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.
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.
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.
Right about this time of year, I start itching to get out of town and go somewhere.
Given the current bleak condition of the weather (I don’t know about you, but I’ve had about enough of these overcast days), I would give my right arm to spend a few days or even a few hours somewhere south of the border. But, given that I am 6 months pregnant and on a tight budget, a nearby hotel with an indoor pool is about the closest I’m getting to the Caribbean anytime soon.
But that’s okay with me because, local or not, it doesn’t mean a vacation is totally out of the question. It just means that I need to downsize my seven-day, all-inclusive fantasy trip to the Bahamas into a two or three-day mini-vacation somewhere close to home. With thousands of places to visit across the state, though, finding one shouldn’t be difficult. [ Read more ]
Travel Michigan and Detroit’s 760 WJR have joined forces for a new broadcast highlighting the state’s best destinations. Each Sunday from 4-5 p.m., tune in to 760 AM and join WJR’s John McColloch with Travel Michigan’s George Zimmermann, Dave Lorenz and Kirsten Borgstrom.
Recent attractions include the Old Mill Museum of Dundee, Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City and Saugatuck’s Grand Escapes. Next Sunday’s episode explores a girlfriends getaway in Grand Rapids and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Tune in to grab some tips, and pick up a copy of 2008 Michigan Travel Ideas for more.
Whether you visit Canada every Friday night or cross the border once a year, you should take note of a new U.S./Canada border crossing rule that went into effect on January 31, 2008. [ Read more ]
Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks Detroit’s MGM Grand Casino is pretty spectacular; the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) thinks so, too. So much so, ALIS has named MGM Grand Detroit “Development of the Year 2007.” [ Read more ]
Michigan schools compete in Ford Model T University Challenge - May 15th
NTW is here - May 14th
U-M Opening new Business Engagement Center - May 14th
Historic Preservation Efforts Awarded - May 13th
SBAM Launches New Program for Entrepreneurs - May 12th
Michigan Policy Summit 2008 - May 9th
DTE Embraces Biodiesel - May 8th
Michigan’s Creative Economy Gets a Boost - May 8th
Yee-haw! - May 7th
Brush up on your elevator pitch - May 7th
Enter AIGA's Celebrate Michigan Poster Design Contest.
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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.
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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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