Colleen Stout

The month of July is the fresh fruit sweet spot here in The Mitten State. Thanks to our large, north-to-south land mass, the same fruit can be in season somewhere in Michigan for weeks. Right now, you can find fresh Michigan-grown strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries and ...
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With the right, kid-friendly recipes that are as easy to make as they are tasty, making dinner together can be half the fun of camping as a family in the great outdoors. These simple recipes with flavors kids love will make you the hero around the campfire. Campfire Crescent Dogs These are just like...
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Nothing says summer like smokey barbecue dripping with your favorite sauce, and southerners aren’t the only ones who do BBQ right. Up north in Michigan, we make your mouth water too with our fingerlickin’ good ribs, chicken and brisket. Visit one of our many barbeque festivals this summer and ta...
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We’re famous here in Michigan for our Great Lakes. They’re huge, gorgeous and provide a wealth of recreational activities. But I’m going to share some insider information with you. If you really want a fantastic beach vacation, you should consider making one of our 11,000 inland lakes your hom...
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Sometimes you need a break from the mundane, day-to-day. Whether you want to relax or need to blow off a little steam, these six places in Michigan are sure to get you out of the routine of daily life. 1. Whirlpool Compass Fountain, St. Joseph - Are you trying to get in touch with your inner child...
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In Michigan, Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend. It’s the kickoff for our summer season. As we remember and honor our veterans and fallen heroes, we also celebrate the warmer temperatures and sunshine that come with summer. Here are some of the activities you’ll find Michiganders...
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I was fond of Michigan for years. The vastness of Lake Michigan awed me. I was amazed by the yearly display of autumn color. The sparkling, white winters were dazzling. But I didn’t fall completely head-over-heels for The Mitten State until I started spending the night in her Great Outdoors. Ca...
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Vacation season is just around the corner, and more and more folks from near and far are putting Michigan on their summer itinerary. Word is getting out about Michigan's clear, blue waters, sandy beaches and lush forests. If it’s culture you’re looking for, we have galleries, museums and enter...
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Mid-February the mercury in Michigan shot up into the mid 50s. We had a mild winter, and we thought it was over. An early spring was a sure thing. Then March came in like a polar bear, on the heels of a winter storm. And it snowed and snowed some more. The spring equinox came and went, but snow wa...
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Michigan comes alive in the spring. Trees and grass turn green, flowers bloom and the lakes sparkle blue in the sunshine. It’s a great time to take a Mitten State road trip. Here are some ideas for spring road trip destinations around the state. Comerica Park, Detroit Nothing says spring like base...
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