Although its “Somewhere in Time” ambiance looks effortless, aggressive programs lie behind the Grand Hotel’s plans to seek out and implement the latest green technology on Mackinac Island.
It’s all part of the hotel and island’s continuing effort to provide modern conveniences to visitors while protecting the environment and maintaining the 19th Century charm both are known for. [ Read more ]
The Kalamazoo Gazette looks at Michigan’s great state parks in its latest “Trips with a Twist.”
In addition to five Great Lakes and 3,000 miles of coastline, our parks system provides an amazing benefit. In fact, the DNR says, “Nowhere in Michigan are you more than an hour’s drive from a state park.” With 25 million visitors each year, each of Michigan’s 100 state parks presents a unique experience.
For those people whose favorite parks are of the “theme” variety, Michigan’s Adventure is preparing for the summer season with new rides and attractions. The state’s largest amusement park will introduce the Funnel of Fear and Michigan’s first “suspending looping roller coaster,” the Thunderhawk. To learn more, visit MLive.
The $371 million project is continuing its progress as the location of Detroit’s proposed light rail system was announced today.
The plan calls for travel up Woodward Avenue “from a yet to be determined starting point, to Foxtown and on to the State Fairgrounds.” A 400-space complex will be available for expected commuters at the northern terminus. [ Read more ]
Although I did have to look up “anthropomorphic,” Cartophilia has a good discussion about the “handy” shape of our state. With a little history lesson included, the site relives the “Say Yes! to Michigan” campaign used by the Department of Tourism in the late 80s.
A few years later, Meijer was producing a series of state travel maps and event brochures. Browse through some of the old designs and explore Michigan travel of the past.
Fast forward to this week where Gov. Granholm discussed the likelihood of increased funding for Michigan’s tourism industry. The additional dollars could spread the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign to St. Louis, Columbus and Dayton. Learn more at Business Review Western Michigan.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) has been enjoying far more than fifteen minutes of fame since its opening in October 2007.
The GRAM received Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program in March, making it the first newly built green museum in the world. And to match its world-class building, the GRAM has now delivered a world-class exhibition with Rapid Exposure: Warhol in Series, featuring works by America’s most famous Pop artist, Andy Warhol. [ Read more ]
Spotted a link over at Model D directing me to Gadling’s Detroit travel series. Sure, the AOL blog admits, “most people don’t think of Detroit when they think of a tourist destination.” But as many know, “several pockets in the inner city are once again starting to flourish.”
Gadling begins its tour of the area’s hotspots with an in-depth look at MGM Grand. While not the first of the hotel and casino’s reviews, the coverage is comprehensive and from the viewpoint of a city outsider. There’s more Detroit topics in the site archive.
For a complete travel guide already available, check out the Detroit section of Wikitravel. I’ve been monitoring the page for a few months, and it’s been improving steadily. Categories such as “See,” “Eat” and “Buy” are straightforward and home to dozens of useful resources. And there’s even tips on how to “Cope” with the freeways.
TouringMichigan is a new home to tell the tales of your travels. While “discovering where to go and what to do in a state as large as Michigan is relatively easy for those who know,” it can be “difficult for those who don’t.”
The site hopes to make things simple, allowing folks with a little knowledge to “share their stories with those in search of a new Michigan adventure.” [ Read more ]
It’s a typical work day and you leave your house at the same time you do every day. You’re moseying along just fine on the highway, listening to your favorite talk radio show, when all of a sudden you are confronted by a sea of red brake lights. It doesn’t take long to figure out that you’re in a traffic jam, and you’re headed nowhere fast. [ Read more ]
While written back in April 2000, this Chicago Tribune article is still worth a look now eight years later. Famous for “a mystique with the lure of romance, bright crisp dawns over open water and dreamy sun-drenched afternoons,” Michigan’s shorelines are filled with wonderful escapes.
The Tribune features a selection of islands accessible by ferry. From the mighty Huron to the top of Lake Superior, getaways are found across the Great Lakes. Check out the story for some springtime recommendations, and find out the home of the nation’s only island national park.
To learn more, Wikipedia has a list of each Michigan island with detailed information on many. National Geographic Traveler reviews islands across North America including our very own Mackinac. The home of the Grand Hotel scores higher than Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and Florida’s Key West to earn top honors.
Just discovered that April is Michigan Wine Month! Great news. This article from the Grand Rapids Press offers a full line-up of events throughout Michigan’s wine country - an industry that, by the way, brings in $790 million to the state’s economy each year. I’ll toast to that! Find out more at MichiganWines.com.
Detroit Metro Airport to Add Hydrogen Shuttle Buses - March 21st
DTOGS Still Wants Input - March 17th
SMART Gets Smart with Google Trip Planner - March 17th
Second Life Popular in Michigan - March 6th
Michigan Mini-Vacation Ideas - March 4th
Emergency Passport Office Coming to Detroit - March 1st
WJR Talks Michigan Travel Every Sunday - February 25th
1700 MPG Cars at Supermileage in Marshall, Michigan - February 22nd
Be Prepared: Major I-75 Closure Starts Monday - February 21st
Detroit Electric Car Revived by ZAP for Zero Air Pollution - February 21st
Get more Travel news from a collection of our favorite sites below.
Spring for a Pure Michigan Break
What's New and Pure Michigan in 2008<BR>New Places to Stay, Play and Explore
'Your' cottage could be the set of a Stephen King thriller
Memorial Day weekend I-75 traffic could face Zilwaukee Bridge closure
Soweto: A South African chapter of pride and history
Enter AIGA's Celebrate Michigan Poster Design Contest.
The Career SociaList
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Looking for a job? This is one area where social networking shines in making life a lot easier. Here are 10 sites that will help in the "It's all about who you know" department.
The Creative SociaList
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From DIYers to graphic designers, these sites bring you unprecedented access to artists, photographers, designers and their work in Michigan and around the globe.
The Music SociaList
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Radio has given way to iTunes and MySpace - and bands and fans benefit with more music offerings than ever before.
The Green SociaList
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Green is a movement. Green is a new way of living. And green is all over the internet. Here are our favorite sites that connect you to eco-friendly friends and resources.
The Entertainment SociaList
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If an exciting night means paper football and a Designing Women marathon, social media is here to help.
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