Before It Slips Away: Make the Most of Michigan Summer
I have lived in Michigan my entire life, and during the colder months, I always wonder (as I freeze constantly) why I live here. Then spring — and especially summer — rolls around, and I breathe a sigh of relief and remember why. Michigan summers just hit differently. They put me at ease, especially when I take the time to experience the beauty and soul-filling places we are lucky enough to have within just a few hours’ drive.
There’s something about a Michigan summer that makes you feel like you have all the time in the world. Until suddenly, you don’t. One minute you’re making Memorial Day plans, and the next you’re prepping for school to start, schedules to fill up and the warm days to fade away. Michigan summers are short — and that’s exactly what makes them so special.
I always feel like summer goes by too quickly, and this year I really felt it once the calendar hit August. My family took a few days off to head up north this past weekend, and as I soaked in the breathtaking Michigan lake views, I was reminded once again how lucky I am to have these experiences right in our own backyard.
So before the days get shorter and the jackets come out, I hope you’ll join me in squeezing in a few more Michigan summer activities that I believe are good for the soul. You certainly won’t regret it.
Get in one more beach day. Whether you prefer the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the rocky coastline of Lake Superior or your favorite inland lake, there’s nothing quite like a Michigan beach day. Pack a cooler, grab a chair and, of course, a BOOK, and stay until the sun goes down.
Get outside and relax. Being outside during a Michigan summer can’t be beat — bonus points if you can also be reading a book (at least for me). Some of the best summer memories don’t require much planning at all. Even if it’s just for a short time, being outside in the sunshine just hits differently, and I’m going to soak up every minute.
Get in or near the water. Boat, kayak, paddleboard or simply sit near a body of water — there’s nothing better for the soul. Michigan’s gorgeous lakes can’t be beat, and taking advantage of them while the temperatures are still warm is a must. (Special shoutout to Grand Traverse Bay, Manistee Lake and Big Twin Lake in Northern Michigan for the much-needed infusion of happiness this past weekend. Pictured above is me loving life while reading on the deck at my father-in-law’s place on Manistee Lake.)
Stop for ice cream. Ice cream just tastes better when it’s from a local ice cream shop! Whether you’ve been there a million times or haven’t made a stop all summer, don’t delay. Ice cream just isn’t the same when it’s not warm out. There’s no better way to end a summer day than with an ice cream cone in hand.
Take a day trip. You don’t need to travel far to feel like you’ve gotten away. Pick a Michigan town you’ve never explored, find a new restaurant, browse some shops and see where the day takes you.
And, of course, watch one more Michigan sunset, because there truly is nothing like it.
At Resch Strategies, we spend a lot of time helping organizations make the most of opportunities. And summer is no different. Michigan gives us a pretty small window each year to enjoy long days, warm nights, outdoor adventures and everything that makes this state such a great place to live and work.
So don’t wait until next summer. Take the day trip. Eat the ice cream. Enjoy the water. Go to the concert. Watch the sunset.
Because before we know it, we’ll be reaching for our layers — and wishing we had squeezed just a little more out of summer.