
We may not often think of how important mining has been to the history of Michigan. When we think of major economies in our state, we think of the automobile industry and our lumber companies. However, Michigan has four important mining ranges. First, there's what's known as Copper Country in Keweenaw, Houghton and Ontonagon counties. Then, the
A great animated film delights the kids, with plenty of other elements that parents can enjoy as well. These Halloween events are in that same vein. The scare level is low enough that your kids can sleep at night, but they, and you, will have plenty of fun at Michigan’s best family-friendly Halloween destinations. Hallowe’en at Greenfield
The air is finally crisp, the leaves are beginning to turn, and cider mills are open. Another glorious autumn is upon us so here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in October 2021. October 1-24 Zoorasic Park – Battle Creek Perhaps the only thing that could make a zoo more exciting to kids is the
Michigan is home to many notable individuals, men and women, of all ages. One woman in particular was not only important to our state, but also to the entire nation. She was so remarkable that she was inducted into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. Sojourner Truth was an
