Five fun things to do across Michigan this weekend 5/19/11 - 5/22/11

The weather is grudgingly warming up across Michigan and along with the warmer temps come even more fun events to do this weekend!

1. Discover Michigan's maritime history before, during, and after the War of 1812 - Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise Michigan. Presentation is this Friday, 5/20/11, at 7pm with a $5 admission charge for non-members.
2. World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth - 5/20 - 5/21.
3. Great Lakes Wine Festival - Brooklyn. At the Michigan International Speedway grounds May 21, 2011 from 12pm to 9pm. Admission is $35 at the gate.
4. Zoo-de-Mackinac biking event - $65 entry fee for the 51 mile ride which begins Saturday morning at Boyne Highlands Resort and ends on beautiful Mackinac Island. No, you will need to put your bike on a ferry boat - you won't be required to bike across the watery depths of the Straits of Mackinac.
5. Pow Wow in the park - Muskegon. 5/21 to 5/22 in Hackley Park. Tribal dancing, Native Vendors, Native American arts & crafts, and more.

Why Michigan?

I love, love, love this video. No matter what happens here, I just love living in Michigan. This two-minute video helps clarify the "why" of living in Michigan better than the Tim Allen-voiceover Pure Michigan spots can ever hope to achieve. Don't just take my word for it, see for yourself -

View at the All Things Michigan blog

Pure Michigan Mackinac Island Commercial

My wife and I honeymooned on Mackinac Island and every year when our anniversary comes around I get the urge to go back to the island. There is nothing quite as unique as staying on the island after the crowds have gone home on the last ferry boat. Just the distant sound of the clip-clopping of horses pulling carriages, the hum of bicycle tires on the pavement, the soft sounds of conversation among the folks enjoying an evening on the island. Shops close up for the day and it's just this perfect peaceful quietness that I have never found anywhere else.

I can't wait to go back :).

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.