Sample new foods, cheer regattas on the lake, catch world-class jazz and travel back in time: Adventure abounds across Michigan this summer.
Count ’em if you can in the UPPER PENINSULA
Dinghies, rowboats, canoes, launches, sailboats, utilities, runabouts and large cruisers come from all over for the highly regarded Les Cheneaux Antique Boat Show on Aug. 10 in Hessel. The Festival of Arts runs concurrently and features paintings, pottery, textiles, photographs, wood toys and glass jewelry. (906) 484-4081; lchistorical.org.
Seek and find in NORTHEAST MICHIGAN
Named by the British back in the 1700s because of its resemblance to the native boiled suet pudding, the rare and highly-prized Puddingstone can be found along Lake Huron’s shore near Cheboygan. Celebrate these colorful stones during the Puddingstone Festival, Aug. 9-11, with a scavenger hunt, geocaching, rock concerts and story time with “Stone Soup.” (231) 627-9597; puddingstonefestival.org.
Spin your pedals in NORTHWEST MICHIGAN
Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore during the Bike Benzie Tour, Aug. 18. Meander on scenic routes ranging from 17 to 100 miles past orchards, inland lakes and the Lake Michigan shoreline, with stops along the way featuring regional snacks like cherry pie. (231) 378-2000; bikebenzie.org.
Toast the chefs in SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Whet your appetite for the finest culinary offerings during the 3rd Annual Grand Rapids Restaurant Week, Aug. 14-24. More than 70 area restaurants throughout the county serve up three-course meals featuring fresh, locally-sourced edibles. Pairings with Michigan wine and craft beer add to the experience. For a complete list of participating eateries and featured menus, visit ExperienceGR.com.
Make it Mitten-made in SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Find great pride in Mitten State merchandise at the Buy Michigan Now Festival, Aug. 2-4, in Northville. This three-day gathering features local entertainers, storytellers and musicians; creative-designed arts, crafts and books; regionally-grown and produced food products and more, lined up along the downtown streets. (248) 390-0974; buymichigannowfest.com.
Excursions legend: Commonly requested tourist information listed below:
Travel Michigan
www.Michigan.org
Upper Peninsula Tourism & Recreation Association
www.UPTravel.com
West Michigan Tourist Association
www.WMTA.org
Southwest Michigan Tourist Council
www.SWMichigan.org
Michigan’s West Coast
www.MichigansWestCoast.com
Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Bureau
www.SleepingBearDunes.com
Traverse City CVB
www.VisitTraverseCity.com
Northern Michigan Tourist Association
www.TravelNorth.org
Boyne Country CVB
www.BoyneCountry.com
Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
www.MackinawCity.com
Michigan’s Sunrise Side
www.MiSunriseSide.com
Blue Water Area
www.BlueWater.org
Detroit Metro CVB
www.VisitDetroit.com
For more state-wide events and natural attractions, visit regional Web sites for chambers of commerce, tourism associations and other offices listed on page 72.
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