10 Tips for Surviving a Michigan Winter
Michigan is such a beautiful place to live. If you\’re not about the hustle and bustle of city life, simply head Up North for a calmer more relaxed lifestyle. During the winter months, Michigan is typically covered in a picturesque blanket of snow (this year is a little different – I\’m not sure where the snow is).
Something you\’ll hear often from people out of town and Michiganders alike is It\’s so cold here in Michigan, and the winters in Michigan are so long and gray too. I personally love the cold, snow, and winter adventures. But, for someone who doesn\’t love the cold, it can be tough to survive a Michigan winter. I understand that you may find winter to be miserable, however, staying inside isn\’t good for you either. That is why you need to rely on ways to survive the winter, shorter days, and subzero temperatures.
Below are some of my tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the winter months ahead.
10 Tips for Surviving a Michigan Winter
1. Stock up on warm socks.
Whether you\’re lounging around the house or layering up to head outside, a few quality, cozy socks will come in handy. These socks from Darn Tough are my personal favorite.
2. Fall in love with an outdoor activity
When you discover a winter activity you love you\’re more likely to bundle up and head outside to play in the snow. Try out, snowshoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
3. Warm up your car
I let my car warm-up for at least 15 minutes on cold mornings. For those of you who have remote starters, I envy you.
4. Take advantage of the sun
Michigan winters are notorious for being dark and gloomy. So if the sun decides to make an appearance, take advantage of it. Whether you head outside for a brisk sun-filled walk, or sit by a window and read a book, soak up those rays of light.
5. Keep a supply of hot drinks
Fill your pantry with teas and hot cocoa. I personally stock up on apple cider from Yates Cider Mill and freeze it so I can have cups of mulled cider all winter long.
6. Cozy throw blankets
Hygge is all about cozy and is also the key to handling winter. When it comes to throws, the softer, the better. I personally love All the Feels blankets.
7. Invest in good winter gear
A hooded jacket, insulated boots, warm mittens, thick scarves, and a beanie to cover your ears.
8. Winter tires
Seriously, make sure you have good tires on your vehicle when winter hits. Winter tires definitely make a huge difference, and might even help prevent a collision.
9. Moisturize your skin
I always apply moisturizer to my face in the morning and at night, as well as lotion my body morning and night and my hands throughout the day.
10. Try a craft
Winter offers a slower pace, which makes it the ideal time to learn a new craft like knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and more. When it\’s too cold to head outside, doing a craft is a great way to pass time.
Friday Favorites 1.08.21
With the fresh energy of the New Year upon us, I have been busy making plans for 2021: adventures/microadventures, projects, personal and professional goals, to name a few. Over here at Fashion meets Food, I am thrilled to share another year with you. Where I\’ll continue to write more about my adventures – especially the ones around the Great Lakes state!
In 2020 I started following a specific cadence of what I would post on my blog and will be continuing with that this year. If you haven\’t caught on, here is a little more insight.
Michigan Mondays
Michigan-specific posts, adventures, food/restaurants, lifestyle, and more.
Travel Tuesdays
Posts about travel, including road trips, weekend getaways, day trips, adventures, must-sees, and more.
On Wednesdays, We Eat
Restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie favorites, and more.
Thursdays
Anything goes! Thursdays will be the potpourri day of the week.
Friday Favorites
Favorite things and links, shops, places, and anything else I am loving that week.
I look forward to sharing more with you in the weeks to come. Be sure to connect with me over on Instagram to see what Jack and I are up to.
Now let\’s talk about 11 favorites from the past week:
1. Night hikes and snowshoe adventures around Michigan.
2. Have you made a winter bucket list yet? Despite Michigan lacking snow I still made a pretty ambitious one. You can view it here.
3. Hot cocoa bombs are still all the rage, if you haven\’t made any yet I am sharing all the details on how to make gorgeous and seamless hot chocolate bombs here.
4. Valentine\’s Day is just around the corner, and I am loving these cards for girlfriends!
5. Looking for a hearty and delicious meal? Have some pasties sent to you from Lawry\’s Pasty Shop in Marquette. P.S. These are my favorite pasties ever.
6. I started this five-year journal written one line at a time, and always write in it before I go to bed.
7. OmNom Chocolate in Reykjavík, Iceland released their Love Collection and I am super excited.
8. Speaking of chocolate, have you tried Seattle Chocolate yet? Double Chocolate Trail Mix Truffle is my FAVORITE.
9. Reid\’s Gourmet Honey Peanut Butter will change your life.
7 Winter Activities to Try This Year
If you’ve been reading this blog or following along on Instagram, you\’ll know that I embrace winter. And that\’s a good thing, too. Living in Michigan, our winter season can begin as early as October and end with final snowflakes in as late as May. This year has been weird, we haven\’t gotten an accumulation of snow, but I am not letting that get me down. I have already started to plan winter activities.
If you’re looking for ways to get out and enjoy the snowy season, why not try out a few of the following?
7 Winter Activities to Try This Year
1. Support local trail systems
One of the ways I like to help out the local trails is by getting out and hiking or snowshoeing. Here in Michigan, we are blessed to have a wide variety of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fat biking, hiking, and so much more.
2. Snowshoe through the woods
One of the best things about snowshoes is the freedom you have to trek through deep snow with ease. I love adventuring through snowy pines and trees in the winter.
3. Cross-country skiing
When I lived in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan I would go cross-country skiing often. You can find groomed trails in state parks and forest areas. Downstate it’s a little harder to find trails, but they\’re still around. It’s always fun hopping back into a pair of skis and heading out onto the trail.
4. Fat-tire biking/snow biking
I’m sure you’ve seen those bikes with the insanely large tires? Well, they’re not just for the summer, they’re great for the winter as well. Head down trails, and check winter out from a different perspective. If you haven’t tried fat biking yet, check local bike shops, parks, or ski resorts to see if they offer rentals.
5. Snowboarding or skiing
Full disclosure, this is not on my winter to-do list. However, it is on most Michigander\’s list, and I figured it should be added here. Truth be told, I have only tried skiing once and never made it off the beginner “hill” with the “escalator” to the top. I would love to take lessons though, and get on a chair lift for the first time!
6. Build a snowman
You can’t let winter slip by without building a snowman. Create a traditional snowman or get creative. The possibilities are endless.
7. Go sledding or tubing
There’s nothing like grabbing a sled and heading for the hills. Or find somewhere to go tubing, and experience something new.
Get out there and enjoy the snow this year!
2021 Michigan Winter Night Hikes
One of my favorite things to do in the winter is hike or snowshoe in the dark, in the snow. It is one of the most relaxing experiences, especially when the snow is gently falling. How can you make the experience even better? Darkness + lanterns (or candles) and your Hallmark movie has come true.
I was recently searching for 2021 night snowshoe adventures around Michigan and there is no doubt candlelight hikes are becoming more popular here in Michigan. Below, you will find my list of 2021 night hikes, I hope they inspire you to bundle up and embrace the winter.
Some events require advanced registration, and as always make sure to double-check that these events are still happening BEFORE traveling.
2021 Night Hikes in Michigan
January 9
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
January 21
Jackson
6:00 pm
3225 4th St., Jackson, MI 48203
Explore the Night
Join Ella Sharp Museum and the Dahlem Center for a wonderful night under the stars! The night walk led my Dahlem Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham. Afterward, Ella Sharp will be providing guided telescope observation. Telescope observing is dependent on clear skies. $8 for members (either Dahlem or Ella) / $10 for non-members.
Learn more here.
January 22
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
January 23
Big Rapids
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
701 W. Cloverdale Rd., Big Rapids, MI 49058
Candlelight trails under the wolf moon
Take an evening to enjoy the quiet, peaceful sounds and sights of winter at night along candlelit trails. Choose between a half-mile and a two-mile trail loop, weaving through prairies, forests, and wetlands. Wrap up the evening with a grab-and-go snack and a take-home activity kit. If weather conditions permit, a limited number of snowshoes will be available. Participants must select a start time when registering and space is limited to 50 participants per start time. Pre-registration by Friday, January 22 is required.
Learn more here.
January 28
Dexter
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
4800 Dexter-Pinckney Rd., Dexter, MI
Hudson Mills Metropark full wolf moon hike
Take a walk in the full moonlight at Hudson Mills Metropark. During this one-mile guided hike, you’ll discover some moon lore and myths as you explore the park and nature trails. During this time of the year, the trails could be snow-covered and icy. We will be walking in low flashlight and moonlight. If you have them, bring binoculars to view the moon up close and a flashlight wrapped with red cellophane. Social distancing and face coverings are required. $5 per person Pre-registration is required by January 27 at 4 p.m. Pre-register by calling 734-426-8211.
Learn more here.
January 29
Burton
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
2142 N. Genesee Rd., Burton, MI
For-Mar Nature Preserve full moon hike
Hike at For-Mar under the magical glow of the full moon! Join a naturalist for a full moon hike and see firsthand how beautiful and peaceful the park is after dark. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes or boots. This hike is approximately 2 miles in length. The trail has some small hills and exposed roots. $5 per person. Pre-registration required by January 28 and space is limited to 20 participants.
Learn more here.
February 6
Metamora
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
3871 Herd Road, Metamora, MI 48455
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area – Candlelight Cross-Country Ski
Enjoy an evening of cross-country skiing on a groomed trail illuminated by candles. Snowshoers are welcome to walk alongside the groomed ski track as well. Participants should bring skis or snowshoes and dress for the weather. If there is a lack of snow this will become a hike. To ensure we are meeting the requirements outlined in the MDHHS gathering order, pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 15.
New this year visitors may reserve a fire ring in the campground for their group to warm up by or roast hotdogs and s\’mores for a small donation of $20. A fire circle comes with a bundle of wood but is not pre-started. Food and other supplies are also not provided.
This event is weather dependent and may be canceled due to poor weather/driving conditions. For more information, call the park at 810-797-4439. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
February 13
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 19
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 20
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 26
Chelsea
7:00 pm
Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea, MI 48118
Waterloo Recreation Area Lantern Hike
Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure. A .5-mile loop will be lit for cross-country skiers (unless snow levels prevent skiing) and a .5-mile loop for walking and snowshoeing will be lit. Pre-registration is required this year with specific arrival times for each household. For more information and to register, please call the Eddy Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Holly
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442
Seven Lakes State Park – lantern-lit
Self-guided lantern-lit hike through the snow-covered forests of Seven Lakes State Park. There will be 1.5 miles of trail lit with lanterns to guide visitors over forested hills. Pre-registration is required this year and will become available on January 1.
If you think you will work up an appetite while hiking? Bring hotdogs and S\’mores materials, and reserve a campfire for your household. Campfires will be available in the campground for a small donation of $20 which includes a bundle of wood and the fire starting.
If you have questions please call the park office at 248-634-7271. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
February 27
Paradise
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
41382 W. M 123, Paradise, MI 49768
Tahquamenon Falls State Park lantern hike
Visit this state park every Saturday in February from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. to enjoy an evening in the snow with a lantern-lit snowshoe trail. The trail is illuminated with over 70 kerosene lanterns and loops through the beautiful winter forest. The trail begins and ends near the upper falls trailhead located at the end of the upper falls parking area. There will be limited snowshoes available to borrow, including children’s snowshoes. Snowshoes or skis are required to participate. Pre-registration is required and will become available on January 15. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Michigan state parks.
Learn more here.
Shelby Township
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
4300 Main Park Rd., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Evening snowshoe hike at Stony Creek Metropark
Take an adventure to Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, for an evening of braving the frigid forest via snowshoe. Along the way, you\’ll learn about local history, winter wildlife, and explore the park from a new point of view. After a one-mile trek, you will get to enjoy a warm campfire. $5 per person.
Learn more here.
31 Things to Do in January (Quarantine Edition)
Happy New Year! Goodbye 2020, hello 2021! 2020 flipped our worlds upside down, and it definitely challenged us to think outside the box when it comes to things to do. We don\’t know what 2021 holds, but I am excited for whatever adventures may pop up. Since Michigan is still shut down (no eating out among other things), this month\’s things to do will be lockdown friendly. Without further ado, let\’s get into 31 things to do in January during a time of COVID.
1. Create a vision board and select one word or motto to focus on in 2021.
2. Start a journal.
3. Hygge your home. Light some candles, make hot cocoa, grab a book, and snuggle under a warm blanket.
4. Try a new recipe. I am thinking of making a chowder.
5. Find a place that does a lantern snowshoe adventure.
6. It\’s Cuddle Up Day! Whether you\’re single or in a relationship, you can celebrate cuddle up day with junk food, cute pajamas, and a movie of course.
7. Play in the snow. Build a snowman, go sledding, or make a snow angel.
8. Dine in an igloo.
9. Support a local business.
10. Treat yourself to a hot beverage today. I am a big fan of coconut milk chai tea lattes.
11. Start a new series.
12. Try a new craft. I am personally loving these copper kits.
13. Give snow tubing a try.
14. It\’s Dress Up Your Pet Day! Dress to match and take a cutesy family photo.
15. Be a tourist in your own town.
16. Go ice skating.
17. Perfect a chili recipe.
18. Build a snow fort.
19. It\’s National Popcorn Day. Grab your favorite popcorn and chow down while you enjoy a movie.
20. Try a new nail polish shade.
21. Get out into nature and enjoy a hike or walk through the woods.
22. Have a snowy bonfire.
23. Take a virtual cooking class.
24. It\’s Compliment Day! Find something positive to say to at least five people today. Leave little positive notes around town.
25. Learn to snowboard.
26. Do a puzzle.
27. Get carryout from a new (to you) restaurant.
28. Spend a night in a cozy cabin.
29. Go for a sleigh ride.
30. Enjoy a brunch charcuterie board.
31. Buy all things pink in anticipation of Valentine\’s Day.
Fashion meets Food 