Like my one of my favorite musicians Robert Ritchie (aka Kid Rock), I’m a Michigan native. I grew up just south of Ann Arbor – Go BLUE! As almost any true Michigander will tell you, Northern Michigan is the mecca. My Cape Cod friends think they have all the beautiful beaches. I had to prove them wrong last year when one of ours (Sleeping Bear Dunes) was voted Most Beautiful Place in America. (Seriously. Google it to see the video on GMA’s website.)
From Grayling to Mackinac Island to Traverse City and Sutton’s Bay, it is a place my heart feels at home. We visit alot, especially in the summer. Since I’ve been sick, I find myself wanting to visit the places that make me feel good. Northern Michigan – which was home to my Mom’s parents in later life- and Kentucky – home of my Dad’s parents most of their lives.
For me, Petoskey rules. So we started planning a visit in July. We rented this great old house in Bay View. Just four houses from the beach. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have this kind of trip as an option for them, and I am grateful that I do. In recent days when I’ve not been well enough to get out, I find myself humming Kid Rock, planning activities even a sick chick can manage, and feeling hopeful about my summer. And hope is what helps me stay positive.
Maybe you can plan a northern Michigan vacation or an outing too? Even a trip to a park could help. We all need something to look forward to, especially those of us who can’t seem to control what happens to us some days.
I’d love it if Northern Michigan could help lift your spirits, too. If you find your way to Petoskey, don’t forget to check out a few of my favorite places…
- The Roast n Toast for coffee
- McLean & Eakin – one of the best independent bookstores in the country. True readers work and shop here.
- The Hemingway exhibits at the Little Traverse History Museum – even world traveler Ernest spent summers here.
- Sturgeon River Pottery (Steve and Karen and their various furry friends always make you feel at home)
- Bay View Association – check out their summer classes and programs! Open to all…
It was 1989, my thoughts were short my hair was long
Caught somewhere between a boy and man
She was seventeen and she was far from in-between
It was summertime in Northern Michigan
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh Ahh
Splashing through the sand bar
Talking by the campfire
It’s the simple things in life, like when and where
We didn’t have no internet
But man I never will forget…
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