Colleen Stout

We know how to do summer really well here in Michigan. In fact, if you ask me, there’s no better place to be June through August. Our clear, blue waters and sandy, white beaches were made for summertime.  Ask a few Michiganders how they spend their summers, and you’ll soon realize there are cer...
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Every summer, Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline draws crowds of visitors to the western side of the Mitten State. If you want to stay lakeside, you can spend thousands of dollars on private cottage rentals or resorts. Or you can get a million dollar view for just a fraction of that, and take adv...
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When you’re a kid, there’s nothing like going to summer camp for a week. When you go to summer camp, there’s nothing like going to one in Michigan. Our pristine woods and water are the perfect setting for outdoor adventure. Here are just a few of the many children’s summer camps in Michigan....
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This past Tuesday was National Lost Sock Memorial Day. If you weren’t aware of this solemn holiday, don’t worry. There’s still time to participate. Simply go to your sock drawer, remove all the lonely, mateless socks, have a moment of silence for them, then toss those socks. It’s time to let...
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Voluntourism is one of today’s fastest growing travel trends. In lieu of sight-seeing and suntanning, more and more Americans are using their vacation time to do volunteer work. While many folks choose to lend a hand overseas, you can find opportunities closer to home, like these right here in Mic...
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On May 4th, Star War’s massive, global fan base will celebrate Star Wars Day. (Because May the Fourth sounds remarkably similar to the movie's famous line, "May the Force be with you.") Then on May 25th, the movie franchise celebrates forty years since Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope first hit th...
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A wildflower scavenger hunt is a fun reason to take a walk in the woods. In spring, one of the first things to come back to life in Michigan’s forests, meadows and marshes are native wildflowers. It’s exciting when you happen across these beautiful,delicate blooms in the wilderness. Bring a cell...
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What do the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus have in common? More than you might think. Like Santa and his presents, the Easter Bunny and his eggs have their roots in European, religious folklore, invented to make kids behave themselves. It seems the parenting tactic of bribing your kids to behave is...
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While some may argue part-time jobs take teens away from their school studies and extracurricular activities, there are actually many benefits to a teen working. As long as they manage their time well, teens can gain valuable life skills through a summer or after-school job. 1. They begin to under...
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We have a saying in Michigan that goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. It will change.” The weather here is always unpredictable, thanks to the influence of the four Great Lakes that surround our pleasant peninsulas. In winter, their waters spawn blustery lake effect sn...
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