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Michigan travel: Great destinations for a good cause
With Michigan's economic news sounding about as grim as economic news can sound, Sarah Aldrich has written an ode to seven of Michigan's small towns. Her recent post at Intelligent Travel captures the essence of each of the towns she adores. Reading Adrich's missive reminded me of various friends of mine who have vacationed on Michigan's shores. Everyone of them came back with stories about a wonderful time.
Although Aldrich was "reluctant to share" details about each of the towns she loves for fear that they might become overrun if they became too popular, she decided that Michigan might need a morale boost more than her need to keep these destinations just as they are. Tourist dollars talk. In a way, going to Michigan is do good travel. Your presence at an attraction, an eatery or a hotel puts dollars where they're needed.
I've spent a few tourist dollars in Michigan myself. I'd recommend Greenfield Village and the adjacent Henry Ford Museum to anyone. Both are top notch attractions and well worth whatever money you have to spend. Staying in a hotel in Dearfield easily fits into a budget vacation.
If small towns aren't appealing, another friend of mine just returned from Detroit and was pleasantly surprised by his experience and what the city had to offer. Even if you are only in Detroit for a few hours on a layover, consider taking a foray outside the airport to take in a smidgen of Michigan's offerings. Grant has suggestions for what you might do and how to do it..
The message is: "Go to Michigan. The state needs you." Aldrich would be ever so pleased if you did.
[The photo by daBinsi is of the Point Bessie Lighthouse in Frankfort, Michigan.]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Blogs, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Willy Aug 5th 2009 4:31PM
"Aldrichon was "reluctant to share" details about each of the towns she loves for fear that they might become overrun if they became too popular..."
What?! No city in Michigan fears a flood of tourists will overrun its town -- not right now, at least. Mackinac is already a tourist trap. I'm sorry, I love Nat Geo, but this is the dumbest thing I've ever read.
Jamie Rhein Aug 5th 2009 10:25PM
Willy, Willy, Willy, where's that sentimental heart? It's the Catch 22 of wanting to promote tourism for the money, but knowing that with the tourists comes change and what was charming may not be anymore. Aldrichon was expressing that dilemma. Actually, what she said was "reluctant to encourage" which is sort of the same thing. She didn't want to let people in on a good thing for fear it would be ruined.
There are many places in the world faced with the same problem. Ubud, which was my favorite town in Bali, was unsettling also because of the push to buy, buy, buy, and "experience" Bali.
Jeremy Kressmann Aug 6th 2009 12:33AM
You know what city they left off this list? South Haven. My favorite Michigan beach town. All the better for me I guess!
Jamie Rhein Aug 6th 2009 12:43AM
Jeremy, now I know where to head. There have been articles in Ohio newpapers about Michigan travel. I have the urge to go. I'm heading to Detroit tomorrow--but, alas, am on my way to Venice and a Greek cruise. Detroit is, once again, mostly a place for me to pass on through. One day, though. One day.
Sarah Aldrich Aug 6th 2009 12:29PM
Thanks for the write-up, Jamie!
Willy, I know that Michigan CITIES want the tourist $$, but I think that Jamie understood where I was coming from: the Catch 22 that residents and frequent visitors are always battling. The individuals who love a place often love it because it is relatively unknown, despite what is best for the economy. And I'll admit that Mackinac can be quite the tourist trap, but c'mon, it's worth a visit! The Grand Hotel is spectacular, and it's fun to bike around an entire island without having to worry about sharing the road with cars.
Jeremy, friends of mine rave about South Haven and I even have a couple of college buddies who are from the town, but I've never made my way there. I'll have to work on that. I actually added a tip in the comments a couple of days ago about the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven, which starts today. Maybe you can tell us how it is.
Willy Aug 6th 2009 5:41PM
Ah yes, also known as the "Lonely Planet effect" ... OK, I'll take back my condemnation and even apologize for being offensive. :)