What's so great about Northern Lower Michigan?

Let me tell you...

I grew up in the Traverse City area, so I am more than just a little biased 😉 

Just look at the view - what's not to love?! ❤

Northern Lower Michigan has always held a special place in my heart. There was always a beach about 30 minutes from my house in every direction. But the Traverse City area has more than just the most wonderful beaches - there are festivals, you-pick orchards, putt-putt golf, farmer's markets, cute downtown districts, [and now that I'm 21] amazing wineries and breweries! If you read my last blog post, you'll know that I just spent a long extended weekend at home for the 4th and I'd say it was the perfect weekend. 

My parents had some time off which made it possible for us to all sleep in and take each day at a time. I was able to feel like a tourist or fudgie because I got to take my boyfriend to all of the local hotspots and annual National Cherry Festival events. We spent time visiting with other family and friends, playing board games, getting way too hot and sunburnt, and more. It was a blessing to spend so much time in the place that will always and forever be home. 

I decided to compile a list of some of the trip highlights and convince you of the Northern Lower Michigan charm. 

1. The National Cherry Festival - where we visited the Air Show twice! We went once with my grandparents and another time with a close family friend while also walking through the amazing craft show. Even if it wasn't the year of the Blue Angels show, the Thunderbirds did some amazing tricks! The trip was even more complete with a Gibby's Elephant Ear, Fries, and lemonade. We spent about three afternoons down at the festival and could have found even more to do between pie eating contests, pit spit contests, and the Ultimate Air Dog shows. Next year we'll just have to stay longer! 

2. Fireworks - down on Long Lake and West Bay Bryant Park! I was lucky enough to get to 2 fireworks shows this past weekend. It was amazing to see the "new ones" this year and enjoy the show with my parents, boyfriend, nephews/brother, and many people from my church. Each beach had its own positives between the "ooo's and aah's" and the echoing of the booms! 

3. Hopscotch Brick Oven Taproom & Monkey Fist Brewery - boy was the food great and ciders were even better! There were a couple times my boyfriend and I slipped away to get around town and do some of our favorite things - new restaurants, putt putt golf, and the movies. Before I won at golf and we saw Despicable Me 3, we managed to find two completely new places to eat and boy the pizza was amazing! I also managed to find a few ciders and beers (courtesy of flights) that I would love to have again. These restaurants/breweries had amazing atmospheres between great service, food, and the Northern Lower Michigan feel. I highly recommend you try these newest places! 

4. Cherry picking at Cherry Connection/Edmondson Orchard! Some day I think it would be amazing to have a few fruit trees in my backyard and homemake pies and jellies, but for now I will settle for hand picking my fruit and enjoying the spoils! 14 pounds later, it was so much fun to get outside and try some different varieties of cherries alongside family. Store bought cherries are just fine but there is nothing better than hand picking cherries! Not to mention we held our own cherry pit spit contest while sitting on the beach and waiting for the fireworks - and yes I did manage to spit some pits at my unsuspecting nephews! 

5. Family. Need I say more? Living a state away leads to a lot of homesickness. Being home for one of my favorite times of year made it seem like I hadn't missed anything. I was able to see my nephews/brother, sister/fiance, grandparents, church, and more. We went downtown, shared meals, got really competitive over games, gardened, and sat together over morning coffee. I am so thankful God gave me such a wonderful family who will always love and encourage me. Without them, the trip wouldn't have nearly as fun since we all shared in the adventures. 

Many people ask me, "What's so great about Michigan?" I'm here to tell you that you just have to go and experience it for yourself. Northern Lower Michigan is wonderful for all the things I discussed and more. You can't help but stand in awe of God's beautiful creation when you look out over the water. And even though I am tired today and got way more sun than I needed to, I would do it all over again.