Vote for your favorite Mackinac Island ferry boat service

When I was a kid it seemed like we always took the Star Line or Shepler's ferry boats to Mackinac Island. I always wanted to sit on the top deck (despite the frigid early morning temperatures) and take in all of the scenery. The ride seemed to last forever and the excitement level would rise as the brilliantly white front porch of the Grand Hotel would come into view. Now, I'm married and my wife gets a bit seasick so we stick with the Catamaran from the Arnold Line. It's a smoother and quicker ride which is easier for her to handle. I miss getting more "bang" for my buck with the slightly longer ride to the island. This summer we are taking our kids to the island for the first time - I wonder if they will want to ride up top and freeze?

[poll id="47"]

8mm footage of Michigan International Speedway - 1969

Interesting glance back at NASCAR circa 1969 at Michigan International Speedway. They had a capacity of 25,000 back then compared to a capacity of over 100,000 now. View Video

5 Things to do in Michigan This Weekend 5/6/11 - 5/8/11

Here are 5 things to do around the great state of Michigan this weekend.

1. Artwalk in Downtown Coldwater - 5/6/11 from 5:30 to 8:00pm.
2. Mesick Mushroom Festival - 5/6/11 to 5/8/11
3. Motor City Bike & Brew Tours - 5/7/11. Tickets are $24.99, call (248) 850-2563 for more information.
4. Blossomtime Festival - Benton Harbor - 5/1/11 to 5/7/11 - parade is at 1pm on Saturday, May 7th.
5. Mother's Day - 5/7/11. Make it a special day for all of the mom's.

Grand Rapids "The Good Life" Pure Michigan tv ad

Grand Rapids gets some much deserved exposure in the latest Pure Michigan television ad. There is so much to do in Grand Rapids and it is a beautiful town. I believe that it's one of the hidden gems on the west side of Michigan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIwxXKkaIa4

5 Things to do in Michigan This Weekend 4/28/11 - 5/1/11

Here are 5 fun things to do in Michigan this weekend!

• Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival - 4/29 to 5/1 - Lots of fun events and tasty maple treats.
• Ann Arbor Classic Bicycle Show and Swap Meet - 5/1/11.
• Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Spring Fling - 4/29 to 5/1.
• National Trout Festival in Kalkaska - 4/27 to 5/1 - parade, car show, flea market, and more.
• Archaeology Saturday at the Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown - 4/30/11 - bring your trowel and be ready to get some dirt under your fingernails as you dig at an old house site.

Will higher gas prices affect your vacation plans this summer?

Our new poll question deals with the topic of summer vacations and the higher gas prices. The higher gas prices are already being seen as a boon to both Michigan state-run and private campgrounds with an 18-20% increase in reservations already. [poll id="46"]