I traveled to Michigan for a vacation to reconnect with family – some of us still living there and some coming from afar. I was born in Michigan and lived there until I came to the East Coast to finish college. Since the 1980’s I have been living on the East Coast but still feel deep in my heart that when I return to Michigan, I have come home. This trip was extra special because it was the first time I have flown on a plane since COVID and the first time seeing family since COVID since we don’t live near each other currently.
The trip was replete with many wonderful moments:
- Returning to see houses that we lived in previously and even being able to go inside the house I grew up in from 1963 to 1971.
- Visiting with family that live on Lake Oakland
- Trip to Traverse City for the Cherry Festival
- Lelanau Peninsula including Fishtown
- Old Mission Peninsula
- Gwen Frostic Prints, Benzonia – a National Register Historic Place
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Frankenmuth
- Henry Ford Museum
- Downtown Birmingham
- Quaint towns like Northville and Fenton
I can easily sing the song of Michigan’s glories and it’s not just because it’s where I hail from. There is tremendous beauty in the Great Lakes. Rolling farmlands and award-winning wineries, sophisticated cuisine and shopping. Every time I travel back there from the so-called sophisticated trend-setting East Coast I always find that there is a trendier vibe in Michigan than even in New York City. People are very fashion conscious and cuisine at restaurants is more gourmet and diverse than what I encounter in New England. Therefore, like the sentiment on this pillow, I am ever thankful for my Michigan roots.