Midwest is best?

society6
As I alluded to before, I’m taking a trip up north in a few weeks to Michigan, land of the Great Lakes (I had to google that).  It’s where B is from and where he’s lived out 30 of his past years before making the smart decision to move down to Texas.  Okay, so maybe he moved here for a job (details).  He begrudgingly says that he likes living in Texas but within the state, he enjoys the countryside more than the cities.  We’re working on it.

Prior to meeting B, I knew next to nothing about Michigan.  Here’s the short list of things I did know:
  • It’s up near the Great Lakes
  • It’s in the shape of the hand
  • There’s an upper part
  • It’s cold there
Although I’m leaving a lot up to B and his family with regards to the itinerary when we’re up there, I’m curious and wanted to do some digging on what it is that people actually do up in Michigan in the summertime.  I've found a few Michigan travel-centric twitter accounts but surprisingly, there was a real lack of recent travel guides.  I found the best ones from Food52, which I’ve included below:
Here are the things I have recently learned about Michigan that you won’t find in any of the articles:
  • Don’t ever confuse Michigan for the rest of the states in the Midwest (or Canada) lest you catch an earful
  • Don’t ever tell Michiganders (that’s the term for them) that they have an accent.  They’ll never admit it and deny it until they're blue in the face - it’s scientifically proven.  In case you're wondering, the accent is called the Northern Cities Vowel Shift and you can learn all about it here 
  • Out of state Michiganders will find each other anywhere - in restaurants, bars, you name it.  It’s as if they have a radar for others who have also survived the cold, cold north
I’ve been told that for this summer vacation, I’ll need to pack jeans and a sweatshirt, which is a completely foreign concept for a Texan.  If y’all have any recommendations of things to do, places to see, or - most importantly - food to eat in Michigan, please do share.


Comments

  1. Michigan is close to us, but I've never been! It's not a part of Canada? :D

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  2. I've only known three people from Michigan. One was from Battle Creek, which sounds like a really cool place to be from. Here's a link for the REALLY important info on Michigan.
    http://www.netstate.com/economy/mi_economy.htm

    PS - You totally nailed the name of the UP (upper part)!

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  3. I vaguely know a few people from Michigan via the internet. I had never thought about them having an accent in the past. In England we have all manner of weird and whacky regional accents.

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  4. funnily enough most of my American friends are from Michigan, now that I think about it... enjoy :)

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  5. Hmm, same story for me: I believe I've a couple friends from Michigan, but I've never been. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to hearing all about your adventures!

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  6. I like country sides and city life ;P and I'm sure
    I'll be doing fine in Michigan! You have a great time
    there Rooth ^_^
    And about the accent matter, I think all North American
    sounds the same haha, please don't shoot me.
    Xx Ice Pandora

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  7. did you go yet? I LOVE Michigan! I went to college there so has a special place. hope you visit the lake ;)

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  8. Well, since the giant statue is out I've got nothing, but I hope you have fun!! Is Michigan actually part of the midwest?

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  9. I actually really like Michigan :) I grew up visiting as my Dad is from Detroit, but I've also been to the U.P. as we have family up there. Lake Superior is just as gorgeous as any Swiss lake! ;)

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