Thumbs Up, Michigan

Whether your interest is outdoor recreation, special events, exhibits, inexpensive getaways, one tank trips, National Parks, or four-season family fun, here’s a sampling of what Michigan has to offer

ART WORKS: The world’s largest art prize, $250,000, will be awarded this October in a competition that is open to all artists---no curator or jury determines the entrants, and the public votes on the 10 winners who will divide a total of $449,000. Last year more than 300,000 votes were cast for the work of over 1,200 artists from 41 states and 14 countries. We can connect the dots for you with more info on the second annual ArtPrize, September 22-October 10, 2010 in Grand Rapids.
FUN FESTS: I t’s been featured a David Letterman Top Ten list and there’s a festival in its honor. You can't see much of it, although it covers 38 acres and weighs as much as an adult blue whale. The "Humungus Fungus" sends up edible honey mushrooms but mostly thrives under a forest near the Upper Peninsula town of Crystal Falls. Put on your party hat and ask us about the Humungus Fungus Festival in August and other wacky events that fill Michigan’s summer calendar.
BBQ IT UP: It’s one of just 25 stops on the Kansas City Barbeque Society Great American BBQ Tour, and among only 18 competitions selected for the Kingsford Charcoal Points Race. U.P. Hog Wild is smokin’, and now’s the time for teams to enter the 6th annual competition in July.

TWO WHEELING IT
May is National Bike Month, a great time to plan for a summer bicycling excursion or event. Occasional peddlers can enjoy smooth rail-to-trail routes while mountain bikers will be challenged by trails that rate with the best in the country, according to the International Mountain Bike Association. Organized bicycling events range from fun jaunts to multi-day rides that require training and advance registration.
 
BOOK IT
Love to read? Want to learn how to write? Enjoy poetry? The annual Ann Arbor Book Festival takes place May 14-16 where bibliophiles can purchase books, meet authors and attend seminars. And it’s all free. On May 16 the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair will be at the University of Michigan Union on South State Street where rare book and map sellers will show their treasures for sale from first editions to many collectibles. Take advantage of the spring weather and stroll the campus and enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many diverse restaurants this city has to offer.
 
LIFT OFF
When NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off on May 14 for its 12-day mission to the International Space Station, on board will be something that is Pure Michigan. The Michigan Festival and Events Association (MFEA) promotes and supports Michigan events and celebrations, and has aligned with NASA to send a ‘Party at Mi Place’ banner aloft with the team of six astronauts. Don’t wait for the final count down to get the info on this intergalactic partnership.
 
MARKET TO MARKET
Open air markets are fun for everyone. Purchase locally grown food, buy plants for the summer garden, enjoy chef demonstrations and sample Pure Michigan fresh flavors. Detroit’s Eastern Market is open year round and in May the market kicks off the summer long Taste of Eastern Market series every Saturday at 10 am with a local restaurant chef. May 16 is the annual Flower Day where 15-acres of the highest quality annuals, perennials, foliage, shrubbery, trees, exotics, tropical plants, flats, hanging baskets and more will be available for purchase (no chef demos that day).The Market offers 16 restaurants and several food specialty stores. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market in the historic Kerrytown District features grown, baked or crafted items by the vendors who sell them. The Ann Arbor market is open May through December, Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm. For more info on Michigan’s markets and u-pick it farms download the Michigan Farm Market & Agricultural Tourism Directory.
 
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
It’s the official start of summer and the perfect time for a Pure Michigan getaway over the three-day holiday at the end of May. Check out festivals, outdoor art shows or pitch a tent, take a hike, bicycle on a trail, build a sandcastle, or camp out under the stars at one of our 97 state parks and 4 national park systems. Golf, fish, kayak, canoe, sail, climb a sand dune and more. Begin a new tradition and join in for the fun at the annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race from Mackinaw City, or join thousands for Detroit’s annual Electronic Music Festival on the riverfront. Check out our calendar of events to take advantage of all the holiday parades and celebrations.
 
SAILING INTO HISTORY
Beginning on May 28, the S.S. Badger carferry will set sail for another season of shuffling guests across Lake Michigan. Prior to embarking on its maiden voyage of the 2010 season, this remarkable steamship will be placed on the National Register of Historic Places during a special ceremony. Then at 9 am the S.S. Badger will disembark not only its newest honor, but with the distinction as the only coal-fired steamship that remains in operation in North America. The Badger offers an authentic and unforgettable sailing experience to all who enjoy the ride and if you’ve never played Badger bingo, then you really don’t know what you are missing!
 
SUMMER WITH A SIZZLE
Looking for sugar-sand beaches, crystal clear bays and lakes, championship golf courses and other outdoor recreation opportunities? Traverse City is the ticket with a value-plus offer – the Sizzling Summer package. Special rates, discounts and money-saving offers will be available June 13 through September 9 at more than 20 participating resorts and motels. The package includes discounts from dining to tall ship sailing.
 
PARK IT IN MICHIGAN
They’re the original “green” vacation spots, a terrific bargain, and convenient, too. In Michigan you’re always within 30 minutes of a State Park, Recreation Area, State Forest Campground or trail system, whether on the bank of the Detroit River at the state’s first urban park, or in the Western Upper Peninsula overlooking Lake Superior at the largest state park. There’s even a First Time Campers Program to introduce the great outdoors to folks without having to make a major investment in equipment.
 
PAWSITIVE VIBE
Tired of the same old weekend getaway? Bags packed: check. Car gassed up and ready to go? Dropped dog off at kennel? Not this time. Take the family canine and head to Cedar Springs, just north of Grand Rapids for a weekend Disc Dog Bed & Breakfast experience. This is the perfect re“treat” for dogs who love to play Frisbee and owners who want to enjoy a vacation with their favorite canine. Self-described Frisbee expert “Hippie” Ron Watson designed the experience as a result of the demand for disc dog training and pet owners who don’t want to leave their pooches at home.

SEA LEGS SEASON
With four of the five Great Lakes lapping against its shores it’s no surprise that Michigan is one of the top states for boater registrations, with about 829,000 registered vessels. But those who don’t own a boat can still enjoy the water on a charter or public boat excursion or tour, from a guided fishing expedition to a cruise on a catamaran or replica sailing schooner. If this idea floats your boat, contact us for more info on sunset cruises, wine tasting sails, birding excursions, lighthouse tours---Get the scoop on an ice cream cruise.