Michigan's summer tourism is looking up for 2010

If early signs such as an increase in summer reservations at Michigan hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts hold true, this could be a very good summer for Michigan tourism. Sure, the unseasonably cool weather last summer played a part in the down year for the Michigan tourism industry, but more than that, I believe the economy was to blame. More good news is that AAA Michigan is predicting gas prices to peak at $3.25 and are not expected to top $4 per gallon. This would be great news not just for Michigan tourists, but us residents as well. Last summer, gas prices in Michigan topped out at $2.93 per gallon on June 7th according to AAA Michigan.

Have we hit the bottom of this economic nightmare in Michigan as Gov. Granholm has stated? I'm not sure, but our business has really picked up and a lot of other small businesses owners that I personally know here in Michigan are experiencing an increase in business as well.

Detroit Free Press article on Michigan's summer 2010 tourism

Two more new Pure Michigan commercials

Two new Pure Michigan commercials from the 2010 Pure Michigan ad campaign have made their debuts this week. "The Perfect Spot" plays towards the numerous fishing opportunities abounding in our state. After watching it I wanted to hop in a boat and take my son fishing :).

The second (much anticipated - for me anyway :) ) ad is "Fresh" and I have been waiting for this since hearing about the topic of the commercial last year when it was being filmed. "Fresh" is all about the wonderful things to eat and drink that are grown right here in Michigan.

Here is the text of the wonderful voice-over work by Tim Allen for "Fresh."

When was the last time you stopped to taste an apple? Not just eat it, but taste it? Ever try an ear of corn that was just picked?

Enough said.

If happiness is a bowl of cherries, then all this must be heaven. Spread the jam, taste the wine, live and eat well.

And at thousands of farms, orchards, and vineyards life just plain tastes better when it's Pure Michigan.

New Pure Michigan television spot - Up in the Air

The brilliant Pure Michigan campaign continues with new commercials for 2010. The newest spot is "Up in the air" and talks of the joys of making a spontaneous trip to Michigan. I have to say from experience that Michigan is a great place for a last minute, hey the weather looks great, we need to get away - mini-vacation. Well, it's great for long vacations, too :). Anyway, watch yet another great Pure Michigan commercial featuring the voice talents of Michigan Native, Tim Allen.

Here is some behind the scenes footage of the "Fresh" Pure Michigan commercial -

Campus Martius Park in Detroit wins national award

Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit has won the first-ever Urban Land Institute's Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award. Along with the award's recognition, a $10,000 cash prize is being awarded to the Detroit 300 Conservancy, the group behind the park's development.

The award recognizes an outstanding example of a public open space that has catalyzed the transformation of the surrounding community.

Detroit's Campus Martius Park won over Bremen Street Park in Boston; Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, S.C.; Herald and Greeley Square Parks in New York City; Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle; and Schenley Plaza in Pittsburgh.

Amanda Burden, creator of the award and chairwoman of the New York City Planning Commission had this to say about Campus Martius -

"Campus Martius sets the standard for the kind of park that will be celebrated in upcoming years," Burden said this week.

"This park has far exceeded all expectations, in terms of the lift it has provided to Detroit's social and economic well-being."

[Photo by Joyce Pedersen]

'America Now: City of Heartbreak and Hope' special on Detroit

The Dateline special, "America Now: City of Heartbreak and Hope," airs April 18 at 7pm on NBC. NBC reporter, Chris Hansen, is a former Detroit area resident and is the reporter for the special. At least he has a personal interest in the story unlike a lot of the national media that swoop into Detroit to do their piece on the once-great American city's decay. Like the recent BBC documentary, "Requiem For Detroit," the Dateline special shows the bad, but also focuses on the good that is being done in Detroit. Hopefully, we will begin seeing more of the positives happening in Detroit as more and more positive change takes place.

Lighthouse Point, Marquette, Michigan circa 1898

A previous structure was built in 1852 and became operational in 1853. Construction of the Marquette Lighthouse shown in this photo began in 1865. Its Fourth Order Fresnel lens was visible 16 miles out from shore in clear weather.