Colleen Stout

I wasn’t fortunate enough to grow up in Michigan, but I’m raising my two sons here in The Mitten State. I think it’s one of the best places to you can be in the summer if you’re a kid. Here’s a few reasons why. 1. You get to spend your summers swimming in one of the Great Lakes, and you d...
Read More>>

If you're looking for a river to paddle, we've got one here in Michigan. Here are 10 of our best. 1. The Pine River flows through a valley in the Manistee National Forest. Spring water, wildlife and beautiful forests make paddling the Pine an incredible experience. With rapids in some sections and ...
Read More>>

The grocery stores and farmer's markets in my corner of West Michigan are starting to fill their shelves with baskets of locally grown peaches. They're so pretty with their shades of deep red, orange and yellow. Sweet and juicy, they're a refreshing treat on a warm, mid-summer day. Grilled peaches ...
Read More>>

These authors all have two things in common: They live in and write about Michigan. If you're looking for a good beach read, grab one of these books and hit the sand for a relaxing afternoon. 1. Aaron Stander’s Ray Elkins Thriller Series is a group of eight mystery novels set in Northwest Lower...
Read More>>

There’s no doubt Michigan is the place to be in the summer if you enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The lakes, streams and woods make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. But if you prefer skyscrapers over trees, there’s plenty to enjoy in Michigan’s c...
Read More>>

Blueberries are now in season here in Michigan. (We grow over 1/3 of the country's supply!) Visit a local farm where you can pick your own. You're sure to find fresh picked berries at farmer's markets, and many grocery stores offer locally grown fruit this time of year also. Blueberry Slump. Don't...
Read More>>

As we look back and celebrate our nation’s history this Fourth of July, it’s also a good time to remember Michigan’s history and its contributions to our country. Here are a few places where you can learn more about how Michigan became a state and the people who helped it grow into the modern ...
Read More>>

One of the rewards of travel is all the great memories you make. Your trip may only last a week, but you can revisit that place over and over just by remembering. Make it easier to remember by preserving those memories in one of these simple, but creative ways. 1. Mark it on a map. If travel is fre...
Read More>>

Camping is a popular pastime here in Michigan. Probably because it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the beaches, waterways and forests that cover the state. When you think of camping, you probably picture people loading up the family car, taking a road trip and pitching a tent in the woods. But the...
Read More>>

It’s almost strawberry season here in Michigan. They are usually ready by the second week of June in Southern Michigan, and the season finishes off in mid-July in the Upper Peninsula. The best way to enjoy the freshest strawberries is to head to a farm where you can pick your own. Michigan’s ri...
Read More>>